We had an amazing Cuban Adventure!
We hosted our first retreat November 9-15, 2019 and had an amazing time! We are planning our next trip to Cuba for 2021. Please check back for updates. In the meantime, check out some of our trip photos below:
The Cuban culture is a part of us. If you’ve been to our house, you know! From the flavor of the Cuban foods, to the music and dancing. From the exaggerated, excited, loud way we express ourselves to how passionate we are about everything we do. So, come Explore our roots in the original Happy Destination - Cuba!
Take a journey with The Happy Destination to a long forgotten place sitting right off our shores. Come embrace 3 simple things we believe to be essentials for a healthy, happy life - food, movement, and mindfulness. We promise a trip full of laughter and tears, adventure and connection, and returning home with a new sense of love gratitude and compassion for yourself and others. And of course, it wouldn’t be The Happy Destination without some Salsa dancing in the streets!
So, you've probably heard about some new regulations for traveling to Cuba. But fear not! Under the new regulations, even though our trip supporting educational and people to people travel is closed, we are providing logistical support for individuals who travel under the Support for the Cuban People.
What does that mean? That means we'll provide you with a full itinerary, we'll guide you through the booking and visa process, and we'll even share our time together as we embark on a full itinerary to interact with and support the Cuban People.
About Your Cuban Adventure
Your adventure to Cuba will begin in the capital city of Havana, a city well known for its history, culture, and architecture. In the city of Havana, we will not leave any stone unturned - enjoying incredible local foods, soaking in the culture, and incorporating movement into many things we do. We will explore every aspects of the arts, from Afro-Cuban art and dance to live performances and music at every turn. You'll enjoy delicious, authentic Cuban fare off the beaten path with live music and incredible company. And of course, your trip will incorporate some movement from a yoga class taught by Eduardo Pimentel, President of the Cuban Yoga Association, pilates at an outdoor performance theater, and Salsa and Rumba dancing lessons and outings to sweat like the locals!
After your Havana exploration, you'll switch gears and visit the vinales valley in Northern Cuba known for its low mountains, natural beauty, and agriculture. Enjoy a beautiful guided hike, mountaintop cup of coffee, and a departure from the urban energy of Havana. You'll also visit local tobacco growers to learn more about the local trade and agricultural heritage of Cuba.
Want more? Take a look at the detailed day-by-day itinerary here.
Your Cuban Accommodations
At The Happy Destination, we believe in sustainable travel. That not only means traveling with the earth in mind, but that also means traveling in support of the local communities - eating at locally owned restaurants, buying local, and staying at locally-owned accommodations, not state-owned accommodations and businesses.
You'll be staying in what the Cubans call “Casa Particulares,” or privately Cuban-owned homes that act like mini Bed & Breakfasts. In these casas, your Cuban host will cook and clean for you while living in another wing of the apartment. And you'll have bedroom and bathrooms, which will only be shared with travel mates. Get ready for an adventure - you'll be living an authentic Cuban experience, not your typical retreat in a gated resort with 5-star amenities! Read more details about our accommodations here.
The trip will include:
- A full, detailed itinerary supporting local, privately owned businesses, accommodations, and cultural experiences
- A local Cuban guide through Cuba Wellness Adventures and your two The Happy Destination trip leaders
- Traditional Cuban accommodations for 7 days and 6 nights
- Transportation to all included activities (except to and from the airport, which we will arrange for you)
- Schedule of cultural activities, including yoga, pilates, dancing, tours, hiking
- 2 meals a day as noted in the provided day-to-day itinerary
- Gratuities for meals and transportation
- Price also includes a $50 donation to a local cuban organization
This trip pricing DOES NOT include:
- Any transportation and airfare to and from Havana
- Cuba Tourist Visa Fee
- Alcoholic beverages
- Personal expenses
- Transportation to optional activities
- Gratuities for local Cuban guides and coordinators (this is optional but can be done as a tip pool)
Need more information?
- Check out your Day-by-Day Travel and Activity Itinerary
- Learn more about your traditional Cuban Accommodations
- Check out these Frequently Asked Questions about The Happy Destination: Cuba