Cuba is the largest and most colourful island in the Caribbean. Known for its endless tropical white sand beaches, Cuba offers first class all-inclusive resorts, a vibrant culture, natural treasures …and a warm and friendly people. It’s welcoming for families, perfect for weddings and honeymoons, and is widely regarded as a safe destination for travelers.
Air Transat, Canada’s largest Tour Operator, offers frequent direct flights to Cuba from airports across Canada. This frequency of flying means that, as well as the traditional 7 and 14 day package vacations, they can also offer 3, 4 or 10 day stays. Plus they offer an unbeatable choice of fabulous resorts, fascinating destinations – together with excursions to help you explore the culture, landscapes, soft adventure and beautiful beaches of Cuba.
You can do as much or as little as you want in Cuba. But beyond the beach there is so much more for all ages and interests! Take to the water for a snorkelling or catamaran tour – or enjoy an unforgettable swim with the dolphins. Get out and about by boat or go on an adventure through the countryside on a Jeep safari. Travel in one of Cuba’s famous vintage cars, or on a steam train from the last century! Meet the Cuban people as you tour a cigar factory - or visit a nightclub for a show and to enjoy the ever present Cuban music.
Cuba has some of the best preserved colonial architecture in the Northern hemisphere. It boasts 4 cities that are UNESCO World heritage sites and its capital city, Havana, has also been named one of the New7Wonders cities of 2015. Romantic, resilient and revolutionary – Havana is brimming with life, music and nightlife, such as the famous “Tropicana” show. You can also retrace the steps of author Ernest Hemmingway as you find out all that Havana has to offer.
Founded in 1514 and dubbed “the jewel of the Spanish colonies”, Havana is a UNESCO world Heritage Site thanks to its fabulous architecture, rich history, fascinating culture and energetic people.
Old Havana is a walkers’ paradise and here are just some of the treasures awaiting you:
- Cathedral de la Havana with its stunning baroque façade
- Plaza de la Cathedral - perhaps the most beautiful square in the Caribbean which is surrounded by examples of the finest baroque architecture in the country
- Castillo de la Real Fuerza – the oldest colonial fortress in the Americas
- Museo de la Ciudad – former Palace of the Captains General
- The Malecon – Havana’s seawall and meeting place
- Echoes of Hemmingway – go to the El Floridita bar, which is 180 yrs old and the birthplace of daiquiris. Have a ‘papa especial’: double 3 year rum, lemon and crushed ice
- And no less than 247 museums!
Other stunning colonial cities are Trinidad, Cienfuegos, Santiago de Cuba and Camagüey, and Air Transat offers excursions to give you the chance to explore these historic and cultural treasures.
25% of the entire of Cuba is under environmental protection and its stunning nature includes no less than 7 UNESCO recognized Biospheres. If you are looking for R&R in a quiet and unspoiled location - then head to the “Cayos” of Cuba. These are small keys, often connected to the north of the island by causeways, and famous for their large population of beautiful pink flamingos.
With so much to see and do, and with so many diverse resort destinations – one trip to Cuba cannot possibly be enough! Choose the nature lover’s paradise of Cayo Santa Maria; popular and lively Varadero; the soft white sands of Cayo Coco, Cayo Guillermo and Cayo Largo; or beautiful Holguin. And then be sure to return again to sample more “authentic Cuba”.
All inclusive packages are always a great buy. You can pay up front in your own currency and don't have to worry while you are on vacation. In addition, Cuba is a great choice because prices in Cuba aren’t linked to US currency in the same way as at some other destinations.
Fly to Cuba with Air Transat – offering frequent flights from Toronto and Montreal. Air Transat also have fights to Cuba from airports such as London, Ottawa, Vancouver and Halifax. So if, for example, you are gathering a group from across Canada, Air Transat have it covered from East to West.
The flight time is just over 4 hours, made all the more comfortable by travelling Air Transat who have been voted No 1 Leisure Airline in North America and 2nd best in the World!
You can buy a package with Air Transat that includes flights plus transfers to and from the airport in Cuba, all inclusive accommodation, and the services of an Air Transat representative in destination. Air Transat also offer excursions to help you explore beautiful Cuba.
Check out the Air Transat “Collections” that help you pick the right resort for you.
- Resorts in the “Luxury Collection” are 5-star resorts designed to provide the ultimate in pampering, elegant accommodation, picture-perfect beaches and gourmet food.
- The Distinction Collection properties feature extra services like additional guaranteed a la carte meals, free wifi and international brand drinks.
- The Family Collection are family-friendly resorts with great kid’s facilities.
- Solo Collection resorts cater to the needs of solo travellers with benefits lilke no single supplement, free wifi, communal meal table and free room service.
- The Sunsavvy Collection are friendly hotels that offer the best bang for your vacation buck!
