Cuba. A bit crazy, but the ocean was amazing
This trip didn’t start the way it was supposed to.
About 10 hours before departure, we got a call saying there was a technical issue and we couldn’t be checked in for our flight. We were given two options: a refund, or a different hotel that could be booked immediately.
That’s how we ended up in Holguín, Aston Costa Verde, December 17–24.
I’ll be honest right away: I wouldn’t choose this place on purpose, and I wouldn’t go back. But… the ocean. The OCEAN. And only the ocean saved this trip.
The ocean (the main reason)
The ocean was absolutely stunning. Right next to the hotel — coral reefs, and we spent entire days snorkeling.
We saw:
- a stingray
- tons of beautiful fish
- crabs
- colorful reefs that you just want to stare at forever
It was one of those rare moments when you forget everything and just float, watch, and breathe. For this ocean alone — yes, it was worth coming.
The hotel (reality check)
We stayed in the club section, which helped a bit:
- private pool
- bar
- club restaurant
- the food was actually good: chicken, pork, beef, lamb, fish
But.
The hotel is very old. Rooms are worn out. Every day:
- power outages for 15–20 minutes
- broken air conditioner
- 1 day - no hot or cold water for 30 minutes
The extra bed was so bad (metal frame, no proper mattress) that we just stopped using it.
Waiting & service
The food tasted good, but the waiting time in the restaurant was a whole different experience:
- breakfast — about 1 hour
- lunch — 1.5–2 hours
- dinner — around 2 hours
Service was extremely slow. Overall, everything felt very unhurried.
At some point, we just accepted it and learned to use that time for long conversations with each other. Maybe that was Cuba’s hidden lesson 🙂
The people
Despite everything — people were incredibly kind and friendly. Warm, open, smiling. That human connection softened a lot of the downsides.
Final thoughts
Honestly:
- we wouldn’t go back
- I wouldn’t recommend it if you expect comfort and good service
But. From winter — straight into summer. To an ocean that truly impressed me. With stingrays, fish, salt water and endless blue.
A bit crazy. But the ocean was amazing
Written, Translated, and Revised by Aleksandra Tsygankova