Hello everyone!
It has been a big surprise the number of people asking me about Cuba. The Land of Fidel is definitely on the rise and it will be even more in evidence from this week. Do you want to know why? The luxurious Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski officially opens it’s doors in the old center of Havana.
I had the privilege of visiting the hotel with fresh smell of paint, before the official opening. It occupies a beautiful historic five story building, which was built in the last century to house the first photo gallery trade of the city. With the political changes that have taken place, the course of history has also changed and the building built by Joseph Gomez-Mena Village, affectionately named “Manzana Gomez” by Cubans, began to be used for other purposes, such as a school and even a hospital.
The project turned out incredible. I met the architect responsible for the design of the interior of the hotel, the South African Eric Bogo who was happy with the result. It really looks beautiful. On the ground floor, around the lobby, the idea of a shopping gallery has returned to take shape, but this time with luxury brands, a proof of the new era in Cuba. On the first floor are restaurants, bars, cafes and the cigar rooms, controlled by a “sommelier of cigars” famous in the country. The upper floors are the 246 apartments with a clean and elegant decor. The rooms have high ceilings, they are bright and have huge windows that open to the historical part of the city, where the Great Theater of Havana, the Capitol and the iconic bar La Floridita are located – one of Ernest Hemingway’s favorite corner’s in the city.
The Resense spa is another high point of the hotel. It has a sauna, steam bath, fitness facility and an aluminum covered swimming pool, similar to the famous Swiss hotel Villa Honegg. There is also a pool outside outside on the rooftop, where the best sunset in town is viewed.
What did you think of the tip? It’s by far the best hotel in the city. It is well located, beautiful and with excellent service. If Cuba is on your travel wish-list, now is the time to go!
I wish you all a beautiful week! See you next Tuesday!
XoXo
