I am female in my early 20s and am looking for a vacation destination to go to in late August. I like the idea of going some place warm but HATE all-inclusives. I don't want to fall into the trap of binge eating everyday while not venturing outside the hotel grounds and experiencing true local cuisine.
I would like some time to spend by the beach (preferably windsurfing and trying other water sports) but would like to spend the rest exploring the city. I thought Cuba would be a great (safe) place for this because I would love to walk through the city and experience the culture.
Can anyone recommend hotels in Cuba that are preferably not all-inclusive, are on the beach (or close to it) and are located close to other sites?
Thanks!
Hotels ideal for exploring Cuba
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Not sure which city if being referred to - I can only speak about Havana and Varadero. In Havana you don't go AI but Varadero I can't see how you would not go AI. The food is not the highlight in the AI hotels but it would be difficult to find 3 meals a day if you did not have it as Varadero is a long strip with hotels and not much outside.
There are beaches outside Havana but I don't think there are any hotels, Jibacoa is about an hour outside of Havana where Breezes is located which is AI.
How about Cartagena Colombia? The beaches aren't great, but there are dozens of small hotel properties and a truly awesome city for exploring.
Although we didn't go, I understand the Rosario Islands are pretty, easy day trip from the city.