Some girls are addicted to chocolate, others to shopping, but me...I'm addicted to a place. There's just something about the cigar-chomping, rum-swilling and salsa-dancing country that keeps drawing me me back every single year. Whether it be the breathtaking beaches, the exotic cocktails or the friendly, flirtatious nature of the locals I think there will always be a part of me that craves Cuban culture.
For the past 4 years I have been lucky enough to spend 2 weeks of every year in a small hotel, in the tourist town of Varadero, called 'Iberostar Tainos'. It has honestly become a home away from home! It's so nice going back year after year and being recognized by members of staff and also getting to spend time with the families, from all over the world, who share our love for this hotel and also return every single year...our little Cuban family ♥!
On Saturday morning I arrived home from the most incredible 2 weeks in Cuba. My mum, my step-dad and I stayed in a hotel called Iberostar Tainos which is situated on the North coast of the island in the resort town of Varadero, which is known for its breath taking white sandy beaches.We didn't visit Havana or do any excursions this year as having been to Cuba before we had already visited everywhere we wanted to visit so we just had a relaxing 2 weeks around the hotel.
Walkway to the beach
Paradise!
This was our third visit to the hotel so it was really nice to see the members of staff that we had gotten friendly with over the years.
Barmen Risel & Yudel
Bar Staff Risel & Daylin
Our 'Cuban family' Yudel & Claudia
The welcome back cocktail party for return guests
Birthday celebrations for my step-dad
For me one of the best parts about going on holiday is meeting new people and this year I was lucky enough to meet loads of different people from different countries. I made friends from the UK, Cuba, Argentina, France and Italy. They definitely made the holiday extra special and as soppy as it sounds, I will never forget them or the memories we made.
oooo holiday friends oooo
late night beach partyyyy
running red lights
the 'bit too hot for a club' selfie
One thing is for sure, you will never starve while staying in this hotel. There is a buffet style restaurant which is open every day for breakfast lunch and dinner with a wide variety of choices. One of my favourite meals was from 'Sakuru' which is the hotel's Japanese A'la Carte restaurant. They cook all of the food right in front of you whilst doing various tricks with the utensils, talk about dinner with a show! The food is also super tasty!
I enjoyed every single minute of my time in Cuba but for me there was diffidently one stand out highlight! The first year we visited the hotel we became friends with a couple from Belgium named Ellen and Rudi and we have met up with them the past two summers in Cuba. It was our last night in the hotel and we were all extremely sad about leaving but suddenly Ellen dropped the bombshell...Rudi had proposed to her!!! It was SO romantic and I honesty couldn't have been happier for them.
Congratulations to the happy couple
I think that out of all of the holidays I have ever been on this one has 100% been the best. Cuba is the most beautiful place I have ever visited. I love the music, the people, the dancing and especially the gorgeous beaches, you really couldn't ask for anything more. I have only been home for 4 days and I am already missing it crazy amounts. I would honestly do anything to be back!!
