"For me Cuba always conjured up images of an island lost in tradition offering a chance to wind the clock back 50 years."

I wasn't disappointed! On arrival, immigration gave us the chance to reset our body clock to Cuban time before turning us loose on this fantastic secret they've kept to themselves for so long. You could almost sense the rhythm in the air as we headed to Varadero, the many impromptu road-side Salsa activities serving as a good reminder.

Varadero is the likely base for most holiday makers, a purpose built resort on the northern part of the island, consisting of a variety of accommodation styles from our 'modern' [in Cuban terms] twin-block hotel at one end to individual beach villas dotted along the bay of golden sand.

We enjoyed a full spectrum of amenities available in and around our hotel, with excellent water sports facilities a few paces away. The town of Varadero offers a mini selection of souvenir shops and a few restaurants if you felt the need for a little variety from your hotel menus.

The tour we undertook of Havana was an excellent opportunity to mingle with the locals, soak up the ambiance of the old town and marvel at the carnival atmosphere the city exuded. An overnight stay in the city is recommended to reveal its true captivating identity.

Now I know why Ernest Hemingway fell in love with the place and got so much inspiration from the easy going way of life."