Melia Braco Village Jamaica - All Inclusive

Customer Ratings & Reviews

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

6584 reviews

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  Great time at Memories

  This was the first visit for this well-travelled and energetic couple of seniors. We will very likely return to this resort - as so many of the very nice folks we met there do so repeatedly. The resort is compact and easily traversed, with only 200 rooms in small 2-storey blocks. Its location is between the Caribbean Sea's shore and rolling mountains and hills that are covered with forest and jungle. The journey from Varadero Airport to Memories was non-stop and took only one hour. Our Sunwing/West Jet flight started late (due to a passenger manifest error and two inebriated passengers that were handled superbly by the Captain) but was pleasant enough; the return flight started 2 hours late but the pilot made up some of the lost time, and it had some particularly enjoyable cabin crew. The staff at this hotel are mostly from the local areas, and are universally kind, friendly and professional - especially in the a la carte restaurants, which had higher service levels - more like those of a European restaurant. We had booked the Premium Class service level, which included some useful perks (such as an excellent dinner on the lawn with live music and romantic lights; beach waiter service and nicer beach location; discounts on massages, etc; and the optional use of an a la carte for breakfast and lunch); plus a few more minor frills. I had a very good, 50-minute massage for $40 USD (bargain) and we really enjoyed the breakfasts and lunches we had at the "Bella Cuccina". Our beach drinks' server was great also. The dinner we had on the lawn was especially nice; my wife loved it. Any question we had was answered well by the Sunwing Rep (Ayaldi) ; and our butler (Yenny) was excellent and especially helpful. Sunwing also sponsored an afternoon reception on Wednesday near the beach for all returning guests - which somehow included us too. The special food, drinks and entertainment there were well done and appreciated. The two senior animation team members Marcos and Jorge were really good, with the former guiding us on two walks off-site to look at local farms and the local country, and leading a climb up a steep hill for fantastic views of the area. He also pointed out beautiful local birds and interesting plants. Marcos taught wine appreciation. Jorge spoke to a group of us about cocktails, and spoke about Cuban history on another day. This resort has several activities for those of us who would like to learn more about the country, its history and its culture. The buffet staff was attentive and friendly, and the food ranged from acceptable (some of the meats), though pretty good (the pizza and breads), to great (the fruits, yogurt drinks, the various fish, and all deserts). We also tried the beach grill, which is located only a few metres from the sea and has a great ocean view. It offers burgers and grilled fish, various sandwiches and specialty drinks. It is best to remember that Cuba is a socialist state, so it will not function like a consumer-driven society - even in the resorts: shortages of things occur suddenly and seemingly without reason but nice surprises happen too, like finding lovely French and Italian cheese being plentiful at the buffet on some days and really lovely, deep-fried Caribbean sweet potatoes (better than home fries), fresh grouper filet and plantain chips being on offer every day. Nobody should ever starve at Memories. Just go with the flow, walk around the buffet and view everything instead of first picking only what is familiar and you will eat well and may be pleasantly surprised. And do try the a la carte restaurants: we tried all 3 and had great food at each, including excellent salmon and even some pretty nice steak! The Le Gourmet restaurant is one of the prettiest places around. The best place for capuchinos is in the lobby bar, which is small but airy, has fast service and gives a nice view down to the beach, especially when the resort's lights come on at night. We did not play tennis nor pickle ball but the courts' condition looked pretty good. I enjoyed swimming and snorkelling every day, which is popular with many because the beach is part of a sheltered bay inside a series of reefs; it encourages sea grass and the fish that hide there. There are rocks some 10 metres out from the shore so look before you leap (or dive); otherwise it is very nice for swimming and the water temperature is warm and silky once you get in: it just gives a momentary surprise when you first walk out into it; it is no biggie. Our room was adequate and the bed was very comfortable. The shower head when we arrived had to be persuaded to give more flow, and a mechanic was there within 5 minutes when I mentioned it to the lovely lady who cleaned the room; he fixed it immediately; we found all the staff very responsive. The AC worked fine, the view of the garden and mountains from our balcony was wonderful, and we slept well. We enjoyed the evening entertainment, and the dancers especially were amazing: we felt tired just watching them move so fast. But why do resorts today have to turn up their shows' volumes to levels that must be harmful to our hearing? And why do visitors just sit there being blasted by decibel levels that would be illegal back home - and they would revolt against if they experienced them at their places of work? Perhaps we should all take ear plugs when we go to the shows today? The shows' high volume was surprising because the resort's sound level in all other ways and places is just perfect: no awful or loud music on the beach, at the pool nor in public areas - thank Heaven. Memories is the place to relax for sure. The resort's buildings are 27 years old and are showing their age a bit; they need some investment now although everything works fine and it is very safe. We heard Royalton had just purchased the resort, so we hope this new (minority) owner and the Cuban government (the majority owners) will upgrade the resort where it matters but otherwise leave the place alone so it will keep the wonderfully relaxing, courteous, kind and unique vibe that it posses today, and which brings back so many previous visitors. From what we heard on the return flight from other folks who had stayed at far newer and even more expensive resorts, we had absolutely none of their complaints. We will be back.

