Opened in June 2006 with the otherwise virginal Playa Ensenachos all to itself, this massive and elegant all-inclusive has a prime location and combines superb facilities with a spectacular beach. It outdoes the rival Meliá on adjacent Cayo Santa Mariá with a broader selection of facilities: more restaurants (including an Oriental option serving sushi and tepanyakki), more pools (three), etc. And even the quality of the food here reaches towards international standards.

The regal Spanish neo-colonial entrance and lobby overhung with brass chandeliers makes a bold first impression. And the sophisticated ambiance of the Royal Club and Ventas gourmet restaurants is sure to please the eye. This is one resort that you can wear fine clothes without feeling pretentious. Sinking into plump leather lounge chairs in the bars gives you a sense of having really arrived – time to light up a Cohiba and celebrate.

Other facilities here include a snazzy full-service spa, well-equipped gym, a panoply of watersports, and even business and convention facilities.

The 506 accommodations are divided into three sections: Royal Hideaway, Royal Spa, and Royal Suites, all with a private "concierge" for every block. All feature spacious rooms with travertine floors, and private porches or balconies, and the stylish (even sophisticated) Edwardian style decor is more restrained than the bold contemporary look of the Meliá Las Dunas. Guests in the massive Royal Suites are privileged and get their own private grounds and separate facilities, while the suites themselves comes with their own living rooms, outdoor whirlpools, and "butler" service. All rooms include the all the mod cons you'd expect – satellite TVs, telephones, etc. – but CD/DVD players, also a rare touch in Cuba. Almost half the rooms have king beds.