Varadero, Cuba

Varadero is the first beach that comes to mind when we think about all-inclusive Cuban vacations.

There’s no mystery involved; visitors have always been drawn to this narrow, 20-kilometre peninsula two-hours east of Havana, thanks to its sugary white beaches and turquoise seas. The seriously rich started using the area back in the 1920s but the village area didn’t really take off until the Duponts and their millions arrived in the 1950s. Today, Varadero’s main roads are lined with large all-inclusive resorts and the village is home to 20,000 Cubans, but you can still walk for miles on unspoiled beaches.

The hotels are low-rise and the newer properties are in large, spread-out complexes. The glorious beach and abundant water sports will always be the prime attractions but they’re not the only things Varadero has going for it.

Cuban Tourism likes to brag about the area’s total of approximately 100 discos, bars and nightclubs. You can, for example, have a cocktail at Casa De Al, the onetime vacation home of Al Capone, or try some of the spots popular among Canadians – places like Palacio de la Rumba, Habana Cafe, La Cueva del Pirata, La Patana disco and the Mambo Club.

Varadero is also home to Cuba’s first 18-hole championship golf course, a short walk from the Melia Los Americas. Even if you’re not a golfer you may want see the clubhouse. It started life as Villa Xanadu, the former Dupont mansion, and it’s well worth a visit for a drink in the outside bar overlooking the course and the ocean, or the bar on the top floor. There’s also a restaurant many call the most elegant in Varadero.

Retiro Josone Park is another appealing option; it has lovely gardens and there are restaurants there too.

But if you’re looking for gourmet dining, Cuba may not be at the top of your list. Yes, island food is better than it used to be but for the most part, if you’re looking for quality meals you find them only in five-star foreign-run hotels. The newer four-star properties also have acceptable food, but savvy visitors have been known to take their own spices along to add a little extra zing to their meals.

Most of the larger hotels also have discos, which can add some zing to life after dinner. Cuba is all about music. There are clubs and discos in town and almost all of the hotels offer live entertainment of varying quality, including cabarets and nightclub style shows.

Most of the hotels also have gift shops but shopping is not Varadero’s main attraction. However, there are several art galleries and craft shops, cigar shops, three shopping centres and an interesting handicraft market. CD’s are a good buy, as of course cigars and rum.

If you decide to go, we recommend sticking to the newer four- and five-star hotels. The older two- and three-star hotels don’t offer the same kind of value for your dollars and despite their relatively cheap prices should probably be avoided. But overall, Varadero is a great spot if you’re looking for good value in a Cuban beach holiday.

It’s less isolated than other Cuban destinations. Your resort, depending on your choice, will be just 20-40 km from the airport. And storied old Havana is just an easy day-trip away.