By Kateryna Ivchenko

This November 2022, Hola Sun has invited 40 travel agents and media partners to explore the eastern part of Cuba – Holguin and Santiago de Cuba!

Named after the first Spaniard who visited the area, Holguin is one of the largest provinces in the area with over 1 million people (8.5% of the total population of Cuba). It consists of 14 municipalities including the ecological capital of Cuba – Guardalavaca, where most of the hotels are located.

Holguin differs from other destinations in Cuba with its tropical vegetation and mountains all around the province. Each resort is separated by the local farms and is almost secluded from the rest of the properties.

WheelsUpNetwork was among the lucky ones who got a chance to join Hola Sun 2022 FAM and here is what you should know when booking your clients trip to Holguin:

Online Declaration Form

Traveling to Cuba just became easier with the new online declaration form developed by the government. Within 72 hours of the departure time, travellers can fill out an online form with all the information required for the entry to Cuba. After completion of the form, you will be given a QR code which you will need to show the authorities upon arrival.

Tourist cards are still given to all passengers on the flight.

OWG

In July 2022, Hola Sun organized an agent event to showcase their exclusive airline partnership with OWG. Now all packages you purchase with Hola Sun, flights will be provided by their new airline. 

OWG offers convenient flight times, modern aircrafts and a free meal on every flight. You also have a complimentary non-alcoholic drink included. For more information on what OWG has to offer, please click here. 

VIP Airport Lounge

For only $25 USD, you can wait for your flight at the air-conditioned VIP lounge with free drinks, wifi (up to 1 hour) and snacks!

New Tourist Developments in Ramon de Antillas

During Hola Sun FAM trip, Gaviota announced a new and ambitious plan to build 8,680 new sun and beach rooms and 10,470 golf/real estate rooms in the Nipe Bay area, the largest and enclosed bay in Cuba and one of the largest bays in the world!

The territorial extension of the bay is 100.8 square km and is located at 20.7 km of municipal head and 98.7 km of Holguin city. The estimated time to reach this new development area from the airport will be about 1.5 hours. 

The first property on the peninsula, Hotel Tesoro Del Atlantico, opened in February 2022 and will soon be changing the name to Grand Memories Holguin. The resort will be managed by the Blue Diamond Resorts. It offers 860 rooms in 3 main areas: family section, adults only, and a combined area for all guests. 

The next hotel in the chain will open in May 2023 and the whole project is scheduled to be finished by 2030.

Apart from the hotels, The Gaviota Group is also working on development of three plazas which will have various attractions including pools, restaurants, shopping stores, bowling alley, and more. One of the plazas has already been opened – Plaza Polimita!

Gran Muthu Almirante Beach Hotel

Gran Muthu Almirante is a brand new 5-star hotel that just celebrated its 1-year anniversary!

Located in Guardalavaca, an hour away from the Holguin airport, the hotel boasts 514 rooms, 6 restaurants, 2 snack bars, and 10 bars.

The resort has a VIP section with 3 separate room blocks, exclusive buffet restaurant Elite, and a VIP pool with butler service.

Gran Muthu Almirante also offers gym, theater, nightclub, children's aquatic park, animation, games room, non-motorized water sports, spa, sauna, steam room, and so much more.

For more information or to book, please visit holasunholidays.ca.

Paradisus Rio de Oro Resort & Spa

Another highlight includes one of the most popular resorts in Cuba - Paradisus Rio de Oro Resort & Spa.

This all-inclusive beach eco-resort has been built 25 years ago and offers 354 rooms in standard and royal service sections. Paradisus Rio de Oro has 2 secluded garden villas with a watchtower, dining area, private pool and gazebo, jacuzzi, sauna and lounge chairs.

The resort offers 7 a la carte restaurants, 4 royal service restaurants and 3 bars and cafes.

Another unique experience that Paradisus offers is a YHI-SPA. Guests can enjoy the treatments prepared with the exotic aromas and flavours of Cuba. The Spa also offers the only salt pool in the eastern part of Cuba.

For more information on what Paradisus Rio de Oro Resort & Spa has to offer, please visit holasunholidays.ca.

Excursions

Here are some of Holguin’s most popular excursions to keep in mind when booking your clients vacation:

1. Delfinario Cayo Naranjo
2. Cayo Saetia (catamaran trip to the island, jeep safari, snorkeling and lunch at the Cuba restaurant) – more information is coming! 
3. Mountain hikes
4. Day trip to Santiago de Cuba – more information is coming!
5. Day trip to the city of Holguin
6. The fishing village of Gibara - more information is coming soon!

The Hill of the Cross

Loma de La Cruz also known as The Hill of the Cross, is the highest elevation in Holguin and is one of Cuba’s most famous landmarks. It was built in 1790^th and now consists of 3 main sections: the balcony of Holguin; the balcony of Gibara, and the balcony of Pope Francis, who visited Holguin in 2015 and has blessed the cross and the city.

When visiting this landmark, you will also be invited to dine at the local restaurant and learn about the first tribe that established in the eastern part of Cuba!

In total, Hola Sun offers 16 beautiful properties in Holguin:

• Aston Costa Verde Beach Resort
• Brisas Covarrubias
• Brisas Guardalavaca
• Club Amigo Atlantico Guardalavaca
• Coral Level at Iberostar Selection Holguin
• Gran Muthu Almirante – NEW
• Hotel Holguin
• Hotel Tesoro del Atlantico (soon to be Grand Memories)
• Iberostar Selection Holguin
• Mirador de Mayabe
• Paradisus Rio de Oro Resort & Spa
• Playa Costa Verde
• Playa Pesquero
• Playa Pesquero Premium
• Sol Rio de Luna Mares Resort
• Villa Don Lino

During this FAM trip, we got to witness all the improvements Cuba has implemented to welcome back tourists. Cuba is ready!

Coming soon: Excursion to the beautiful fishing village of Gibara, safari at Cayo Saetia island and what to do when visiting Santiago de Cuba. Stay tuned!