End of Year trip to Cuba Question


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I plan on spending Christmas this year in Havana with Di. Roughly two weeks away but I don't particularly want to spend the whole time in Cuba. maybe 7 nights there and 5 nights somewhere else in the region. Di hasn't been to Cuba before nor in the region. 

It is our "relax" time and so it should be "cruisy" and unrushed. 

If you could pick another spot for a couples stay (apart from Cuba), within a two hour flight of Havana, what would you pick?

For many of you the surrounding region is your backyard (in terms of vacation anyway).  While I have travelled south and central America extensively, it has always been on the "go" catching up with friends, fishing, often roughing it to an extent. 

Any recommendations would be most welcome :thumbsup:

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Turks and Caicos has the most beautiful beaches I've ever seen, perfect for relaxing with a cocktail and cigar! Then again there a dozen islands in the carribean that fit that description. Key West is fantastic if your looking for a combination of clear blue waters, fishing/diving and great night life/party scene. I suppose the same could be said for Miami as well, but there is something special about the Keys IMO. Savannah, Georgia would be an outside the box recommendation for tranquility and beauty. If you have any appreciation for American country music (new or old) then Nashville, Tennessee is a must see. The Honky Tonk district is a blast with live music and down home country cooking in abundance. You can also go out on the town in Nashville for a fraction of the price compared to somewhere like south beach. 

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OMG you stole my thunder...  I was totally going to say Turks and Caicos!  Lol!  

Anyways, Turks and Caicos for the most beautiful beaches.

I'm Puerto Rican so I have to say either Vieques or Isla Culebra which are both smaller islands off the coast of Puerto Rico with  the most AMAZING undeveloped virgin beaches. They call them the Spanish Virgin Islands. Maybe because of the way they make couples feel later on in their rooms... Rent a house on the malecón, rent a car or jeep and explore!

I absolutely love the PR Islands but if you haven't gone to Turks Caicos, do that!

 

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Before I get in trouble for suggesting Cancun, hear me out as it's not Really Cancun I'm suggesting.  There is an island about 2 miles offshore from Cancun called Isla Mujeres which has some of the most amazing beaches known to man. One specifically is called Playa Norte. The island is at most a mile long and you either rent a golf cart or mopeds to get around the island. It has a somewhat bohemian feel or better said, no resemblance to Cancun/Playa etc and is a very nice romantic get away for a couple not looking for raves and 4 foot margaritas poles...

The best and most relaxing hotel on the beach we saw was Privilege Aluxes but the nicest hotel we visited was the Zoetry Isla Mujeres if you're looking for a more refined experience. There are a lot more options on the isle that I can suggest if you're interested as we almost decided to have our wedding there. Being that my wife is stubborn... Well, I won't go down that rabbit hole. 

I find this small island to be truly relaxing and for us, a short 2 hour flight and ferry ride from Texas. 

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10 hours ago, Colt45 said:

Not sure if it fits the bill, but I've been to Negril Jamaica a couple of times. Enjoyed it, and pretty much did nothing but relax.

Colt, I have a completely different opinion of Jamaica, as do many people I come across who've been there.  Unless you stay at, and don't leave, a resort, it's not a good place for a tourist to visit.  I'm sure you did enjoy it, but I'm just saying El Pres, or anyone looking to visit, should consider it carefully and perhaps do some research so you'll know what to expect.

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A little more than 2 hours flight but Charleston South Carolina is a relaxed, romantic place. Great low country southern food. Serious American history, romantic. Great free public transportation.

Or my favorite, and already suggested, New Orleans. Chicory coffee, some beignets...mm mmmm. Jazz in the distance, a nice drink in one hand with Di on the other. Can't go wrong.


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1 hour ago, stogieluver said:

 Unless you stay, and don't leave, a resort,

That's exactly what I did both times. The resort had everything I needed - kitchenette in room, three restaurants / cafes, pool, private beach, water sports, etc.

It doesn't get more cruisy than that  :)

 

On a side note, I love Sanibel / Captiva, but Christmas is a pretty busy time.

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New Orleans is great, and late December is a perfect time to go. Although the heat/humidity here is probably similar to parts of Oz. Great food, great bars, great music, the only drawback is no beach. I am here now for Mardi Gras, which I dont personally recommend, especially for a first trip to the city. You can get a much better feel for the city when there are about a million less people. 

Mexico is a very attractive option for Yanks right now because of the exchange rate. Im not sure how this translates for Aussies, but its a bout half price now compared to 2.5 or 3 years ago. Its only a 45 min flight to Cancun, then another 45 min drive down to the Mayan Riviera and you are set. Its mostly all incusives down there and more europens than yanks in my experience. Spectacular beaches, close to Playa del Carmen for restaurants and shopping. If you do head that way, let me know, I know of a spectacular littlr fishing/diving village in the area that often has grazing sea turtles that you can snorkel with for free. 

