Historic Cuba
Cuba – Historic Havana and Sugar Soft Sands Once closed off to the outside world, Cuba has since become a fascinating holiday destination, drenched in history and home to perhaps the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean.
Havana is its capital city, vibrant and exciting with museums, churches, colonial forts and elaborate squares to explore. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, no trip would be complete without a visit to one of its many cigar factories, fascinating whether you smoke them or not! Combine a trip to the city with a stay at the beach, stopping en-route in the Vinales Valley, a magical landscape of hills and caves where you can tour a tobacco farm, horse-ride and learn more about the Cuban way of life.
The most renowned beach resort in Cuba is Varadero, boasting more than 36 kilometres of sand that looks and feels just like powdered sugar. There are water sports in abundance, lagoon-type pools, gourmet restaurants, sophisticated nightclubs and some of the finest hotels in the world to relax in!
Insider tip: La Bodeguita del Medio in Havana Old Town was the haunt of famous author Ernest Hemingway. Head there with your copy of ‘For Whom the Bell Tolls’ and enjoy his favourite drink, the Mojito, comprising Havana Rum of course, soda, sugar, lime and mint– delicious!
Castaway with Tobago
Tobago – For that Castaway Feeling! The ‘Robinson Crusoe’ island, Tobago encapsulates everything that is perfect about the Caribbean. There are only low-rise buildings, the people are some of the nicest you’ll ever meet and the weather is hot, hot, hot! There are also plenty of empty beaches to call your own, including Englishman’s Bay, undoubtedly one of Tobago’s jewels and Pigeon Point, picture perfect in every way.
The island is home to the oldest protected rainforest in the western hemisphere. Explore it on foot or by mountain bike, stopping off for photo opportunities at the Argyle Waterfall, the highest in Tobago. There are 2 championship golf courses for enthusiasts, overlooking the sea and lined with coconut trees. Alternatively, head to the Grafton Wildlife Sanctuary to admire the beautiful Blue Crowned Mot Mot. Or visit Stonehaven and Courland Beaches to spot Giant Leatherback Turtles (Mar-Jun). Kimme Museum is also recommended with lifesize sculptures made from oak, cedar, lime, cypress and bronze.
Insider tip: ‘Sunday School’ in Tobago refers to the island’s hottest weekend event – an open-air dance and music festival next to Buccoo Beach. The evening starts around 9pm with a steel pan band, then reggae and calypso take you into the early hours. There’s no entrance fee, just turn up and enjoy!
A Beach for Every Day of the Year!
Antigua – A Beach for Every Day of the Year! Cool trade winds, powdery soft beaches and a nearly unbroken wall of Coral Reef are just some of the attractions Antigua has to offer. Divers are in for the time of their lives with Cades Reef a designated underwater park to explore and the Wreck of the Andes, a 3-masted merchant ship that sank in 1905 and now lies in less than 30 feet of water!
For the full-on beach experience, Dickenson Bay and Runaway Bay in the north-west are ideal. For peace and quiet, head to Fryes Bay, Darkwood Beach and Rendezvous Bay in the south. Cricket is the island’s national obsession and played anywhere at any time. Sailing comes a close second with neighbouring island Barbuda to negotiate also. Nelson’s Dockyard is the only Georgian dockyard in the world and fascinating to explore. Shirley Heights affords stunning views of the dockyard and English Harbour – if you’re there on Sunday afternoon, stay on for the barbecue with accompanying rum punch and reggae!
Insider tip: A few miles offshore from Antigua is Barbuda, well worth taking a trip to. Almost deserted, there are pink and white beaches to explore, the Frigate Bird Sanctuary and plentiful fishing. Alternatively, just pitch up on the beach with a picnic and savour the serene atmosphere!
Virgin Holidays has been arranging holidays since 1985 and are the largest, most successful transatlantic tour operator, and market leader for travel to the USA and the Caribbean.
For great deals on Cuba Holidays 2011 and holidays to caribbean 2011, visit www.virginholidays.co.uk. Image maladjets
