Another memorable Hola Sun annual FAM trip has come to a close, and agents are heading home with incredible experiences! This year's itinerary took participants through the pristine beaches of Cayo Santa Maria, the charming colonial streets of Trinidad & Remedios, and the lush, eco-conscious mountain retreat of Topes de Collantes.

Cayo Santa Maria

Cayo Santa Maria is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Cuba, thanks to its pristine beaches, ever-evolving resort scene, and unique location. 

Cayo Santa Maria is a small island off Cuba’s northern coast. It consists of three interconnected cays—Cayo Las Brujas, Cayo Santa Maria, and Cayo Ensenachos—featuring over 20 hotels, one marina, a dolphinarium, and its own small airport, creating a comprehensive resort destination.

To reach this magnificent destination, you must literally cross the ocean via the man-made 48 km long causeway.

Hola Sun offers a wide range of hotels in the area, including The One Gallery Resort, where the Travel Agent and industry partners had the privilege to stay.

Operating successfully for a couple of years, One Gallery Resort has become a favourite among travellers to Cuba, offering extensive activities and entertainment for all guests. The resort stands out for its unique design featuring modern artwork created by popular international and local artists throughout the resort.

Hola Sun FAMs have always been special for Global Agents since our partnership began 10 years ago. However, we didn't expect to receive such a grand welcome from the Hola Sun and One Gallery Resort teams! 

As we approached the iconic causeway, our bus came to an unexpected halt. Initially concerned about a breakdown, we quickly realized this was an elaborate surprise—the One Gallery crew had arrived on a new bus with a full welcome celebration featuring cocktails, live music, and dancing that would accompany us the rest of the way. 

More surprises followed after we crossed the causeway, including an unscheduled stop to meet some charming Cuban animals. Yes, baby sharks made an appearance, adding a playful and utterly unique touch to an already unforgettable arrival experience.

Agents have highlighted that One Gallery's vibrant welcome celebration creates an ideal atmosphere for family groups.

Besides offering truly amazing entertainment, another unique feature of The One Gallery is its role in transforming the destination into a year-round celebration spot, featuring music festivals and various events—many of which take place in the plaza right next to the resort! Check out the list of upcoming events in Cayo Santa Maria below:

• December 30 to January 2: Cayotonazo
• February 14: Dinner concert featuring the National Ballet of Cuba and Buena Vista Social Club
• June 19 to 21: Coraland
• June 26 to 28: Summer Kickoff
• July 17 and 18: Music Fest Salsa
• August 28 to 30: Music Fest – End of Summer
• September 5 and 6: OceanMan
• November 20 to 22: Journey to the 90s
• December 30, 2026, to January 2, 2027: Cayotonazo

Cayo Santa Maria is buzzing with exciting new developments and offerings—so much that it definitely deserves its own special publication! Be sure to keep an eye on the Global Agents website because we have plenty of updates to share with you!

Trinidad

After enjoying a few sunny days in Cayo Santa Maria, the Hola Sun FAM crew set off to discover the colonial charm of Trinidad. Although Trinidad is about a 3-hour drive from Cayo Santa Maria, the journey is definitely worth it, especially with a stop at Mirador de los Ingenios—a beautiful lookout point offering breathtaking views.

Said to be the second most visited town after Havana, Trinidad is located in the centre of the island overlooking the Caribbean Sea. This city is known to be the most preserved colonial town in Cuba, with its cobblestone streets, neo-baroque main square, and many historical museums.

Trinidad is the third colonial town founded in Cuba by the Spanish in 1514. It was also a center for the sugar trade in the 18th and 19th centuries. And in 1988, the city officially became a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Things to do:

If you're planning a trip to Trinidad, we've put together some unique experiences you can only find there:

Discover Plaza Mayor, the charming central square surrounded by beautiful colonial mansions and the Church of the Holy Trinity, an Anglican cathedral built between 1816 and 1823.

Make sure to stop by the historical museums like the National Museum of the Struggle Against Bandits, Colonial Architecture Museum or the Municipal History Museum (Palacio de Cantero), where you can also climb a tower for great views. 

To immerse yourself in local culture, stop by Casa de la Música, a lively venue for live music and dancing set in a former convent.

Next, visit the authentic street markets filled with handcrafted goods.

