Guardalavaca (Cuba)

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Friendly and welcoming, like the Cuban people themselves, the resort of Guardalavaca – just east of Holguin – is close to where Christopher Columbus first stepped foot on Cuban soil. It's a low-key, relaxing resort of fine hotels, gentle pursuits and wonderful shallow bays and coastal walks. It's a picture postcard destination, holidays in Guardalavaca come highly recommended.

Beaches

Guardalavaca's beach is man made, but you'd never know it. The three main beaches – Esmerelda, Pesquero and Guardalavaca itself – offer powder soft sands, swaying palms, cool bars and plenty of opportunities to enjoy some low-key water sports. You can travel into Holguin for more action, and more hi-octane water sports, easily enough.

Eating Out

Cuban cuisine mixes the spices of the Caribbean (although, to be honest, the spices are a notch or two cooler) with Spanish, Creole and simple, grilled seafood. The Spanish influence results in garlicy, Mediterranean stews of peppers, tomatoes and rice. In fact rice and beans accompany most dishes, often served with pork, chicken and steaks. Maize is another staple, made into savoury pancakes. Cuban ice cream, or Helado (Ice cream) is the best in the Caribbean.

Shopping

There's a small shopping centre in the heart of the resort. Here you can get the usual array of souvenirs, such as cigars, Cuban rum and Che Guevara T shirts. Guardalavaca has a good artists' market in the street most days, where you can buy paintings and t-shirts, ceramics and pottery.

Nightlife

Chances are your hotel will offer a good calendar of night time entertainment – and chances are it'll be good, too. Cubans are very musical, and love to entertain. Cheesy, spangly cabaret is always good value. The show at the Río de Oro is suitably over-the-top and energetic. The Disco La Roca, with its open air dance floor is the place to go to really let your hair down, over a mojito or two.

Attractions and Activities

Inland from Guardalavaca, the mountains and towns of Eastern Cuba are worth visiting, and the local state capital, Holguin, is cultural city, with fine shopping and museums. Acuario Cayo Naranjo, ten minutes from the resort, is a dolphin, seal and walrus show. You can even swim with the dolphins should you wish. To the west of Guardalavaca lies the likeable, intensely Cuban town of Rafael Freyre, or Santa Lucia. A fascinating glimpse into the real Cuba, and well worth a visit.

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