CubaPLUS Magazine

Under the evocative name of Baracocoa S.A., a new joint venture has been established between the Cuban company Alimentos S.A. (Alimcor S.A.) and Proxperia a.s. of Slovakia. The venture will focus on processing, producing, and marketing chocolates across a full range of assortments, as well as cacao derivatives, mixtures, pastes, and related fats.

In the western Cuban province of Matanzas, the ruins of the La Dionisia coffee plantation, a site that bears the mark of the migration of French settlers to Cuba, stand stubbornly still, as ancient buildings insist on being testimonies of the past. This site bears the mark of the migration of French settlers to Cuba, at a time when numerous coffee farms sprang up in different parts of the island, using slave labor to cultivate the valuable coffee.

Just over an hour's drive north of the colonial city of Camagüey lies one of Cuba's most beautiful beaches: Santa Lucía. Here, crystal-clear jade waters and pristine white sands dotted with coconut palms stretch along 20 kilometers of the northern coast of this province. A multitude of hotels offer a wide range of services, both for guests and those just passing through these magnificent areas of transparent waters, ideal for snorkeling, kitesurfing, or diving – the most popular options for adrenaline junkies. However, visitors can also enjoy dance classes, catamaran rides, or aquatic bicycles, as well as volleyball games, in addition to traditional walks or horseback rides along the beach, which provide the beautiful experience of appreciating one of the most stunning sunsets in the entire Caribbean. From the coast, several excursions are offered to the impressive coral reef located just two kilometers from the beach's sands, considered the second largest in the world. This is one of the most sought-after attractions for diving and snorkeling enthusiasts, as the breathtaking underwater landscapes of this coral formation attract a wide variety of species. The nautical excursion by catamaran to Playa Bonita, on Cayo Sabinal, is one of those activities that every visitor should experience; a magnificent opportunity to live a paradisiacal experience on a virgin island just over five kilometers away. Upon arrival, vacationers can enjoy multiple recreational activities and a delicious lunch at the rustic restaurant, with succulent culinary preparations based on seafood, vegetables, tropical fruits, and the ever-present aromatic Cuban coffee. Another boat trip allows you to appreciate a colony of pink flamingos, which includes lunch on an island inside Nuevitas Bay with an open bar and hiking with observation of iguanas, jutías, birds, and other endemic and migratory species. Without a doubt, these are options that make Santa Lucía well worth valuing as that sun and beach destination to live an unforgettable vacation in the company of friends and family, a place to recommend and to which one will always return.

Worldwide, there are approximately 50 wax museums showcasing figures of famous personalities. Despite being a relatively small island, Cuba proudly boasts its own gallery featuring figures crafted by skilled hands, using beeswax to depict renowned figures in national and even international arts. Inaugurated on July 14, 2004, as a small gallery in the eastern city of Bayamo, it officially became known as the Wax Museum on December 29, 2007. To the pride of the residents of this historic and legendary city, cradle of the Cuban National Anthem (1868), the artistic and original Bayamo Wax Museum has earned national recognition and continues to be the first and only museum of its kind in Cuba.

The Cubanacan hotel group, a leading player in Cuban tourism, will host the second edition of its "Motivos Cubanacan" event this coming November. The event, dedicated to eastern Cuba, aims to showcase and promote the region's beauty and attractions, thereby stimulating tourist interest in vacationing on the island. The announcement was made this Tuesday by Yaima Suarez, Vice President of the group, on the occasion of the entity's 38th anniversary, celebrated at the Iberostar Selection Parque Central hotel in Havana.

Every August 5th, the Cubanacan Hotel Group has the pleasure of celebrating another anniversary, this time its 38th, with the certainty of having succeeded in offering its clients an increasingly high-quality service to satisfy even the smallest requirements. "Today, with the pride of those who have built dreams on the sand and the warmth of our sun, #CubanacanHoteles celebrates 38 years of hospitality, tradition, and unforgettable memories," the entity states on its Facebook page.