Here are just a few suggestions from the wide range of resorts available from AIr Transat in Cuba:
Destination
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Hotel
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Highlights
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Camaguey / Santa Lucia
Santa Lucia is filled with endless stretches of white-sand beaches, gorgeous coral reefs and over 40 diving sites - this little slice of paradise is custom-made for those who like a dash of culture and history mixed in with their outdoor activities and water sports. Visitors to this pristine destination will find it is the perfect spot to indulge in eco-tourism and discover Cuban culture. Nearby Camaguey, a beautiful town filled with squares and parks, offers a perfect introduction to the real Cuba. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is known as the city of legends and abounds in hidden treasures dating back to the 16th century.
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Bravo Club Caracol
Recently renovated, the Bravo Club Caracol in Santa Lucia is located on Santa Lucia Beach, approximately 110 km from the Camaguey airport.
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3½ star - Sunsavvy Collection.
Kids offers.
Two pools and Beach Club, evening entertainment and live music.
Cuban a la carte restaurant.
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Cayo Coco / Guillermo
The powdery beaches of Cayo Coco are found on the cays that lie off the mainland of the North East coast and which jut out into the Altantic Ocean. A spectacular 17-km stretch of road runs on a causeway through the marshes to reach Cayo Coco, contributing to its more isolated and natural feel. Along the way, visitors can take in the region's abundant flora and fauna.
Cayo Coco boasts beautiful coral reefs, lagoons and marshes with abundant bird life - including the largest native colony of Pink Flamingos in the Americas. If you like to fish – there is great fishing off the cays and also in the deeper waters off the coast.
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Pullman Cayo Coco
Pullman Cayo Coco resort, this new and luxury hotel located on Playa Coloradas beach, approximately 17 km from Cayo Coco airport, offers 566 rooms in various 3-storey buildings.
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5 star – Family and Luxury Collection.
Adults only some sections of the hotel.
Kids and Single Parent Offers
Six pools and Beach Club, disco, fitness centre, kids club, water park and surf simulator. Rooms that can take up to 6 adults with a bedroom with a closed door.
Japanese, Gourmet, International, Cajun-Creole a la carte restaurants.
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Melia Jardines del Rey
The Melia Jardines del Rey hotel in Cayo Coco is a plantation-style resort located directly on the white-sand Flamenco Beach and approximately 10 km from the Cayo Coco airport
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4 star - Distinction Collection.
5 pools, fitness centre, Kids Club from newborns.
French, Cajun-Creole, Mediterranean, Oriental and Seafood a la carte restaurants.
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Cayo Largo
Cayo Largo is a small island that is benefiting from several decades of development for tourists. Situated in the Canarreos Archipelago, off the south coast of Cuba, Cayo Largo is 25 km long and 3 km wide.
Renowned for its white-sand beaches, gorgeous landscapes, pleasant weather and excellent scuba diving, this lush island has much to offer travellers seeking crystal-clear waters and local flavour.
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Hotel Pelicano
The Hotel Pelicano in Cayo Largo is a wonderful tropical complex located directly on the beach and approximately 7 km from the Cayo Largo airport.
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3 star.
Kids offers.
Two pools, kids club.
International and Cuban a la carte restaurants.
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Cayo Santa Maria
The white sand beaches of Cayo Santa Maria are known for great snorkelling and diving and the exotic flora and fauna of the area. Cayo Santa Maria is close to the city of Santa Clara Remedios - best known as the place where the Cuban president Fulgencio Batista surrendered to Che Guevara in 1958.
The Che Guevara Museum and Memorial Centre provides a good historical background, and displays a number of Che Guevara's personal items, including his uniforms, hand-written letters as well as many photos.
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Paradisus Los Cayos
Paradisus Los Cayos is located directly on a beautiful beach on the north coast of Cuba, about 115 km from the airport. This new luxury hotel has been designed with a harmonious architecture and respectful of its environment, and its opening is scheduled for November 1, 2018. Featuring spacious rooms and exclusive sections, this is an all-inclusive paradise for the whole family.
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4½ star.
Adults only some sections of the hotel.
4 pools, Beach Club, disco, fitness centre, wine cellar, spa services, scuba diving centre off site, kids club from 1 year olds.
Italian, International, Mexican, Japanese and Fusion a la carte restaurants.
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Hotel Playa Cayo Santa Maria
The Hotel Playa Cayo Santa Maria is located directly on the beautiful white-sand Cayo Santa Maria beach, approximately 50 km from downtown Caibarien and 115 km from the Santa Clara airport.
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4½ star – Distinction Collection.
Kids and Single Parent offers.
8 pools, beach club, fitness centre, spa, kids club. Italian, International, Asian and Seafood a la carte restaurants
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Melia Las Dunas
The Melia Las Dunas Hotel is a resort located directly on the beach in Cayo Santa Maria, approximately 110 km from the Santa Clara airport.
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4 star - Family Collection.
Kids and no Single Supplement offers.
Four pools, Beach Club, fitness centre, scuba diving centre off site, 6 tennis courts, Kid’s Club from newborns.
International, Italian, Cuban, Mexican, Pizzeria and Asian a la carte restaurants.
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Havana
Cuba has some of the best preserved colonial architecture in the Northern hemisphere. It boasts 4 cities that are UNESCO World heritage sites and its capital city, Havana, has also been named one of the New7Wonders cities of 2015.
