Travel and holidays in Cuba

Why to visit Cuba: Top 8 reasons

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Cuba is a country that seems to be frozen in time, preserving its special flavour, unique architecture and spirit of freedom. It attracts travellers from all over the world with its endless beaches, retro atmosphere, rich history and the hospitality of the locals. In 2025, interest in Cuba will reach a new level: improved tourist infrastructure, new resort complexes and the island’s enduring charm make it one of the best holiday destinations.

No visa difficulties for Russians, a variety of excursions and sights, the famous all-inclusive system and the opportunity to completely disconnect from the digital world. These are some of the reasons why it is worth travelling to Cuba. Still undecided about travelling to Cuba. Here are the top 8 compelling reasons to travel. They will help you make the right decision.

Why visit Cuba

Cuba is more than just a resort. Here you can enjoy nature, culture, history and an atmosphere that cannot be forgotten.

Top 8 reasons why you should visit this resort:

  1. Unique atmosphere.
  2. Luxurious beaches.
  3. Colonial architecture.
  4. Inimitable Cuban cuisine.
  5. The rhythms of salsa and Cuban jazz.
  6. Historical Legacy.
  7. Diving and ecotourism.
  8. Authenticity and the atmosphere of the past.

Let’s take a closer look at the reasons why this resort is noteworthy.

Cuba’s beaches: a turquoise dream in every shot

Caribbean beaches are a paradise for lovers of seaside holidays. Transparent turquoise water, snow-white sand, palm trees sloping to the water and warm climate create ideal conditions for beach relaxation.

Cuba is consistently ranked among the world’s top beach destinations, offering a unique combination of pristine nature and developed resort infrastructure. Let’s take a look at the popular beaches:

  1. Varadero is the country’s flagship beach resort. 22 kilometres of sandy coastline washed by the warm waters of the Atlantic. It is home to Cuba’s best all-inclusive hotels, nightclubs, restaurants and world-class golf clubs.
  2. Cayo Coco and Cayo Guillermo are islands where the beaches remain virtually untouched by man. The azure sea, white sand dunes and wild flamingos create a truly fabulous picture.
  3. Playa Paraiso and Playa Sirena (Cayo Largo) are Cuba’s most secluded coasts, reminiscent of the landscapes of the Maldives. The clear water, lack of big waves and low crowds make them ideal for romantic holidays.
  4. Playa Esmeralda and Guardalavaca are the jewels of Cuba’s east coast, surrounded by rainforests and coral reefs. These beaches are popular for snorkelling and diving.
  5. Playa Santa Maria is the closest beach to Havana with clean fine sand and calm sea. An excellent option for those who want to alternate excursions around the capital with a holiday by the ocean.

In 2025, new resort areas with even more developed infrastructure will open in Cuba. There are plans to expand the beach complexes on the islands of Cayo Santa Maria and Cayo Cruz, which will provide tourists with even more comfort and holiday opportunities. Holidays in Cuba are becoming even more affordable, diverse and comfortable.

Cuba without a visa: easy travelling

Travelling to Cuba does not require complicated bureaucratic procedures. Russian citizens do not need a visa, it is enough to present a foreign passport and fill in a migration card upon arrival.

What you need to know about entry:

  • The visa-free regime allows you to stay in Cuba for up to 90 days;
  • no complicated documents, certificates and prior authorisations are required;
  • Unlike some Caribbean countries, the resort offers tourists maximum freedom of movement.

Cuba is a place where you can go spontaneously, without much preparation, just by buying a plane ticket. That is why a trip to Cuba is an easy, affordable and comfortable holiday option.

Cuba is an all-inclusive destination

Hotels in Cuba offer a unique all-inclusive system that includes everything from food and drink to cultural entertainment.

What’s different about Cuba’s all-inclusives?

The best resorts in Cuba provide guests with not only the standard service, but also such privileges as:

  1. Real Cuban rum in unlimited quantities.
  2. Author cocktails including the famous mojitos and daiquiris.
  3. Fresh seafood, lobster and exotic fruits at hotel restaurants.
  4. Cuban cigars as a bonus for guests of premium hotels.

Some of the best hotels in 2025 include: Melia Cohiba, Paradisus Princesa Del Mar, Iberostar Laguna Azul. They offer guests first-class service, beach parties and themed events.

