Sanctuary at Grand Memories Varadero Map (Most Up-To-Date)
Sanctuary at Grand Memories Varadero is an adults-only enclave carved from the larger family-focused Grand Memories complex. Suites cluster around a quiet pool and short walkway to a dedicated beach zone, while main-lobby, theater, and big pools sit a 10–15 minute walk inland. Key choices are which Sanctuary building to request, how much you will walk versus use carts, and how often you will cross into the busier main resort.
| Area / Zone | Best For | Key Tip | Watch Out |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanctuary Accommodation Blocks 33 / 35 / 57 | Adults wanting a quiet bubble near pool and beach | Request upper floors in 33 for pool views and fast beach access. | No elevators, so stairs are unavoidable unless you secure ground floor. |
| Sanctuary Pool and Swim Up Bar | Relaxed adults-only pool days with bar service | Use this as your daytime hub, then venture to main pool for activity. | Animation is minimal, so atmosphere skews very calm rather than lively. |
| Sanctuary Exclusive Beach Section | Quick ocean access and quieter loungers | Expect a 2–4 minute walk from rooms via paved paths or boardwalk. | Soft sand makes independent access harder for some mobility devices. |
| Ave Del Paraiso Restaurant Zone | Peaceful à la carte meals and private breakfasts | Plan dinners with your butler on day one to lock prime times. | Limited capacity; last minute walk-ins are rarely realistic. |
| Main Grand Memories Core (Lobby, Buffet, Theater) | Big nightly shows, large pools, family activities | Allow 10–15 minutes on foot or arrange golf cart pickups. | Higher noise, crowds, and children everywhere compared with Sanctuary. |
| Beach Gazebo and Garden Areas | On-site weddings and photo sessions | Sanctuary adults can stay separate while families use main resort. | Wind, sun and potential supply constraints can affect wedding details. |
| Highway Entrance and Bus / Taxi Access | Day trips to Varadero town or airport transfers | Use the tourist bus or taxis from the main entrance on Autopista Sur. | Distance to town is significant, so returns late at night take planning. |
2025 Sanctuary at Grand Memories Varadero Map + Printable PDF (Official 2023 Edition)
Operational descriptions indicate the Sanctuary layout continues to function as an adults-only pocket within the original Riu Varadero estate. Sanctuary buildings remain grouped near the quiet pool, Ave Del Paraiso restaurant, and the dedicated beach strip, while the high-traffic lobby, buffet, large family pools, and theater stay deeper inland. Walking paths and the golf cart loop still structure movement, so current guests navigate essentially the same internal geography described for the complex.
2025 Sanctuary at Grand Memories Varadero Map Guide
Use the layout by thinking in two axes: quiet Sanctuary coastside versus busy family core inland, and walking routes versus golf cart links. Sanctuary buildings and pool suit couples wanting short walks to a calmer beach and exclusive dining. The inland lobby, buffet, and theater work better for show-focused or group-heavy trips. Planning your room request and daily path choices around those two zones keeps the stay efficient and aligned with your travel style.
What is the overall layout of Sanctuary at Grand Memories Varadero, including its buildings, pools, and beachfront areas?
Sanctuary sits at the ocean end of Grand Memories, with low-rise blocks around a quiet pool and a 2 to 4 minute walk to its own beach.
The distance from the main international entry point, Juan Gualberto Gómez International Airport (VRA), is approximately 40 to 50 minutes by road.
Sanctuary at Grand Memories Varadero occupies the seaward tip of the larger estate, with its buildings forming a compact adults-only cluster close to the sand. Low-rise blocks such as 33, 35 and 57 sit around the central Sanctuary pool, which functions as the main social hub with a swim up bar and relaxed vibe. Ave Del Paraiso, the exclusive restaurant, anchors this same core zone.
From these blocks, short paved paths and a boardwalk run directly to a dedicated Sanctuary beach section where loungers, palapas and a staffed bar concentrate adults-only use. Behind Sanctuary, toward the highway, the main Grand Memories lobby, buffet, large family pools and theater occupy a separate inland band, so most noise and crowds remain physically distant from Sanctuary rooms.
Which room buildings at Sanctuary at Grand Memories Varadero are most desirable to stay in?
Buildings 33 and 35 are the most sought after Sanctuary blocks, with 57 a solid backup, thanks to quiet poolside and fast beach access.
