| There's no doubt that Cuba is an amazing holiday | | | | like no other, and something which will stay with you |
| destination. Sure, I would say this given my job, but I | | | | forever. Various resorts including Varadero and |
| like to think I would be just as enthusiastic about the | | | | Holguin offer the activity, while those interested in |
| island, even if my career didn't make it convenient to | | | | the mammals, but a little wary of getting too close |
| want to sell Cuba as a holiday destination! If I were | | | | can enjoy a dolphin show. Bird Watching Cuba's vast |
| asked to name the main selling point of a holiday to | | | | and varied set of endemic bird life means that the |
| Cuba rather than anywhere else in the world, it | | | | island is a wonderful holiday destination for budding |
| wouldn't be because of the weather, the history or | | | | bird watchers. Endemic species include the Cuban |
| even the fine cigars (although all these points are | | | | Green Woodpecker, the Cuban Trogan, the Cuban |
| tempting in their own right), it would be for the huge | | | | Tody and Cuban Blackbird. If you're lucky, you may |
| variety of niche activities encouraging travel to Cuba | | | | even see the Bee Hummingbird - though as it's the |
| - an amazing feat for a comparatively small country. | | | | smallest bird in the world, the chances are that you |
| It's a horrible cliché of the travel industry, but | | | | might miss it! Golf A less well tapped area of Cuba's |
| Cuba is an island where there really is something for | | | | tourism industry, but what better way of enjoying |
| everyone. Here's a low-down on some of the niche | | | | the Caribbean sunshine then with a round of golf? |
| activities you can get up to while exploring the niche | | | | Cuba's golf courses are on level ground, covered with |
| aspects of Cuba's tourism: Salsa Dancing Cuba is of | | | | well maintained grass and lakes against a backdrop of |
| course, very much the world's centre of salsa and | | | | breathtaking hills. Keen golfers will appreciate the |
| there are plenty of options to strut your stuff once | | | | spaciousness of the courses, while beginners will be |
| the sun has set. The bigger cities - particularly Havana | | | | pleased to seek out the advice of local trainers to |
| and Santiago de Cuba - where there are plenty of | | | | improve their game before getting serious! Painting It |
| larger venues for Cuban holiday makers to dance the | | | | may be unconventional a holiday focus as you can |
| night away. If you worry your two left feet are | | | | find, but both budding artists and appreciators of the |
| going to show you up against the naturals, getting | | | | art world will find Cuba a thought provoking backdrop |
| lessons in the bigger cities is also remarkably easy, | | | | with a thriving art scene. The old style Colonial |
| and you'll be dancing like a pro in no time! Horse | | | | buildings of Havana make ideal subjects to sketch, |
| Riding Sure, this isn't everyone's idea of a dream | | | | and if you travel to Cuba's Vinales Valley, you'll find |
| Cuba holiday, but there are definitely a few going to | | | | an inspiring scene sure to inspire anyone with artist's |
| be enamoured by the idea of riding across the | | | | block. For those who prefer to enjoy rather than |
| picturesque valleys of Trinidad, where the ruins of old | | | | create, the Havana National Museum of Fine Arts is a |
| sugar mills are dotted across the hills. The Vinales | | | | must, with various collections of Cuba art from |
| Valley is the other breathtaking area in which horse | | | | colonial times to the latest hot contemporary works. |
| riding is a must, and while beginners may feel a bit | | | | Weddings You may need to learn to horse ride, dive |
| nervous, you can't beat the feeling of freedom and | | | | or play golf in Cuba, but there's only one scenario |
| the majestic views that horse riding in Cuba provides. | | | | when a Cuban wedding would be appropriate (well, |
| Deep Sea Fishing As celebrity endorsements go, you | | | | two - but your partner may not appreciate the |
| can't really beat a classic figure of literature as a | | | | second! Planning a Cuban wedding can lead off in |
| spokesman for your island. Ernest Hemmingway's | | | | many different avenues from an unforgettable tying |
| extended 'holiday' in Cuba is well documented, as is | | | | of nuptials on the golden sands of the island's many |
| his love of fishing on the North West coast of Cayo | | | | beaches, to an idyllic church service followed by a |
| Guillermo. Fishing is legal throughout the island, so | | | | night of boozy salsa dancing - a Cuban wedding has |
| there are many unexplored hotspots in which to kick | | | | enough variety to keep both families (and all the |
| back, enjoy the weather and relax on your boat, | | | | guests) happy at the once in a lifetime celebration! |
| letting your fishing rod do the work. Diving There's | | | | This is only really scratching the surface - the truth is |
| places to dive all over the world, but travel in Cuba | | | | that an island as versatile as Cuba is overflowing with |
| offers a unique experience for those looking to see | | | | potential. The weather is almost always perfect, the |
| the ocean surrounding it. For starters, the tropical fish | | | | beaches and towns are romantic enough for couples, |
| are fascinating, colourful and varied, and the visibility | | | | while there is enough entertainment for families and |
| of the clear ocean is incredible meaning you won't | | | | singles. A holiday in Cuba has far more variety than |
| miss a sight. The waters are also warm - over 24 | | | | such a comparatively small country should be able to |
| degrees centigrade all year round - meaning you | | | | offer! |
| won't want to leave! Beginners will find the facilities | | | | Emma Lelliott is the general manager of Captivating |
| to learn to dive before they head out, meaning | | | | Cuba, an independent Cuba holiday specialist. With |
| nobody has an excuse to ignore this amazing part of | | | | offices in Havana and the UK, Captivating Cuba can |
| the Cuban experience. Swimming with Dolphins | | | | offer advice on every aspect of Cuba travel from |
| Swimming with dolphins is a Cuba holiday experience | | | | Weddings to the best diving sites. |