The Luxury Travel Magazine
The Luxury Travel Magazine
“On the inside, gentlemen, is Guillermo. See how green she is and full of promise?” -Ernest Hemingway.
Cuba was Hemingway’s long-time love and home of more than twenty years. He found solace in the country’s white sand beaches, vibrant cities, and unique culture. One of Hemingway’s favourite places was Cayo Guillermo, an island located in northern Cuba known for its clear, shallow waters and colourful marine life. This is where you’ll find Cayo Guillermo Resort Kempinski, a contemporary Caribbean hideaway on the oceanfront of Playa Pilar. Inspired by Hemingway’s love for the island, Cayo Guillermo Resort Kempinski seeks to provide guests with an authentic Cuban experience, where they can relax their mind and body and bask in the blissful serenity of island life.
Cayo Guillermo Resort Kempinski offers barefoot Caribbean luxury on the shores of Playa Pilar. The hotel boasts luxury accommodations and amenities, authentic Cuban cuisine, and a pampering spa service. At Cayo Guillermo Resort Kempinski, guests can fully immerse themselves in Cuban paradise, with an array of traditional Cuban cocktails and local cuisine on offer to introduce guests to the very best parts of Cuban culture. The hotel strives to pay tribute to Hemingway’s affection for the region by creating a sanctuary filled with moments of peace and natural beauty. Healing spa treatments and oceanfront villas allow guests to reconnect with nature and experience the remote paradise that Hemingway fell deeply in love with.
The resort is situated in Cayo Guillermo, an island off the northern coast of Cuba. Previously frequented by fishermen and charcoal producers (including Ernest Hemingway), Cayo Guillermo has grown to become a tourist hotspot, known for crystal clear waters and pristine white beaches. The most famous of its beaches, where Kempinski Cayo Guillermo is located, is Playa Pilar, named after Ernest Hemingway’s yacht, Pilar. The island had such a profound impact on Hemingway, in fact, that it provided the setting for the climax of his final novel, ‘Islands in the Stream’.
The best way to experience Cayo Guillermo Resort Kempinski’s charm is by staying in their water villas. These suites hang over the bay of “Punta El Morro”, giving guests private ocean access. The resort’s Presidential Villa offers the ultimate island experience. The villa’s private terrace and lower deck, with its own infinity plunge pool, allows guests to enjoy island life through exclusive indoor-outdoor living. Floor-to-ceiling windows bridge the villa’s dark wooden accents and contemporary furnishings with the ocean outside, extending the lavish living space into the natural beauty of the Caribbean.
Beyond the villa’s amenities, there are a number of personalised services available that help make the island experience uniquely yours. Specialised butler services are available upon request, ensuring guests want for nothing during their stay. The villa’s dining table also provides the setting for personalised dining experiences, where guests are able to savour the distinct flavours of the Caribbean from the intimate comfort of their own private retreat.
The resort also offers exceptional culinary experiences. Balsamic Restaurant is the resort’s primary restaurant. Their seasonal à la carte menu serves a mixture of both Mediterranean and Cuban cuisine, taking advantage of the region’s harvests to create culinary masterpieces. On warmer nights, guests can enjoy their meals on the restaurant’s terrace, enjoying views of the garden and infinity pools, as well as the ocean beyond.
Adults can enjoy a mature Cuban experience at the Hemingway Cigar Bar & Lounge. The bar presents a curated selection of the finest Cuban rums and other premium alcoholic beverages, giving guests a genuine taste of Cuba’s rich culture. These drinks can be paired with staple Cuban cigars and tobacco, ensuring an immersive and authentic Cuban experience. The lounge’s sophisticated décor adds to the immersive atmosphere, allowing guests unwind and savour the essence of a true Cuban evening. Expert staff are also on hand to provide recommendations for drink and cigar combinations, helping to enhance the experience through their insights.
Cayo Guillermo is truly a traveller’s playground, and the activities available beyond the resort only enhance the experience. Guests can take to the water through a series of ocean activities, including snorkelling and scuba diving amongst the vivid coral reefs, or private boat tours offering a whistle-stop tour of the island and its surrounding landmasses. For guests who want a land-based adventure, the nearby city of Morón offers a range of attractions that reflect its cultural heritage. Visitors can enjoy music and dance performances, Laguna de la Leche (the largest freshwater lake in Cuba), or visit the city’s historical centre for a taste of colonial architecture that gives you a glimpse into the city’s past.
Cayo Guillermo Resort Kempinski stays true to everything that Hemingway loved about Cuba: it’s natural beauty, exceptional food, and unique cultural heritage. Guests that visit the resort experience a retreat that takes care of both their body and mind, allowing them to surrender themselves to Caribbean luxury and experience absolute tranquillity. For travellers looking for an authentic Cuban experience that doesn’t compromise luxury and indulgence, Cayo Guillermo Resort Kempinski is a must-visit destination.