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Colt, I have a completely different opinion of Jamaica, as do many people I come across who've been there.  Unless you stay, and don't leave, a resort, it's not a good place for a tourist to visit.  I'm sure you did enjoy it, but I'm just saying El Pres, or anyone looking to visit, should consider it carefully and perhaps do some research so you'll know what to expect.


I have to agree here. I have been to Jamaica a couple of times. If you stay at one of the all-inclusive resorts it can be an amazing and relaxing vacation -- as you are pampered and taken care of just like on a cruise. But I wouldn't recommend a non-resort vacation to Jamaica as a couple.

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2 hours ago, rxavier1979 said:

Before I get in trouble for suggesting Cancun, hear me out as it's not Really Cancun I'm suggesting.  There is an island about 2 miles offshore from Cancun called Isla Mujeres which has some of the most amazing beaches known to man. One specifically is called Playa Norte. The island is at most a mile long and you either rent a golf cart or mopeds to get around the island. It has a somewhat bohemian feel or better said, no resemblance to Cancun/Playa etc and is a very nice romantic get away for a couple not looking for raves and 4 foot margaritas poles...

The best and most relaxing hotel on the beach we saw was Privilege Aluxes but the nicest hotel we visited was the Zoetry Isla Mujeres if you're looking for a more refined experience. There are a lot more options on the isle that I can suggest if you're interested as we almost decided to have our wedding there. Being that my wife is stubborn... Well, I won't go down that rabbit hole. 

I find this small island to be truly relaxing and for us, a short 2 hour flight and ferry ride from Texas. 

My buddy goes there several times a year and raves about it. Fantastic people, great food, and amazing fishing. I plan on getting down there this year. :2thumbs:

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My family spends Christmas most years in Tulum Mexico. It is about an hour drive south of Cancun and is very peaceful with beautiful beaches. Also a lot of cool sightseeing things to do with the Mayan ruins in the area. I've also heard great things about Isla Mujeres.

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3 hours ago, Jfeath74 said:

Turks and Caicos has the most beautiful beaches I've ever seen, perfect for relaxing with a cocktail and cigar! Then again there a dozen islands in the carribean that fit that description. Key West is fantastic if your looking for a combination of clear blue waters, fishing/diving and great night life/party scene. I suppose the same could be said for Miami as well, but there is something special about the Keys IMO. Savannah, Georgia would be an outside the box recommendation for tranquility and beauty. If you have any appreciation for American country music (new or old) then Nashville, Tennessee is a must see. The Honky Tonk district is a blast with live music and down home country cooking in abundance. You can also go out on the town in Nashville for a fraction of the price compared to somewhere like south beach. 

I'll throw in another vote for Turks & Caicos.  Best beaches I have seen and the restaurants along the ocean are fantastic.  I went there with a group of family and kids and thought to myself that this would be a place I would come back to with just the wife if I had the opportunity.

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Check out the body holiday in St. Lucia. I went the beginning of this month. I didn't have to worry abt anything. The food was great and they cater to your every need. The perfect place to relax and enjoy the holidays.

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Have to throw my hat in for Turks & Caicos also. Beaches resort there is a terrific all-inclusive. Did an extended family trip there (about 20 of us including kids) and everyone enjoyed it immensely.

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I plan on spending Christmas this year in Havana with Di. Roughly two weeks away but I don't particularly want to spend the whole time in Cuba. maybe 7 nights there and 5 nights somewhere else in the region. Di hasn't been to Cuba before nor in the region. 

It is our "relax" time and so it should be "cruisy" and unrushed. 

If you could pick another spot for a couples stay (apart from Cuba), within a two hour flight of Havana, what would you pick?

For many of you the surrounding region is your backyard (in terms of vacation anyway).  While I have travelled south and central America extensively, it has always been on the "go" catching up with friends, fishing, often roughing it to an extent. 

Any recommendations would be most welcome :thumbsup:


Aruba is right below Cuba and is marvelous. Great weather, beaches and restaurants and an abundance of cc's. I try and go once a year. Let me know I can recommend restaurants and cigar spots.


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St. Barth....St. Barth....St.  Barth

 

Great food and very laid back. Not your typical touristy island. Can you give you a ton of recommendations if you end of picking St. Barth. 

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A big +1 here. St. Lucia is an amazing stop. I remember going there for the 1st time in 1989 when not many knew about this place. A lot more touristy nowadays, but a still a great place to visit.

Prez, another place you should look into (a LOT of Australians go there) is Turtle Island Fiji. 4 hour flight from you all, and most out your way go to Fiji in general since it's your Hawaii for vacation due to a shorter flight. If you dive, it's pure paradise as well, but then again Australia is heaven for that already! :)

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check out the Banyan Tree Mayakoba resort between Cancun and Playa del Carmen. It is very slow paced and relaxing.  Pretty far removed from bustle of Cancun.  There's also a Rosewood Mayakoba resort close by that fits the bill, but may have a few more families with kids.  The fairmont mayakoba is nice, but nothing special. 

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