Pierre Thomas

Why I loved an all inclusive holiday by the beach

From a previous kind of “backpacking” background (we’ve all been 20, haven’t we?), I wasn’t too sure about staying in an all inclusive and luxury resort and whether that would be my type of holiday. After having stayed at the Superclub Breezes Jibacoa last week, as part of an amazing first trip to Cuba (including the amazing Havana), I can say, I loved it!

Indeed, once you’ve understood that going all inclusive was more a question of not being bothered choosing between that or this activity or counting how much local currency you’ve got left (and – as usual – you haven’t taken enough) and not a matter of drinking and eating as much as possible as it is “free”,  you then can make the most of it.

Making the most of it. Ok, that’s indeed not hesitating getting another drink because 1. you’re on holiday after all 2. you’re in Cuba and Mojitos are amazing (3. …you don’t drive). But it doesn’t stop here, at all.

Like most all inclusive holidays, Breezes Jibacoa is located by a wonderful beach where you can admire a still preserved Coral Reef and plenty of fishes with snorkelling equipment that is provided, enjoy the breeze on a catamaran ride with friendly and experienced (both!) staff, and of course, lay in the sun to make sure your colleagues are envious (mine are, by the way!).

Food. I had no idea what was to be expected, at all. Actually with made to order omelettes – by the popular Chef Nelson – and coffees,  pancakes acclaimed by our Canadian friends, and fresh orange juice to kick start the day, and an a la carte grill restaurant on the beach for lunch, I was doing pretty well until lunchtime! Then came the best, dinner, with three choices: an outstanding buffet (serving grilled lobsters…) and two a la carte restaurants where you’d be served “fantastic” (said by a French guest should make it sound serious, shouldn’t it?) Italian or world cuisine, and good wine, considering Cuba is better know for its tobacco fields than vineyards!

Last but not least, having fun. Yes, that’s what we all want. A well deserved break isn’t only about sleeping on the beach (to a certain extent) and enjoying the activities mentioned above, it is also doing stuff! And we weren’t disappointed: between beach activities and sports offered, all animated with a young, friendly and perfectly English speaking team, there was no time to get bored. You can start the day with a 9am tennis tournament (late mojitos shouldn’t be an excuse), challenge your friends or fellow guests in a pool tournament or exercise on the beach or in the swimming pool.

So, for those still hesitating to go on an all inclusive luxury holiday I would definitely say, try it once, you will not be disappointed!  I certainly wasn’t.

6 Phrases to remember for a day in Havana

Having been lucky enough to spend a few days in the fascinating Havana, here are the sentences I would recommend to any traveller. With them, you will be sorted from morning until late.

Cuban friend

“Thanks for the tips, mate”

9am: Jamon y queso por favor! (“Ham & Cheese please!”)

To me, these are the best ingredients to add to your scrambled eggs to kick start the day. Most of the hotels actually offer great breakfasts to their guests and with this typical grill, you will easily have enough energy to wonder around Havana until lunchtime.

11am: No fumo, gracias (“I don’t smoke, thanks”)

Even after that, the (never aggressive) person who’s trying to sell you Cohibas, Romeo y Juliettas or any other famous Cuban cigars might insist for you to buy some as a gift, but this will help you smoothly getting rid of at least half of them! Unless you really know about cigars (and fake ones) the safest purchase is at a official retail store (hotel, airport…).

1pm: Donde esta el Malecon? (Where’s the Malecon?)

Don’t miss a stop to see the typical image of Havana with its interesting buildings and monuments, all along the sea, an essential part of your Cuba city break. Get some street food (bocadillos – sandwiches – or pizzas) in the nearby vibrant streets for a quick lunch under the sun and relax later on the terrace of the massive Nacional Hotel, for an after lunch coffee, or cocktail of course.

5pm: Donde esta la terraza? (“Where’s the terrace?”)

To a hotel receptionist.  To get the best views in Havana, roof terraces are the best spots by far. A few hotels in Old Havana offer a bar on top of them (such as Parque Central and Saratoga) from where you can admire the Capital, the Cathedral and all the wonders of the Cuban unique architecture, plus the sea, all of this while enjoying a drink and/or a meal!

8pm.  La Guarida por favor (“La Guarida please”)

To a taxi driver, to be taken to one of the top paladares (family – no state – owned restaurant) in Havana. Dishes are fine, wine is good, and the pictures of celebrities decorating the patio walls let you know the place has to be taken seriously! Dining isn’t that cheap here, but still affordable (at least for tourists). A great dining experience, which is rare in Cuba, in a great atmosphere: not to be missed!

11pm. La misma! (“The same!”)

Head to the Floridita bar, one of  Ernest Hemingway’s favourites , and indulge yourself with a few (or more) expert made cocktails, from the classic Daiquiri, frappé or not, toThe old man and the sea writer ‘s own creation, the well-named Papa Hemingway. Cigars are also available to complete the experience!

Do you recommend any phrases?