A therapeutic care program for people with neurological development disorders is advancing at the dolphinarium in Cayo Guillermo, in the Jardines del Rey tourist destination, north of the province of Ciego de Ávila. The initiative, in collaboration with Cuban Medical Services (SMC), consists of dolphin-assisted interventions for children and adults with special needs, said Annys Sánchez, head of the facility. She added that the interaction with the aquatic mammals is carried out by specialized medical personnel and highly qualified trainers, which constitutes a wonderful experience for both tourists and therapists.

Between the small town of Cayajabos and kilometer 47 of the Havana-Pinar del Río National Highway lies Rancho Charco Azul, a wonderful spot for birdwatchers, hikers, and horseback riders. The site, which now belongs to the National Wildlife Protection Agency (ENPPFF), has a centuries-old history.

The Fernando Alonso National Ballet School highlighted the top awards obtained by three Cuban students at the XII South African International Ballet Competition.

Cuba will compete with eight representatives in the North American, Central American and Caribbean Athletic Association (NACAC) Championships, to be held from August 15th to 17th in Freeport, Bahamas, as reported this Wednesday by the weekly publication Jit.

If you're seeking a peaceful vacation, far from the stress of city life, for a truly restorative break, nothing beats nature. And you'll find those conditions at the Muthu Segundo Frente hotel, surrounded by unparalleled landscapes, in the vicinity of the Sierra Cristal mountain range in eastern Santiago de Cuba.

The most anticipated event for aficionados of fine smoking, the Habanos International Festival, will return to the Cuban capital next February, much to the delight of its followers, according to organizers. This edition, the XXVI, will take place from February 23rd to 27th and the main highlight will be the iconic Cohiba brand, celebrating its 60th anniversary. Cohiba is intrinsically linked to the historical leader of the Revolution, Fidel Castro, who favored it as his preferred cigar during his years as a smoker.

Havana, July 27 (Prensa Latina) Giganterias, a group of young Cubans who liven up the streets of the Cuban capital's Historic Center every day, must be in a festive mood when World Stilt Walking Day is celebrated.

Cuba will be the host country for the first-ever women's world bartending championship, "Queens of Bartending: The Global Female Championship," scheduled to take place next year. Endorsed by the International Bartenders Association (IBA), the competition aims to showcase the creativity, leadership, and skill of female bartenders from around the globe.

Celebrated as one of the best and most beautiful destinations in the Caribbean, Cuba offers so much more than its famous beaches. Discover a remarkable natural world boasting breathtaking landscapes, diverse plant and animal life, and a vast range of endemic species. Cuba boasts 230 protected areas according to official sources. These include 4 Natural Reserves, 14 National Parks, 34 Ecological Reserves, 39 Notable Natural Features, 92 Wildlife Sanctuaries, 28 Protected Natural Landscapes and 19 Protected Areas for Managed Resources.

The Gran Retto Open Water Swim is set to return to the Cuban beachside city of Varadero, with its fourth edition taking place September 13-14.

Renowned visual artist and Cuban designer Oscar de la Portilla once again captivated audiences on the runway, presenting his "Habaneras" collection at an event that celebrates the world of design in Cuba.

The Cubanacan Hotel Group, with 38 years of excellence in hospitality, is further committed to quality and to developing sustainable and environmentally responsible tourism, Yaima Suarez, Vice President of the entity, told CubaPLUS Magazine. During a meeting this week with tour operators, travel agents, YouTubers, and specialized press from Canada, Suarez explained the importance of the Canadian market for tourism to the island. This market has grown steadily over the past 30 years, becoming the leading source of visitors to Cuba due to its proximity, strong ties of friendship, and shared cultural similarities.

Rutaca Airlines of Venezuela relaunched its flights to Cuba this Friday and will now operate two weekly frequencies, on Mondays and Fridays, to Havana. The International Group of Tour Operators and Travel Agencies Havanatur SA welcomed the passengers, who arrived in the morning at "José Martí" International Airport aboard the company's 5R-2232 aircraft. A press release from Havanatur, issued today, cites information from the airline stating that the flights will depart directly from the city of Valencia in Carabobo State, Venezuela, to Havana, with an approximate duration of 3:30 hours.

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