Think paradise, think Varadero, Cuba. If you're going to remember one thing about this post, remember that. Varadero is an peninsula in the province of Matanzas, around 90miles east of Havana and Havana international airport. Its claim to fame is its extraordinary beach, a 20km stretch of pure white sand and azure waters.
Simply put, it's the best beach I've ever been to in my life. The water is shallow and crystal clear; you can walk out far from the beach without it even grazing the tops of your thighs, making for perfect wallowing waters mid sunbathe! There is decent snorkelling and scuba diving in the area too, if lying prone under an umbrella with a mojito ain't your thing.
See my top tips for a trip here:
1. RELAX.
You're in one of the most beautiful places in the world and it is designed literally just for your pleasure. Do as much or as little as you like, enjoy the ocean and let those worries and tensions slip away in the tide.
2. Drink Mojitos. Many of them.
Cuba is THE place for rum (see my previous article) and blimey, it flows hard here. Varadero is essentially only all inclusive so you can drink as many of these babies as you can. Do.
3. Go as 5 star luxury as you can.
I'd never normally advise this as I often prefer finding quirky independent hotels or guest houses, but Varadero is an exception. The penninsula is dominated by hotels and relative to Europe or America, they're reasonably priced. I got 2 nights at the 4* Paradisus Princesa del Mar Resort & Spa for around £100 a night, which for all inclusive food and drink, and entertainment, is good.
Be aware that I find 4* is more like 3* here. Whilst my hotel had the most beautiful grounds, leading down onto the beach and with numerous pools, some of the room facilities were tired and the food and service is not what I would expect from other 4/5 starred resorts. This is a common observation from visitors to Cuba. So…spoil yourself and get the best that you can afford here in Paradise.
4. But…Expect nothing of the food.
Food in Cuba isn't good. I can't put it any other way. The country has had its own struggles over the years and with restrictions on trade and poverty in some parts, it's unsurprising that gastronomy hasn't been high on the agenda. Staples are pork or chicken with rice (literally….every day) and plenty of fruit. The hotels in Varadero will have international options but again…manage your expectations and don't expect much. There's always the rum….
A nice (and very insta-friendly) shot of one of the better breakfasts I had here.
5. On that note…prepare to set aside your iPhone.
Cuba has only recently gained popular access to the internet and many services (such as facetime, skype, YouTube or Paypal) are still blocked. Facebook, instagram and twitter are all fine, breathe easy. It is highly unlikely that you'll get wifi access in your room and to get access at all you have to buy a wifi card for 1 hour (usually around $3) and go and sit in a zone with coverage (reception in my case). Try and enjoy it – it really is a break from reality. If I, as a blogger glued to social media, can cope…so can you.
6. Build in a visit to Havana, or vice versa!
Havana is the capital of Cuba and is only 1hr30 drive from Varadero. With a beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site lauded Old Town of charming old streets, some of the finest heritage cocktail bars in the World AND an abundance of old classic cars, it is a total must. All the Varadero hotels run a daily bus there for around $20 which is a bargain (but takes longer as it stops at all the hotels at both ends).
See my Travel Guide and Bar Guide for when you're there!
7. Take a classic car ride along the ocean.
It's no myth- these beautiful old cars are everywhere in Cuba, due to the embargo I believe. Take a ride in one along the penninsula and visit some of the nearby towns to Varadero.
8. Enjoy watersports!
There's plenty of activity to be had on Varadero beach. Try windsurfing, scuba diving, tubing, sailing a catamaran or snorkling – usually free of charge through your hotel! I did the latter and caught a cheeky glimpse of a conch and a ray, just off the beach although your hotel can arrange trips for you somewhere more scenic.
9. Get your toes in the sand and get creative.
You DESERVE this. Enjoy this feeling.
10. ….and finally, sit back and enjoy the sunset. Be thankful. You're in the most perfect place in the world.
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