An all-inclusive packed with European and Canadian package groups, this four-star property run by Spain's Sol Meliá group was the first of the big hotels to open on Cayo Santa María. The hotel backs a gorgeous white sand beach and is surrounded by sea grapes and low scrub, with not a palm tree in sight. However, the beach is studded with thatched umbrellas for shade and palms shade the landscaped hotel grounds.

The handsome, whitewashed buildings rise just two stories and feature bare hardwood highlights and green tile roofs. The open-air reception is graced by gingerbread trim and features a sunken lobby lounge centered on a large tree. The meandering swimming pool is ringed by a narrow sundeck, so lounge space here is inexplicably at a premium. Children get their own pool, plus a kid's camp with playground. The air-conditioned gym has modern equipment, and there's a sauna. Entertainment staff maintain a full schedule of activities, including nightly shows. Guests here have no reason to get bored, as facilities include aqua-bikes, kayaks, windsurfs, Hobi-Cats and snorkeling, while ashore the options range from darts and pool to bowing, petanque and volleyball.

This resort has 298 rooms, including 11 superior, two suites and a villa. The spacious rooms are dolled up in peachy walls and green fabrics and have terra-cotta tile floors and blue-gray sponge-washed furniture. Some offer king beds. All have balconies, plus ceiling fans, air-conditioning, satellite TV, telephone, in-room safe, and minibar.