Heavenly Honeymoon In Cuba!
Anyone planning the most romantic happening of a lifetime, The Wedding, probably also has dreams about the perfect honeymoon after the church and dress and kiss and party and all of that.
Why not take your honeymoon in Cuba?
Cuba is an incredible destination for a honeymoon! The island has so much to offer couples looking for romance, adventure, and relaxation.
If you’re looking for a romantic and adventurous honeymoon destination, Cuba should definitely be on your list! Here are 11 reasons why you should be spending your honeymoon in Cuba!
Please expect any link on this page to be an affiliate link! If you book your travels or services through this link, it may provide a small commission for me at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases!
1. Perfect Honeymoon-Beaches in Cuba!
Blissful honeymooners can enjoy not only the crisp white beaches, but the beautiful architecture, the delicious food, and the vibrant nightlife.
Not to mention the unique and rich history and culture in Cuba that makes it an amazing place to explore together!
If perfect beaches are important to you, you’ll be ecstatic to know that there are an infinite number of great beaches to choose from in Cuba.
Whether you want to relax on a quiet beach or enjoy some water sports, you’ll be able to find the perfect spot.
Varadero Beach on the Hicacos Peninsula, a tiny string of white sands and palms stretching off the main island of Cuba, was voted the second most beautiful beach in the world on TripAdvisor 2019!
This beach is known for its white sand and clear blue waters, and it’s a great place to swim, snorkel, and windsurf.
Apart from the public Varadero beach, all the all-inclusive resorts of Varadero have stunning beaches connected to the hotel property, with on-the-beach service, super close to amazing pools, spas, and restaurants!
Also read: Sensational 7 Days In Cuba Itinerary!
Outside the main island of Cuba, there are also a lot of tiny islands called the keys; Los Cayos, like Cayo Santa Maria and Cayo Coco.
These are paradisical little islets, scattered with luxurious all-inclusive resorts, amazing amenities, and of course stunning beaches!
Another popular beach is Playa Giron, which is located in Bahia de Cochinos, more commonly known as the Bay of Pigs. This beach is known for its dramatic history, as well as dramatic cliffs, and it’s a great place to go diving and fishing.
Just 15 minutes outside the unique colonial city of Trinidad you find the sensational Playa Ancon. You can stay at one of the beach resorts just steps from the beach, or a short taxi trip from your casa particular in Trinidad for the day!
If you’re looking for a quieter beach area, you might want to try Cayo Largo del Sur, a small islet outside the south of Cubas’s main island.
Cayo Largo del Sur is particularly known for its secluded beaches, and it’s a great place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of Cuba (and each other).
Whether the two of you are looking for a quiet place to relax or a lively spot for water sports, there are plenty of beaches in Cuba to choose from!
2. Delicious Dining On Honeymoon in Cuba
Cuba is an ideal destination for honeymooners looking for a unique and romantic dining experience, despite the dodgy reputation the island has had for the opposite.
Cuba offers a variety of experiences that are perfect for newlyweds, particularly since there now is a vast variety of dining options in Havana!
For a romantic dinner, head to La Guarida in Havana. This paladar (private restaurant) is located in an old mansion, and the food is simply exquisite.
Order the shrimp mojo or the lobster risotto, and don’t forget to try the house specialty, guava flan for dessert.
For something a little more casual, El Floridita is a great choice. This Hemingway-favorite bar serves up some of the best seafood in Havana, and the frozen daiquiris are out of this world.
Grab a seat at the bar next to the bronze statue of Hemingway, and enjoy people-watching and live music as you sip on your cocktail.
Head to El Canonazo across the bay for a sunset rum tasting after visiting El Morro or La Cabana fortresses!
This bar offers a variety of rum tastings as well as cigars and live music. It’s the perfect spot to relax and enjoy your honeymoon.
