If you’re looking for non-stop high-end luxury, designer boutiques and fast food outlets then Cuba isn’t the destination for you, but with your own floating paradise sailing round the turquoise waters you’ll be happy to leave all that behind, albeit temporarily. A Cuban charter holiday with bluewater will offer the opportunity to experience this diverse country first hand, before it receives an influx of tourists irrevocably changing its landscape and natural beauty. You will receive a well-deserved pampered break with your own gourmet chef and attentive crew to meet your every need.
Christopher Columbus once declared Cuba as “the most beautiful land human eyes had ever seen” and we are inclined to agree.
Cuba is most definitely best explored by yacht, which means you have the 5-star luxury accommodation and gourmet dining experiences which are currently lacking somewhat on the island, but with all the freedom to come and go and explore as you please.
If you want to enjoy the nightlife head to Hemingway’s favourite bar, La Bodeguita del Medio in Havana, where they serve amazing Mojitos and are said to have invented this delicious cocktail! Plenty of paladares, mainly around Havana, have opened up recently, and these are small private restaurants, often in the lounge of a family home, giving a taste of authentic Cuban hospitality. Try San Cristobal in central Havana - cluttered and eclectic with piles of books and old furniture, this paladar is situated in an early 20th century mansion serving Cuban-Creole cuisine. For a more stylish paladar book at Café Laurent, where you will take a small antique elevator up to a penthouse with a 1950s feel to it, and enjoy the amazing views with delicious dishes including shrimp, steak and risotto.
A bit more of a hidden gem but worth the trip is Atelier, another paladar which has more of an elegant French bistro feel to it. It sits in a quirky Havana mansion with a large main space and two balconies. Niuris Higueras and the chef Enrique create a diverse selection of dishes including duck confit, steak and shrimp and rabbit in wine.
During the day enjoy the beautiful natural beaches of Cuba with a coastline that spans more than 3,000km. The best beaches to visit are to be found in Varadero, stretching along the Hicacos peninsula. This palm-tree fringed beach is great for soaking up the typical Caribbean vibe on the beautiful white sand and crystal clear waters. Also in Varadero is Josone Park, a lush landscape of tropical vegetation, colourful birds, a boating lake, a swimming pool, a bowling alley and mini golf, everything for a real family day out. Varadero does attract the crowds though, so why not try Playa Ancon on Cuba’s south coast. One of the longest strips of beach in the area, again covered with white powdery sand and glistening clear waters, this is a great place to go diving and snorkelling around the reefs. You can also visit Archipelago de los Jardines de la Reina to see some sharks; it’s an underwater paradise and some have labelled it the Galapagos of the Caribbean.
Of course, on your luxury yacht you can go cruising around the island looking for the most deserted spot! There is also the option to explore the islands surrounding Cuba, like Cayo Largo, Cayo Coco, Cayo Santa Maria, Cayo Guillermo, Cayo Saetia and Cayo Levisa – all known for their stunning and untouched beaches.
To discover more of the largest island in the Caribbean, steeped in history and culture, take a trip to some of the must-see attractions of Cuba, such as some of the oldest cities in the hemisphere.
Old Havana is a UNESCO world heritage site with grand baroque and neoclassical buildings. Stroll around the cobbled streets and imagine what life was like 200 years ago. When in the old town head for Plaza Vieja, a vibrant square buzzing with people; sit and enjoy people watching, as well as good food, entertainment and music. Across the harbour are two impressive fortresses, Morro Castle and La Fortaleza de San Carlos de la Cabana, both constructed in 1589 to protect Havana against pirates.
If you are in to hiking, go on the 4-hour trek through the woods to the rebel headquarters of Fidel Castro. The camp remains as it was left and is well worth a visit, particularly to see Fidel’s house, which features multiple secret escape routes. For a spot of culture visit Ernest Hemingway’s hilltop estate where he lived for 20 years writing his classic novels. La Finca Vigia, in San Francisco de Paula, is now a museum featuring his original furniture, artwork and 9,000 of his books.
Cuba has so much to discover, so much to delight your senses, so tempt your taste buds and get lost in the magical Cuban atmosphere. Finally, no trip to this island would be complete without enjoying an authentic Cuban cigar, and Hotel Conde de Villanueva houses a famous cigar shop called La Casa del Habano. This hotel is located a short walk from the ferry terminal in Havana Port.
A few Cuban phrases to get you started
Hello – Hola
How are you? - Cómo estás?
I don’t understand - No entiendo
Good day - Buenos diás
Good evening - Buenos tardes
Good night - Buenos noches
Please - Por favour
How much is it? - Cuanto cuesta?
What a bad driver! - Qué paragüero!
Let's dance until we drop! - Vamos a echar un pie!
Come on, let's go to the beach - Dale, vamos para la playa
Thank you (very much) - (Muchas) Gracias
Don't mention it - De nada
That's very kind - Muy amable
Have a good holiday! - Buenas vacaciones!
