Benedict SteiningerOne of the early joys of marriage for any newly-wed couple is undoubtedly sweeping off on their honeymoon, cheered by their family and friends. The Caribbean is a popular choice and as Cuba increasingly improves its tourism offer, the island nation is a natural. An excellent choice is Trinidad, a small city embedded in the midst of a sensational landscape and tall mountains located on the southern coast, an underappreciated spot to spend the average two-week long holiday for lovebirds. However, it offers everything the heart searches for. A long beach for snorkelling, fantastic bars and clubs with hypnotising Latin music and, key to any honeymoon, a luxury hotel.
The All-Important Hotel
The characteristic lobby of the Iberorstar Grand Hotel | Benedict Steininger
Located in the heart of Trinidad, the five-star Iberostar Grand Trinidad delivers everything a loving couple requires: a peaceful atmosphere, a spacious junior suite with a balcony to enjoy the beautiful sun setting behind the emerald green mountains, a rejuvenating breakfast from room service and quick access to the city’s attractions. As receptionist Ramena says: “This hotel is the ideal place for couples because most of our guests are adults so there is no noise from children running around and disturb the lovers.”
When the couple arrive at the hotel, housed in an elegant 19th century building, the doorman gives them a warm welcome into the entrance hall which includes a beautiful fountain in the centre that sets the tone for a long and relaxing romantic getaway. After settling in, the couple can enjoy a welcome cocktail while listening to the softly playing pianist in the lobby bar or, in the summer time, sip it whilst dancing to passionate live Latin music on the Parque Cespedes across the street.
A Relaxing Walk on the Beach Followed by Snorkelling on Cuba’s Beautiful Reefs
The white sand of Beach Ancon | Benedict Steininger
A seemingly endless strand and the sea fronting Trinidad’s main beach of Ancon is the ideal example of a Caribbean shore. Clear and turquoise waters lap at the blinding white sand and cabanas topped with palm leaves are sprinkled around the beach, offering protection from the sun for the small charge of 2 CUC’s (around $2). If laying on the beach gets to be too much, there are kayaks and pedal boats for rent, as well as more ambitious activities. According to young Norwegian newlyweds Ben and Steena, snorkelling perfectly suits couples whether married or not. “This is by far one of the best trips to go for a couple here,” Ben says. For a fee of 10 CUC’s, a tiny catamaran takes you out to the coral reef to swim amongst the colourful fish weaving through the coral in the shallow, crystal-clear water.
A Gourmet Dinner With an Astonishing View Included
A fiery red strawberry daiquiri and a beautiful view | Benedict Steininger
After enjoying a long evening walk around the city to see its many historical buildings and plazas and perhaps indulge in a little shopping (local souvenirs, cigars and rum), the Restaurante El Bolo Vista Gourmet just a few hundred metres from the hotel can be found hidden amongst the town’s many hills.
Delivering great service, sensational food and delicious cocktails, the Vista Gourmet brings out the best in the Cuban cuisine. Also including certain European dishes, this high-end establishment provides an unforgettable experience. The ideal cocktail to order is either the strawberry daiquiri or the local favourite, the rum-based canchanchara, which seems appropriate for a pair of newlyweds because of its intense sweetness from a large measure of honey.
Along with its high standards in food, drink and service, the Vista Gourmet offers something that most restaurants here can’t: an alluring view over the town and the stunning sunset.
Salsa Dancing in the Moonlight
By day a tourist hotspot – by night a salsa club | Benedict Steininger
Towards evening, the stairs next to the Plaza Mayor become thronged with tourists thanks to the pulsing salsa music pumping out of the many nearby clubs and intimate drinking establishments.
“Lovers from around the world visit the Casa De La Musica for an evening of passionate music and dancing”, according to one of the barmen pouring mojitos and daiquiris for thirsty visitors. Accompanied by dimmed lighting and exotic palm trees on the left side of the open-air salsa bar, couples are drawn from their seats as the music begins, dancing on the cobblestone stairways. Whether they are beginners learning by copying the moves of the surrounding Cubans or seasoned dancers, everyone is welcome at La Casa De La Musica. A young couple touring around Cuba say this salsa bar is the perfect place to go thanks to its dreamy and open atmosphere. The club seems to be arranged just for couples as it provides plenty of space for dancing to the excellent live music.
By day a tourist hotspot – by night a salsa club | Benedict Steininger
Beaches, romantic dinners, fiery salsa clubs and enchanting hotels. Trinidad offers everything a loving couple may need. In addition to these spots, honeymooners are more than welcome to seek out their own romantic corners when visiting Trinidad, a true city for romance.
Fact Box:
Iberostar Grand Hotel
Calle Jesus Maria, Trinidad, 62600
Telephone number: (+53) 41996070
Website: www.iberostar.com
Price per night: from 231 € (breakfast included).
Ancon Beach
Peninsula Ancon, Trinidad 62600
Snorkel operations opening times: 9:00 – 16:00
Restaurante El Bolo Vista Gourmet
Callejon de Galdos, Trinidad 62600
Telephone number: (+53) 996700
Opening times: noon to midnight.
Casa De La Musica
Calle Cristo, Trinidad 62600
Telephone number: (+53) 4193414