)
Four Cuban destinations that make it easy to ghost winter
Without the holidays, winter is just…winter – cold, grey, a true manifestation of the unimpressed emoji, and the last place we want to be stuck. Wouldn’t you know it, there’s a place where the days are long, the sun stays out and the nights are hot (remember those?). Cuba’s stunning locales are as much a Canadian favourite as a beaver tail and just like those tasty treats, there’s a flavour for everyone. From history buffs to adventure seekers, this Caribbean gem serves up vacation vibes as smooth as its famous rum.
Rub elbows with the locals in Cienfuegos
Step into the "Pearl of the South", where Instagram filters are about as useful as a phone case on a Nokia 3310. Perfect for the traveller who packs a camera and curiosity in equal measure (and maybe an extra memory card – trust us, you’ll need it!), Cienfuegos offers a story around every corner. The Palacio de Valle is the product of an overachiever who couldn’t pick just one style with Gothic, Moorish and Baroque architecture that actually works. Sure, you could visit the typical tourist spots or you could hit up paladres, family-run restaurants dishing out local specialties, capped off with ice cream and people watching on the Malecón at sunset. Because nothing says living your best life like brain freeze with a view!
Tantalizing stays in Varadero
Varadero's 20 kilometre stretch of pristine shoreline is what happens when Mother Nature makes a point of showing off. Whether you're a sunrise yoga enthusiast (we’re more of the namaste in bed types) or a professional beach napper (yes, that's a thing), Varadero's coastline is the blank canvas you’ve been waiting for. It’s not all just vibing on the soft, white sands, you can make a splash here quite literally with everything from snorkelling and scuba diving along coral reefs to windsurfing, catamaran cruises offering unique views of the coast and more. The best part? Many of the all inclusive resorts along this famous seaside offer these activities as part of your stay!
See what guidebooks are missing in Holguin
This is where the explorers will find themselves swapping life stories with locals and discovering spots that haven't made it to your social feed yet. Just north of the coast is Cayo Saetia offering a unique landscape of forests and grassland with 12 beaches, many bordered by rocky cliffs. The Rocazul Biopark is perfect for getting up close and personal to Cuba’s natural beauty through hiking, diving and more, plus knowledgeable guides showing you more than any Google search could. From mountain ranges and nature reserves to archeological sites and towering waterfalls that'll make your friends back home question their life choices, this authentic corner of Cuba delivers experiences that go beyond the standard vacation checklist.
No shoes, no shirt, no problems in Cayo Santa Maria
What if we told you there’s a small island where your only concern that day is which captivating stretch of coastline you can lounge on? No, it’s not Kokomo, it’s Cayo Santa María. This oasis is tailor-made for vacationers that are ready to go all in on doing the bare minimum (respectfully) – you work hard enough already. Sun yourself on pristine shores like Playa Las Gaviotas and if you need some cooling off, the calm, crystal-clear waters are made for simply floating around with colourful coral reefs living beneath you. Or, you could shake things up with a catamaran ride. This secluded paradise offers a real exclusivity that makes you feel like you're on your own private island – just with the comfort of all inclusive resorts.
When winter's throwing its worst at you, you can always lean on Cuba with its warm beaches, warmer smiles and the kind of hospitality that makes you want to extend your stay indefinitely. With Sunwing Vacations offering a wide range of packages across these stunning Cuban destinations, your perfect winter escape is just a booking away.