The trip would be complete without a visit to the Taberna La Canchánchara, where you can try a traditional Cuban cocktail. It is a mix of local rum, honey, and lime juice, originally consumed warm, but in Trinidad, you will be served an original recipe with Cuban moonshine instead of rum, yum!

Where to stay:

We suggest making the most of your Trinidad adventure by spending the night at one of the city’s hotels. Hola Sun provides several great options, including Club Amigo Ancon, Club Amigo Costa Sur Memories, Trinidad del Mar, and Mystique Trinidad by Royalton, which is beautifully situated atop La Popa Hill with stunning views of the village of Trinidad.

Topes de Collantes

Topes de Collantes is a nature reserve (200 square kilometres) located in the Escambray Mountains, spanning across three provinces: Villa Clara, Cienfuegos, and Sancti Spiritus. This protected natural area sits at an elevation of 800 meters above sea level.

The area is famous for its breathtaking scenery, eco-tourism opportunities, and rich history, having once housed a large sanatorium built for the wife of President Fulgencio Batista, which was later transformed into a hotel and a health tourism center.

If you love nature, this is the perfect spot for you! Topes de Collantes features a variety of hiking trails, zip lining, camping, trekking, bird watching, and much more. To make planning your ideal adventure easier, the Information Centre located within the park provides all the essential gear you’ll need.

In Topes de Collantes, vintage Russian trucks are a popular way to get around, especially for tours through the rugged mountain landscape and to reach various trailheads.

The area is also famous for its traditional Cuban coffee, with the park boasting abundant Arabica and Robusta coffee plants. Don’t miss a visit to the museum, where you can discover the history of coffee production and enjoy a taste of authentic Cuban coffee.

Where to stay:

Exploring Topes de Collantes can take a good amount of time, and with so many activities to enjoy, we recommend staying at least one or two nights to truly experience the area. If you’re looking to stay within the natural park, options include Kurhotel Escambray, Villa Caburni, and Hotel Los Helechos. Additionally, there are plenty of guesthouses and smaller hostels available nearby and in the town of Trinidad.

Cuba Updates

Cuba keeps evolving and expanding every year, with new hotels, destinations, and more authentic experiences popping up. 

If you haven’t visited Cuba recently, you’ll be happy to know the island has changed quite a bit, making travel easier than ever: WiFi is now available at all hotels; some eSim providers offer packages for use in Cuba; the local currency is Cuban Pesos (the old CUC was phased out in early 2021), but businesses accept cash in CAD, USD, EUR, and GBP. Many places also take Canadian credit cards. Plus, private businesses are thriving, allowing locals to sell produce, meat, and other goods directly to hotel chains across the island.

Connectivity

One of Cuba’s major advantages is how close it is to Canada. Numerous Canadian airlines provide direct flights to the island.

The primary carrier for Hola Sun’s 2025/26 season is Air Transat; however, the tour operator also offers flights to Cayo Coco through Air Canada, as well as the new direct route from Toronto (YYZ) to Havana (HAV) operated by WestJet starting this December. Hola Sun also offers 1 checked bag and 1 carry-on free of charge across all carriers (Air Transat, WestJet, and Air Canada) on all packages and air-only reservations! For more information on Hola Sun 2025/26 services, including agent rewards, please click here.

Hola Sun FAMs

As true Cuba specialists, Hola Sun FAMs are consistently filled with fresh insights, the latest island offerings, authentic Cuban experiences, and an unbeatable atmosphere. If you need proof, here’s what our fellow agent, Gobi Thaya, shared: “I’ve done countless FAMs, but Hola Sun always stands out. Their trips are inclusive, packed with insight, and truly unforgettable. The mix of agents they bring together gives me fresh perspectives that genuinely help me sell the destination with confidence. What I love most is the transparency - Hola Sun connects us directly with the properties and reps, building real trust. And they nail every detail, always checking in and making sure we’re taken care of from start to finish. Exploring Cuba with Hola Sun is always a highlight! I can’t wait for the next one.”

Maria Harrison, Cruise & Vacation Consultant at Expedia Cruises & Gobi Thaya Owner, AJB Travel

If you haven’t been working with Hola Sun, this is your opportunity to start! To help you, we’ve created a special guide to learn about everything Hola Sun offers.

For more information about Hola Sun Holidays, please visit holasunholidays.ca.

With winter just around the corner, get ready to start promoting one of Canada’s most beloved destinations!

By Kateryna Ivchenko