boreal_bloom

We will be going to Caya Coco in Cuba very soon- this may sound dumb but feel I must ask: do we need to bring bathroom tissue? Do they have enough in the resorts?
(We are staying at the Blau Colonial.) Will they have facecloths in the room?
Are there places to get hair-braiding done nearby?
Is there a market place on the island, or do we have to travel off the island do any shopping?

Thank you for answering,
Bloom

3littlepeas

Hi Bloom, as a frequent traveler to Cuba i can tell you that the resorts have all the amenities you were inquirering (sp?) about. As for "hair issues" I'm sure your resort's hair salon will be able to accomodate you. There are usually arts and crafts in the lobby of the resort, the locals come to the hotel to show their stuff and it changes everyday. If you want to go to a local market the only town on the island is called Moron and from what I heard from people who went it is very poor and alomost all of the population living there works at one of the resort on the island. You won't find "beach vendors" like you do in Varadero b/c Cubans have to pay a fee to enter the island of Cayo Coco. If you really want to please the workers at your resort bring them "gifts" from America, things like Nylon stockings, nail polish, makeup, toothpaste I even saw a chambermaid get a pair of Nike once (some people go there every year so...) I used to get them money but now that the US money is no longer accepted it's harder. You will love Cuba it is just so....amamzing. Don't worry about TP or towels, soaps and all....

Canuck_at_Canada_eh

Having travelled in many areas of Cuba (though not Cayo Coco) I can say that all the resorts will have all the amenities you are used to.

As to the bathroom tissue issue. I always carry a 1/4 roll in the bottom of my day pack. This is sometimes necessary when you are OFF the resort areas. Not all restaurants in town or public facilities will have the necessary tissue. So it's really simple to just "be prepared".
Other than that, it's just an amazing country with super friendly people who go out of their way to make you feel welcome.
If you are planning on taking any excursions from your resort, I can highly recommend the day-trip to the city of Tinidad. This is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is one of the two oldest towns in the Western Hemisphere. It was founded less than 20 years after Columbus! Fabulous Colonial era architecture with cobbled streets. Wear good walking shoes for the cobbles.

Have a great trip.
Steve

boreal_bloom

Thank you for the prompt reply- your info and tips will be most helpful.

Bloom

belair

I always bring toilet paper with me when we go to Cuba. (the gal in the airport washroom usually gives you 1/4 of a slice of paper) One roll will do. The kind they have in the hotels isn't the kindest. Cayo Coco is beautiful, as is Cayo Guillermo. There should be people to braid, henna tattoo, massage. In the hotel section of Cayo Coco there should be a shopping area by now. We stayed in Cayo Guilliermo a couple of years ago and drove through Cayo Coco. It looked lovely.

We have always enjoyed ourselves in all of the places we have gone in Cuba. The Cuban people are amazing. Bring items for the maids, bartenders, gardeners and who ever else you thinks deserves it. I bring perfumes, nylons, pencil crayons, pens, pencils, paper, soaps, jewellery and tip money of course. They work so hard for very little. We certainly wouldn't do the work they do for the hours they do it!
You will have a great time. I don't doubt that for a moment.