6 ways to make the most of your Cuban vacation
Who doesn’t love a beach holiday? From sparkling white sands to warm ocean breezes, Cuba’s beaches are hard to rival. We know that lots of vacationers are happy with their toes in the sand and the ocean in sight but other want to do something unique on their beach getaway. That’s why we’ve put together a list of creative experiences you can enjoy by the beach on your next trip to Cuba.
Ever wanted to feel like you’re on a private beachfront? Then why not enjoy a private beachside dinner at sunset at a beautiful resort. The renowned sunbather’s paradise of Cayo Santa Maria offers some of the most romantic beach settings in the world and a private sunset meal is just one way to enjoy them.
Where to stay: Many of those romantic moments can be captured at the adults only Sanctuary at Grand Memories Santa Maria, where guests are welcomed by serene grounds, attentive butler service and à la carte dining experiences. Plus, if you make a reservation with the hotel’s concierge, you and your partner can dine by candlelight on the beach while enjoying a breathtaking sunset.
Tucked away on Cuba’s northern coast, the unspoiled beaches of Cayo Coco are home to some of the best snorkelling and diving experiences in the Caribbean. In this area you’ll find over 50 coral species and other incredible marine life like starfish and angelfish.
Where to stay: You can easily access these incredible snorkelling opportunities while staying at the Melia Jardines del Rey and later kick back and relax on the resort’s powdery white-sand beach with a cool tropical drink in hand.
Ready for a thrill? Explore Holguin and its beautiful beaches with a Jeep adventure to Guardalavaca Beach. Along the way you’ll have the opportunity to disembark and ride on horseback or speed things up while travelling through the bay waters on a speedboat.
Where to stay: After all that excitement you’ll need to unwind. Set on a picturesque beachfront, Memories Holguin Beach Resort boasts an extensive pool complex with water features; the perfect spot for some relaxation after your Cuban off road adventure.
Animal lovers will find the oasis of Cayo Largo to be an ideal quiet vacation with only nature and wildlife as company. May to November is turtle season, when you can watch newborn turtles hatch and take to the waves for the first time. In addition to spotting turtles, you might also come across iguanas shuffling along the shore, barracudas or groupers while deep-sea fishing and other incredible marine life.
Where to stay: Hotel Pelicano has its very own turtle observation and release programme where guests are welcome to watch as these tiny creatures head out to sea. You can also enjoy other nature and beach-oriented activities such as mountain biking or a game of beach volleyball. Plus, a wide range of eco-excursions depart directly from the resort.
Get those pails and shovels ready and start building your best and most elaborate sandcastles on one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. There’s no shortage of sand on Varadero’s 21km stretch of beach where you can watch over the kids as they build their sandcastle masterpiece, take a stroll down the calm shores or soak up the sun with a Cuban mojito in hand!
Where to stay: At Grand Memories Varadero, the children can meet Toopy and Binoo once they’ve finished their sand creations; Mom and Dad will love the varied dining options and abundant water sports.
Get ready to feel like you’re truly getting away from it all with a trip to the remote island of Cayo Blanco. This protected nature reserve limits the number of its daily visitors so you never feel overcrowded as you lay back and unwind on the warm sand.
Where to stay: You can visit this private paradise while staying at Iberostar Bella Vista Resort, which offers free bus transfers to a catamaran ride that will take you to this deserted-like island. After spending the day exploring, you can come back to the resort and relax by one of the four beautiful pools or enjoy a satisfying meal from the buffet, Mediterranean or Japanese restaurant on site.