Cuba

CUT OFF FROM MODERN INFLUENCES, CUBA HAS DEVELOPED AT ITS OWN PACE
18 C CURRENT TEMP
01:23 CURRENT TIME
WELCOME TO CUBA

A unique blend of Latin American and Caribbean cultures, Cuba is a fascinating and complex country to visit.

WHY VISIT CUBA?

As restrictions have been eased, stylish boutique hotels, cool bars and innovative restaurants have learnt to thrive here.

Havana, Cuba’s capital, is famous for vintage cars, colonial mansions and the sound of salsa drifting through the streets. Music is everywhere. To the west, Viñales and Pinar del Río, sit at the heart of Cuba’s tobacco region, a land of fertile plantations, orchid gardens and waterfalls.

To the east, surrounded by plump green hills, colonial Trinidad is all pastel hued facades and cobblestone streets, with pristine beaches to the south and west.

Cuba’s second city, Santiago, is the country’s cultural capital, its identity rooted in Afro-Caribbean and revolutionary influences. Salsa and Son were born on the streets of Santiago, and Bacardi set up his first rum factory here.

A luxury holiday to Cuba should unquestionably include four to five nights in Havana. Those drawn to more authentic experiences, who don’t mind sacrificing some home comforts, should combine with the east of the island. For those on a shorter timescale and requiring a higher level of accommodation, we would recommend focusing on western Cuba. Whichever direction you take, we will ensure it is a highly memorable adventure.

CUBA INSPIRATION

Select a Sense

Cuban cuisine blends Spanish, African, and Caribbean influences. Traditional dishes include the dubiously named ropa vieja (old clothes), a shredded beef stew, and arroz con pollo, a chicken and rice dish. In Havana, the food scene has seen significant innovation as foreigners have been allowed to establish joint ventures with local partners. Paladares, privately owned, usually informal, restaurants, are key to the Cuba experience, and often the best route to fresh lobster and other seafood delicacies.

Cubans live for music. Salsa and son and are twin engines of society. Afro-Cuban jazz, rumba, and mambo also play significant roles. The 20th century saw legends like Benny Moré and Celia Cruz, the Queen of Salsa on the Cuban scene. Omara Portuondo is a contemporary name to look out for. Check out our Welcome to Cuba playlist for some of our favourites.

LISTEN IN

Stock up on cigars from renowned brands like Cohiba and Montecristo, artisanal rum and colourful guayabera shirts.

Some recommended reading…

Cuba’s literary heritage began with José Martí, a 19th century poet and national hero, who influenced Cuban modernism.

In the 20th century, Alejo Carpentier pioneered magical realism in works like The Kingdom of this World.

Today, Leonardo Padura is known for his prize-winning detective series, The Four Seasons.

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PLACES TO VISIT

Discover more of our favourite locations in Cuba…

FEATURED ACCOMMODATION
Gardens Havana
CLIENT TESTIMONIAL

“Just a quick note to say how much we loved the trip. Havana was out of this world and thank god we took your advice on Barracoa and Santiago. Needless to say, [our guide] was sensational throughout! A big thank you from us all.”

LONDON OFFICE

+44 (0)20 7993 6930

US OFFICE

+1 646 688 2317
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