Pink Cadillacs cruising alongside horse-drawn buggies, cobblestones beneath our feet, and a backdrop of vibrant colonial architecture – this is Trinidad, located on Cuba's southern coast. In 1988, five centuries after it was founded by Spanish conquistador Diego Velázquez, this city was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site to preserve its rich colonial history.On the heels of Destinos Gaviota events in Cayo Cruz and Cayo Paredon, I, along with Karen Puebla from the Cuban Tourist Board and 30 newfound travel advisor friends, embarked on a journey to the countryside for a weekend of cultural immersion and authentic Cuban flavours, courtesy of Gaviota Tours.
The journey took approximately 3.5 hours from Cayo Coco, with a must-stop in the province's capital, Sancti Spíritus. Our guided tour began with a walk through the main square, Parque Serafin Sanchez, which served as the commercial heart of the city. We then proceeded to the 17th-century Iglesia Parroquial Mayor Church, designed in the Baroque style, with a bell tower soaring 40 meters into the sky, vaulted wood-carved ceilings, and limestone walls painted in vibrant blues.
Strolling along the narrow sidewalks and well-worn cobblestone streets, you couldn't help but feel as if you were transported back in time. We ventured to the Yayabo Bridge, an architectural gem dating back to the 19th century. The bridge's impressive design comprised hundreds of thousands of clay bricks, forming its five majestic arches. At the bridge's base, we made a pit stop at Taberna Yayabo, where the group savoured a traditional Cuban meal featuring tilapia and roast beef.
We arrived in Trinidad just before sunset at our home for the night, the Mystique Trinidad La Popa by Royalton, perched on a hill overlooking the village. It was the perfect place to unwind after a long day, with just enough time to gather by the pool before dinner.
So, what do both locals and travellers alike do on a Saturday night in Trinidad? How about enjoying a lively Cuban 5-piece band in a cozy, intimate bar? La Casa de la Trova is the go-to spot for traditional folk rhythms and soulful guitar melodies, with a dance floor to move your feet and hips to the music's infectious rhythms.An early rise, as we set out for our site inspection of the new Melia Trinidad Peninsula Resort on the shores of the Caribbean Sea, set to open on 16NOV. There was a sense of serenity and calm, or maybe it was that ‘new-resort smell’ that left us in awe as we toured the property. It was like no other we had seen thus far, and I speak for most of the group when I say it made our jaws drop.“The resort that stood out the most for me was the Melia Trinidad Peninsula,” Jenny Peng, Merit Travel in Toronto, told Open Jaw. “The modern design impressed me a lot.”
The resort is made up of 401 rooms, 7 pools, and 12 categories, including the Level adults-only category that features exclusive access to lounges, a VIP bar, an adults-only pool, 14 restaurants and bars, and 9 meetings and event rooms. More than stylish rooms and ultra-modern facilities, the scenery will take your breath away. Lush green mountains on one side, infinite ocean views, and a lively historic village nearby – it’s the best of nature and culture.
Our journey through Sancti Spíritus and Trinidad was beyond the ordinary experience that most all-inclusive travellers partake in, which allowed us to immerse ourselves in the heart and soul of Cuba. Each destination unveiled a different aspect of the island's rich culture and history, leaving us with lasting memories of a truly remarkable weekend.
