We travelled with Air Canada for a 3.5 hour flight from Toronto Pearson airport to Jardins del Rey airport in Cayo Coco. The name of the airport translates to King's Garden.
Upon arrival, we could immediately feel the heat and humidity, which was welcoming compared to the cold early morning we left in Canada. We grabbed our luggage from the luggage area in the airport. The cutest sniffer dog was searching for items not permitted in Cuba. We went through immigration with our documentation, passport etc., once clear, and we grabbed a bus for the ride to the resort. The ride was about 40 minutes after stopping at the other resorts to drop off the other guests. The tour guide sold Cristal beer and it was 3 for $10 Canadian. Not surprisingly, it sold out very quickly.
We arrived at a very new sharp-looking resort. You can immediately see the Rainbow flag flying when the bus pulls into the roundabout. Immediately we met with the Concierge, who brought our luggage from the bus to the resort and very quickly, we were all given a welcome drink.
The Gran Muthu Rainbow Hotel has 248 rooms consisting of standard rooms, junior suites with or without ocean view and the bungalow suites with your very own Swim out pool and butler service.
Guests have been so impressed by this vacation destination; there is word that the owners may plan a sister hotel in the capital city of Havana.
The staff worked very quickly to get everyone checked in. We were then off to unpack and shower and get ready to enjoy some drinks and sun. We stopped at the reservation desk and booked our specialty dining options.
This Cuba hotel is aimed explicitly at the Queer community. The Gran Muthu Rainbow Hotel is located in Cayo Guillermo. This five-star hotel first opened in December 2019 but quickly closed due to the COVID pandemic. It reopened in November 2021 to welcome travelers from around the world.
At Muthu Rainbow, you can make your dreams come true by having special moments with exclusive LGBTQ+ entertainment ranging from poolside parties to fashion and drag shows. Promoted as Cuba's first LGBTQ+ resort, all guests are welcome; however, you need to sign a waiver that includes Article 42 of the Cuban Constitution, which explicitly forbids discrimination for reasons of sex, gender, sexual orientation and gender identity.
There was a Wine Bar that was off to the side of the lounge, which was nice. It has seating in a few different levels and a piano. There was a good selection of drinks and excellent staff. It flowed out onto the patio as well as the lobby.
With multiple accommodation options, the suites, had beach loungers, umbrellas, and a handful of cabanas. This gave guests plenty of unique places to sit and relax.
The mini-suite rooms consist of either two double beds or one king-size bed. The bathroom area is spacious, with a soaker tub and floor-to-ceiling glass shower that looks out to the crystal blue waters.
A regular room was a good-sized room with a balcony or walkout patio, a couch, a hanging egg chair, and two curtains for privacy. Each room had a safe, closet, and chest of drawers for clothing, TV, and fridge.
The Bungalow suite room consists of either two double beds or one king-size bed. The bathroom area is spacious, with a soaker tub and floor-to-ceiling glass shower that looks out to the crystal blue waters. The ground floor units provide a walkout pool from the patio.
These suites have a separate living space that provides excellent entertaining space for your pre-dinner gathering or before heading to catch the nightly entertainment.
During our stay at the Bungalow Suites, we had the pleasure of meeting two very attentive and friendly workers named Beatriz and Luibel. They took care of the suites and were able to help set up several memorable occasions that we wanted to celebrate, from a dinner on our patio to a fabulous birthday cake and fresh pina colada's to celebrate. They went over and above in all of their interactions.
All staff at this resort work so hard each day to bring a piece of paradise to vacationers. Be kind and respectful to everyone, and it will find you in return.
The à la carte restaurants rotated throughout the week. We encourage you to make your bookings shortly after you check in to experience a journey of food. The specialty restaurants are The International, The Anchor, 7 Spices, Malabar and a Spanish Tapas restaurant.
The buffet had a great selection of food with several on-demand stations. If you are looking for a quick snack, the poolside snack bar is open around the clock offering several sandwiches, burgers, pizza and fries to satisfy your hunger.
Gran Mathu Rainbow provides free Wi-Fi, and the front desk will provide you with a code and password for five hours of usage. The WIFI works great in most areas of the resort; however not so good while on the beach. I suggest you download your beach playlist before heading to relax and soak in the sun.
The Rainbow has two beaches, the first located behind the swimming pool, but this one is not for swimming because of the large coral. It does provide loungers and chairs to enjoy the ocean breeze and beauty while relaxing oceanside. Don't fret if you want to swim; the other beach is minutes away past the resort's dining and entertainment areas. This beach has a beach bar and staff to assist you with your needs with non-motorized water toys.
The infinity-edge pool had loungers and cabana beds. There was also some recreational fun, like basketball and volleyball nets. It was the hub of activity on the resort, and guests would hang out there during the day, enjoying the sun and warmth.
A Badminton table was brought out daily for guests to play. Allowing people to have different activities keeps them busy, and it was in an area with no full sun. So this was used often, especially during high sun. On the far end of the resort, there was a theatre for shows in the evenings.
There was an option to have a massage while staying at the Gran Mathu Rainbow and you would need to book it in the lobby with the booking staff member. There were about ten options of massage, reflexology etc. This took place in ocean view cabins that provided natural light and the sound of the waves. It was a great experience and the cost was very reasonable. The Masseuse was very professional, and we would recommend that you partake in the treatment.
When you arrive at the resort, you are advised of the day and time frame you are required to get the PCR test to return home.
We will be sure to come back to visit the Gran Mathu Rainbow.