Cuban resorts are growing in popularity among Americans every year. You can visit them any time of the year. When it’s rainy autumn or frosty winter in America, the welcoming “Island of Freedom” will greet guests with hot sun, clean beaches, and warm sea.
Moreover, the tour will be affordable, which cannot be said about vacations at luxurious exotic resorts. The island has many natural and architectural attractions, and the climate is excellent even for children, so the trip will benefit the whole family. Which resort is the best to stay at?
Varadero
This is where most Americans vacation. It’s very convenient. After a long, tiring flight and arriving in Havana, it’s easy to take a taxi and get to Varadero in just over an hour. Here, tourists are greeted by endless beaches (their total length is about 25 km), as well as first-class hotels and developed infrastructure.
Everything here is aimed at giving guests as much pleasure as possible. You can ride retro cars or go horseback riding, sail on a yacht or catamaran, visit nearby islands, learn to dance Cuban dances, and showcase your skills at a disco. Diving, surfing, and beach sports activities await you as well.
Undoubtedly, adults and children will enjoy the pristine seawater of a rich turquoise hue. The hot climate is tempered by constant winds. You will be able to appreciate the magnificent Cuban cuisine in all its variety.
Don’t miss the chance to visit Al Capone restaurant (here was the estate of the famous mobster) and try lobsters with shrimps. They will also offer you a rich excursion program. You can visit the Rum Museum on your own, walk around the shops, and buy souvenirs.
Recommended:
- Melia Marina Varadero 5* – entertainment events, “Kids Club” and “Baby Club”, the restaurant serves a variety of delicacies and dishes from around the world, themed bars, and cafes.
- Iberostar Selection Varadero 5* – located on the first coastline, Sensations SPA center, diving center, dance lessons, professional shows, children’s pool.
- Royalton Hicacos Resort 5* – adults only (18+), evening entertainment shows, nightclub, 5 a la carte restaurants, 3 outdoor freshwater pools, 3 tennis courts.
Cayo Coco
The island got its name from the bird species that live here. It’s most convenient to get to Cayo Coco from Varadero. The resort offers truly luxurious vacations. There are many first-class hotels, and the “all-inclusive” option is widespread. So, guests don’t have to worry about anything. But if you want to save money, you can stay inland in the village of Moron, where the hotels are budget-friendly, and travel to the sea every day.
Cayo Coco attracts tourists with a combination of first-class service and surrounding nature, which seems untouched by civilization. Many birds and mammals live here, there’s a national park, and you can engage in climbing and mountaineering.
Children and adults will love the flamingos, which roam the lawns like domestic animals, and when they take to the sky, it seems entirely pink. A coral reef is near the island, reminiscent of a giant aquarium, making diving truly exciting.
The local beaches are among the best in Cuba, impressing with their cleanliness. The local spa and fitness centers are also well-known. Recently, an airport has appeared on Cayo Coco, meeting modern requirements. So you can fly here directly from Havana.
Recommended:
- Melia Cayo Coco 5* – some bungalows are on platforms in the lagoon, shaded area with loungers, honeymoon compliment, entertainment events, and themed shows, 8 bars, special beach dinners organized.
- Pullman Cayo Coco 5* – total area of 120,000 sq.m., direct access to the beach, 7 bars, mini zoo, game room for children aged 4 to 12, separate area for adults only (18+).
- Memories Flamenco Beach Resort 5* – located in the Jardines del Rey resort area, romantic beach dinners, entertainment programs for adults and children, 24-hour snack bar and beverage service.
Cayo Largo
Located about 80 km south of the Big Island. It’s most convenient to get here from Varadero or Havana. There is no local population as such; Cubans come here to work in hotels. The hotels here are mostly 4*.
As for tourists, Cayo Largo is mainly chosen by “vacation connoisseurs.” The beaches with white sand are beautiful, the nature is picturesque, and during scuba diving, you can see a luxurious underwater world. Note that the water is so clear that you can tan even while swimming in the sea.
Parents with young children, romantic couples, and middle-aged tourists will all enjoy it here. Each hotel is a mini-city, with entertainment programs for children and adults will appreciate the wonderful Cuban cuisine.
Especially pleasant to come here in the months when it’s winter in America and serene summer reigns here; you will feel like you’ve been transported to another planet.
Cayo Guillermo
A truly heavenly place where you can have a great vacation. This island is connected to Cayo Coco by a road. There are first-class hotels offering the “all-inclusive” option. Animators work from morning till evening, various parties are organized, and live music plays.
The island is famous for its beaches with white sand. It feels like no human foot has stepped here, the surrounding nature is so good.
The sea is warm and has an unusual color. It seems that all shades of blue and green are present here. It’s great to relax with children here since there are no strong waves, and the sand doesn’t burn your feet even in the hottest part of the day. The island exudes an atmosphere of bliss and peace.
Ernest Hemingway appreciated it, who came here to work on the novel “Islands in the Stream.” You can expect excellent diving, and those who love dolphins can visit the local dolphinarium and swim with these amazing animals.
Recommended:
- Iberostar Playa Pilar 5* – “All-inclusive” system, animation team, Star Camp children’s camp, pool with attractions, 4 themed restaurants, dance lessons.