Within the Sanctuary zone, building choice strongly shapes noise levels, walking time and views.
- Building 33 sits closest to both the Sanctuary pool and the beach, so upper floors give pool views and a 2–4 minute walk to the loungers.
- Building 35 is also firmly inside the Sanctuary cluster and is frequently praised for standout staff service and a calm atmosphere.
- Building 57 belongs to the Sanctuary inventory and works as a backup when 33 or 35 are unavailable, still keeping you near the adults-only core.
- For anyone with mobility issues, ground-floor rooms in these buildings are essential because there are no elevators serving the upper levels.
- Lower-numbered blocks such as building 11 are tied to the main Grand Memories area and are usually seen as older and less desirable for Sanctuary-focused stays.
How long does it take to walk between key amenities at Sanctuary at Grand Memories Varadero?
Most Sanctuary walks run 1–4 minutes inside the enclave, and 8–15 minutes each way when you cross into the main Grand Memories core.
Walking times are short within Sanctuary itself, then stretch out once you head inland toward the main resort services.
- Sanctuary rooms to Sanctuary pool take about 1–3 minutes on flat paths, so most guests treat the pool as an easy “back and forth” hub.
- Sanctuary rooms to the dedicated Sanctuary beach section usually take 2–4 minutes, using paved paths or a boardwalk through the sand.
- Sanctuary rooms to the main Grand Memories lobby typically take 10–15 minutes on foot, which is why many guests request golf carts instead.
- Sanctuary rooms to the main Selections buffet run roughly 8–12 minutes walking, depending on pace and exact building location.
How do guests travel between the Sanctuary section and the main Grand Memories Varadero resort area?
Guests move between Sanctuary and the main resort on flat walkways in about 10–15 minutes or by shared golf cart shuttles.
Sanctuary sits toward the beach end of the estate, while the main Grand Memories lobby, buffet, big pools and theater lie inland near the highway. Paved, mostly level paths link the two zones, so reasonably mobile guests often walk the 10–15 minutes each way. An internal fleet of golf carts runs loops between key nodes such as the main lobby, Sanctuary lounge and beach access, and butlers can usually arrange cart pickups during hotter periods or for less mobile guests.
How does Sanctuary at Grand Memories Varadero differ from the main Grand Memories resort area?
Sanctuary is an adults-only bubble with butler service and exclusive dining, while the main Grand Memories zone is family-heavy and louder.
| Dimension | Sanctuary Section | Main Grand Memories Section |
|---|---|---|
| Guest profile | Adults-only, couples and friends seeking calm | Mixed families, children, groups and higher overall volume |
| Atmosphere | Quiet, low-key pool scene, subtle activities | High-decibel animation, busy pools, crowded common areas |
| Layout position | Compact cluster near beach at ocean end | Sprawling inland core around lobby, buffet and big pools |
| Rooms & service | Fewer rooms, butler service, priority maintenance | Larger inventory, more wear reported, standard service tier |
| Dining access | Exclusive Ave Del Paraiso plus all shared venues | Access to shared buffets and à la cartes, no Sanctuary-only spot |
| Beach & pools | Dedicated adults-only pool and marked beach strip | Large activity pool, broader but shared family beach area |
Sanctuary functions as a self-contained premium zone inside the estate, providing adults with butler support, quieter bar and pool spaces, and a controlled beach area. The main Grand Memories area acts as the high-energy hub for families, large pools, theater shows and the central buffet, so Sanctuary guests dip into that side for variety then retreat back into their calmer enclave.
How does Sanctuary at Grand Memories Varadero compare with other adults-only resorts in Varadero?
Sanctuary trades ultra luxury for value, sitting mid tier versus premium Royalton and Paradisus and above budget downtown or remote options.