In Central Havana, the super ambiance at Paladar Mischifu is another amazing food venture, as well as elegant Paladar San Cristobal, where President Obama came for dinner on his famous Cuba visit during his tenure!
Outside of Havana, many of the really high-end resorts offer a la carte dinner options that really offer great food experiences as well.
Like the small but super elegant Melia Buenavista in Cayo Santa Maria (where you get your own butler!).
3. Luscious Cuba Spa Experiences For Honeymooners
If you’re looking to relax and rejuvenate on your honeymoon, Cuba is the perfect destination.
The island nation is home to a variety of spas that offer a range of treatments and services, mostly in divine resorts, or day spas in the bests hotels in Havana!
One of the most popular spas in Cuba is the Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski, which is located in Havana. The hotel’s spa features a number of different treatments, including massages, facials, and body wraps.
Other amazing Havana hotels that offer spa services (and gyms, and more) are the Iberostar Grand Packard and Hotel Paseo de Prado along the venerable Prado Avenue just steps from El Malecon.
Also along the Malecon just outside Vedado, you find the recently opened Hotel Grand Aston La Habana, with a stunning terrace with a pool and bar with amazing views of the ocean!
Another popular option is the Spa Natura at the Iberostar Playa Alameda Resort in Varadero. This spa offers a wide range of treatments, including hydrotherapy, aromatherapy, and reflexology!
Also check out the Royalton Princesa del Mar, Melia Paradisus, or Royalton Hicacos Resort & Spa, both in Varadero.
The destinations with the most amazing resorts that include pampering amenities like spas, gyms, etc, are in Varadero, Cayo Santa Maria, and Cayo Coco, all close to the Jardin del Rey archipelago on the northern shores!
No matter what kind of spa experience you’re looking for, Cuba has something to offer. So research your honeymoon options well to enjoy some well-deserved pampering on your luna del miel!
Also read: Best Places To Stay In Cuba | Ultimate Country Guide!
4. Amazing Destinations On Your Honeymoon In Cuba!
1. Visit Havana
Havana is the remarkable capital of Cuba on the island’s northern shore, and its largest city, with a population of over 2 million people.
The city is filled with colonial history, culture, architecture, museums, restaurants, and nightlife, making it a must-see for any traveler to Cuba!
There are a number of things to see and do in Havana, including visiting the Old City, taking a tour of the Cuban Revolution Museum, take a classic car tour across the city (amazing to get to see the whole of Havana.
Remember to bring sunscreen and a head scarf for the ride, and afterward enjoy the views from one of the many rooftop bars in the city.
2. Explore Viñales Valley
Viñales Valley is a beautiful UNESCO World Heritage-protected site located in western Cuba.
The valley is known for its lush vegetation, tobacco plantations (see how they make Cuban cigars and try one!), and rocky mountains called mogotes.
Even tough it is a small city and valley, there are lots of things to do in Viñales, including hiking, horseback riding, and visiting the many caves and waterfalls.
You can get here by joining an organized tour, taking the Viazul bus by yourself ($9, about 3,5 hours), or getting a taxi privado to take you from doorstep to doorstep (your hotel can help you with that).
3. Take a scenic drive through Viñales National Park
Viñales National Park is also known for its picturesque scenery, and the national park features amazing experiences, including hiking, biking, and bird-watching.
Visitors can also enjoy the views from one of the many lookout points along the way.
4. Go snorkeling or diving in Jardines de la Reina
Jardines de la Reina is an archipelago located off the southern coast of Cuba. The area is known for its pristine coral reefs, crystal clear waters, and abundant marine life.
There are a number of things to do in Jardines de la Reina, including snorkeling, diving, fishing, and kayaking.
You can do tours to the Jardin de la Reina from Cienfuegos and Trinidad, both amazing destinations in Cuba that also has a lot to offer on shore!
5. Stroll the old city streets of the colonial city of Trinidad
Trinidad is a colonial city located on the southern shores of central Cuba. The city is known for its incredibly well-preserved colonial architecture, vibrant colors, and lively atmosphere.
