For Canadians ready and willing to travel again this winter, Blau Hotels is welcoming them with open arms. Its properties, including two in Cuba, offer tropical escapes from the cold, all with safety protocols in place. In this edition of Take Five, we sit down with Juan Ruiz, Business Development Manager for Surep Inc., which represents Blau Hotels in Canada, to discuss what’s new with the hotel company, particularly at its Cuba properties.
Blau Varadero
- Can you tell us a little about Blau Hotels?
Blau is a hotel company based in Mallorca, Baleares Island, Spain with 8 hotels located in Spain, Italy and Cuba – all oceanfront properties. Blau is a resort company with a mix of great locations, excellent customer service and food and beverage. Blau has been in Cuba since 2004, with two properties, and it will continue growing its presence on the island. Blau Varadero is adults only and Blau Arenal is for families, both are all inclusive.
In Cuba, both of our properties will be opening in December. Blau Varadero will open Dec. 3 while Blau Arenal will open Dec. 10.
- How are the properties ensuring guests’ health and safety?
Blau Hotels is working with Cuban authorities to ensure that strict COVID-19 protocols are applied to all properties. It’s also important to point out that the Cuban health system is among the best in Latin America. Cuba is also the only country apart from the United States to have developed its own vaccines in this part of the world, which is a great accomplishment in such a short time. PCR testing in Cuba costs only US$30 and the results are usually ready within 24 hours.
At our hotels in Cuba, we have an in-house testing facility plus sanitation stations throughout. The use of masks is mandatory in closed areas except in restaurants and bars when eating and drinking. All of our employees and collaborators, including suppliers, are vaccinated. And the buffet will be a served buffet to ensure the least amount of exposure to our guests.
- Can you tell us about any notable updates and/or renovations?
We had renovations done in certain common areas, including the restaurants. We also added two new bars: One Fruit Shake bar for health-conscious guests featuring a variety of fruits and healthy shakes, and Burger Bar. Both are located by the pool. Starting in December the Select Concept will also feature a chilled-out bar for clients staying in oceanfront Select rooms, which are located on levels 7-13.
Blau Varadero, pool
- What kind of winter season are you anticipating?
We are anticipating a great winter season, especially among Canadians. We are already seeing an increase in bookings. Since its opening, Blau Varadero has been one of the top-selling resorts in Varadero, in large part because of our employees and the Cuban people who go above and beyond to make sure Canadians have the best possible vacation on the island. Blau Varadero and Blau Arenal are ready to welcome back Canadians with open arms and hearts.
- How is Blau working with travel agents?
We currently have a Travel Agent Rates Special for our industry partners who want to enjoy our beautiful properties at a discounted price. If you want to find out more about our travel agent rates, please contact us. We also launched Black Friday and Cyber Monday specials with your favourite tour operators.
For more information about Blau Hotels contact sales@surep.ca or go to https://www.blauhotels.com/en/.
