In an era of evolving travel experiences, hotels are embracing inclusivity by tailoring facilities to cater to diverse guest profiles. The travel landscape is changing, and the hospitality industry is keenly attuned to the unique needs of LGBTQ travellers. Hotels such as the All-Inclusive Gran Muthu Rainbow Hotel on Cayo Guillermo are leading the charge in Cuba, offering a range of facilities and services that prioritize comfort, understanding, and a celebration of diversity.
From thoughtfully designed spaces to inclusive amenities, this hotel recognises the importance of creating environments where everyone feels welcome and respected.
Getting To Cayo Guillermo
Travelling from Havana to Cayo Guillermo takes over eight hours on the road so the better option is to take a flight either internationally direct into Cayo Coco, Jardines del Rey International Airport or as a domestic connection from Jose Martí International Airport in Havana.
At the time of writing flights from the UK to Havana, Cuba are via European hubs such as Frankfurt, Paris and Madrid. The country desperately needs this to change to boost tourism numbers in some of the more remote parts of Cuba.
Gran Muthu Rainbow – At First Glance
On our arrival at the Gran Muthu Rainbow, we were treated to a spectacular show with dancers and musicians.
The open-air 24-hour reception desk is at the heart of the resort with the welcome desk, a seating area, a small games room and then a door through to the Lobby bar.
The staff were friendly and welcoming and always on hand throughout my stay in case I had any questions. One little tip when visiting Cuba, especially the Cayos is to buy a map in advance of your visit. It seemed impossible to buy a map anywhere in Cuba and when touring around it would make life a lot easier if you knew where you were.
Rooms & Views
The Gran Muthu Rainbow has 248 rooms which are all spotlessly clean and fresh in design and colour. The room types range from Junior Suites to Sea View Suites and Swim Out Suites.
Each room has air conditioning, TV, tea and coffee facilities, fridge, shower, hairdryer, safe, and telephone. The bed was very comfy and the novelty swing chair was something that added a touch of contemporary style to the room. Views depend on your room type but I was lucky enough to enjoy a view across the pool and out to the ocean beyond.
There is also WIFI but this is via a long complicated password you get from reception and which regularly needs reinputting to your mobile. Do not rely on the WIFI. The better option is to organise your Wifi in advance and before arriving in Cuba so you do not have to rely on hotels or public areas to connect.
Bars & Restaurants
The hotel has five bars, four a la carte restaurants and one main buffet restaurant.
The pool bar was perhaps the most enjoyable in the evening with guests sitting around and mixing in the open air. The bar just off the lobby was lacking in atmosphere although you do have the option of taking your drink out to the terrace overlooking the pool and gardens.
The main “Orchard” buffet restaurant offered a wide choice of hot and cold dishes for all meals. An open cooking station in the morning for eggs and omelettes was excellent and popular.
Other restaurants include a Tapas, the Malabar Indian, the Seven Spices and a Cuban Restaurant.
Swimming Pool
One of the best features of the Gran Muthu Rainbow was the extraordinarily long swimming pool which was great for both swimming and for afternoon activities such as fitness and volleyball that was laid on by the entertainment team.
There were plenty of loungers and areas to relax and all alongside a welcoming pool bar for midday refreshments and snacks.
Sport & Fitness
In addition to the activities available around the pool, there is a games room with a pool table, there are floodlit tennis courts as well as numerous sporting opportunities on the nearby beach which is just a couple of minutes away on foot.
About 5 km away, guests can also enjoy water activities like scuba diving and boating. Then there are opportunities too for horse riding, kayaking, and fishing at other nearby venues.
Regular live shows and karaoke take place throughout the week so be sure to check the board to see what is going on when you visit.
Boutique & Gift Shop
There was a small boutique/gift shop selling beach wear, souvenirs, and toiletries.
Meeting Room & Conferences
There are conference facilities and meeting rooms available to hire.
In The Vicinity
From the hotel, it is possible to walk down to the beach in front of the hotel where you will also find a little beach bar.
A walk of 3 kilometres will bring you to Playa Pilar. With broad dunes and high rocks, this is the most famous beach on the island. The most amazingly soft white sand and turquoise waters are perfect for swimming, scuba diving and snorkelling.
From Cayo Guillermo you can easily travel to many of the other Cayo Islands of Cuba including Cayo Coco, Cayo Maria and Cayo Cruz.
Gran Muthu Rainbow Final Thoughts
An 18+ all-inclusive hotel for the LGBTQ+ community, the hotel offers good quality accommodation coupled with an open, fun atmosphere where people can simply be who they want to be.
This is the first hotel of its type in Cuba and is attracting a loyal following of repeat guests.
Contact
To book contact your specialist Cuba Tour Operator or travel agent or contact:
Gran Muthu Rainbow Hotel
Carretera a Playa Pilar KM 54,
Cayo Guillermo, Jardines del Rey, Morón, Ciego de Ávila
Phone: +53 33310700
E: reservations@muthuhotelsmgm.com
W: www.muthuhotelsmgm.com
With Thanks
My Thanks to MGM Muthu Hotels, Gaviota Tours and the Ministry of Tourism for Cuba (MINTUR) for sponsoring my trip to Cuba which included this stay at the Gran Muthu Rainbow Hotel on Cayo Guillermo.
