October 12, 2026 — Cuba’s military-owned hotel group Gaviota says it will open an adults-only, all-inclusive luxury resort at the far tip of the Varadero peninsula on October 23, even as most of the island’s hotel rooms sit idle and several airlines have pulled their Cuba flights.
What is happening
Gaviota’s sales director, Elia Elena Cortés, announced the October 23, 2026 opening of Playa Luxury Varadero at a presentation in Havana for the 2026–2027 high season, according to reports published October 11. Gaviota is presenting the hotel as a new addition to its Luxury brand, which it reserves for its top-standard properties. CiberCuba reports that the hotel already operated in 2025, which would make this a relaunch rather than a brand-new build; other reports describe it as new. Either way, guests can arrive from October 23.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Property | Playa Luxury Varadero |
| Brand / operator | Gaviota Tourism Group, Luxury brand |
| Owner | Gaviota is a subsidiary of GAESA, the Cuban military’s business conglomerate |
| Location | Cayo Libertad, Punta Hicacos, Varadero, Matanzas province, Cuba (about 140 km from Havana) |
| Opening date | October 23, 2026 |
| Rooms | 85 (standard rooms, suites and a Grand Suite) |
| Format | Adults-only, all-inclusive |
| Reservations | Open November 1, per CiberCuba |
Features
- Restaurant, spa, gym and a cigar bar.
- Butler service around the clock.
- Beach, swimming pool, meeting facilities and water-sports equipment.
- CiberCuba reports rates on the official website starting at about $363 per night.
The bigger picture in Cuba
The opening comes during a deep slump for Cuban tourism. Gaviota says only 3,470 of its rooms are operating, about 11.6% of its declared capacity, across Havana, Varadero, Topes de Collantes and Cayo Santa María. CiberCuba reports that Cuba received 450,353 international visitors from January to August 2026, down 64.4% from a year earlier, and that Air Canada, Iberia, Air France and Turkish Airlines have suspended flights to Cuba. Gaviota’s own vice president said reopening other destinations this high season depends on the country’s situation and on U.S. sanctions against GAESA.
What it means for airline travelers
- Getting there is the hard part: With Air Canada, Iberia, Air France and Turkish Airlines having suspended Cuba flights, according to CiberCuba, lift into Varadero and Havana is thinner than usual. Confirm your airline is actually operating before you plan around this hotel, and expect fewer daily options if you need to switch flights.
- Standby caution: Reduced service means fewer backup flights if you do not clear. Have a firm plan for getting out of Cuba, and avoid tight connections on the way home.
- U.S. travelers: CiberCuba notes that GAESA, Gaviota’s parent, is under U.S. sanctions. Anyone traveling under U.S. rules should check current U.S. government guidance on Cuba travel and lodging before booking.
- When to book: Reservations open November 1, per CiberCuba, which is after the October 23 opening date. Book only through official channels.
- Industry and airline-employee rates: None were mentioned in the sources.
Sources
- CiberCuba — GAESA will open a luxury resort amid the crisis in Cuba: This is the Playa Luxury Varadero Hotel (October 11, 2026)
- CiberCuba — Gaviota, the hotel empire of GAESA, currently has only 3,470 of its more than 30,000 rooms operational in Cuba (October 11, 2026)
- Ad-hoc-news — Varadero opens Hotel Playa Luxury on 23 October (October 11, 2026)
- Directorio Cubano — Playa Luxury Varadero abrirá en octubre con 85 habitaciones solo para adultos
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