Travel Agent Drumcondra

I was fortunate enough to be chosen to join a group of travel agents on an escorted familiarisation trip to this gem of a Caribbean country. We flew courtesy with Air France via Paris and despite changing terminals and the nightmare that can be Charles De Gaulle Airport we connected seamlessly. Travelling Air France economy class was a pleasant experience and the French sure aim to please with a very good meal tray and wine selection on board. Ten hours later we arrive into Havana Airport and are met by a renowned ground handling agent.

We spent our first evening just outside Havana at the Melia Habana Hotel a fantastic 4* hotel on the coast about ten minutes cab ride away from the fantastic Old Town which is like stepping back in time to the 1950s, the aura and atmosphere of this city just has to be seen too be believed. There is so much to see and do for example the Bay of Pigs, the original Rum factory and museum and the nightlife comes into its own with the most atmospheric bars and cocktail clubs welcoming you to sample the classic Mojito cocktails or whatever takes your fancy.

The Cuban people are charming and very accommodating to us Westerners coming into the city. This vibrant city and its population are most welcoming and you are very safe in this town, Castro & Co will not accept anything less and you are sure to be enchanted and surprised at Havana - make sure to see it now before the American cruise liners arrive and the old style is lost forever! Hemingway’s hotel room is now preserved and a tourist attraction itself, you can see from his room why he never left for too long.

Onto Varadero which is a specially purpose built resort with all that you would expect from your major hotel and resort chains, we stayed for a week at the 5 * Paradisis Princesa Del Mar Resort and Spa.

Welcomed traditional Cuban Style with music was a sight to behold; the lobby alone will impress you with its sweeping panoramic views down to the ocean. All rooms here are Junior Suites and well furnished and spacious, prime sea view rooms are available at a premium and ideal for honeymooners or those seeking to truly impress. As we were on an All Inclusive basis a well stocked mini-bar is in the room and topped up daily by the staff. For meals we certainly had lots of choice, buffet style and specialist A La Carte options also available (the French restaurant and Japanese highly recommended). The Hill Top Hideaway near the Royal Suites is also a must sample item which is available at a supplement.

There is fabulous entertainment laid on almost nightly and if that doesn't suit then a more laid back vibe can be appreciated by taking in a cocktail or cold beer whilst listening to the in house pianist in the Piano Bar. Two minutes walk from our rooms led me to the most stunning powder white seafront I have seen to date and for all you Water sports fans you wont be disappointed with all sorts on offer including fishing excursions whereby the locals will assist you to catch and cook right on the beach front!

A short distance away is some more nightlife options should you need them but we did not feel the need to sample as the hotel was more than adequate in that regard. Because of the current regime in Cuba, which incidentally has the best National Health Service, it’s worth remembering to bring along some items we take for granted in Europe such as branded shampoos, toiletries and even spare toothbrushes - pack a few extra and leave for your room staff who will truly appreciate the gesture.

Scenery is stunning in this area and for those who wish to venture off the beaten track there is a lot more authenticity to be experienced in nearby Trinidad and other areas so just ask me and I can advise you further. After ten days our trip came to an end and I truly felt I was leaving an untouched and non-commercial part of this world behind. There is an exit visa in place and costs 25 Cuban Pesos. Make sure you don’t put off visiting this unique destination for too long; it would be a shame to miss out on the real Cuba.