There are a number of things to see and do in Trinidad, including visiting the Plaza Mayor and walking the old city, taking a tour of the Museum of Colonial Architecture, or enjoying the views from the top of the old bell tower.
Outside the city itself, you also can explore amazing natural parks with freshwater pools, go horseback riding or hiking, or spend a day at the amazing Ancon beach 15 minutes from the city center!
5. Vibing Night Clubs (Some Open Until 6 AM)!
There are plenty of nightclubs to check out in Cuba, and some of them open just before midnight and stay open until 6 am! Here are some of the most popular ones:
– La Fabrica del Arte Cubano in Havana: This “multi-purpose” club is located in an old factory and is known for its eclectic atmosphere.
There is live music ranging from jazz to rock, an outside seating area, and art exhibitions, and there is also a dance floor if you feel like getting your groove on.
Don’t arrive too late (after 11 pm), as there will be lines, and the club might be full!
– Casa de la Musica, which is an institution in Cuba (all cities have their casa de la musical) are places to consider spending a night!
In Havana, you have a casa de la musical in Calle Galiano in Central Havana, and in Miramar. Check what’s on for the night, concerts or live music, and decide if you want to visit!
– Turquino Club: The Turquino Club is located in the Melia Cohiba hotel in Havana, and it offers a more upscale nightlife experience.
The club opens late (like 11 pm), and often has cabarets on the stage menu! If you’re looking to dress up and enjoy a night of live music and dancing, this is the place!
– Bar LM in Miramar is a very Cuban club, although some tourists find their way here.
This place is a Cuban glam club, where you can book VIP tables on the second floor, buy ofertas (a bottle of rum and a can of soda), a food menu is available through the night, and there is a lot of reggeaton and twerking going on!
– La Cueva in Trinidad is a nightclub located deep underground in a natural cave!
This place is truly unique, whether you are a night clubber or not, just for the experience of walking down the hundreds of steps into the center of the earth, and dancing beneath the stalactites into the morning!
– Calle 62 in Varadero is a nightclub that has had a total makeover during the pandemic, and gets great feedback from a lot of guests from 2021 and onwards! The pina colada is to die for, the music engaging and a fun place to spend the evening!
– Tropicana Show in Santiago de Cuba is a classic cabaret show, so if you are into big colorful costumes and the grandiose vibe of the 20ies, this might be a night for you!
Here you can spend the evening, buy a ticket with a meal and a bottle of rum (!), and end the night dancing on the stage, or in the conga line!
Reviews for the Tropicana are varied, FYI, mainly the quality of the meal seems to differ. Yet, if you enjoy the cabaret ambiance, you might love this!
6. Lots Of Organized Tours Take Stress Away From Planning
As Cuba is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world there are a variety of different types of tours available.
Whether you’re interested in exploring the island’s history and culture on your honeymoon, going for adventures, or simply want to relax enjoying each other on the beach, there’s a tour that’s perfect for you.
One of the most popular types of tours in Cuba is a city tour of Havana.
The short and simple version of a city tour is a historic walking tour of Old Havana, or taking a Classic Car Tour to get an impression of the wider Havana city and several of the city districts like the Vedado, Miramar, and Playa.
City tours will show you important landmarks such as the Plaza de la Revolución, el Bosque de la Havana (the Havana forest), and the Gran Teatro de La Habana.
Classic car tours are also available in other destinations, such as Varadero, Trinidad (to the beach), and Santiago de Cuba (to the Morro Castle).
If you prefer to have a base camp, either in Varadero, the keys, or in buzzing Havana, you can opt for doing day trips or multi-day trips from your Cuba accommodation base!
If you’re looking for a more active honeymoon, there are also a variety of adventure tours available in Cuba the two of you might enjoy together!
