CARIBTOURS have just started to operate in Cuba, thanks to the new route flights with VIRGIN, and from the start, I was lucky to be invited into the Upper Class lounge at Gatwick where the Virgin service was brilliant. A choice of light breakfast goodies washed down with champagne is a perfect start to any early morning! Along with a complimentary manicure before being shown on board, the flight was very comfortable.

Havana was as exciting as I’d hoped ~ unique, crumbling, beautiful old buildings, hundreds of wonderful old Cadillacs and music in the air. We stayed at the grand Parque Centrale, elegantly furnished with views over the tree-lined square. The views from the chic rooftop swimming pool were amazing. We were also shown around the newly built (in old and chic style) Saratoga Hotel on the square. This hotel also has a wonderful roof top swimming pool and will be ‘the’ place to stay in Havana.

The Margaritas or Mojitos at the Floridita were certainly one of the highlights. Hemingway’s favourite haunt, this velvet-draped bar was like stepping back into a byegone era! The musical group consisted of violin, double bass and accordion, and the accompanying stunning girl with a haunting voice was something special. As the weather was still a bit unsettled, we decided to move on to the famous National Hotel for their indoor Spectacular. The show, with the colorful costumes and the high ‘Carmen Miranda’ headdresses managed to keep the jetlag at bay until after midnight.

Havana is certainly rather special, and the tour around the cigar factory was like a step back in time and quite fascinating. The rum museum was also good, as was the rather attractive young Cuban guy who showed as around. In fact, good looking men abound, and Che Guevara’s face looking out from t-shirts everywhere is a good example! A little bit more time in the old town was needed to really enjoy it.

The 2½ hour journey to Varadero took us through some stunning scenery. Varadero is a very popular resort with lots of hotels, though not all looked that great. We stayed at Sandals Hibiscus, beautifully laid out over tropical gardens with the most wonderful beach, although none of the rooms actually have sea views. The facilities were great with plenty of things to do, especially sports activities, and offered a selection of restaurants and bars. This is a ‘couple only’ property and is All Inclusive, even the mini bar in the room!! We also looked around the elegant Princesa Del Mar which was closed for refurbishment. Another ‘couples only’ property, with honeymoon specials and also All Inclusive. One for the families would be The Paradisus, situated on yet another spectacular beach. All these hotels represent extremely good value for a beach holiday and can be coupled with a few days in Havana.

Another highlight was the Catamaran Cruise. We boarded the sleek and elegant catamaran in the morning and headed out to see the dolphins and we were all were lucky enough to actually swim with three of the beautiful creatures. We had lunch on a small cayo and although the rain came down, this didn’t spoil our fun, especially on the way back as the effect from our Cuba Libres lead us into some samba dancing!

Sadly we didn’t have much time to enjoy the miles of white sand and azure sea as we were dragged back to the airport. After experiencing a relaxing return journey on the brilliant flat beds in Upper Class, I was able to go straight into work from the airport.