Varadero’s signature strip of sand stretches wide and white, and right in the middle of it, at Km 9 on the Autopista Sur, stands Los Pétalos Varadero (Ex Meliá Las Américas), a five-star all‑inclusive resort that has long been part of the peninsula’s landscape. The hotel occupies a prime beachfront position, with terraced blocks that step down toward the sea, so that most rooms open to views of the Caribbean. After the departure of the Meliá chain from Cuba, the property has rebranded while keeping its classic resort layout, generous common areas, and the easy, sun‑soaked rhythm that makes Varadero such a perennial draw. It is a large, self‑contained property, ideal for travellers who want everything within walking distance: the beach, the pool, the restaurants, and the lively evening scene.

The architecture is bold and unmistakably Cuban‑resort — a wide lobby with marble floors, a soaring atrium, stained‑glass accents, and a staircase that feels like a set piece from a different era. The rooms are spacious and many have been refreshed; the best ones face the sea from private balconies or terraces. The resort’s all‑inclusive format covers a broad range of dining, from the buffet of La Habana to the formal elegance of Fuerteventura, and from Japanese at Sakura to Italian at Trattoria Da Marino. There is a full programme of daytime activities — tennis courts, a mini‑club for younger guests, a pool area with hydromassage — and when the sun goes down, the piano bar and disco keep the energy alive. The property also earns a special note for golfers: the Varadero Golf Club is adjacent, a rare convenience on the island.

Los Pétalos Varadero is a resort built for straightforward Caribbean holidays — couples, families, honeymooners, and groups all find their corner here. It is not a minimalist boutique or a secluded hideaway; it is a lively, full‑service beach hotel where the main currency is sunshine, mojitos, and the sound of the sea. For anyone planning a week in Varadero and wanting a solid, established all‑inclusive with character and location, this newly renamed resort deserves a close look.