These tours often involve activities such as hiking, biking, and zip-lining, and provide visitors with a chance to see some of the island’s most beautiful scenery.
Adventure tours typically take place in Cuban national parks such as Topes de Collantes and Viñales Valley.
No matter what your interests are, there’s a tour in Cuba that’s perfect for you. You can check out the widgets below to start planning your Cuba Tours today!
7. Infinite Views From Havana Rooftop Terraces
One of the best things about Havana is the abundance of rooftop terraces!
Whether you’re looking for a place to enjoy a sunset cocktail or simply want to take in the incredible views, there’s a terrace for everyone. Here are just a few of my favorites:
– El Mirador at Hotel Nacional de Cuba: This iconic hotel is home to one of the most popular rooftop terraces in Havana. From here, you can enjoy sweeping views of the city and the harbor.
There’s also a pool in the garden if you’re looking to take a dip, but then you have to reserve a pasa dia, a day pass if you are not a guest!
– Hotel Manzana Kempinski has an incredible rooftop terrace with a restaurant, a lounge area, and a pool, with unsurpassed city views high above the noise of the streets! On the top floor here, there is also a day spa and a gym, if you want to make a pampering full day of it!
– In the same building where you find the wonderful restaurant La Guarida in Central Havana, there is also a rooftop bar on the other side of the roof here you don’t need to reserve a table!
Just grab a bicycle taxi to take you here, and walk the steps all the way up and you will be rewarded with airy views and tasty cocktails!
– La Terraza at FOCSA Building: Another great spot for sweeping city views, La Terraza is located on the top floor of the FOCSA Building.
This Art Deco landmark is also home to a bar and restaurant, making it the perfect place to relax with a drink after a long day of exploring Havana.
– For something a little more intimate, check out El Patio at the Hotel Inglaterra.
This hidden gem offers stunning views of Parque Central and the surrounding area with the National Theater, the Capitolio, and Avenida Prado. The perfect spot for a romantic evening or special occasion.
So, whether you’re looking for a place to enjoy a cocktail or simply want to take in the incredible views, there’s a Havana rooftop terrace for everyone.
8. Honeymoon In Cuba Gives Spectacular Nature Experiences
Cuba is home to some of the most stunning natural parks in the world.
From the lush green mountains of Sierra Maestra to the crystal-clear waters of Cayo Largo, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Here are just a few of the natural parks that you can find in Cuba:
Sierra Maestra National Park: This park is located in the eastern part of Cuba close to Santiago de Cuba, and is known for its beautiful scenery.
The park is home to a variety of plant and animal species, as well as the hidden command post of Fidel Castro in the 1950ies!
Also read: 30 Brilliant Things To Do In Santiago De Cuba 2023!
Cayo Largo: This national park is located on an island off the coast of Cuba. It is known for its white sandy beaches and clear blue waters. The park covers an area of about 3,000 hectares and is home to a variety of plant and animal species.
Cienaga de Zapata: This national park is located in the central part of Cuba. It is known for its wetlands and is home to a variety of plant and animal species. The park covers an area of about 4,000 hectares.
These are just a few of the natural parks that you can find in Cuba. So, if you are looking for a place to enjoy the outdoors, be sure to check out one of these!
Also read: What Is Cuba Known For? 22+ Enticing Things You Want To Know!
9. Amazing Cuba Honeymoon Resorts
Adult-Only Paraisiacal Cuban Resorts
Adults-only resorts in Cuba are the perfect place to let loose and enjoy some adult-only fun in the sun.
With plenty of activities to keep you busy AND plenty of opportunities to relax, these resorts offer the best of both worlds.
With so many beautiful beaches to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect spot to soak up some rays!
Great Havana Honeymoon Hotel Options
Although there are no Adults Only hotels in Havana, there are still several great options. Iberostar has 27 beautiful hotels and resorts across Cuba, of which three are in Havana.