Romantic, resilient and revolutionary – Havana is brimming with life, music and nightlife, such as the famous “Tropicana” show. You can also retrace the steps of author Ernest Hemmingway as you find out all that Havana has to offer.
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Iberostar Parque Central
The IBEROSTAR Parque Central Hotel is a luxury hotel located in the heart of Old Colonial Havana, facing Parque Central and surrounded by a number of historic buildings. Is approximately 130 km from the Varadero airport.
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5 star - Experience Duo Collection (split your vacation between Havana and Varadero).
2 pools, fitness centre, spa, babysitting available.
International and Steakhouse a la carte restaurants.
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Melia Cohiba
The Melia Cohiba Hotel is a stunning hotel located in the heart of Havana with easy access to Old Havana and approximately 130 km from the Varadero airport.
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4½ star - Experience Duo Collection (split your vacation between Havana and Varadero).
One pool, fitness centre, live music, convenience store.
Mediterranean, Italian, Cuban Dinner Show and Grill a la carte restaurants.
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Holguin
When Christopher Columbus discovered Cuba in 1492 he described the rugged mountainous region of Holguin as “the most beautiful land that man has laid eyes upon.” Holguin offers snowy white beaches and many excellent dive sites.
If you exhaust the entertainment available at the excellent all inclusive resorts in nearby Guardalavaca you'll find at least two good night spots: lively La Dulce Vida, which is a hotel nightclub, and La Roca, an outdoor nightclub on Playa Esmeralda where you can dance under the stars!
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Hotel Playa Pesquero
The Hotel Playa Pesquero in Holguin is a gorgeous luxury hotel located directly on magnificent Playa Pesquero beach, approximately 17 km from Guardalavaca and 67 km from the Holguin airport.
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4½ star - Distinction Collection.
Adults only some sections of the hotel.
Kids and Single Parent offers.
3 pools, disco, fitness centre, scuba diving centre on site, 3 tennis courts, spa, kids club
Caribbean, Seafood, Italian, International, Mediterranean and Grill a la carte restaurants.
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Paradisus Rio de Oro Resort & Spa
The Paradisus Rio de Oro Resort & Spa Hotel in Holguin is located irectly on Playa Esmeralda beach with access to one small private beach, approximately 5 km from Guardalavaca and 72 km from the Holguin airport.
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5 star - Luxury Collection.
Adults only.
No single supplement offer.
3 pools, Beach Club, disco, spa, 3 tennis courts,
Cuban, International, Mediterranean and Japanese a la carte restaurants.
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Varadero
Varadero is Cuba’s most popular beach destination for fun in the sun, thanks to its warm waters and superb resorts.
Varadero is part of a narrow peninsula that stretches far out into the calm waters of the Atlantic, and this location ensures that it is constantly cooled by tropical breezes. The 21-kilometre strip of fine white sand is an ideal vacation spot for sun-lovers, water babies and golfers.
Plus lively Varadero is one of the best cities in Cuba for nightclubs. Well used to catering to tourists, Vardero’s nightlife offers a wide variety of music and atmospheres.
Of all the destinations on Cuba’s northern coast, Varadero is closest to the unique and fascinating city of Havana – so choose this resort if you want to visit Cuba’s capital city. Air Transat also offer “duos” where you can split your vacation, for instance 4 nights in Varadero and 3 nights in Havana.
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Melia Peninsula Varadero
The Melia Peninsula Varadero Hotel is an enchanting plantation-style hotel directly on a pristine white-sand beach, approximately 49 km from the Varadero airport.
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4 star – Family and Distinction Collections.
Kids offers.
2 pools, Beach Club, disco, fitness centre, spa, golf course nearby, kids club, 2 kids’ pools, rooms that can accommodate a family of five.
Italian, Japanese, Mexican and French a la carte restaurants.
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Iberostar Bella Vista
Directly on the fabulous beach of Varadero, the IBEROSTAR Bella Vista is surrounded by tropical vegetation, and is located approximately 20 km from the airport. This brand-new resort features 827 spacious rooms in nine buildings.
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4 star – Family Collection. Adults only some sections of the hotel.
Kids and Single Parent offers.
Fitness centre, evening entertainment and live music, kids’ club, waterpark, rooms that can accommodate a family of five.
Gourmet, Cuban, Japanese and Italian a la carte restaurants.
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Villa Tortuga
The Villa Tortuga Hotel in Varadero is located directly on the beach, just 5 minutes from downtown and 30 minutes from the Varadero airport.
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3 star.
Kids offers.
One pool, Beach Club, fitness centre, golf course nearby, kids club.
International a la carte restaurant.
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Want to know more about the destination? Check out Chris' Travel Notes!
Chris writes extensive Travel Notes for each show that will help you plan your next trip. Find out more about the Destination; Climate; Getting Around; Accommodation; Kids to Seniors; History; Sports and Activities; Attractions; Culture; Cuisine; Special Deals and where to go to get even more information!
Click on the Travel Notes icon to download a pdf file that you can read, print out and even take with you on your travels! |
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