Cuba: A Cultural and Culinary Journey Through Havana and Beyond

A Warm Havana Welcome

The journey unfolded in true Cuban style, with a welcome dinner at the celebrated La Guarida—an emblem of Havana’s eclectic elegance and famously featured in Fresa y Chocolate. Set within a faded yet magnificent colonial mansion, the evening introduced guests to Cuba’s rich tapestry of flavors and timeless charm, with each dish telling a story of heritage and passion.

Havana in a Day

The next morning, the spirit of the city revealed itself during a classic convertible car tour. With the sea breeze in their hair, guests cruised along the Malecón, wound through the leafy boulevards of Vedado, and paused at the grandiose Plaza de la Revolución, where monuments and murals spoke to Cuba’s storied past.

A lively browse through the vibrant stalls of the San José Craft Market followed, offering a treasure trove of Cuban artistry. Then, a visit to the Rum Museum beckoned, where the secrets behind Cuba’s iconic spirit were unraveled, and the enticing aromas of molasses and oak lingered in the air.

The afternoon unfolded with a delectable walking tour through the cobblestone streets of Old Havana, where pastel-hued buildings and the infectious rhythms of the city set the scene for tastings of local street food and traditional Cuban sweets. A relaxed lunch at a hidden paladar provided a flavorful interlude before stepping into the hallowed halls of El Floriditaand La Bodeguita del Medio—beloved haunts of Hemingway himself—for a round of classic daiquiris and mojitos.

As dusk settled, the rhythm of Cuba called once again. Guests danced through a lively salsa class before savoring an atmospheric dinner at La Bodega, an intimate restaurant tucked within the chic confines of La Reserva Vedado boutique hotel.

A Journey to Viñales

The journey westward to Viñales Valley offered a dramatic shift in scenery—towering mogotes and emerald tobacco fields painting an unforgettable landscape. Those seeking adventure explored the countryside on horseback, breathing in the tranquility of this untouched region.

Lunch unfolded family-style at an eco-farm, where every mojito, every vegetable, was harvested fresh from the land itself. As twilight descended, guests returned to Havana, some choosing to savor the evening’s scheduled dinner at Yarini Habana, while others opted for quiet reflection at their private retreat.

Seaside Serenity: Varadero

A day of bliss awaited at Varadero Beach, where sugar-white sands met the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean. The day was spent swimming, wandering barefoot along the shore, or simply reclining beneath the shade of a swaying palm, a chilled cocktail never far from hand.

That evening, the spirit of homecoming filled the air during a private dinner at Cañaveral House, where host Lexa presented a lovingly prepared, home-cooked Cuban feast.

Cooking, Cocktails & Cultural Immersion

The next morning began at Finca Vigía, Ernest Hemingway’s beloved Cuban hideaway. Here, among the sun-dappled rooms and lush gardens, guests glimpsed the life of the literary legend.

Returning to Cañaveral House, a hands-on Cuban cooking and cocktail workshop awaited. Under the guidance of skilled local chefs, guests learned the secrets behind traditional dishes and the art of the perfect mojito—creating flavors that would linger long after the journey ended.

An afternoon of indulgence followed with private in-house massages, preparing guests for an evening at Fábrica de Arte Cubano (FAC), Havana’s pulsating hub of creativity and nightlife. Dinner at the stylish El Cocinero, just steps away, offered a fitting finale—where fine cuisine and avant-garde art blended seamlessly beneath the stars.

A Fond Farewell

The final morning brought a heartfelt visit to a local art community school, where guests connected with the next generation of Cuban artists and changemakers.

Lunch at El Cuarto de Luna provided a last, lingering taste of Havana’s culinary artistry—a moment to reflect on a journey rich in flavor, rhythm, and unforgettable memories.