Destinos Gaviota: History, Nature, and Luxury in Eastern Cuba

Natural Treasures of the East

Before the opening of the event, we had the opportunity to visit the beautiful Villa Pinares de Mayarí. Located 680 meters above sea level, we discovered alpine-style accommodations made of wood, surrounded by pure nature. This region has an ideal microclimate, with pine trees standing out during our journey. It’s the perfect place to relax, enjoy life, and disconnect from the hustle and bustle of the city. The sounds of birds, turkeys, and other wildlife filled the air, infusing the area with energy and vitality.

Nearby is the Guayabo Waterfall o Salto del Guayabo, located 600 meters above sea level, with two stunning drops—85 meters and 125 meters high, the tallest in Cuba, accessible to tourists. We were struck by the beauty of the flora and fauna, as it is a biosphere reserve and protected area. Observing the falls from the lookout will leave you breathless as you take in the lush green landscape with views extending to the beautiful Nipe Bay. Going down to swim in the river below the falls is a sublime experience.

Visit to the Guayabo Waterfall

Our visit also included the impressive National Monument Park of Bariay  in Holguín, a site of great historical value, considered by scholars to be the location where Christopher Columbus first landed on Cuban soil on October 28, 1492. This monument symbolizes the meeting of two worlds: the European, represented by ruins evoking neoclassical culture, and the indigenous, with replicas of objects discovered in excavations that reflect their culture and development.

Located amid lush tropical nature and surrounded by the Caribbean Sea, the beautiful Cayo Bariay, the park allows visitors to experience a landscape like the one Columbus encountered upon his arrival. The tour includes exploring the remains of a Spanish fort and indigenous huts that recreate the daily life of the first inhabitants, with representations in Arawakan language that bring their history to life.

Walking through the park feels like traveling back in time, following the same paths once trodden by the Taíno people and Spanish explorers. The indigenous Cubans are divided into three groups: the Taínos, the Siboneyes, and the Guanahatabeyes, the latter being the least known but equally fascinating.

Opening of Destinos Gaviota

The inauguration took place at none other than the National Monument Park of Bariay, with attractive decorations around the statues made from palm leaves and recycled materials. This setting made the guests feel welcome and admire the surroundings.

Juan Carlos García Granda, Cuba’s Minister of Tourism, gave a warm welcome to the 1,200 attendees who arrived in these beautiful eastern lands. In his speech, he congratulated the Gaviota Group and its team for choosing Holguín as the venue for this important tourism event. He highlighted the strengths of this attractive destination, recognized by many tour operators as a highly competitive location. He also announced the upcoming opening of a new tourism hub in Ramón de Antilla, a developing paradise that will feature all the necessary conditions and infrastructure to offer excellent service. A bright future awaits travelers in this region!

Carlos M. Latuff, president of the Gaviota Group, emphasized that Gaviota Destinations is an event that, year after year, presents the best of Cuban tourism to the world. However, this year holds special significance as it is celebrated in eastern Cuba, a region rich in history, culture, unique traditions, and lush nature that captivates any visitor. He thanked all the participants and those who made this event possible.

The evening was full of energy, with performances from renowned Cuban artists and talented dancers. The attendees eagerly showed off their dancing skills, enjoying rhythms like salsa, Cuban son, and modern music, creating a festive and vibrant atmosphere that made the night unforgettable.

Hotel Playa Pesquero – Luxury

White Night at Playa Pesquero Party: “Feel It” Cocktail. The Playa Pesquero Hotel dressed in gala to welcome its guests and announce a new concept: “Playa Luxury” in all Playa hotels. Carlos M. Latuff, president of Gaviota, stated that the Luxury concept is a renewed option for vacationing in Cuba, created to offer tourists a unique and differentiated experience. This product combines luxury in every aspect of the stay, from exclusive services to a captivating sensory atmosphere, providing a level of sophistication that elevates the experience of visitors and authentically connects them to the essence of Cuba.

“Luxury will begin operations in four destinations: Playa Cayo Santa María (Villa Clara), Playa Vista Azul (Varadero), Playa Pesquero (Holguín), and the new Playa Luxury hotel in Cayo Guillermo,” Latuff announced.

After the words of the president of the Gaviota Group, prominent figures such as renowned singer Robertón of the iconic Cuban group Los Van Van, José Carlos de Santiago, president of the Excelencias Group, actress Maikel Amelia, visual artist Maikel Herrera, journalist Indira Román, and Frida Velarde, director of the Canadian magazine Órbita Popular, were invited.

I was warmly welcomed and invited to the podium before more than 1,000 participants to share my experience with the new Luxury concept. I highlighted that this product would captivate both Canadians and tourists from around the world because, from the moment you arrive at this section of the hotel, you experience a unique hospitality: every detail is thoughtfully designed to offer an unforgettable experience. From the airport reception to the efficient check-in at the hotel, and the attentive support during every excursion, everything ensures that visitors feel at home and don’t need to worry about anything during their vacation. Furthermore, I emphasized that the true strength of the Luxury products lies in the added value provided by its team: dedicated staff who excel in every detail, providing exceptional service and creating unforgettable memories for each guest.

Don’t miss my next article, where I’ll share my experiences on the new tourism hub in Eastern Cuba: “Ramón de Antilla Peninsula.”