- Grand Muthu Cayo Guillermo 5* – 2 a la carte restaurants, 6 bars, mini club for children aged 2-12, 3 outdoor pools, gym, bowling, daytime and evening animation.
- Gran Muthu Imperial 5* – 4 a la carte restaurants, 8 bars, snack bar open 24 hours, premium drinks, animation, disco, dance and Spanish lessons, aqua fitness.
Cayo Santa Maria
A small island rapidly turning into a trendy resort. You can get here by plane from Havana in less than an hour or by car, which will take about 5 hours.
All the hotels here are 4 or 5 and operate on an “all-inclusive” basis. An extensive entertainment program awaits you, spa salons, children’s clubs, and animation are available. The local restaurants and cafes are also highly praised.
You can rent a scooter, bicycle, or car and travel around the island on your own. You will see huge turtles, observe the life of exotic crabs, and admire birds and iguanas. The beaches here are luxurious, perfect for relaxing with children – the sea is shallow, the sand is clean, and there are almost no waves.
Prices are slightly higher than Cayo Coco because all goods are imported. Nevertheless, you can enjoy plenty of fruits, taste real Cuban rum, and buy souvenirs. Be sure to visit the Che Guevara Museum, which has fascinating exhibits.
Holguín
One of Cuba’s most popular resort areas, located in the northeast of the country. You can fly to Havana and then travel to Holguín province by plane or bus. Hotels here cater to all tastes and budgets. You can choose a 5* hotel or stay in a hostel. The staff will ensure your vacation is untroubled everywhere.
The province boasts excellent beaches, especially the Emerald Beach, named for the color of the water. The best hotels are located here. The water temperature even in winter months reaches +27°C, so even young children can swim.
You can sail a yacht, rent a catamaran, and go scuba diving. Holguín has almost no nightlife, but families with children will feel wonderful here. There are few but some attractions.
You can climb the Hill of Christ – it has 458 steps, but the view from the top is breathtaking. Tourists are also offered to see the burial site of the aborigines, visit the old San Isidoro Cathedral, visit waterfalls, and a reserve famous for its dolphinarium.
Santa Lucia
Located in the northeast of the country and considered one of the best resorts. These places are also favored by pink flamingos, so you will undoubtedly see them regularly. The magnificent clean beach will appeal to tourists of all ages. But diving or at least snorkeling will bring particular joy. You will see numerous underwater inhabitants of the coral reefs.
You will feel like swimming in a giant aquarium. Additionally, many sunken ships in the area are well-preserved. You can dive into the sea and examine them carefully. Diving with sharks is also offered. You will be close to the predatory fish and watch as the instructor feeds them.
Guests are offered accommodation in first-class hotels. But don’t spend all your time even in the best hotels. Nearby is the fascinating old city of Camagüey. In the 17th century, pirate Henry Morgan set fire to it, and since then, the city has been a real labyrinth – with narrow streets and picturesque houses. In short, you can enjoy both beach vacations and exciting excursions here.
Havana
When heading to the capital of Cuba, prepare to immerse yourself in a fantastic world. Havana is an open-air museum. To see its main attractions, the trip should last at least a week. Old houses and modern streets with their shops, cozy small cafes, and luxurious restaurants, hotels for any taste and budget – all this is Havana.
You will observe how locals communicate with each other right through the windows (glass is rare here), admire energetic street performances, taste unique Cuban dishes, shop in stores and large shopping centers. Havana offers the most extensive choice of excursions, and you can buy all kinds of souvenirs here – from cigarettes and rum in unusual bottles to handmade local crafts.
You can ride a train on the old railway, visit nature reserves. As for beach holidays – it’s up to you. If you like clean and secluded beaches, you can always take a taxi and go to the nearest resorts, as Havana beaches are usually crowded.
Recommended:
- Memories Miramar 4* – located in the Miramar district, a bus to the beach goes three times a day, live music in the lobby bar, freshwater pool, wedding ceremonies are held.
- Cubanacan Comodoro 4* – main building and bungalow complex, evening entertainment shows, disco, 2 outdoor pools.
Baracoa
A fascinating city in the east of the country. Not many tourists know about it – for a long time, this place was isolated from the rest of Cuba, and you could only get here by sea. Later, a road was built. The city was founded in the early 16th century.
Nearby is the place where Columbus landed at the end of the 15th century. The local cathedral houses a cross that he supposedly placed on the shore. The nature here is picturesque – there is a mountain with a flat top, whose name translates as “anvil.”
There are rivers, waterfalls, and a black sand beach. The smallest frogs in the world live in these parts. There are also many colonial-era monuments. Baracoa specializes in chocolate production. You can also taste the most delicious fish dishes here – served with coconut milk.
Cienfuegos
Cienfuegos is a relatively modern city. This means that comfortable hotels and developed infrastructure await you. But there are also historical quarters here. You can also get to know the locals’ way of life, for example, by visiting an Indian village on the water. The beach vacation won’t disappoint either. The sea is warm and shallow, and the sand is clean.
Those who love diving will be pleased with the prices for diving, which are much lower than, for example, in Varadero. Children will enjoy a trip to the crocodile farm. Here you can see reptiles of all ages and buy fascinating souvenirs. There is also a bird reserve in the surroundings. You will surely see giant sea stars. Cuba is hospitable at any time of the year and always welcomes tourists.