Cuba’s sights: history at every turn

Cuba is not just about the beaches, but also about the history you can see for yourself. Colonial architecture, revolutionary monuments, ancient fortresses and museums create a special atmosphere.

Where to get a sense of Cuba’s history:

  1. Old Havana (Habana Vieja) is the historic centre of the capital and a UNESCO heritage site. Narrow streets, lush baroque cathedrals, colonial palaces and the atmosphere of the past create a unique flavour.
  2. Fort El Morro is a majestic 16th century fortress guarding the entrance to Havana harbour. Its walls offer panoramic views of the city and the Caribbean Sea.
  3. The city of Trinidad is one of the best preserved colonial cities in Latin America, where you can see old mansions, cobblestone streets and the famous Plaza Mayor.
  4. The Revolution Museum in Havana is a former presidential palace turned museum that tells the story of Cuba’s struggle for independence and revolutionary events.

Cuba will have new tourist destinations in 2025. They cover lesser-known but fascinating historical locations.

Culinary traditions of Cuba

Cuban cuisine is an explosion of flavours and aromas, a fusion of Spanish, African and Caribbean traditions. Here every meal becomes a real gastronomic adventure.

What’s a must-try:

  1. Ropa vieja is a flavourful stew with vegetables and spices, served with rice and bananas.
  2. Tamales are corn cakes wrapped in leaves and steamed.
  3. Arroz congrí is a traditional Cuban side dish of black rice with beans and aromatic spices.
  4. Lechón asado – roast suckling pig with a side dish of yucca and cassava.

The best restaurants are considered to be: La Guarida in Havana, Casa de la Trova in Santiago de Cuba. As well as numerous family-run “paladares” in Trinidad and Varadero, which serve authentic Cuban cuisine.

Reasons to go to Cuba

Cuba has limited internet access, making a holiday here a true digital detox.

What to do instead of social media:

  • to learn to salsa dance in the street squares;
  • stroll through small cosy towns with colonial architecture;
  • attend rum tastings and cigar masterclasses.

Cuba 2025 remains a place where people live in the moment and enjoy life without constant distractions.

Conclusion

Why visit Cuba? Because it’s not just a holiday, but a complete immersion into another world. A world where bright colours, incendiary music and inexpressible atmosphere create a unique experience. Cuba 2025 awaits new travellers, offering the best resorts, beaches, gastronomy and cultural experiences. Go where life is vibrant, history comes alive and holidays are an adventure.

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Cuba has long ceased to be just a retro backdrop for social networks with shots of “Che Guevara, rum, convertible”. The island offers infrastructure for a full-fledged holiday at a level where the quality of service competes not with illusion, but with European standards.

The category of good 4-star hotels in Cuba has become the “golden mean” where price and comfort converge without unnecessary drama. The main thing is to choose correctly.

Varadero: an abundance of opportunities

The flagship resort concentrates the infrastructure for the demanding tourist. Here good hotels in Cuba 4 stars combine international level service with affordability and a wide choice.
Hotel Puntarena Playa Caleta offers an all-inclusive system, three swimming pools, three restaurants, direct access to the 20-kilometre beach and evening shows with live music.

The hotels breakfasts include not only the standard omelettes, but also fruit in season, Cuban coffee and freshly baked pastries.

Indicators of average booking value:

  • July-August season – from 95 USD/night;
  • low season – from 72 USD/night;
  • The average check of the tour with flight – from 1100 USD for 7 nights for two people.

The resort offers not only luxurious beaches, but also a variety of comfortable accommodation options where quality is as good as price. It is the ideal place for those who want to enjoy their holidays in comfort without overpaying for exclusivity.

Capital overlooking the Malecon

Havana has long gone beyond stereotypes. Behind the colonial facades are boutique hotels where service is not an option, but the foundation.

The boutique complex Elegancia Suites Habana is positioned as an urban resort with a limited number of rooms and high personalised service. The staff speaks four languages, provides transfers and a choice of breakfast, and the interior is mid-twentieth-century style with signature accents.

Among Cuba’s good 4-star hotels, other standouts include:

  1. La Siguaraya – ethno design, library, organic menu.
  2. El Encanto de Perseverancia is a retro loft concept overlooking the Malecon.
  3. La Rosa de Ortega is a secluded villa in the La Lisa area, with 6 rooms and a spa area.

