### 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

All about Snorkeling

Cuba: Holguín and Aston Costa Verde