Sanctuary competes in the middle of the adults-focused spectrum, giving you butlers and an adults-only bubble at a lower price than true top tier brands.
| Resort | Tier | Location / setting | Key strength vs Sanctuary | Typical price vs Sanctuary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sanctuary at Grand Memories Varadero | Mid range 4.5* | Beachfront, adults-only enclave inside mega resort | Value, butler service, access to many shared facilities | Baseline |
| Royalton Hicacos | Premium 5* | Standalone beachfront | Higher finish, stronger dining and decor standards | Around 30–50 percent higher |
| Paradisus Varadero Royal Service | Premium 5* | Beachfront, eco style | Eco design, higher service and room category sophistication | Around 40–60 percent higher |
| Memories Jibacoa | Mid range 4* | Remote, good reef access | Better snorkeling and seclusion outside Varadero strip | Comparable or a bit lower |
| Starfish Las Palmas | Budget 3* | In town, no beach frontage | Easy downtown access for bars and shops | Roughly 20–30 percent lower |
In practice, Sanctuary suits guests who want an adults-only environment, butler service and a long beach at a moderate price, accepting older hardware and Cuban supply limits. Higher spenders favour Royalton or Paradisus for upgraded finish and food, while budget or town focused travellers look to Starfish or more remote snorkeling focused properties.
How do room type prices at Sanctuary at Grand Memories Varadero compare across its different suites?
Sanctuary Suites typically cost about 20 to 30 percent more than Junior Suites, reflecting larger space, separate living room and upgraded bathroom.
| Suite type | Typical price vs Junior | What you pay extra for | Best fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanctuary Junior Suite | Baseline, lowest Sanctuary rate | Large open plan room, sitting area, balcony or terrace | Most adults, value focus, still wanting Sanctuary perks |
| Sanctuary Suite | About 20–30 percent higher | Separate living room, second TV, larger space, hydro massage tub | Longer stays, special occasions, couples wanting more privacy |
Pricing is therefore driven less by occupancy and more by square footage and hard-product upgrades, since both categories are adults-only and sleep up to three.
Where is Sanctuary at Grand Memories Varadero located relative to other adults-only resorts and beaches in Varadero?
Sanctuary sits toward the far end of Varadero’s Hicacos Peninsula near the ecological reserve, flanked by other beachfront adults-only resorts.
Sanctuary at Grand Memories Varadero stands at about Kilometer 18.5 on Autopista Sur, near the tip of the Punta Hicacos Peninsula. The complex fronts a wide, soft white sand section of Varadero beach, with calm turquoise water and more greenery than the hotel cluster closer to town. Varahicacos Ecological Reserve sits nearby inland, so the surrounding area feels less urban than the early part of the strip.
Relative to peers, Sanctuary is a true beachfront property grouped with other resort-zone adults-only options rather than downtown hotels. Royalton Hicacos and Paradisus Varadero lie along the same outer peninsula corridor, while budget adults-only Starfish Las Palmas sits in town without its own beachfront. Memories Jibacoa occupies a separate, more remote coastal stretch entirely outside the Varadero peninsula.
Where are the Diamond Club amenities located within Sanctuary at Grand Memories Varadero?
Diamond-level amenities cluster by the Sanctuary lobby, pool and beach, so most upgraded services sit within the compact adults-only core.
Most Diamond-style inclusions for Sanctuary guests are spatially concentrated inside the Sanctuary zone rather than spread across the main resort.
- Private check in and lounge sit in or beside the Sanctuary lobby area, away from the busy main Grand Memories reception.
- The exclusive Sanctuary pool and its swim up bar function as the primary adults-only relaxation hub for Diamond-level guests.
- Ave Del Paraiso, next to the Sanctuary pool cluster, acts as the Diamond-style à la carte hub for quiet breakfasts, lunches and dinners.
- The Sanctuary-only beach strip, a 2–4 minute walk from Sanctuary blocks, is the upgraded lounger and waiter-service beach area.
- Any shared Diamond Club branded lounges closer to the main resort core are typically optional, since Sanctuary guests already have adults-only spaces.
What is the floor plan and layout of a Junior Suite at Sanctuary at Grand Memories Varadero?
Junior Suites are large open plan rooms around 50 m², combining sleeping and sitting zones with a full bathroom and balcony or terrace.
A Sanctuary Junior Suite is a single large space that integrates bedroom and living functions rather than splitting them into separate rooms. The sleeping zone holds either one king bed or two doubles, with side tables and storage. Beside this, a visually distinct sitting area includes a sofa and coffee table, giving a separate place to relax or host a visitor without using the bed.
The bathroom sits just off the main room and typically includes a vanity, toilet and a tub with shower, sometimes with a shuttered opening toward the bedroom for light. At the outer edge, glass doors lead to a furnished balcony or ground floor terrace, extending the usable space outdoors and linking directly to gardens or internal views.
