Cuba
Sultry jazz, fat cigars, 1950s classic American cars, palm-fringed beaches.. the clichés are all true - and wonderful - but Cuba has a lot more to offer if you dig a little deeper.
The largest island in the Caribbean, Cuba's resilient people have survived Spanish conquest, slavery, revolution, totalitarianism, cold war and economic hardship - none of which seems to have dented their optimistic zest for life. The country's rich heritage is written in the streets and buildings of towns like Havana and Trinidad, both UNESCO world heritage sites - from the crumbling, faded grandeur of colonial houses to smoky bars frequented by Hemingway and the 1930s Hollywood set, and huge billboards celebrating the achievements of Che and Fidel. Music is everywhere in the Latin/Caribbean fusion of salsa, son, bolero, mambo and rumba rhythms.
Away from the pulsating dance floors and mojitos, there's another side to Cuba. You could try dining at a family-run paladar, or explore the countryside where ox carts ply between tobacco fields and sleepy villages. Extraordinary limestone outcrops give way to lush valleys filled with orchids and waterfalls.
Cuban coastal resorts are deservedly popular for their azure seas and fine sandy beaches. But if you really want to get away from it all, there are plenty of quieter beaches to discover, including remote islands visited by just one or two boats a day.
Highlights
Here are some of our Cuba highlights
Living with locals
Stay in a private house or 'casa' as they are known locally. Accommodation is often simple and the decoration can be quite 'unique', but they are good value for money and the owners (often only Spanish-speaking) are normally on hand to make you feel at home.
Explore in depth
Travel around the country's colonial towns and places of interest with your own driver-guide. He or she will ensure you really get to know the country.
The cultural capital
'La Habana Vieja' with its crumbling colonial facades is the place to be, soak up the music and enjoy the local 'paladares' and street cafes. This eclectic capital oozes cuture and the unique Latino/Caribbean vibe ensures you know you're in Cuba!
Cayes and coast
Cuba's Caribbean beaches are stunning. Miles of white sand and clear blue water provide the base for a myriad of water sports and activities. For a relaxing break away from the crowds, head to one of the cayos (islands).
Classic cars
Cuba is known for its classic America vintage cars, lovingly restored again and again! For a real trip back in time to the 1950's, it's even possible to take a tour in one around the old districts of Havana and Trinidad.
We had a fabulous holiday and feel as if we immersed ourselves in Cuba. There were all sorts of highlights, from snorkelling in the Bay of Pigs, to hiking to Fidel's hideaway in the Sierra Maestra, to spending a morning visiting Hemingway's haunts by 1950s open-topped American car. We would like to make special mention of your Cuban partners who organised our accommodation, transport and social agenda and most notably, their driver/guide, who was exceptional. He looked after us for 13 nights with immaculate driving - no mean feat on the roads and with the fuel shortage - humour, warmth and consideration. He introduced us to local customs, food and experiences beyond our expectations, and gave us confidence in an unfamiliar environment. All the other guides we met along the way were also well-informed, friendly and helped to make our Cuban adventure very special.
- JF&PW