Iberostar Grand Packard along the Paseo del Prado is modern and stunning, and the Iberostar Parque Central is situated in between Old and Central Havana and puts you right in the center of everything!
Lastly, the Havana Riviera by Iberostar is located along the Malecon (4 stars), a historic building with amazing views, great amenities, and more.
The exquisite Paseo 206 Boutique Hotel is a member of Small Luxury Hotels Of The World, located in the Vedado.
Here you lack for absolutely nothing, continental breakfast every day, a roundtrip airport shuttle, and a terrace.
Treat yourself to a Swedish massage or other spa services. The onsite restaurant, Electico, serves dishes from Italian cuisine, there is in-room wifi, and there is even an art gallery and a coffee shop/cafe on site!
You can also choose a casa particular option in Havana if you like, there are a lot of AMAZING mansions that you can rent.
Some have staff, a bar, pools, a jacuzzi, and anything you could wish for on your honeymoon (or a wedding trip if that is what you are looking for).
Check out the Malecon Penthouse, or Ocean View in Havana for urban apartment options. There are also villas and mansions available on Airbnb like Villa Havana or VIP Le Blanc!
Magic Adult-Only Cuba Honeymoon Resorts Outside Havana
Recommended hotel in Trinidad, Cuba, is the Iberostar Heritage Grand Trinidad which is a nice adults-only option.
If you want to spend some time in the unique colonial city of Trinidad, but still want the luxury and pampering you “need” on a honeymoon you might like the Iberostar!
Iberostar Playa Alameda in Varadero is an adults-only hotel, where the key features are its direct beach access and activity program, where you can enjoy cocktail-making classes and chill-out evenings among other things.
Other adults-only options in Varadero are Melia Las Antillas, Starfish Las Palmas, Melia Paradisus Resort & Spa, and Royalton Hicacos all all-inclusive, and all located right on the beach!
In Cayo Santa Maria my absolute favorite, which is also adults-only, is the Melia Buenavista.
This small elegant resort has a quiet super high-end ambiance, two a la carte restaurants, and three small secluded beaches of which one is called sunset beach!
Here you can go every evening to watch the sun go down, where a butler serves you champagne, while you have elegant live music setting the mood to absolute perfection!
How To Book Honeymoon In Cuban Resorts
Due to the ongoing sanctions against Cuba, a lot of booking pages do not offer booking options for a select variety of Cuban hotels and all-inclusive resorts.
In order to book a stay at one of these hotels, you can use a non-US website that offers hotel bookings in Cuba, or you can go to the home page of the hotel or resort and make the booking directly from there.
NOTE: If you are an American citizen, you are subject to adhere to the restricted list for travel to Cuba issued by US authorities, listing a number of hotels and establishments US citizens are not at liberty to use. This does not mean it is illegal, but it’s important to do your research and plan according to the rules.
Also read: How To Easily Travel To Cuba From The US!
10. Cuba Honeymoon Packages
UK-based company Best At Travel offer complete honeymoon packages to Cuba if you have enough to plan already and want to leave the honeymoon planning in the hands of professionals!
Want To Find Out What The Flight Would Cost? Research Here!
6 Things To Know Before Your Cuba Honeymoon!
Since the early 1990s, Cuba has been opening up to tourism, and it has become one of the most popular destinations in the Caribbean, including for honeymooners.
There are a few things though, to keep in mind when planning a honeymoon in Cuba.
- All visitors to Cuba need a tourist card to enter. This is not something you need to apply for, it is something you buy as a formality.
The tourist card is valid for a stay of 30 days (and can be extended when in Cuba). You can get a tourist card from the Cuban embassy in your country, or from an online service provider like Easy Tourist Card sent straight to your house in days (Americans need the PINK version, others the GREEN one).
- Secondly, since Cuba is a Caribbean island, be aware of the consequences of the wet season (also called hurricane season, June through November).
