On a Friday afternoon, rather than heading out for our usual girls dinner, my best friend of 20 years and I were leaving for our first trip together! Just a short three hour flight from Toronto and we were transported into the warm charms of Cuban culture. Hello, Havana! As we stepped off the plane into the warm and humid air, it was not just the temperature that provided a welcome change, but the pace of life, too. This was both of our first trips to Cuba. 

Describing Havana in words is nearly impossible; it is a beautiful puzzle set with many juxtapositions. Almost untouched by two revolutionary wars, and shielded against modern globalization by Cuba's economic isolation since 1959, Havana's core has remained well-preserved, with the majority of its colonial architectural features intact. The preservation was helped by the nomination of Habana Vieja as a Unesco World Heritage site in 1982. With its splendour of colours, musical streets, and artistic expression, it is hauntingly beautiful!

Our home for the weekend was the newly built Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski La Habana, a first five-star luxury hotel in Cuba. I’ve been loyal to the Kempinski brand for years, staying at a number of their properties across Europe. A cross of Cuban culture and European hospitality, the property surpassed all of my expectations. Whenever I visit new places and experience the local cultures, it is the hotel that provides me with the comfort of home. As a self professed “hotel lover,” to me, selecting accommodations is half the fun of the trip. 

The property is centrally located in the heart of Old Havana, and is a revival of the former Manzana de Gómez site, with history dating back more than 100 years. Construction on the original building began in 1890 and it took 28 years to reach its current six floors. Manzana de Gómez became the first European-style shopping arcade in Cuba and later housed government offices. Today, it has reclaimed its position as a social hub in the centre of the city with the most beautiful panoramic views.. 

Our days were spent wandering through the streets and browsing the art markets, but it was at night when the entire city came to life with music travelling from every direction. Our favourite experience was at Fabrica de Arte Cubano, which is the brainchild of Cuban fusion musician X-Alfonso. This gallery/live-music venue/ restaurant and nightclub is bohemian-cool without a slight hint of pretension, welcoming Habaneros and tourists alike. It is unlike any nightlife experience I have ever had. If you visit Havana, this place is a MUST. We started our evening with a late dinner at Tierra Arte Culinario, which requires a reservation ahead of time. Luckily our concierge was able to get us one and it was well worth it. The dinner was one of the best we had during the trip, coming with an access pass to a VIP speakeasy lounge. The place is bustling, as is the main dance floor. The cocktail lounge offered a nice escape away from the crowds, without missing out on the party. And, since large crowds overwhelm me —hello, claustrophobia—I really appreciated having the space to dance. We finished our night around 3am.

The following morning was spent lounging by the panoramic pool, which is hands down one of the best features of the hotel.  The views of the city are surreal and the guava daiquiris are to die for. Naturally, I could not leave Havana without having my first cigar, and it was then that I tried my first Montecristo. The hotel is a home to Evocacion Tobacco Lounge, which is perfect for enjoying an after-dinner cigar while sipping on the best Cuban Rums, selected by the twice over Habano-Sommelier world champion. While I enjoyed the cigar experience, I doubt I will make it a regular indulgence.

Speaking of daiquiris, a trip to Havana is not complete without a night at the legendary El Floridita,  also known as the home of the daiquiri. Long before Ernest Hemingway made it his favourite spot in 1930s, El Floridita which means “Little Florida '' was a favourite of expat Americans. Today you’ll find every language under the sun there, with countless cultures uniting under a love of daiquiris and Cuban music. It was bartender Constante Ribalaigua who invented the daiquiri here shortly after WWI, but Hemingway who made it famous. To my surprise, I was invited to learn how to make this legendary drink behind the very bar. I am proud to admit that while I make a strong daiquiri, it is my consumption skills that impress.  

It is easy to lose yourself in the charm and vibrant culture of the city, but it is its people that make it come to life. Singing and dancing fill the streets. City squares are packed with crowds. We wandered into the wee hours of the night while the sticky air made our hair behave in ways we have never seen before. While it was a love affair that lasted only 72 hours, it was not the last one! 

With Love…

Marta

Disclosure

Part of the accommodations cost was courtesy of Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski La Habana. All of the views in this article are my own and were not mandated by the brand. To learn more about how we partner with brands please see our Disclosure & Transparency Guidelines.