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Varadero, all-inclusive luxury and picture-perfect beaches
January 17, 2023
We leave the charming city of Santa Clara in the morning in a cab in direction of Varadero’s all-inclusive luxury and picture-perfect beaches. After a bit over three and a half hour, our cab dropped us off at the blau.varadero, a large hotel built in form of a pyramid.
After almost five weeks travelling around Cuba, this is as luxurious as it can get for us. We check into a large and airy room with lovely view of the ocean, food and drinks available almost around the clock and access to one of the largest white sand beaches in the entire Caribbean.
Although we know the reality for the Cubans people outside these luxury resorts, we welcome having a good rest, some snacks and, yes you have guessed, a working shower with hot water. It is incredible to witness the contrast between the real Cuba and the version sold to tourists. These all-inclusive hotels somehow manage to provide everything to satisfy their guests from all corners of the globe. I am talking about the basics like butter and bread, which can be a real struggle for the locals. And brace yourselves for a surprise: ice cream is available at the lunch and dinner buffet, a rare find in cities like Trinidad of Santa Clara.
The staff are very welcoming, warm, friendly and full of energy. It is mind-boggling to think how they remain so kind to tourists who pile their plates high with food, only to waste it, while their own families battle to make ends meet outside the resort bubble.
Varadero is primarily known for its picture-perfect resorts beaches, so do not expect a long list of attractions to visit in the immediate vincinity. The hotels offer fantastic tours to nearby destinations like Viñales, Santa Clara, and Trinidad, located in the southern part of the island. But let’s be honest, if you’ve been exploring Cuba for a while like us, taking a breather and soaking up the sun and sand is pure bliss. Just remember to be mindful of the hardworking locals around you and show your support by offering small gifts like medicine, clothing, toothpaste, or even a few pens. Oh, and tipping goes a long way too!
As the week came to a close, we packed our bags, leaving behind the things we no longer needed in our room as a small token of gratitude for the hardworking staff. With a cab waiting to transport us to the airport, we bid farewell to Cuba. It was truly an unforgettable experience, complete with its fair share of challenges, but oh-so-enjoyable. We met incredible people, engaged in fascinating conversations that broadened our horizons, and ventured into a world unlike any other.
So, fellow explorers, until our next adventure, keep the spirit of travel alive, and embrace the wonders that await you out there!