The cost of accommodation in these locations starts from 110 USD/night in high season.

Unabridged reviews: what tourists write

Real reviews of Cuba 4 star hotels illustrate not only the facts, but also the sentiment. Among the key aspects noted by tourists:

  1. Service Stability. The staff is trained to international standards and works without “Latin American rush”.
  2. Diversity in nutrition. Even outside the major resorts, fresh fish, tropical fruits and natural juices are served.
  3. Clean and tidy. Rooms are cleaned daily, beaches are cleaned twice a day.
  4. Attention to detail. Personalised greetings, room compliments, bicycle hire and tour escorts are all included in the package.

It’s details like this that make a holiday not just enjoyable, but truly memorable. Tourists note that even with 4 stars you can feel care, which is not always found in five-star service.

East Leisure Line

On the east coast is the Aston Costa Verde Beach Resort, one of the leaders among Cuba’s good 4 star hotels with a focus on family holidays.
The complex has its own zoo, water park, kids clubs and certified diving school.

The Holguín resort provides quietness, distance from noisy tourist centres and nature without interference.

Another example is Memories Cayo Largo. The hotel is aimed at couples and organised groups and operates on an adults-only format. Guests appreciate private beaches, non-standard room design and a gastronomic zone with author’s cuisine.

Boutique versus mass-market

Havana offers La Reserva Vedado, an Art Deco architectural masterpiece restored after a renovation with original furnishings.

Boutique hotels like Mystique Casa Perla by Royalton are replacing standard accommodation models.

The all-inclusive format is giving way to “only the best offers” – in a package where the guest shapes the service to suit him or her: from personalised menus to excursions on request.

Top 7 good 4 star hotels in Cuba: a choice that won’t disappoint

If you’re dreaming of a Caribbean holiday in comfort but without overpaying for luxury, these 4-star resorts are a great solution. The selection includes only tried and tested places with a high level of service, Cuban atmosphere and excellent reviews.

Sol Caribe Beach, Varadero:

  • direct access to the beach;
  • three swimming pools, water bar;
  • all-inclusive system, five restaurants;
  • average cost – from 120 USD/night.

Hotel Puntarena Playa Caleta:

  • congress hall, gym, SPA;
  • expanded breakfast menu;
  • panoramic rooms with terraces.

Mystique Casa Perla by Royalton, Havana:

  • loft design;
  • haute cuisine restaurant;
  • vintage car transfer is included in the package.

Aston Costa Verde Beach Resort:

  • three levels of pools;
  • activities for children and adults;
  • private beach, surf school.

Memories Cayo Largo:

  • for adults only;
  • private gazebos on the beach;
  • gastronomic parties.

La Rosa de Ortega:

  • panoramic view of the city;
  • eco-interior;
  • breakfast with local ingredients.

El Encanto de Perseverancia:

  • music lounge;
  • author’s interior;
  • location near the cultural centre.

These hotels are not just a place to sleep, but part of the Cuba experience: with its flavours, rhythms and morning coffee with a view. Each one is special in its own way, but all with a decent level of comfort and a real Cuban soul.

Reservations and prices: figures without surprises

Hotels 4 star Cuba prices range from 72 to 145 USD per night depending on season and geography.

Booking directly through the sites allows you to avoid commissions and get personalised offers: free upgrades, late check-out, dinner as a gift.

The statistics show:

  • 83% of 4-star hotel bookings are made 2-4 weeks before the trip;
  • over 65% of guests are tourists from Europe, particularly Germany, France and Italy;
  • Up to 90% of positive reviews are accompanied by mention of a comfortable beach, high level of food and quality sleep.

With such great deals and high level of service, Cuba remains one of the most popular destinations for travellers from all over the world.

Tourism without surprises: expectations and reality

Good 4 star hotels in Cuba are up to the stated level when the right region and concept is chosen.

Havana provides a completely different dynamic. Boutique hotels such as La Siguaraya focus on privacy, signature architecture, atypical excursions, intellectual holidays. Here, the all-inclusive standard is replaced by an emphasis on cultural programmes, organic food, and local practices.

Islands, including Cayo Largo, offer ideal conditions for seclusion and immersion in untouched nature. In hotels like Memories Cayo Largo, tourists are accompanied rather than entertained. They do not compete in the number of cocktails, but create an atmosphere of being outside of time.

