This was our first vacation south over the Christmas holidays. We have been to Cuba before, but this was our first visit to the Blau.|Having Christmas away from home was a new experience for us, so we weren't sure of what to expect. The Blau far exceeded all of our expectations!|We arrived to find the resort had Christmas lights wrapped around palm trees, and a huge Christmas tree and decorations in the main areas, even an inflatable Frosty dancing in the breeze in the open air patio!|We stayed from the 22nd to the 29th. All week there were more activities planned than we could take in! The Animacion (Entertainment) Team worked tirelessly to ensure we were always entertained! Even on the beach there were exercise classes, dance classes and games for all, both on the sand and in the water!|The staff at the buffets were very friendly and attentive. Most all staff understood and spoke enough English that there was never an issue communicating.|The food quality and quantity was amazing! I had heard of all of the food shortages in Cuba, but I learned that the country really relies on the tourists in Varadero to help their economy. At the Blau there was never a power outage that we noticed. We were also told that the resort has generators large enough to run the resort, even the elevators, so even if the country cut power we would be unaffected.|The food available isn't typical Canadian cuisine. If you're looking for bacon and fresh eggs every morning you'll be disappointed, but there were plenty of options. There were a lot of meats, cheeses, omelettes, pancakes and fresh fruits every day.|The lunch and supper buffets were similar. There was always a selection of freshly fried fish and chicken, not to mention pasta dishes made to order and too many dishes of pickled and fresh produce to try them all!|The beach was amazing! It is raked sometime overnight, so there is no buildup of seaweed! My last visit to Cuba introduced me to the roaming peddler's. They were selling cigars, cigarettes and bottles of booze on the beach. At the Blau they had to stay below the line that was raked in the sand! Even if you called to them, you had to go to them, they were not allowed to come up to you!||We went to the beach at various times during the day and never, ever had an issue finding chairs and a shelter. Absolutely no need to go out at stupid o'clock to 'save' a seat!|Things to keep in mind, this resort is around 20 years old. The closest Hardware Stores is probably Florida, so don't expect everything to be in tip-top shape. However, the Cuban people are as industrious as they are friendly! They do an amazing job repairing what they can with what they have.|We stayed on the 6th floor. Water pressure was fantastic and there was always an ample supply of hot water. The A/C kept our room at a perfect temperature!|There are a few points that I wouldn't call 'cons', but maybe things to be aware of.|1) There were a number of Life Guards on site, but I rarely saw them close to water. They were more interested in selling you cigars or bottles of booze.|2) American money is widely accepted as tips. |3) Some areas are in need of repair. As a spoiled Canadian used to floors being smooth and even, I stubbed my toes a couple of times before I learned to watch where I was going and lift my feet!|4) Don't trust the quality of the cigars, cigarettes and liquor from the beach walkers. The cigars very well be banana leaves in cigar packaging. The liquor in the bottles may have been replaced with something nasty. Pay a couple bucks and buy the products in the resort stores. They can be trusted. There were a couple of people selling fresh avocado's and banana's that were fine to buy from. |A huge shout-out to those that helped make our visit so special!! |Agdiel - Our server extraordinaire! He worked the buffets and has impeccable English! And he’s one of the nicest people I’ve ever met! Also a special mention to Yenny and Isabela!! Beautiful ladies and so good at their jobs! |Carlos - our Food & Beverage Manager! Top notch attention to his job!|Daya - she gave Spanish Lesson every day and although we only took one, she helped us a lot! |Lazaro - A student on the Animacion Team. Truly a genuine and humble individual. One of the nicest, kindest people we have ever met. If you’re there, find him! He loves to talk music, books and basically anything! He will help you with your Spanish while you help him learn English! He is very appreciative of any gift you choose to bless him with!