Tesoro del Atlantico will emerge as Grand Memories Holguin with Blue Diamond Resorts
IAN STALKER
Cuba’s newish Tesoro del Atlantico resort, already something of a pioneering presence in its ocean-fronting region in the province of Holguin, will soon be reborn as a Blue Diamond Resorts property, further growing Toronto-based Blue Diamond’s Cuba presence and generating excitement among those in Holguin’s tourist trade.
The Gaviota property, which opened in February and includes nine bars and a disco among its amenities, is slated to shortly become the Grand Memories Holguin, with sales manager Yaniel Ramirez reporting that resort staff are “very excited” about the upcoming change.
Blue Diamond has been steadily broadening its Cuba resort inventory.
The 5-star Tesoro del Atlantico is the first resort on the Ramon de Antilla Peninsula, found on the largest bay in Cuba, and an area which Nieves Ricardo of the Cuba Tourist Board’s Toronto office labels a “totally new destination” for those who like to vacation in Cuba.
The Tesoro del Atlantico is the first and will be the largest of 17 hotels planned for the area, with the second to open in May. All 17 are expected to open in the next eight years.
Each of the coming eight years should see two or three resort openings, eventually leading to 8,600 rooms.
“This is going to be really good for tourism in the area,” says local tour guide Hector Gonzalez Perez. “The tourists coming here can enjoy an area we call virgin.
“This is going to pave the way for the development of tourism in the area.”
The closest town to the resort is Antilla, 20.7 km away, and home to 12,542 people. The resort is also 98. 7 km from the city of Holguin and a 90-minute transfer from its airport.
Ramirez reports that Tesoro del Atlantic guests will find a “beautiful long beach,” with the property having two beach bars, one for the adults’ section and the other for the family section, ensuring those spending time on the beach won’t have to walk a long way if they get thirsty.
Other resort features include swimming pools, a choice of restaurants, a cigar bar, non-motorized watersports and nighttime entertainment.
Also available are a spa and children’s activities.
Found a short distance from the Tesoro del Atlantico is the Plaza Polimita, which offers numerous recreation, shopping and dining activities.
The protected region offers a wide range of tours and excursions to nearby attractions, including Cayo Saetia, Pinares de Mayari Mountains, Biran (which was the birthplace of Fidel Castro), Guardalavaca beach and Santiago de Cuba.
Among tour operators that send people to the Tesoro del Atlantico is Hola Sun.
