Room Service: Villa Bacuranao (Havana, Cuba)

Villa Bacuranao
Havana, Cuba

Cuba. A Canadian paradise. An American obsession. Barring the tricky politics involving the world's de facto cops and bullies (depending on your view), it's a magnificent island in the Caribbean closer by flight duration than it is to Regina. Home to many affordable travel packages if you just need some sun.

Perhaps in a moment out of character, I chose to venture to Cuba on my first foray into the Caribbean and points south. It's an odd feeling being transported from one culture to another without hopping off the continent, geographically. But like any stereotypical Canadian waiting for an escape from a cold winter, I bought the first package offered at one of the charter airlines. I just wanted out.

This property is as sufficient to "out" as you can imagine. It's 14 km or so away from the capital city of Cuba, Havana. If you fly into Varadero like I did, you'll be given a drive that is not only picturesque, but about the distance from Niagara Falls to Pearson Airport. Unlike in other countries, this road is paved well.

My airline calls this property the "Villa Bacuranao". Some websites list it as "Hotel Islazul Bacuranao" to reflect the name of the group this hotel belongs to. I see it as a villa (hence the name), built so your front porch faces the ocean, while my bathroom has a view of both the swimming pool and another point of the ocean.

I wouldn't be very honest here without listing some drawbacks with this hotel room. It's older, but maintained well. The grounds are slightly damaged by a previous weather event and it looks like recovery is taking its time. If you felt like snapping photos to send from here to some jealous, snowed in relatives back home you are liable to some patience as there is no WiFi (though this may change in future) and there is one computer operated by the phone company with a reliable internet connection (prices for cellular roaming is outrageous from Cuba).

I'm getting way ahead of myself though. In terms of actual accommodation that was resort quality, it was very charming. There's a proper swimming pool in the middle of the village ("proper" meaning so deep I stayed in the shallow end). The room is very comfortable featuring beds with noticeably aging sheets - the feel though was magnificent. I napped more than expected.

Facilities include an on-site restaurant and bars, plus a little mini-mart for basic drinks and sundries (includes vodka). I had breakfast and dinner at the hotel, and was surprised by the creativity and taste of the food. The menu didn't change very much though, and the man guarding proteins at dinner was skimpy in portions. Hey, don't call it a buffet if you're in the way!

Plus a stop in front for the tourist-oriented bus and a friendly reception desk. Refreshing and kind.