Breakfast is like a level litmus

Breakfast in 4* hotels serves as a marker of quality. It is here that the real level of service is revealed – not in the number of towels, but in the details.

Sol Caribe Beach serves fresh guava, omelette with a choice of fillings, traditional Cuban coffee, as well as local handmade desserts. Chefs are present at the buffet line, overseeing the serving of food, and responding to guest requests in real time.

Elegancia Suites Habana has introduced the concept of personalised breakfasts: each morning the menu is personalised, taking into account preferences and allergies.

Why 4 is not a compromise, but a choice

4-star hotels in Cuba are not “almost 5” or “slightly above average”, but a separate category with a clear logic.

Infrastructure is present here, but without pathos. Meals – varied, but not overloaded. Service – polite, but without intrusiveness. Tourists get comfort, privacy and stability without overpaying for marble in the bathroom and champagne on schedule.

According to reviews, 78 per cent of guests staying in good 4-star hotels in Cuba rated the value for money as “high” or “optimal”.

Good 4 star hotels in Cuba: conclusions

Cuba’s good 4-star hotels are forming a new tourist standard for the country. This is not a “convenient in-between”, but a conscious choice of those looking for balance: between service and nature, comfort and authenticity.

Choosing the right resort allows you to get the most out of your trip: a holiday that doesn’t require adjustments. A level proven in practice, an atmosphere that stays in the memory longer than a photo by the cabriolet.

In this article we have collected the best hotels in Cuba 5 stars, among which you will definitely find the right option. The country beckons with palm trees and the glow of the Atlantic, but the impressions of luxury holidays here are not only created by the scenery. In 2025, the best 5-star hotels on the island offer more than just the standard idea of luxury. As our review shows, true comfort in Cuba is measured not by the glitter of marble, but by impeccable attention to detail, quality of service and that unique atmosphere where Caribbean flavour blends harmoniously with the highest level of service.

Best Cuba 5 star hotels in Varadero

A neighbourhood where every residential complex is like a Swiss watch, only in the tropics. Here the best 5-star hotels in Cuba turn holidays into a system of precise decisions: without failures, without compromise, with a clear focus on comfort and style. Varadero has long worked not for the wow effect, but for sustained trust.

Iberostar Auswahl Varadero 5*

The hotel demonstrates the fine-tuning of service to meet the needs of families and couples. It was erected on a long beach and opened 386 rooms with laconic interiors and ocean views. Cuba’s best 5-star hotels are developing an all-inclusive format. The system offers rum, seafood and round-the-clock service – all included in the price.

Families have access to kids’ clubs with animators and areas with shallow pools. The hotel offers meals in six restaurants, one of which specialises in Japanese cuisine. Tourists note the high level of staff on Tripadvisor, and reviews on TopHotels record a high score for “service”.

Melia International 5*.

A flagship among hotels with an emphasis on deluxe categories. The complex comprises 946 rooms divided into zones for families and adults. The spa services centre covers more than 1000 m², making it popular for wellness tours. Children’s programmes, gourmet restaurants, a gym with sea views – a complete package for the discerning holidaymaker.

Best Varadero 5 star hotels for adults only

When no playgrounds or animation is required, the scene gives way to silence and choice to taste. Cuba’s best 5 star hotels offer a format where adult holidays take on a new dimension. There are private zones, gastronomy without compromise and a secluded atmosphere. Varadero confidently holds the bar in the “18+” niche – strict, discreet and without fuss.

Royalton Hicacos Resort 5*

Resorts promote the all-inclusive format for adults – it is valued for its comfort and privacy. 404 rooms, four swimming pools, eight restaurants, separate areas for couples. The resort managers have staked on “relax-first”. They have created a spa area, launched water sports and included jazz in the evening programme. The complex offers a high level of privacy and service, especially in the premium Diamond Club area.

Melia Las Americas 5*

The only hotel in the region integrated with the Varadero Golf Club. It is considered a suitable option for a business holiday combined with a beach holiday. The rooms offer views of the fairways and the restaurants offer Caribbean cuisine. Premium All Inclusive, including transfers, excursions and VIP service.

