HOLGUIN — While Cuba’s gorgeous beaches sparkled and wowed on a recent Hola Sun Holidays fam, the tour operator also took care to showcase the country’s rich culture and traditions.

The resulting experience was immersive and illuminating, leaving participants with a newfound appreciation for the richness and diversity of eastern Cuba as a destination.

Hola Sun, the Cuba Specialist, hosted Canadian travel advisors and members of the media, including Travelweek, on the fam. With so many interesting spots highlighted during the week-long trip, this article will touch on Holguin, with an Santiago de Cuba update coming soon.

One can’t-miss activity in Holguin is a driving tour in a classic 1950s convertible, with a Cuban cigar in one hand and some fine Cuban rum in the other. For beautiful panoramic views of the city, stop at the Hill of the Cross and, on the way back, visit Restaurante Loma de la Cruz for some fun and a taste of true Cuban culture.

Panoramic views of Holguin from atop the Hill of the Cross

Meanwhile the locals, despite language barriers, are extremely welcoming and helpful to visitors, with their culture and traditions on full display. On our trip, the welcoming attitudes of Cubans made it easier and more comfortable to navigate the destination. Holguin province in particular is known for its high service standards. And the region, and Cuba in general, is an extremely safe place to visit.

Fam participants stayed at the Gran Muthu Almirante Beach Hotel, on Playa Guardalavaca, about one hour from Holguin Airport. The beach at this property was beyond spectacular, and so were the friendly staff and the well-appointed amenities and guest rooms at this resort, which has only been open for one year. It’s a very family-friendly option that’s also ideal for groups and couples who are looking to unwind in a tropical paradise setting.

Flights for the fam were with OWG, which stands for Off We Go. Hola Sun and OWG first forged their strategic partnership in summer 2020. A free meal is included on every OWG flight. The service was comfortable and seamless, offering excellent value.

The fam included an excursion to Cayo Saetia, via catamaran. This excursion is highly recommended, especially for families, as the little ones will love the animals seen running free during the safari portion. There’s horseback riding too. In fact there’s something for everyone here thanks to the beauty of the beach and surrounding jungle. If one was ever stranded somewhere remote, this would be the ideal place to be, but it’s easy to get there when travelling with Hola Sun.

Hola Sun staffers pose with performers post-spectacle at the Restaurante Loma de la Cruz

Whether it’s for a quick jaunt or a long stay, Hola Sun has special rates available across Cuba for a range of budgets. Got clients who only really know the west side of the island? Hola Sun urges travel advisors to contact them for travel ideas for discovering the east side of Cuba too. Package info and deals for Cuba can be found on Hola Sun’s website, at HolaSunHolidays.ca.