a b Cu INSIDER
Ola from Cuba, following our ethos of independent thinking and freedom of choice, we have tapped into our network to unlock our insider narrative for a destination that is popularly known as the city of decay and rebirth, crafted in a treasure chest of beautiful people, music and culture. We go against the grain so with that in mind, this is how we roam through Cuba. Here is your exclusive all access pass to the best bits of Cuba, from where we eat, sleep, play and who or what to discover.
YOUR WORLD. YOUR WAY.
Cuba Insider WRITTEN BY AH TRAVEL CLUB
Nostalgia and transformation is the Cuban experience. A flare that holds the untouched city of Havana and its iconic reputation, plus the landscapes of jungle mountains and island paradise beaches. The Tropicana vibrance of colourful artwork, infectious music and raw interactions with the Cuban people, will undoutably have an effect on your soul forever. For all the honeys out there, watch out because you may never go back home if you catch the attention of a Cuban man. For the fellas there is always something mystical about a Latino woman. Cuba is a gift that keeps on giving, from the surprising moments of street life, to the waves crashing hard on the Malecon, to the unknowing journeys that take you beyond the city of Havana (Havana isnt the only place in Cuba BTW), and to the explosive key that unlocks a place that was consider forbidden for so long.
WHERE WE STAY HAVANA You'd be a fool to stay in a hotel while in Havana, the best way to live in Havana is to live like a Cuban. You want that picturesque lifestyle of high ceilings, retro furniture from the 50s and 60s, and the sounds of Havana flooding in from the balcony. And if you really want to stay in a hotel, Casa Pedro Maria has that similar vintage setting for you. The more Boujee types, can kick it at Paseo 206 Boutique Hotel, trendy and minimalist.
VINALES After encountering all of Vinales' natural elegance, set yourself up in the private house of Casa La Bella Vita. Overlooking the valley of plantation farms with a rum cocktail in hand, taking in all of nature's glory, in your home away from home.
CAYO SANTA MARIA Southern cuba’s finest stretch of sand is home to hotels among hotels. Spend most of your time outside the hotel walls but return to the Cuba's Luxury Melia to revitalize in a pure natural paradise. TRINIDAD A gem for colonial exploration, rich in history and a little bit more peaceful. Finca Kenia is the getaway for stillness. With a pool that overlooks the mystical Escambray mountains in a Casa that is the charm of Trinidad. Relax and unwind here.
WHERE WE EAT IN HAVANA
BREAKAST The restaurants in Havana tend to normally open too late for breakfast, it's a Cuban thing to skip breakfast all together, probably because of the previous nights salsa footwork and mouth-watering Mojito's. Cafe Galeria Mamaine is a perfect setting to rise with the city. 5Esquinas Trattoria, is also a great Breaky spot that we love. BRUNCH The brunch option isn't really the norm for Cuban's, however we have your hipster option for mid-morning munchies. El Dandy is a tapas bar with great interiors of old appliances, furniture and artworks. Grab your friends or newly found lovers and celebrate the new day with Havana's best coffee.
LUNCH Exclusive and luxurious, La Guarida International is historically an iconic symbol to the restauranteur landscape of Cuba. Its simply a must, but make your bookings in advance. For a more authentic experience visit La Esperanza, this restaurant is literally set in someone's home, you're basically going on a blind date with the menu, well because there is no menu, instead the owner will tell you what there is for the day. We've had many delightful lunches here.
DINNER El Cocinero is one of our favourites, a cool and trendy restaurant / bar located in Vedado, the space is totally open and great for tapas, drinks and live music. Paladar Vista Mar is a 2 floor family home reformed into a sea view restaurant, the place has been around for ages and is great to experience when looking for less of a crowded spot.
WHERE WE EAT OUT OF HAVANA
VINALES An amazing spot to unwind for lunch after hiking or climbing through the different Vinales valleys, is Finca Agroecologica El Paraiso. Basically setup on a farm, you really get to deep into a lifestyle and culture that is so different from the city. El Olivio has some tremendous lasagne and pasta dishes. The joker in the pack is rabbit with herbs in a dark chocolate sauce. Sips some cocktails, eat some tapas and smoke a Cohiba while you listen to the rhythmic Cuban sounds. at 3J Bar de Tapas. TRINIDAD Dine at the idyllic restaurant Sol Y Son, a tick-box colonial, an ivy-clad courtyard, under the moonlight. The place oozes romance, with vintage furniture and gramophones and a fine menu. The lobster-stuffed plantain is killer!!
WHAT WE DO DAYCAP
HAVANA Connect with local people as you listen to Cuban music, see Cubans rumba and salsa, all while drinking rum on a wooden table stacked against a wall in a colourful alley way, El Callejon de Hamel is a secret celebratory town waiting to be unlocked. Fabrica de Arte Cubano (F.A.C) is where Cuba’s modern expression resides. Call it a gallery, a cinema, a party venue or fashion runway, F.A.C showcases the best in Cuban artistry. VINALES The Valle de Viñales has an overwhelming landscape with hiking trails for days, waterfalls and streams, climbing routes and cave sites. Make sure to pack comfortable shoes so you don't miss out on the active part of your Cuban experience.