Cuba’s best 5 star hotels on Cayo Coco and Guillermo

The archipelago sounds quieter than your heart on relaxation – this is where Cuba’s best 5 star hotels take the concept of seclusion to a level where silence becomes luxury. No unnecessary fuss, no mass trails – just turquoise water, white sand and service.

Melia Cayo Coco 5*

Accommodation in water bungalows creates an atmosphere of privacy. Cuba’s all-inclusive adult hotels are ideal – only adults have access. Rooms are equipped with mini-bars with imported alcohol, wide terraces and direct access to the water. A gastronomic restaurant with lobster, grill and fusion cuisine is open daily.

Grand Muthu Cayo Guillermo 5*

Located in the Guillermo neighbourhood, surrounded by mangroves. Includes 500 rooms decorated in a minimalist tropical style. The complex is included in the price segment of Cuba’s 5-star all-inclusive hotels, offering accommodation from $280 per night – a bargain compared to similar resorts. Premium all-inclusive hotels offer imported drinks, snack bars, poolside service and evening shows with live music.

Top hotels in Cayo Santa Maria

Here, silence is not an accident, but part of the concept. Cuba’s best 5-star hotels on this island create a chamber atmosphere. They form a space from secluded beaches to impeccable service. Everything here is subordinated to the idea of exclusivity and the concept of “only for your own”. Cayo Santa Maria does not work on the flow, but on the impression.

Royalton Cayo Santa Maria 5*

A boutique hotel with an emphasis on couples holidays, the all-inclusive format in Cuba offers a room stock of 122 suites with Jacuzzi, personalised service and panoramic views. Personalised service and private beaches set it apart from its peers. It is regularly ranked in the top 3 on Tripadvisor and TopHotels for 5-star all-inclusive hotels in Cuba.

Cuba’s best 5-star hotels: premium openings 2024-2025

Fresh names have quickly joined the ranks of Cuba’s top 5-star hotels – thanks to demand. New properties are not copying, but shaping standards: technology, boutique style and a focus on experiences. A new format of luxury is being born here – modern, thoughtful and targeted.

Gran Muthu Imperial 5*

A modern hotel launched in early 2024. It was built right on Pilar Beach, one of the most photogenic beaches in Cuba. The architects designed it to suit European tastes: simple interiors, stable Wi-Fi and English-language management. The team implemented eco-technologies and installed its own solar energy system.

Mystique Casa Perla 5*

A boutique option for those looking for quietness and high service. Includes 10 designer rooms, each decorated in a special architectural style. The resort is set right in the heart of historic Varadero. The hotel combines beach holidays with culture: it holds readings, tastings and rum masterclasses.

Iberostar Coral Esmeralda 5*

A modern complex specialising in family holidays. Includes clubs for children from 3 to 12 years old, nanny-on-call system, allergen-free menu. 10 hectares of land with direct access to the beach. The property is actively receiving positive reviews due to its balanced price and quality level.

Why choose five-star hotels in Cuba

Tourists choose Cuba’s top resorts for their reliable service, ideal location and unlimited comfort. Each resort offers a format ranging from private beaches for adults to accommodation in bungalows on the water. Tourists choose them for their combination of comfort, ratings and rich infrastructure.

Comparison of key indicators:

  1. Royalton Cayo Santa Maria 5* – 9.4 on Tripadvisor, $320/night, adults only, private beaches.
  2. Melia Internacional 5* – 9.2 rating, $290/night, family and adult holiday area.
  3. Gran Muthu Cayo Guillermo 5* – 8.7 rating, $260/night, emphasis on active leisure.
  4. Iberostar Coral Esmeralda 5* – 9.1, $280/night, for families with children.
  5. Melia Cayo Coco 5* – 9.0, $275/night, accommodation in water bungalows.

These hotels are shaping the standard of premium Cuban holidays, offering guests a thoughtful experience rather than just accommodation. Whatever the purpose of the trip – romance, retreat or family holiday – it’s easy to find an option here without compromise.

Conclusion

Cuba’s best 5-star hotels in 2025 demonstrate a balance between the island’s atmosphere and the demands of international service. Sustainable quality, local cuisine, all-inclusive format, attention to detail and personalised service are becoming markers of true luxury. The principle of “nothing too much, everything to do”. Cuba’s resorts attract those who want not just a holiday, but a tropical experience.