  Jan 16, 2026
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  Great holiday!

  I am not one to often leave reviews. I feel it necessary to leave some feedback on this resort. I have had some less than pleasant experiences in Cuba in the past and left me looking for different options. I decided to try again this year at Memories Jibacoa. I am so happy I did. As others have mentioned, this hotel is not indicative of what many may describe as a ‘typical Cuba experience’. The hotel is not crowded, the amenities are all intact and functional. The staff as noted is amazing and their service is great. The rooms are would you would expect and beds are comfortable. Everyone’s biggest question is always the food. Memories Jibacoa delivers on this one. Food is well prepared, plentiful and a great variety. I can see why there are so many repeat customers and consistent positive reviews. If you have been questioning your return to Cuba I would recommend giving this one a try I don’t think you will be disappointed and the folks there will be happy to see you !

  Jan 16, 2026
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  Overall, a marvelous stay.

  We just enjoyed another wonderful stay at this hotel, which once again treated us to an incredible vacation. Our family and friends from the team were there. Everything was fantastic: superb service and wonderful cuisine worthy of a five-star hotel. We were captivated by the entertainment and the overall atmosphere of the hotel. We were able to snorkel and also take our introductory scuba diving lesson. Overall, a marvelous stay.

  Jan 15, 2026
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  Excellent Tennis Coach

  It is Cuba, so of course has its problems and idiosyncracies, but we do enjoy this particular resort very much. What really makes it so special is Alberto, the tennis pro / coach. He's very keen and personable, and does a superb job teaching players of all levels, joining into games when needed and running the weekly fun tournament. Definitely a highlight.

  Jan 13, 2026
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  It was a wonderful vacation in a beautiful hotel🫶

  The territory is incredibly green, surrounded by palm trees — very beautiful and cozy. There are also several cats and dogs on the grounds, all very friendly and sweet. I love dogs, so for me it was a big plus that this hotel is welcoming to animals. The food is simply excellent and very diverse, there are even vegetables and fresh fruits. You definitely won’t be hungry; everything is plentiful and delicious. The beach is nice, and its highlight is the coral reef, be sure to bring snorkeling masks, there is so much to see. You can also go sailing on catamarans with an instructor and take tennis lessons, all for free (we left tips). There is also a sports bar where you can play table tennis and billiards (bring your own rackets and balls). The hotel staff are friendly and always smiling. Our room was cleaned every day and very well. The animation is moderate and not intrusive, just what you need, everything in balance. I especially want to mention Yandrey, who made our vacation positive and fun! Every evening there is a show; the dancers perform very well, we really enjoyed it. I 100% recommend this hotel and would love to come back here again!😘🫶♥️😍😊

  Jan 11, 2026