EASTERN CUBA
Known as the ‘Oriente’, the East of Cuba is a fabulously diverse region from the spectacular mountain range of the Sierra Maestra to the unspoilt natural beaches and charming towns.
The main city here is Santiago de Cuba, steeped in history and offering some beautiful examples of colonial architecture. Its population is mainly of French and African descent, giving the city a different feel to that of Havana. The hotter climate brings a slower pace of life in a city famous for its dance and music which can be experienced in the city’s annual carnival in July.
This part of Cuba is also home to Cuba’s oldest town, Baracoa. Baracoa is blissfully remote and remained happily isolated for many years due to its position on the eastern tip of the country. The town has only been linked to the rest of Cuba since a mountain road was built, after the Revolution. Baracoa was also where Columbus first landed and some of the people are direct descendants of the native Taino tribe and the only ones that remain in the country. Thanks to its isolation, the ecosystem in this part of Cuba has remained largely intact, comprising virgin forest, pristine beaches and verdant national parks.
The Sierra Maestra mountain range is the most important natural habitat in this region. It runs along the entire south coast of the region and is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including many species which are endemic to the area. Many reptiles and tropical birds can be found in the mix of undergrowth and cloud forest. The density of the forest here allowed Fidel Castro and his supporters to hide out here between 1956 and 1959, providing cover against the army.
For beaches in this area, head to the beautiful, laidback resort of Guardalavaca. Undulating hills provide a delightful backdrop to large lagoons bordering stunning natural beaches.
WHERE TO STAY
Our favourite luxury hotels
Villa Santo Domingo
Villa Santo Domingo is girded by the Sierra Maestra Mountains, making it the perfect spot for observing the flora and fauna of the region. While some visitors make a beeline for Cuba’s luxury all-inclusive beach resorts, there’s another type of traveller who wants to experience the “real” Cuba, where nature, culture, history and daily life converge. This area fits the profile perfectly. It’s near where the rebel troops set up their mountain headquarters in the late fifties and is a superlative setting for exploring Cuba’s natural bounty. The Villa Santo Domingo opened its doors in 2012 near the river Yara. A beautiful wooden structure, this hotel with a restaurant, bar, grill, garden and even comfy sun loungers, is completely integrated with its natural surroundings. The 20 wooden bungalows are in two-story blocks with breathtaking views.
Encanto La Sevillana
Hotel Encanto La Sevillana is the perfect spot to relax on an off the-beaten-track journey throughout Cuba. An elegant boutique hotel in central Camaguey, Hotel Encanto La Sevillana is a colonial style hotel within walking distance of many of the city’s most popular squares and attractions. One of the hotel’s prime features is the presidential suite – a stunning suite complete with glass doors and has accommodated US president Joe Biden. The hotel’s standard rooms are also wonderful with well furnished features which are well maintained and decorated. Water features and marble floors also add a touch of class throughout Hotel Encanto La Sevillana’s public spaces.
Villa Gaviota
Villa Gaviota is a special place in Santiago de Cuba surrounded by nature. Villa Gaviota (also sometimes known as Eastern Villa) is located in the residential area of Vista Alegre, a few minutes from the historical, cultural and commercial centre of the hospitable city of Santiago de Cuba, and only 10km from the International Airport. The natural environment features extensive vegetation and large gardens that allow guests to feel that they are in contact with nature throughout their stay. 3.5 km away from the hotel is the “Jardin de los Helechos” (Fern Garden), famous throughout Cuba as an ecological refuge for hundreds of exotic species, and the town of El Caney, internationally renowned as the source of the sweetest fruit of Cuba.
Rio Miel
Rio Miel, located on the waterfront of Cuba’s first ever city, is the perfect place to unwind. Rio Miel is located in a privileged setting along the seafront in Baracoa, close to the historic centre of the city. Baracoa was Cuba’s first city and is an interesting place to stop by and visit on an off-the-beaten-track tour of Cuba. This three-storey hotel opened its doors in October 2013 opposite the city’s best known hotel, La Rusa. The hotel has 12 standard rooms, all with air-conditioning, private bathroom, security deposit box, telephone and satellite TV. The hotel also has a bar where light snacks are served, parking, and bilingual staff at reception.