Unwind in Cuba - Guardalavaca, Cuba

Travelogue The Holguin area on Cuba’s north coast is the place to unwind on idyllic white beaches and soak up some local culture. Take time to wader round Holguin, one of Cuba’s prettiest areas or dance to the island’s famous Salsa in Santiago de Cuba, where colonial architecture mixes with vibrant bars. Above all, this is the place for beach lovers sipping cocktails.

The resort offers something for everyone and for all ages. We found that our children all took great advantage of the wide variety of sports and entertainment and so we could all relax and have fun!

I particularly loved the white beaches and the sightseeing tours, while my partner enjoyed the more unusual sports eg, paragliding, catamaran and scuba.

Visiting Havana – a fascinating and absorbing capital, filled with beautiful buildings, vibrant music and amazing culture. It is a city of contrasts – the lovely old town, where Hemingway was based, with its old French squares (San Francisco de Asis and Playa de Armas) cobbled streets and El Morro fortress and new Havana, home of the Revolution, Jose Marti monument and art décor.

Swimming with the dolphins. The dolphins swam around us, with a special trick of pushing a nose under our feet to glide us along the water and thus back to base.

Afterwards, there was a dolphin show – the children especially admired the antics and tricks displayed.


Unwind in Cuba
*By L Kidwell, UK*
Destination Guardalavaca, Cuba
Categories Family, Singles
Length of Stay 14 Days
Accommodation The Sol Luna Mares Resort is very modern and is set in its own grounds, with tropical gardens. An excellent range of facilities for adults, families and children alike complement bright and spacious rooms, all of which have air conditioning, balcony terrace, TV and safety deposit box. Facilities include: Two swimming pools Sun terrace with parasols and sun loungers Choice of four restaurants, including an a la Carte restaurant, international buffet style restaurant with Criollo and seafood dishes Choice of four bars. Kids clubs for different age groups – well supervised, with a variety of games and activities Volleyball Pool table Archery Aerobics Golf Tennis Beach football Sailing Live music and shows each evening Fashion shows Spanish lessons Salsa lessons Gun range At aGlance Warm and sunny all year round Plenty of activities Easy to get around 24 hour bar – free unlimited hot, soft and alcoholic drinks All-inclusive

Travelogue The Holguin area on Cuba’s north coast is the place to unwind on idyllic white beaches and soak up some local culture. Take time to wader round Holguin, one of Cuba’s prettiest areas or dance to the island’s famous Salsa in Santiago de Cuba, where colonial architecture mixes with vibrant bars. Above all, this is the place for beach lovers sipping cocktails. The resort offers something for everyone and for all ages. We found that our children all took great advantage of the wide variety of sports and entertainment and so we could all relax and have fun! I particularly loved the white beaches and the sightseeing tours, while my partner enjoyed the more unusual sports eg, paragliding, catamaran and scuba. There were two highlights for me: Visiting Havana – a fascinating and absorbing capital, filled with beautiful buildings, vibrant music and amazing culture. It is a city of contrasts – the lovely old town, where Hemingway was based, with its old French squares (San Francisco de Asis and Playa de Armas) cobbled streets and El Morro fortress and new Havana, home of the Revolution, Jose Marti monument and art décor. Swimming with the dolphins. The dolphins swam around us, with a special trick of pushing a nose under our feet to glide us along the water and thus back to base. Afterwards, there was a dolphin show – the children especially admired the antics and tricks displayed.

Must See Attractions Revel in the Caribbean rhythms in Casa de la Trava Visit the Bacardi factory in Santiago Visit the cigar factory in Pesquero Santiago, Cuba’s second city Holguin, the provincial capital Cayo Saetia, the place to see deer and water buffalo La Boca’s lagoon, home to pink flamingo Havana, the capital, where colonial architecture is the backdrop for 1950’s American cars; pictures of CheGuevara and Fidel Castro are well displayed Famous writer Ernest Hemmingway’s haunts are revered; and Revolution Square, the harbour and fortress are “must sees”. Treat yourself to a bottle of Habana club rum and top quality cigars Local craft markets for handicrafts, artwork and souvenirs.

Weather 80-90 degrees F, 6-7 hours of sun all year round

Thrills and Spills Fulfil a dream to swim with dolphins at the dolphinarium in Guardalavaca Snorkel and scuba in clear seas – barracuda and yellow tuna and snappers are plentiful Speedboat through the mangroves Enjoy water sports, including riding a pedalo, windsurfing and canoing Paragliding Helicopter ride and safari through the jungle Visit a crocodile farm Enjoy the cabaret at the world famous Tropicana nightclub

© Fabulous Holidays 2004.