Ten reasons to visit Cuba
Cuba isn’t the usual go-to destination, but we believe that’s quickly changing. It is a place that takes you back in time and introduces you to experiences you will never forget. From horseback riding through tobacco and coffee plantations, to swimming in Cuba’s luxury hotel pool overlooking Havana, there is something for everyone. You will definitely feel like you are in another world while exploring Cuba’s best attributes.
Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski La Habana, Havana
Located in the heart of old Havana, Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski is the first luxury hotel to open in Cuba. Its renowned rooftop pool boasts spectacular views of Havana city, including the towering building of Museo de Bellas Artes. Order a cocktail and sit back and relax while being transported back in time.
Fabrica de Arte Cubano, Havana
Formerly a cooking oil factory, it is now one of Havana’s most popular locations. Both locals and visitors congregate for art exhibitions and the nightclub scene. Known as the “laboratory of creation” it is a space where musicians and artists come together. It highlights modern Cuban culture at its finest.
Gran Teatro de la Habana, Havana
The building itself is exquisite with several marble sculptures and a strikingly grand marble staircase. It was a place for Galician immigrants to gather and was first known as the Galician centre. However, after the Cuban revolution has become the home of the Cuban National Ballet. It is truly a gem and a must see when visiting Havana.
Havana Vintage Car Tours, Havana
Drive through the infamous Malecon Avenue, past Morro Castle and more beautiful landmarks and streets where you will understand the history of the city through its Baroque architecture. You will be mesmerised by the array of colours, semi-enclosed porches, and the influence from previous conquerors.
Diving in Jardines de la Reina
Visit this marine preserve that contains a group of 250 coral and mangrove islands 60 miles from the mainland. Not for the faint-hearted, you will dive with silky and Caribbean reef sharks and saltwater crocodiles. It is a marine wilderness as no commercial fishing is permitted, and has become a place where the mangroves are a nursery for juvenile fish.
Day trip to Trinidad
A colourful colonial city lost in time, this city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site not to be missed. Here you can listen to live music in the town square, climb the bell tower for the city’s best panoramic views, and visit museums to learn the history of the town and beyond. The area is extremely diverse with sandy beaches to the south, green valleys with old sugar plantations to the east, and mountains and waterfalls to the north.
Relax in the sun on Playa Maquana, Baracoa
Visit this beautiful sandy beach to swim in lush turquoise water and relax with a mojito under the coconut trees. Enjoy the local cuisine in the nearby restaurant that hosts a delight of local cuisine including fresh seafood and platters of octopus. You can visit the town of Baracoa which is the oldest town in Cuba where Columbus arrived in 1492.
Visit the Sea Turtle Hatchery in Cayo Largo
The hatchery collects vulnerable eggs from nearby beaches and brings them back to the hatchery to rear them and protect them from harm. You can help during feeding times, witness turtles hatching, or organise a night-time turtle-watching expedition.
Horseback Riding in Viñales Valley
Experience a tour on horseback through the picturesque Viñales Valley. See the renowned tobacco and coffee plantations and even have a swim in the natural lake. Your experienced guide will then show you the caves on a small boat which was home to the Guanajatabay Indians and where you will see small fossils and relics on the walls. If you are lucky you might even spot the albino fish or butterfly bats.
Multi-centre Destination
One of the great things about Cuba is you can quickly fly to another destination to continue your adventure. If you crave white sandy beaches, you can finish your Caribbean adventure in one of the nearby islands, such as the Bahamas, Turks and Caicos, Barbados, Jamaica and St Lucia.