- While more and more people speak some English in Cuba, it’s super helpful to learn some basic Spanish phrases before you go. Don’t count on meeting English-speaking people outside large resorts and downtown Havana as a rule of thumb, so it is smart to download an offline translation app like MapsMe before your journey!
- Cuba is (almost) a cash-only economy, so be sure to bring enough cash with you. This should be euros or Canadian dollars, not US dollars which is still a tense subject.
- And finally, you need to know that Cuba is one of the safest destinations in the region. The reason for this is that there are severe punishments for Cubans convicted of crimes against tourists, we are talking about prison sentences for petty crimes. Still, have normal vigilance, mind your bags and pockets, and don’t flash expensive stuff, as you would be careful with anywhere.
- Water may actually be hard to come to by sometimes, it is a lot easier to find sodas or rum! If you bring a water bottle with a filter, like Life Straw, you can drink water from anywhere (and you will need it, it is HOT in Cuba even outside the high seasons).
6 Other Handy Travel Planning Tips For Cuba!
If you have started thinking about taking your honeymoon to Cuba, here are a few more things you should know:
1. The best time to visit Cuba is between December and May, and August through October (still a bit wet season in these months, mind you). This is when the temperatures are at their best, and there are fewer tourists than during the rest of the year.
2. Secondly, since Cuba is a Caribbean island, be aware of the consequences of the wet season and frequent rain showers (and the occasional hurricane, this period is also called hurricane season, June through November).
3. When you’re packing for your trip, make sure to bring plenty of sunscreen and mosquito repellent.
The sun is strong in Cuba, and mosquitoes can be a real nuisance. And bring all medications you normally or often use, pharmacies in Cuba have “nothing”.
4. Cuban food is actually delicious, so don’t worry, and forget about the old rumors that Cuban food is bland and boring! You’ll find amazing seafood dishes, as well as traditional Cuban staples like rice and beans, and ropa vieja.
5. Cuba is home to some of the best rum in the world, in particular the one from Santiago de Cuba! Be sure to try a few different brands while you’re there.
6. Cigars are another Cuban specialty, and they make for a great souvenir. Just be sure to buy them from a reputable source – there are many fake cigars on the market.
Getting Married IN Cuba?
If you’re planning on getting married in Cuba, there are a few things you need to know.
First of all, you’ll need to obtain a marriage license from the Cuban government. This can be done by visiting the office of the Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
You will be required to be in the country for at least three days prior to your wedding day.
You will need to provide the following documentation:
- Birth certificates
- A copy of your passport
- If divorced you will need your decree absolute certificate
- If widowed, you will need a death certificate for your spouse and a marriage certificate
- An affidavit of your single status if you have never been married before
All your documents must be translated into Spanish and certified by the notary, and then legalized by the Cuban consul.
Of course, you need to find the perfect venue for your ceremony.
There are a variety of beautiful locations throughout Cuba that would be perfect for a wedding, including several stunning resorts that offer ceremonies on the beach, so take your time and choose wisely!
At Love Cuba, they have specialized in helping couples make their dream wedding in Cuba, so check them out if this sounds like your perfect “I do”-moment!
Also read: 30 Brilliant Things To Do In Santiago De Cuba 2023!
Wrap-Up Honeymoon In Cuba!
Cuba is a popular destination for honeymoons, and it’s easy to see why. The beautiful beaches, the stunning scenery, the wonderful weather, and the adventures all make for a perfect romantic getaway.
From exploring the vibrant streets of Havana to relaxing on the pristine beaches, Cuba has everything you need to make your honeymoon unforgettable!
And of course, the food is incredible. Honeymooners can enjoy fresh seafood, delicious Cuban cuisine, and of course, plenty of honey!
Cuba is a great choice for couples who want to experience something new and different starting their life together.
The island has so much to offer, from its rich history and culture to its natural beauty. Honeymooners will love exploring all that Cuba has to offer!
Was This Article Inspirational? Share It!
