We arrived just after lunch in Varadero, which is basically a 20 KM peninsula dedicated mostly to hotels with a huge strip of white sandy beach. As you drive down the peninsula you drive through Varadero town, and on to the hotels which are spaced out along one-side. At our hotel in Varadero the Blau we said goodbye to the driver, guide and the rest of the group who were all staying in different hotels.
Our room wasn't ready but we were given our all inclusive wrist bands so went for a late lunch. We were all a bit hot and bothered and pleased to be checking into our room. The hotel had a very modern and clean feel too it.
After a quick change and freshen up we started to explore. The hotel was impressive - inside there were 2 bars, a large dining room El Flamboyan used for breakfast and dinner buffets and an entertainment room where they but on a nightly show. There was also a games room, a few shops and a spa and gym. Outside you walked out over a board walk out into the gardens and pool area. The pool was clover shaped divided into two halves one area for swimming and a jacuzzi area and the second was used mostly for ball games. Next to the pool there was a poolside bar and the lunch restaurant Las Adelfas which turned into one of the two"fine dining" restaurants at night.
Outside also there was a crèche for the kids, tennis courts a mini golf course and La Palma Real the second and more up market fine dining restaurant . Beyond the pool area there was another board-walk which led past the beach bar down onto the beach. The beach is a public beach with plenty of sun loungers and shades reserved for hotel guests. The beach was white sand and the sea was an impressive shade of blue - you had to walk pretty far out before you were out of your depth and the water was always warm.
It's a strange feeling suddenly being hit with an unlimited amount of drinks and massive buffets.
Food-wise for breakfast, lunch and dinner there was a buffet selection with plenty of variety. At breakfast there was a smoothie bar where you could pick the fresh fruit you wanted and have it made into a smoothie as well as an omelette station where you could pick you fillings then have the omelette cooked in front of you. For lunch there were freshly cooked meats, sausages and burgers as well as a bbq area outside where they would make paella style dishes. For the dinners there would be a theme and a lot of effort went into the presentation of the food. My favourite theme was Cheese Night (not sure if that was it's official title but there was a dedicated table and server!) Again there were freshly cooked meats and fish as well as an area where you could choose your pasta and sauce or pizza and topping and have it freshly cooked for you. Also included was a visit to each of the fine dining restaurants. The first one Las Adelfas by the pool was passable foodwise but had a good atmosphere and a band playing while we ate. The second was very classy, the food was of a much higher standard and there was a string quartet playing. We went there for Chelsea's birthday and they surprised her with a cake while the quartet played happy birthday for her - a nice touch.
It didn't take us long to familiarise ourselves with the bars and drinks menus. The main bar is in the atrium on the ground floor of the hotel La Orquidea we probably spent most drinking time here, there's a piano bar where a classical pianist played most evenings.
The poolside bar was open during the day and as well as a full range of drinks also did lemonade slush - which cooled you down. The beach bar was OK too but the service was not as good and as we mostly went down there in the evenings we tended to get bitten. We all found our favourite drinks - Chelsea liked San Franciscos (no-alcohol), Jen liked Pina Coladas whilst I had many "favourites" including Cuba Libres, Margaritas and Black Russians.
The staff were brilliant all very friendly - often, especially at lunch you couldn't finish a drink before the next one arrived. The entertainments team were always trying to get you involved - we steered clear mostly but we did enjoy a cocktail making lesson. In the evening there were a variety of shows which I really thought wouldn't be my thing and although some like the water ballet and Cuban dancing weren't there were some really good ones. The magic show was good and there were also magicians that came up to your table and did some street magic. We were well impressed by one trick where he took a note - rolled it up, tipped some of my drink into it which seemed to spill on the ground - he unrolled the note and re-rolled it - told me to tip my head back then poured my drink from the note!
The two best shows were the poolside Rock Show and Halloween night. The rock show was a cover band which got an excellent response from the crowd.
We were impressed with the effort they made for Halloween - they decorated the hotel and had lots to do for the children before putting on a Michael Jackson Thriller style show complete with Zombies that attacked the guests.Chelsea's birthday coincided with the Hotels 5th Birthday and their was a massive all day party - including a monkey riding pony and free coconut drinks!
I think what I liked most about the Blau was the little touches such as the themed evenings, the bands playing all different styles of music (even including a mexican style Mariachi band! and the maid coming up with more and more elaborate towel animals and room decorations!!
The second week was very relaxing and although we did spend a lot of time relaxing in our favourite spot in the gardens by the pool we did decide to venture out one day and check out Varadero town.
There was a hop on, hop off bus service which ran the length of the peninsula, our first stop was a bar and restaurant which was supposedly Al Capones which he used during the American prohibition era.
Next we stopped at some markets had a look around the stalls and checked out some vintage cars parked nearby.
We moved on to the Plaza America - supposedly Cuba's biggest shopping complex - but a bit of a let down to be honest - our final stop was much better though the Mansion Xanadu - a plush colonial style villa.
We paid to have a look around at the paintings and furnishings and were impressed by the marble and wood, however the highlight was the Bar Mirador on top of the mansion overlooking the golf course and beach. The barman talked us into having one of his Mojitos which he reckoned were the best in Cuba - the guy must have been well into his seventies but we could not dispute his claim. After enjoying the views and cocktails we headed back to the hotel.
And so the holiday drew to an end. A really contrasting two weeks - the first week packing everything in to sight seeing trips and the second really chilling out and over doing it with the never ending food and drink! We all had a fantastic time and would recommend Cuba to anyone. If you are staying in Varadero you should really make sure you see Havana at least but we were so glad we got to visit all the places we did, meet the locals and sample some real Cuban culture.
¡Hasta La Victoria Siempre!
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