Cuba Hotels

The island nation of Cuba is located in the Caribbean Sea and consists of the main island of Cuba, the Isla de la Juventud and many smaller archipelagos. To the south of Cuba is Jamaica and the US mainland is to the north. The island was discovered and claimed by Christopher Columbus in 1492 and kept it for the Kingdom of Spain and it remained under Spanish rule until 1898 when it became independent. It is the most highly populated island in the Caribbean and is home to over 11 million people with a wide and diverse culture drawing from the indigenous people, the Spanish invaders and the introduction of African slaves. The climate is tropical, kept in control by the trade winds that blow all year round.

The direst season extends from November to April and a rainy season from May to October. Due to the warm temperatures and the fact that the island lies across the Gulf of Mexico entrance, the island is regularly battered by hurricanes. The hurricanes are most common in September and October.

The warm climate, beautiful beaches and tropical island feel to Cuba attracts over 2 million tourist a year. Tourism is one of the main incomes for the island so tourism and its national appeal are of major importance. The growth of the tourist industry has to follow strict environmental guidelines and the government has established safeguards to protect the diverse cultural and ecological areas.

As an example new facilities in coastal areas have to adhere to strict set back guidelines and all new developments have to obtain an environmental license. Many people visit Cuba for health reasons, Cuba has long been regarded as one of the places to go for eye surgery, Multiple Sclerosis treatment and orthopedic treatments. IF you are looking for a traditional Cuban holiday, the you could look to stay in a ‘casa particular’ which is like a Bed & Breakfast in the UK, it is a private residence that has a license for short term lodging and these can be as cheap as £15 per night.

Make sure you take a phrase book with you though as English is only normally spoken in the tourist resorts and many smaller towns and villages will not speak English. Getting to Cuba from the UK is normally on an indirect flight and can cost £500.