The Arenal is undoubtedly Playas del Este's best hotel and the nearest decent all-inclusive resort to Havana. Situated by a small lagoon with boardwalk access to secluded Playa Boca Ciega, it lacks the panache of Cuba's northern cayos (keys), though its slightly dated architecture received a welcome spruce-up in 2016.
There's a free shuttle into Havana several days a week, and the Cuban beach town of Guanabo is accessible by horse and cart.