VARADERO BEACH Varadero Beach is a strange strip of land that leads out into the ocean, at the very beginning and end of this strip you can find some of the coolest cave sites to visit. From simple trails, to underwater crystal pools and caves turning into nightclubs, its best to linger in Varadero for some time.
SANTA MARIA Santa Maria has the best beaches in Cuba. The strip of beach is so big its seperated into nine sections. Hire a yatch and stay afloat on the torqouise waters, snorkling and scuba diving the coral reefs, hire a jeep and cruise along the coast line of your tropical getaway.
WHAT WE DO NIGHTCAP
HAVANA If you're not spending at least 80% of your evenings perfecting the craft and technique of the Salsa or the Rumba, then you may as well have never come to Cuba. Cuban nightlife is the best way to meet locals. And if the locals aren't there, its probably not a good choice. Huge in the 40s and still big now Salon Rosado de la Tropical is a legend amongst the Cubans. It plays a big part in the music scene today, with large concerts, parties and special events. If you’re looking for the hot 20 somethings, visit the trendy Sia Kara. , the trailblazer's watering whole.
TRINIDAD Casa de La Trova in Trinidad is a day experience that shifts into the evening so smoothly. As you become a little sloppy on the amount of rum consumed, you tend to gain some confidence in your moves. Buzzed on the rum and floating on the Salsa, this will be a night you won't forget!!
OUR 'IT' SPOTS KILLER VIBES
What is Cuba without its Rum, you’d be a fool to not visit the Havana Club Factory but you’d also be a fool if you decided to plan something after this experience. Open up your afternoon, line your stomach and put your drinking cap on. Explore the history of the rum-making house matched with a tasting room and liquour store. When we connect you with the Havana Club, they treat you like family, sit and have lunch with them, while they tell you some epic stories of the times rum got them in trouble. La Bodeguita Del Medio is something that needs to be experienced rather than described. A small bar with limited seating, only serving rums, with one bar tender and local musicians playing Afro-Cuban tunes, this is your afternoon fix. Trust us, you have to experience it, it's one of those moments that captures the essence of what took you to Cuba in the first place. Something for the groomers, Arte Corte is a salon and an interactive museum. So don't get that fresh cut before you travel, get it while you’re in Cuba, the classic way, seated in 100 year old chairs amongst the chatter and banter of iconic salon moments. Outside of Cuba we love the town of Che, Santa Clara is Cuba’s revolutionary city, Che can be found on the walls, on the streets, as monuments and statues. Feel the buzz of the revolution and learn a thing of two about why Cuban's are so passionate about the heritage and nationality.
WHO WE WATCH OUT FOR CONNECTING WITH AMAZING LOCALS
DJ JIGUE The energy and vibrance of the Cuban youth is what stands out most to us. Almost all platforms of expression are used to speak on some injustice or political issue, inspiring others to have a voice. DJ Jigue is one of the islands finest DJs and producers, he draws the rhythms of Afro-Cuban music, rumba, house and so much more. His music represents the story of Cuba’s decent, from Spanish and African roots. As a foreigner your opinion on Cuba's historical and current political states should not be heard, listen to what the Cuban people are saying through their art form. DJ Jigue's music will transform you to something that is unexpected, unconventional and a true representation of modern Cuba. DAYME AROCENA As the future is now more open than ever for the Cuban youth, there is an explosive scene of the young energizing the city of Havana. The trouble is that when you have a country or city with so much history, it becomes a concerning factor of how the history will live on as generations become more distant to traditions and cultures. Cuba is known to the world as the place that introduced the way to shake your hips, Music plays such a big role in Cuba that it lives through everyone. Dayme Arocena combines the freshness of her youth and the iconic traditions of Cuban composure. With an extremely strong voice Dayme seems to channel the very ambiance and enchanting chimes of the Buena Vista Social Club.
TOP 5 THINGS TO BAG IN CUBA DITCH THE SOUVENIRS
We give you our top secret intel on what you should be getting your jet-setter hands on. P.S We are leaving behind breadcrumb trails, to get all the info, drop us an email. Local Vintage Finds Selling antiques is not entirely permitted, however our favourite collector selling vintage goods out of her home, is Belkys. Her house looks like a hoarders paradise enchantIng you by the revolutionary memorabilia. Afro-Cuban Jazz Vinyls One of Cuba's top producers, Edgar, houses the biggest collection of classic Cuban vinyls at the iconic EGREM Studios. Looking for a private tour to really connect with the heart of Cuban culture? Drop us an email. The Best Cuban Cigars The Valle de Viñales is known for the tobacco plantation farms. From the tobacco leaves cropped by generational farmers, to the old women who would roll the leaves on their soft laps, this is the home of the perfect Cuban cigar. Rum Stock Just like Beyonce keeps hot sauce in her bag, make sure to keep your Rum stock topped up in Cuba, the top Cuban Rum is Ron Anejo Santigo de Cuba, Castro’s fave. The Arechabalas archival distillery is literally a museum for rum.
