Ramón de Antilla and Cayo Saetía: A Meeting with Cuban Nature and Culture

Welcome to the Ranchón Playa at Cayo Saetia
Photo: Orbita Popular

Around the area is the Cayo Saetía National Park, home to exotic species like camels, buffalo, antelopes, deer, zebras, ostriches, and brightly colored parrots, all moving freely around the island, creating a unique and fascinating spectacle. For the more adventurous, jeep safaris offer a thrilling way to explore this tropical hideaway.

For those seeking an even more immersive experience, the Villa Cayo Saetía offers cabins and rooms nestled in the forest, surrounded by vibrant flora and fauna. This setting, blending sea and mountains, makes this cay a unique and captivating destination in Cuba.

Ramón de Antilla Peninsula

A new, rapidly expanding destination is emerging at the entrance to Nipe Bay., the Ramón de Antilla Peninsula. With an extensive beach of crystal-clear waters and white sand, this paradise lies across from the idyllic Cayo Saetía, in the municipality of Antilla. Just 100 kilometers northwest of the city of Holguín, this peninsula has been recognized as a Protected Natural Landscape, where nature and tranquility captivate every visitor.

We stayed at the cozy Sanctuary Grand Memories Holguín hotel, surrounded by lush nature and beautiful views. This charming spot, combining comfort with a natural setting, was also the perfect venue for the closing ceremony of the event.

Ramón de Antilla already boasts two operational hotels: the Sanctuary Grand Memories from the Blue Diamond chain and the Sierra Cristal, a modern 640-room hotel featuring three swimming pools, including one for children, a buffet restaurant, and two à la carte restaurants. Additionally, a third hotel is under construction, utilizing modular technology to shorten construction times, as noted by Mr. Roberto Calzadilla, Vice President of New Business at Gaviota. To further enhance the region's appeal, 16 new hotels are in development for the coming years.

The Polimita Tourist Plaza is already in operation in Ramón de Antilla, Holguín, offering entertainment for the whole family in a beautiful natural environment. Managed by the Gaviota Tourism Group and located near the Grand Memories Holguín hotel, it offers dining options such as a snack bar, ice cream parlor, Japanese restaurant, and café, as well as activities like a children's playground, trampolines, a bowling alley, and a theater. It’s a comprehensive destination for family enjoyment. Visitors can explore Cuban culture in its handicraft area and enjoy relaxing treatments at the spa.

In a meeting with the Gaviota Group and specialized journalists, Frank Oltuski, Vice President of Marketing, stated that the group manages 42,000 rooms in the eastern region, out of a total of more than 80,000 rooms in Cuba. Plans for 2025 include the addition of 3,000 new spaces, 1,400 of which will be in Ramón de Antilla. This effort, which faces logistical challenges due to the distance between the capital and eastern Cuba, is being made possible thanks to the support of investors and partners. A small town has been created with apartments for workers, as well as networks for water, electricity, and communication. This development will benefit the local inhabitants, who will now have continuous access to drinking water, telephone services, Wi-Fi, medical care, and schools for children, further enhancing the region’s appeal for international tourism.

Closing Remarks

Carlos M. Latuff, President of the Gaviota Group, highlighted the team’s resilience in facing climate challenges and thanked all participants for making this event a benchmark for Cuban tourism. The beauty and authenticity of eastern Cuba, with its lush nature, cultural richness, and hospitality, provided the ideal setting for this edition. He enthusiastically announced that the next “Destinos Gaviota 2025” will be held at Cayo Santa María, reaffirming Cuba’s commitment to offering a safe destination and authentic experiences for all its visitors.