Exploring Cuba: Havana and Beyond
Immerse yourself in the rich and diverse culture of one of the Caribbean’s most fabled islands. On this adventure you will enjoy fresh and healthy food, a daily yoga practice, and a daily dance practice while exploring the island that gave us the Salsa Dance, Rumba, the Mojito, amazing art and so much more.
Day 1: Arrive in Miami
You will arrive in Miami on November 24th, 2023, the day before traveling to Cuba. This day is on your own for food and hotel. You may choose to arrive early and enjoy some time in Miami; however we urge you not to plan to take an overnight flight to Miami. Logistics for getting into Cuba require that we all travel together on Day 2.
We will host a welcome meeting at the Marriott near the airport to make sure everyone has everything ready to go, all documents are in order and to answer any last minute questions.
Day 2: Miami-Havana
You’ll rise early to meet at the Miami International Airport and depart for your short flight to Havana.
Arriving to check in at the Hotel Cohiba you can relax and settle in before a short yoga practice to stretch out from our travel days.
We will have lunch and dinner at a local paladar and your first dance lesson with Liz before heading out for an evening stroll through Old Havana filled with music and dance.
DAY 3: Havana
Your day begins with an amazing yoga class followed by breakfast.
Then we are off to explore Havana. Your walking tour will be led by a knowledgeable local guide who will introduce you to the rich history of Cuba.
Following lunch at a local paladar, you will visit the National School of Dance for traditional Cuban dance lessons such as casino, rueda, salsa, and more or you can opt to explore on your own.You will have another amazing dinner at a local paladar before heading out to experience the famous El Gato Tuerto Jazz Club.
DAY 4: Havana
Your day begins with a morning yoga practice followed by breakfast. On this day you’ll explore famous Cuban artists at the Museo de Bellas Artes and learn the art and history of the cigar making at the Partagas Cigar Factory.
After an amazing lunch you’ll contine to explore the cultural heritage of cuban with a visit to the Havana Rum Museum.
Returning to the hotel in the afternoon, you’ll enjoy a dance class with Liz to get ready for our epic night out to the fabled El Floridita Bar.
DAY 5: Havana
Your day begins with your morning yoga practice followed by breakfast. Then its off to visit the world-famous Colon Cemetery. You’ll marvel at the 19th and 20th century art and sculpture decorating large and elaborate mausoleums built as a display of family wealth and power. Said to be one of the most important cemeteries in the world, Colon’s rich art and history is both amazing and a little mind boggling.
Leaving Colon, you’ll travel to Finca Vingia, the beautiful home of Earnest Hemmingway during his 20 years on the island. You can feel the creative energy in this place where legendary works like Old Man of the Sea, For Whom the Bell Tolls, and A Moveable Feast were written.
Following Lunch at El Divino (Finca Yoandra), you’ll head back to the hotel for a relaxing afternoon on your own.
Your evening begins with an amazing dance class, dinner at a local paladar and then it’s out to continue your journey through the legendary night spots of Havana.
DAY 6: Havana-Cienfuegos
You’ll rise early for morning yoga and breakfast before heading out to the beautiful town of Cienfuegos. This world heritage site is renowned for its 19th century French architecture that has been preserved in all the bright colors of the Caribbean. You’ll explore the town and have an amazing lunch before checking into the Hotel Jagua.
One of the most famous hotels in Cuba, the Jagua overlooks the Bay of Cienfuegos. You will relax in the full compliment of amenities including an outdoor pool and spa area just 5 minutes from old town. This is our base for 3 days of exploring the southern side of the island.
After a wonderful dinner, you’ll head out to explore the music and dance of this amazing resort community.
DAY 7: Tope de Collantes
You’ll rise early for our morning yoga practice by the pool followed by breakfast before heading to the Tope de Collantes Nature Reserve. This beautiful mountain park is home to some of the most amazing waterfalls and natural scenery on the island.
After a morning in nature you’ll have lunch at a local Paladar before returning to Cienfuegos.
Late afternoon will feature a poolside Salsa lesson before heading out to enjoy another beautiful night in Ceinfuegos.
DAY 8: Trinidad
Your day begins with a morning yoga practice and breakfast at the hotel. You’ll then depart for the beachside community of Trinidad. You’ll spend the morning exploring the colonial architecture, cobblestone streets and plazas of this world heritage site.
After an amazing lunch you’ll head over to the famous Playa Ancon where you will enjoy lots of activity options, or just enjoy a swim in the warm waters and white sand of the Caribbean. After a relaxing day on the beach you’ll return to Cienfuegos for dinner and a private party at Casa del Tobaco to bring a perfect end to our stay in this amazing place.
DAY 9: Cienfuegos-Havana
Your day begins with a morning yoga practice and breakfast before checking out of the hotel.
Returning to Havana you’ll spend your last day in Cuba in epic fashion. After a visit to the Museo de la Revolucion you’ll enjoy lunch at the El Aljibe paladar. Then off to tour one of the most famous and massive defensive fortifications in the Caribbean, the Castilllo del Morro. Located above the entrance to Havana’s bay, this 16th fortification was built by the Spanish to protect the city from military attacks and the pirates that notoriously roamed the Caribbean.
After a day of exploring, you’ll return to check in at the Hotel Cohiba and are free to check out anything you might have missed in Havana.
The evening brings our last Salasa lesson with liz and our last night on the town where you will experience the amazing show and dancing at the Havana Café.
DAY 10: Havana-Miami
Your morning begins with a yoga practice followed by breakfast. Then its time to pack and check out of the Cohiba. A short ride to the airport, and a quick flight brings you to Miami where we will say goodbye and go our separate ways. You’ll feel relaxed, refreshed and ready for your next adventure!
Is this retreat right for me?
This retreat is perfect for you if you are an active person ready to get out for an amazing island adventure with like-minded people. We will experience most places by walking, and you can expect daily yoga practices in the morning and dance practices in the afternoon. We have planned the days with plenty of downtime and options so that you can enjoy many activities from art studios to beaches that make this your perfect time away! You don’t need any yoga or dance experience, just an open mind, open heart, and a reasonably good fitness level. This trip may not be right for you if you have conditions or injuries that limit your ability to participate in these kinds of activities. Please consult with your physician to make sure these activities are safe for your body. We will make every effort to accommodate your needs.
What’s Included
- Round Trip Air from Miami to Havana.
- Travel Visa
- All transportation to and from the airport, Cienfuegos, and scheduled daily activities
- 5 nights in Hotel Cohiba Havana
- 3 nights in Hotel Jagua Ceinfuegos
- 24 mouthwatering meals for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner each day
- Entrance fees to all the sites on the itinerary
- Day use at Ancon Beach
- Local Guide services
- Daily yoga practice
- Daily dance practice
- All programming and special evening activities such as astronomy night, and local musical experiences
- A lasting sense of wonder, joy, and tranquility
Whats NOT Included
- Round trip air to Miami
- Hotel in Miami on February 11th, 2022
- Meals in Miami
- Baggage fees or additional baggage fees
- Trip Insurance
- Any covid or other testing requirements that may be in place at the time of the trip.
- Travel document fees including passport; travel visa is included
- Water, snacks, or personal items from the shops and markets
- Optional Museum or activity fees not listed on the itinerary
- Optional hotel services such as massage and other personal services
- Alcoholic Beverages