How accessible is Sanctuary at Grand Memories Varadero for wheelchair users in terms of paths, ramps, and rooms?
Paths are mostly flat and usable, but no elevators and soft beach sand mean ground floor rooms and assistance are crucial for wheelchair users.
Sanctuary sits on the naturally flat Hicacos Peninsula, so most internal circulation uses level concrete walkways. These paths connect key public areas such as lobby spaces, pools, restaurants and the theater with generally step free routes, which works reasonably well for manual chairs or mobility scooters. Golf cart shuttles can reduce longer transfers between Sanctuary and the inland main-resort core.
The main constraint is vertical access. Accommodation blocks are typically two to three stories and built without elevators, so upper floors require stairs. Wheelchair users therefore need to secure a ground floor room in advance through a special request or direct coordination with the property. Beach reach uses boardwalk sections toward the sand, but the final stretch across soft sand to the water usually requires help, and dedicated beach wheelchairs are not consistently advertised.
What restaurants are at Sanctuary at Grand Memories Varadero and where are they located on the property?
Ave Del Paraiso sits in the Sanctuary core, while other à la cartes and buffets lie inland in the main Grand Memories section.
Sanctuary guests use one dedicated restaurant in their enclave and several shared venues across the wider complex.
- Ave Del Paraiso – In the Sanctuary zone, beside the adults-only pool cluster, used as exclusive gourmet à la carte and quiet breakfast or lunch spot.
- Ging Seng (Asian) – In the main Grand Memories area near central facilities, reached by walking or golf cart inland from Sanctuary.
- Bella Cucina (Italian) – Also in the main-resort core, close to other à la cartes around the lobby and big pools, not inside the Sanctuary bubble.
- La Creole (Cuban / Creole) – Near the main pool zone, serving local dishes, accessed after a longer walk from Sanctuary buildings.
- Selections Buffet – Large international buffet near the main lobby inland, often avoided by Sanctuary guests who prefer the calmer Sanctuary restaurant.
- Ranchón Los Lirios – Beach or poolside snack grill in the shared zone, reached via beachfront paths beyond the Sanctuary’s own beach section.
What activities and entertainment are offered at Sanctuary at Grand Memories Varadero, and where on the property do they happen?
Daytime yoga, rum tastings, aquacise and beach sports sit in Sanctuary zones, while big nightly shows run at the inland main resort theater.
Sanctuary focuses on quiet, adults-oriented activities inside its cluster, with livelier entertainment pulled into the main resort core.
- Sanctuary pool – Hosts low key pool activities such as aquacise sessions, informal games and relaxed social time at the swim up bar.
- Sanctuary deck or garden spaces – Used for morning yoga or stretching classes aimed at guests wanting a calm, wellness focused start.
- Sanctuary beach strip – Supports casual non motorized water sports and long walks along the wide Varadero shoreline.
- Sanctuary lounge or cigar / lobby bar – Evenings feature quieter drinks, conversation and soft live music such as piano or sax.
- Main Grand Memories theater inland – Stages the large production shows with dance troupes, bands and louder entertainment at night.
- Main resort activity pool – Offers high energy daytime animation for Sanctuary guests who want a few livelier hours before retreating.
Where can I see photos of the pools at Sanctuary at Grand Memories Varadero?
Use the official Sanctuary at Grand Memories image gallery and guest photo uploads, spotting the adults-only pool by its ochre buildings.
Most pool imagery comes from property marketing and guests sharing their stays rather than a single mapped source.
- Official promotional photos and brochures for Sanctuary at Grand Memories Varadero usually highlight the quiet adults-only pool and beach zone.
- Tour operator materials for Blue Diamond Resorts often include pool shots taken in the Sanctuary section for their package descriptions.
- Guest photos and room tour videos commonly show the Sanctuary pool, which is framed by yellow or ochre buildings and has no children present.
- When browsing mixed resort images, the busy waterfall pool with families belongs to the main Grand Memories core, not the Sanctuary enclave.
What do recent guest reviews say about Sanctuary at Grand Memories Varadero?
Reviews describe Sanctuary as good value and pleasantly quiet, with strong butler service but aging hardware and occasional food and supply shortages.
