The idea to visit Varadero, Cuba in 2021 when international travel was reopening came after seeing my friend visit the country. She had posted an Instagram story showcasing the beautiful azure waters and I was instantly sold. I’ve always seen these wonderful pictures of pristine water and thought to myself “This must be a camera trick!”. I was going to see for myself. We were going to a resort in Varadero!
Getting to Varadero
Making sure to check, double-check, and even triple-check every health requirement, off we went! My only snag during the trip occurred in the beginning, before boarding our plane. The Air Canada employee told us we couldn’t board because we did not undergo a PCR COVID-19 test when the requirements mentioned that a stay in a resort required no such test. After kindly asking her to check their own Air Canada website (and quite frankly dying inside), she confirmed that we were set to travel! In any case, we were going to get a COVID-19 test done once arriving at the resort.
Having booked with Air Canada Vacations (not a sponsor, btw!), everything was seamless. The transport to the hotel by bus was not an exception. By the time we arrived, it was late at night and we were checked in by the kindest employees at Sol Varadero Beach Resort. I’d definitely be willing to go there again and recommend the place to every family member and friend.
Varadero Beach Activities
Early the next morning, we walked around the beach, before anyone else was awake. The sand, untouched by human footprints, was blissful to walk on. The grains had been smoothed out by the ocean overnight. Here and there, small holes littered the oceanside. Having never seen something like this, we were curious and confused, eyeing the holes as we walked. Surely enough, small sand-colored crabs peaked out of said holes, very people (and definitely) camera-shy.
Close to our resort, in the water, we found a small section of brown coral when we took a pedal boat for a ride. Swimming back there without the boat and with our lifejackets, we saw curious fish, interested in approaching us. I believe they thought my waving fingers were bread (commonly given to these sea creatures to get them to surface for tourists’ attention). Admiring a fish approaching me, I did not imagine what would happen next: IT BIT ME! Barring its tiny teeth, it nipped my finger. Nevertheless, I was too stunned by the cute fish to be upset.
Other Exciting To-Do’s
Other exciting things happened on our trip, we got to drink coconut juice straight out of a coconut, we discovered a white flower with a beautiful vanilla smell and we took a bus ride across the city discovering the city and taking pictures. That same bus ride brought us to a makeshift art market under tents. Several artisans were selling their own craft. We met a painter, a sculptor, and several other artists. Our house is now decorated with many exquisite Cuban art pieces.
Many days were spent swimming, lounging, and walking by the seashore, all of this with minimal connection to the outside world, and almost a complete cut off of social media. We had a daily sit-down meal together at different restaurants in the resort. Date night every day anyone? It was a true blessing.
We got to go on an excursion for a day around the province of Matanzas. We got to swim in a cave, amongst the coral, and visit a farm amongst other things! (Read more about this in a separate article.)
Of all places visited and traveled to (earlier in the year, we had a hiking trip across Western Canada), it was the only trip I could come out of and truly call myself rested.
For more reading about our trip to Varadero, Cuba, take a look at my other articles.
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