This travel experience will give you the opportunity. Relax with the services of our private masseuse or enjoy sipping cocktails at sunset while focusing on yourself and your self-care. Our daily morning meditation sessions provide the perfect opportunity for reflection and relaxation. Enjoy breakfast customized to your tastes daily and savor the flavors of Cuban cuisine with a private chef cooking for you each night. No matter how you choose to focus your time, this retreat is the perfect way to relax and recharge.
Absolutely Cuba is known for attention to detail and the lushness of the itineraries we create. Travel with us is an EXPERIENCE.
Starting from the boutique accommodations we choose for our clients, we aim to show you what is possible for travel to Cuba through every unique travel experience we create.
Every Absolutely Cuba property is:
• Centrally-located in Havana
• Modern, lush and fully-restored
• Fully-staffed and wifi enabled
• Private for our guests alone
• LEGAL for Americans visiting the island
• One-of-a-kind, impeccable properties
• Always Instagrammable – you know you want to do it for the ‘gram!
*Pictured: Typical accommodations for tours arranged and executed by Absolutely Cuba*
This is easily the question we get asked most often…and the answer is a loud YES! Travel to Cuba is governed by 12 categories of travel established by OFAC. Travel by most travelers is covered by the category ‘Support of the Cuban People’ which mandates that itineraries of American travelers demonstrate a full-time schedule of meaningful engagement with the Cuban people. Every itinerary created by Absolutely Cuba is not only legally compliant, but we make sure that your time on the island is meaningful, engaging and entirely immersive and authentic.
Every person traveling to Cuba must purchase a tourist visa prior to arriving on the island. This visa can be purchased in advance of departure, via mail or at the airport. When you travel with Absolutely Cuba, we assist you navigate the very simple process of securing your visa.
Absolutely not! Several major carriers fly directly to Cuba from the United States. It’s never been easier to travel to this beautiful island.
In Havana, USD is accepted almost everywhere. More often than not, however, the change you get will be in CUP (Cuba’s national currency) at a rate decided by the location of purchase. Though you cannot exchange USD for CUP in the US prior to departure, once you arrive in Havana, Absolutely Cuba can arrange for our in destination concierge to help you exchange your USD at the best possible rate.
Credit cards issued by US-based banks cannot be used in Cuba.
Cuba is the safest island in the Caribbean and you can absolutely travel alone. However, as with any destination, exercising good travel sense and maintaining awareness of your surroundings is key to having a safe and enjoyable holiday.
Unfortunately, many parts of Cuba are not ADA friendly. Between the cobblestone streets and the ever-present disrepair, strolls when one has a mobility issue can be a challenge. Additionally, our tours do have a decent amount of walking and some of our accommodations require walking up stairs to enter. The best way to see if one of our trips is right for you is to email Absolutely Cuba at hola@absolutelycuba.com. We are more than happy to provide the information to help you decide if this trip is the right one for you.
Cuba is a year-round destination. It’s always a good time to travel to Cuba!
ABOUT OUR FOUNDER:
My name is Danielle Linares and I am the founder and owner of Absolutely Cuba, a travel concierge service for people traveling to the island of Cuba.
Over nearly a decade, through several short- and long-term visits to the island, I have immersed myself in all aspects of Cuban culture. At Absolutely Cuba we believe in imagining your itinerary through the lens of a local — not a tourist perspective.
We curate authentic, immersive, and memorable experiences that reflect the true essence of the island, through an Afro-Cuban lens.
The motivation behind my work is to inspire people to see beyond what’s possible for their lives, through lush travel experiences, like I had the first time I went to Cuba.
I have the travel pedigree and expertise to answer your questions and make sure that you have everything you need to make Cuba a profitable destination for your travel company. I use my insight, connections and insider knowledge about Cuba to show you the many travel possibilities for your clients looking to travel to the island.