Guest feedback often frames Sanctuary as a “compromise product.” Guests praise the quiet adults-only bubble, friendly staff and butler support that smooths dinner bookings and small issues. Many feel the price is fair for the level of service, poolside calm and access to a long, wide beach compared with more expensive adults-only resorts.
Criticism clusters around Cuba-wide constraints rather than the concept itself. Reviews frequently note intermittent food and liquor shortages, inconsistent air conditioning, worn furniture and dated room finishes. Some guests call out differences between blocks, with Sanctuary buildings perceived as better maintained than older main-resort stock, and advise arriving with realistic expectations about infrastructure and supplies.
What does the ‘Sanctuary’ section at Grand Memories Varadero signify in terms of concept and service level?
Sanctuary is a separate 18 plus enclave that layers butlers, exclusive zones and quieter spaces on top of standard Grand Memories service.
Sanctuary section at Grand Memories Varadero is defined as an adults-only, resort-within-a-resort enclave carved out of the larger family complex. It targets guests seeking affordable luxury, so guests receive a boutique style setting while still using the mega resort infrastructure. Sanctuary buildings sit close to a dedicated pool, exclusive restaurant and marked beach strip, which physically separates adults from the high volume family core.
Service level in Sanctuary aligns with a Diamond style tier. Every room receives butler service, personalized check in and access to Ave Del Paraiso as a quiet à la carte hub. Sanctuary guests hold priority for restaurant bookings, enjoy an upgraded beach with waiter service and benefit from generally better maintained rooms and soft goods compared with the main Grand Memories inventory.
Where can I find an official video tour of Sanctuary at Grand Memories Varadero?
No single channel is flagged, so use the resort’s official marketing and big tour operator sites to find hosted Sanctuary video tours.
Available information does not highlight one named “official” walk through, so typical sources are:
- The resort’s or parent brand’s main website, where marketing teams often embed property overview videos and room tours.
- Major tour operator pages that sell Sanctuary at Grand Memories Varadero, which frequently host resort and room video clips alongside photo galleries.
- General video platforms, using the full resort name plus “Sanctuary” and “Varadero” to filter for adults-only section tours rather than main resort footage.
- Travel agency or influencer promotional clips that clearly label the adults-only Sanctuary area, pool and Ave Del Paraiso rather than the family pools.
How does Sanctuary at Grand Memories Varadero’s layout work for hosting a wedding party on-site?
Sanctuary’s compact adults-only cluster near beach gazebos suits wedding parties splitting adults in Sanctuary and families in the main resort.
Sanctuary at Grand Memories Varadero works well for “hybrid” groups where the wedding couple and adult guests stay in the quiet adults-only enclave while families with children book into the main Grand Memories section. Sanctuary buildings sit close to the beach and pool, so bridal parties can move quickly between rooms, prep spaces and ceremony sites such as the beach or garden gazebo.
The main resort’s inland core provides the large theater, activity pools and family infrastructure that extended groups often want, while Sanctuary keeps nighttime noise away from wedding suites. Ave Del Paraiso and nearby spaces can host more intimate private dinners or small receptions, with butlers helping to coordinate schedules, golf cart transfers and special setups across the two connected zones.
How do you book à la carte restaurants at Sanctuary at Grand Memories Varadero?
Sanctuary guests book à la cartes through their butler, who schedules dinners on arrival and secures priority time slots without lobby lines.
Booking follows a simple butler led process, with the common lobby queue used only as backup.
- At or soon after check in, sit with your assigned butler in the Sanctuary area to discuss dinner plans.
- List preferred à la cartes, rough dates, and ideal time windows, especially around 7 to 8 pm.
- The butler checks availability across Ave Del Paraiso and the main resort restaurants and records confirmed nights for you.
- During your stay, contact the butler to adjust or add reservations rather than visiting the main lobby.
- If something urgent arises when the butler is unavailable, use the standard reservations point in the main resort, understanding lines may form.
Archive Sanctuary at Grand Memories Varadero Maps
Below are the official map versions released for Omni Champions Gate from 2013 to 2023.
2023-2025 Sanctuary at Grand Memories Varadero Map (Official 2023 Edition)
2016 Sanctuary at Grand Memories Varadero Map
2013 Sanctuary at Grand Memories Varadero Map
