Tailor-made Cuba: Introduction

Shaped like a languid crocodile, the island of Cuba lies just 170 kilometres south of the Florida Keys but is a world away from its powerful American neighbour. The largest and most populous island in the Caribbean, Cuba is an addictive mixture of lavish Spanish colonial architecture, Castro’s communism, sublime powder white beaches, teeming coral reefs, densely forested mountains and verdant tropical plantations.

The country’s unique and turbulent history weaves a fascinating tale through Spanish colonial rule and the slave trade to Batista’s dictatorship and Castro’s revolution. This is mirrored in its vibrant culture, thriving arts scene and flamboyant music. Since the collapse of the Soviet Union Cuba’s economy has struggled, its problems exacerbated by the continuing US embargo. The fact that Americans aren’t officially allowed to visit has rather de-railed Cuba’s desire to increase visitor numbers, but has served to preserve Cuba’s proudly Hispanic culture in a region that can all-too-easily become over-Americanised.

Anyone visiting with an open mind, a sense of humour and a willingness to explore beyond the all-inclusive resorts will be rewarded by a country which offers so much more than classic cars, cigars and beautiful beaches.

Selected Highlights

Our specialists have travelled the length and breadth of the country to research the best places to stay and things to do. Here they list a few of their favourite “unmissables”. Click here for more highlights

Abandon yourself to the Cuban beat

Cubans are some of the most welcoming and enigmatic people in the world, and nothing conveys the national psyche of these proud people better than their...  [more]

Experience Havana

This is the most atmospheric city you may ever visit. The crumbling houses and narrow streets contrast beautifully with grand renovated squares and palaces....  [more]

Explore the Bay of Pigs

The Bay of Pigs on the south coast is well known for the infamous attempted coup by American backed Cuban exiles in April 1961. They were defeated in...  [more]