Art from Cuba's emerging Artists. The Vibra chair collection, designed by Raiko Valladares and José A Villa. Their metal-framed 'Vibra' chair, revitalises the furniture design industry in their home country by using local materials, processes and craftsmen. Their designs can be found in some exclusive place in Havana.
'PLANT A SEED' - THE FOCUS CUBA SKATE
Despite limited access to gear, there are over 1000 skaters in Cuba and the community is steadily growing. Most of these skaters ride on make-shift boards or hand-me-downs, but there is something that brings them to skating regardless of the tools that they have. Cuba Skate works to foster a constructive environment for Cuban youth, that will have a positive impact on the greater community, bringing support to these kids and creating a outlet from their daily struggles. For Cuba Skate, skating isn't really a hobby but a way to make for a better life. The Cuba Skate's daily mission is to make the most out of the little that the youth have., #livingoffthewall and staying off the streets. They have been working hard to provide much needed skate materials to the Cuban youth, renovating the only, dilapidated skatepark in Havana, and trying to establish the first skate shop in Cuba. While fostering a bilateral educational exchange between Cuban and American skaters. With so many projects coming on board, you can see how Cuba Skate's community has really impacted the positive charge in the youth. To see whats been going on, visit their Instagram account and to make donations in supporting the platform, visit their website.
MEET SUSSETTE MARTINEZ, TRAVEL TRIBE INSIDER
We’ve been working closely with Sussette Martinez, as one of favorite Cuban best-kept secrets. When we met her we HAD to have her join our tribe as one of our travel black book insiders. Living, breathing and even married to art, Sussette is the unannounced godmother of the Cuban contemporary art industry. Her career began 10 years ago, since then she has been preparing and managing artistic projects, promoting the contemporary Cuban art scene and arranging art shows, showcasing the strength of Cuban creativity.
Obviously we’ve been stalking you for a while now, could you tell our readers a bit about what you're currently working on? I organize schedules of art, where people can visit the artists in their own studios and the artists can share with them first-hand their pieces and their story. Like an art guide, I am a direct link to artists and at the forefront of the art scene.
What you’re doing really helps people to immerse themselves in a destination. What can one expect to experience on the art tours? The art tours are a different way of understanding Cuban artists, Cuban society and the Cuban reality. In each visit people can learn, through the art, about historical and present day Cuba, they can talk with the artists and learn directly about these topics. Of course, at the same time, you can appreciate the high aesthetic level of the artworks, and you can buy artworks.
Working so closely with the artists and in their workshops is truly inspiring. Why do you choose to work so intimately with the experience? Entering the studios and talking with the artists is a fascinating experience that I love to share. I have been organizing art tours for a long time and I continue to enjoy each tour just like the first time, it’s a way of recharging my energy and staying connected to Cuba.
Describe the art scene in Havana? Vibrant and very very powerful.
We are dying to know, what kind of art can people expect to encounter? With over 80 artists in Havana alone, you can have a panoramic tour where you can experience different trends and artistic speeches. We included different techniques from painting, engraving, photography, installations, sculpture, etc. But, of course, if you're interested in more specific art techniques we can prepare a bespoke program for your preferences.
Now if you could pick, which 4 artists would you invite to your dinner table for the ultimate travel tribe experience. They can be dead, fictional or alive? I would invite, from the past to Fidelio Ponce and Antonia Eiriz (in my opinion the two “monsters” of the Cuban art) and from the present, to José A Toirac and Roberto Diago, plus my husband, of course
You give us so much life in what you do, its only necessary that we ask you about your favorite places in Havana? Vistamar (Miramar) El café de los artistas (Habana Vieja) La Guarida (Centro Habana) El café Laurent y El Atelier (Vedado) Santy (the most delicious sushi in Havana) (Jaimanitas)
TIPS & TRICKS
GET FAMILIAR WITH THE FACTS The best times to visit Cuba is between November and April, and avoid Cuba during the months of August and September #HurricaneSeason. Forget about the Internet, either pay a lot of money for it or hide in your hotel wasting your time on the Gram. Always stash some cash, but not the dollar cash, the Cuban government is still throwing some shade at the US economy. The Cuban economy remains in the old techniques of communist living, if you're lucky some places or people still use the trade scheme of purchasing, keep something of value if you want to try trade as an alternative for cash exchange.  And lastly, dont sleep while in Cuba, this destination has been waiting on you for a while now, it's time to turn off that snooze button and make this adventure happen.
YOUR WORLD. YOURÂ WAY.
travelclub@asonihaus.com @ahtravelclub @ahtravelclub @ahclubtribe