Brisas Sierra Mar All Inclusive

Nestled between the verdant mountains and the azure sea, Brisas Sierra Mar offers a serene getaway in Santiago de Cuba. The resort’s picturesque location promises breathtaking views, especially during the tranquil mornings. We where appreciate the well-maintained grounds and the beautiful beach, which is perfect for daily relaxation. The rooms, featuring air conditioning and private balconies, offer stunning ocean views. Culinary offerings at Brisas Sierra Mar are a blend of local flavors and international cuisine, the dining experience is generally enjoyable. The resort’s staff, known for their warm hospitality, leave lasting impressions on visitors. From the gardeners to the maids and the cooks, each staff member contributes to the welcoming atmosphere, ensuring guests feel remembered and valued. Evening entertainment and a range of activities cater to all ages, making Brisas Sierra Mar an ideal choice for families, couples, and solo travelers seeking a peaceful retreat. In summary, Brisas Sierra Mar is a charming all-inclusive resort that captures the essence of Cuba’s natural beauty and the spirit of its people. It’s a place where memories are made, and many guests find themselves returning year after years.

I only stayed one night as I was cycling from Santiago to Pilon so perspective is everything. For me, compared to some private casas this was a luxurious oasis with incredible views and lots of food, drinks and filtered water. This place must have been just spectacular decades ago when first constructed right on the beach and into the side of a steep hill with most rooms oceanview. Time and economics have really taken a toll and much of the walkway/stairs to the beach are broken and not useable. The elevator seems dangerously close to falling apart. In my room, the main door would barely open, the patio doors would barely close, the safe didn't work, and when I discovered that the toilet didn't work I needed to get another room which of course took time and effort but hey, it's Cuba. It was a Sunday so as the afternoon progressed, more and more locals appeared - seemingly each with their own boombox turned up to 11 as well as large plastic (antifreeze or vinegar) jugs that they would fill with beer or rum to dispense in volume rather than the silly little plastic cups (maybe smart to do - lol!). By dinnertime, there was a live band trying to play outdoors and a talented pianist performing classical music on the grand piano in the lobby - all drowned out the multiple boom boxes as well as the resort muzak sound system. It seemed that I was the only person there who noticed. Thankfully, all these folks then piled into a bus (after filling the jugs with beer) and left the resort in a peaceful state on a clear and starlit evening. The buffet was a bit sad and pathetic but again compared to some of my previous meals it was a feast of chicken, pork, lamb, salad, buns, desserts, etc. Unfortunately, the ocean water was a bit murky for swimming and a fellow snorkeler told me that in all the years he had been this was the first time so that was too bad otherwise it was a nice beach and sandy entry. I have fond memories of the place but I can't imagine paying $1000pp/wk and taking the 4+ hour bus ride and then being stuck there for a week. Kind of sad because if someone pumped a few million dollars into it the place would be quite spectacular.

We have been to BSM before the korona and can tell the resort is struggling. The drive from Holguin airport took 3:07 hrs. with one stop for WC/drink about 1:15 hrs. from the airport. It's actually a nice drive in a new (AC) chinese van. The route is through Santiago de Cuba but without a stop there. The lobby of the resort is new and very nice. Throughout our one week stay the lobby bar and the beach bar were the only bars opened. The one in the lobby is opened 24/7 apparently. They serve Cuban alc (beer, rum, vodka, whiskey). No orange juice, no tonic/gin, only Cuban cola and fantastic guava juice. Coffee was good most of the time from a proper espresso machine. Milk was not always available but honey & brown sugar was. The restaurant food: breakfast was really only missing cheese, jam, cereal, tea from the usual "necessities". Lunch and dinner were for the most part the same: pork, chicken, rice, batatas, potatoes, fresh shredded cabbage, sautéed veggies. No beans really which was a surprise. Desert was a variety of spong cakes mostly. Resort itself is .... slowly falling apart. Out of the 3 elevators only one worked and not always. Seems like only a number of rooms in lower section of the resort are operational. We walked through all the sections and especially the upper one seems abandoned. The rooms that are used are old but clean with a fantastic view. We had however no hot water despite communicating it to the staff. Not exactly a big problem when the weather is warm and sunny. The beach has an open bar; only beer and Cuba libre was available for the most part. Sandra did however managed to make us couple of mochitos. The beach is small and very nice (no white sands if that is a problem ...). Water bikes and one Hobie 16 catamaran were available. The ride back to the Holguin airport took 4:5 hrs as we were picking up others from 3 Santago hotels. Again the ride was actually quite comfortable. Overall we had a fantastic time thanks to the enduring Cuban people. If a bit of "hardship" is acceptable than Sierra Mar is still a great place for a nice reset. Having said that we really hope that the Los Galeones finally opens soon and opens for good + the Santago de Cuba airport opens to Can flights.

We had a great vacation at the Brisas Sierra Mar. The hotel is showing age and needs some repairs and a refresh but when you look out your balcony window you see the most beautiful mountains, ocean and tropical resort. The rooms were clean and we had hot showers and the chamber maid Marlene was very helpful. We got the VIP package and every day she brought us beer and water and pop. We also had massages and a bottle of rum. And a delicious special dinner with lobster. The rooms were very quiet which was nice and the balconies were private . We don’t smoke so it was a bit of a challenge in the lobby and during entertainment shows. Fortunately for us it was very quiet at the resort we were able to find a few areas where we could enjoy without inhaling smoke. I know this is Cuba but perhaps the hotel could look into designating some non smoking areas as many Canadians do not smoke and are used to clean air in public spaces and lobbies. We saw the most beautiful sunsets every night. The restaurant had a lot of food shortages but thanks to the wait staff we were accommodated as my husband does not eat pork or beef. Basically the food was mostly Cuban food. Breakfast was good with fresh eggs and omelettes. Thank you to Gladys who brought us chicken from her house when the hotel did not have any. The staff at this resort really do care about their guests and we really appreciated their hospitality. The entertainment here was the best we have experienced in Cuba, many amazing dancers and professional bands. Thank you to Italo and Leo for arranging the entertainment, the morning walks and helping us find a school to donate to. All the reception staff were very professional and Ode was especially helpful with our inquiries. In many areas we experienced 5 star service and entertainment but overall I would say 3.5 stars. Also if you walk towards the end of the beach you may find Andy who gives amazing massages. The beach was good and there were lots of umbrellas and chairs and the beach bar was great. We will hopefully be back again, ❤️

We arrived in Cuba to find that we were not booked into our regular Los Galeanos, as it was closed for repairs. We were to stay at the much larger, sister resort Sierra Mar. This was a disappointment at first but in typical Cuban style, the people, the landscape and the culture carried us away to a wonderful vacation. We are not loungers, we like to move and explore on our vacations. We let the entertainment coordinators, Leo and Italo, know this. they organized interesting morning walks, a snorkelling guide, a trip up into the mountains for a hike, a meal and a swim in a mountain stream..... It is true that food is scarce right now in Cuba, there is a gas ration, there are fewer tourists so activities have been pared back.... But like any vacation, the people that you meet make all the difference to your experience. Leo and Italo, along with the rest of the dedicated staff at this resort served us up typical Cuban hospitality. We had a wonderful time at this resort.

extremely disappointed , i have been there many times but the hotel closed during covid and I went to Holguin instead as many other regulars of Sierra Mar , i will not discredit the employees as they were very good and tried their best with what they have, lack of tourist ( we were at maximum 12 during my 2 weeks) so it was very boring, i am not to return for quite a while, write me in private if you want more info, Los Galeones closed during my stay