All bookings are accepted by Absolutely Cuba as agent for the travel Suppliers on your itinerary. Separate Supplier terms and conditions will apply to your booking and purchase of travel-related goods and services that you select, and you understand and agree to abide by the terms and conditions of purchase imposed by any Supplier on an itinerary you have approved. As a condition of booking, you must provide information requested by Absolutely Cuba along with your initial payment. Absolutely Cuba reserves the right to cancel your booking and all services and retain all related cancellation fees if your information is incomplete or inaccurate. Travel and payments are governed by Absolutely Cuba’s Terms & Conditions.
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED:
• AIRFARE
• TRAVEL INSURANCE
• COVID TESTS, AS REQUIRED, FOR ENTRY & EXIT
• PRE- AND POST-STAYS
• MEALS NOT INDICATED
• TRANSPORTATION NOT INDICATED
• OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS
• ANY PERSONAL EXPENSES
BILLING:
Once your deposit has been made you can relax knowing that your future payments will be made automatically. We have set up a convenient payment plan that has evenly divided the cost of the trip over the next five months. Your initial deposit is due at the time of booking, and your future payments will be charged according to the schedule you see on your invoice. This is a service we provide for your convenience and at no extra cost to you.
TRAVEL INSURANCE:
The unexpected is always a possibility. Losing money due to a cancelled vacation doesn’t have to be. We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance for your travels. We cannot stress this enough.
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
Travel documents, itineraries and travel instructions will be sent via email 30 days or earlier prior to travel.
CHANGE OF INFORMATION
Every guest is responsible for notifying Absolutely Cuba of any changes to their information, including but not limited to phone number, address and/or email address. Absolutely Cuba will not be held liable for client’s failure to receive information or notification due to faulty or missing information.
You MUST purchase your own flight to Jose Marti International Airport in Havana no later than November 15, 2022. The airport code for Havana is HAV. Our accommodations are 30 minutes from the airport.
Once your flight has been purchased, ENTER YOUR FLIGHT INFORMATION HERE. This will ensure a smooth transfer from the airport to your casa accommodations.
ARRIVAL TO CUBA
Please be mindful of your arrival time to Jose Marti International Airport in Havana. Those arriving prior to 4 p.m. on your arrival date will be entitled to pick-up and transfer from the airport.
MISCELLANEOUS
Optional excursions are available.
ENTRY TO CUBA
Beginning January 2022, Cuba has lifted all COVID restrictions for visitors to the country.
SCREENING AND QUARANTINE
At the discretion of the Cuban government, arriving tourists may be given a PCR test on arrival and may be subject to quarantine. Any costs related to additional testing and/or quarantine will be paid at the traveler’s expense.
If you are selected for testing and your first PCR test is positive, you will be transported to a state-run hospital or medical center. Arrangements will be made by the Ministry of Public Health.
Once discharged, the costs of the hospital or clinic stay are paid by you in cash. The cost of a hospital stay is roughly estimated at $300USD per day.
PASSPORT VALIDITY
Your passport must be valid for at least SIX (6) months after your departure date from Cuba. Please be sure to verify your passport’s validity. Refunds will not be issued due to inability to travel.
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
Travel documents, itineraries and travel instructions will be sent via email 30 days or earlier prior to travel.
CUSTOMS REGULATIONS
Some electrical items with heavy power consumption may be confiscated on entry to Cuba. Global Positioning Systems (GPS) are also subject to import requirements and may be confiscated. Confiscated items are normally returned on departure.Mobile telephones, tablets and laptops can be taken to Cuba, but any inbuilt GPS should be disconnected or disabled. For more information on Cuban customs regulations, including a list of prohibited and regulated items, visit the Cuban Customs Administration website. Cuban regulations allow a maximum of two pieces of checked in luggage per person, each to a maximum weight of 32kgs. Passengers should confirm their luggage allowance, which may be more restrictive than this, and excess baggage charges with their airline.
RELEVANT LINKS:
ABSOLUTELY CUBA TERMS & CONDITIONS