Salsa & Yoga Retreat in Cuba

Includes :

5 nights accommodations in a colonial home in Vedado neighborhood

Yoga practice daily as per the itinerary

Two Salsa Music & Dancing Workshops at a local dance school

Beach day with lunch

History talk with Cuban local guide

Breakfast and lunch daily plus 3 dinners together

Classic Car ride along the Malecon

Day trip to Viñales includes a visit with an artisanal cigar maker & tobacco farm followed by lunch at an ecological Farm-to-Table restaurant with garden walk and agricultural discussion

Roundtrip airport transfers from Havana International Airport

What’s not included

Airfare, tourist visa, and health insurance
Alcohol, bottled water
2 dinners on your own
Travel & Medical insurance
Donations for local artists and community to be brought from home
Extras
Staff Gratuities (suggested $50usd for the incredible staff)

Direct flights into Havana are available from several airports in the USA as well as most hubs abroad. Health insurance and a tourist visa are required by Cuba to enter the country and are available with the airline directly.  Please let us know if you have any questions about travel details.

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Salsa & Yoga Retreat in Cuba

ITINERARY :

DAY ONE : 

 Arrival Transportation from Havana International Airport
3:00pm  Casa Particular arrival and check-in
6-8pm  Welcome circle & opening yoga practice
8:30pm  Dinner together as a group at our host house

 DAY TWO :

8am Coffee, tea & fruit available
9-10:30am Yoga Practice
10:45am  Breakfast at Casa Particular
1-2pm Salsa Dancing & Music workshop at local dance school
2:30-4pm Lunch at private resto in Old Havana
 6pm Classic Car rides back along the Malecon
8pm Dinner together with local historian to chat about Cuban history

DAY THREE :

8am Coffee, tea & fruit available
8:30am Sorting donations and offerings
9-10:30am Yoga Practice
10:45am  Breakfast
12-4:30pm Beach Clean-up day & lunch
8pm Dinner at FAC (not included)
Optional Gallery visit & night out at Fabrica De Arte Cubano

DAY FOUR :
 

8am Coffee, tea & fruit available at host house
9-10:30am Yoga Practice
10:45am Breakfast at Casa Particular
1-2pm Salsa Dancing & Music workshop at local Dance School
2:30-4pm Lunch at restaurant in Old Havana
4:30pm Deliver supplies to resident artists
Free time & Dinner on your own
Optional Dance workshop with Cuban dance instructors

DAY FIVE :

8am Coffee, tea & Breakfast available at host house
9am – 7pm Day trip to Viñales to learn about local agriculture. Visit a local cuban cigar and tobacco farm with interviews about growing tobacco and how to roll and treat the product. Lunch at an ecological farm with guided tour of local plants and growth time tables for production as well as discussions with Cuban farmers and produce sellers about cooperative farming and agricultural practices.
7:30-9pm Yoga practice & Closing circle
9pm Dinner together at home

DAY SIX :

8am Coffee, tea, fruit & breakfast available
Leave for Havana airport

*Please note that our Itinerary is subject to change as necessary according to circumstances and any unforeseen changes in our plans.  Our intention is to keep as close to this schedule as possible but this is Cuba and at times we could find ourselves at the mercy of the powers that be. We will adjust and accommodate as best as possible if this occurs. Havana operates on a later schedule which is why our days are running later than our typical retreat schedules.

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Salsa & Yoga Retreat in Cuba

Accommodations

Our retreat is based in an eclectic mansion from the early 20th century. Located on Avenida Paseo in the residential neighborhood of Vedado with its tree-lined parks along its entire length, allows a pleasant 1.5 km journey to the Havana boardwalk. On this route, you can see other classicist-style mansions, up to the modern multi-family buildings and hotels from the 50s, which transformed this neighborhood into a more popular and less elitist character that is today, the Cultural Center of the City, the heart of Havana.

The owners live onsite and, together with a group of workers, have provided accommodation services to tourists for more than 19 years. The rooms, each with a private bathroom, are for the private use of their guests, but they can use public spaces, such as the television room, living rooms, dining rooms, gardens and terraces.

This main house has 4 bedrooms and a neighboring property has 3 more. We will take over both houses for our accommodations but all events will be held at the mansion on Paseo.

They are literally across the street from each other. Rooms are filled first come, first served. All rooms have ensuite bathrooms with charming details and basic amenities.

Please keep in mind that we are in Cuba. Luxuries are few and far between. Any necessities should be brought along with you from home. At times it is challenging to find even basics but our team does its best to accommodate all our needs. Your patience and comprehension is required on this retreat. We thank you in advance for your understanding.

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Salsa & Yoga Retreat in Cuba

Pricing :

Our retreat in Cuba will be housed in two casa particulares in the residential neighborhood of Vedado. All activities for the retreat like yoga classes, meals and time together will be spent at the main house. Four accommodations are located here. There is another house across the street with three more bedrooms where we will also be staying.

All accommodations are unique rooms and suites for use private or shared use with their own ensuite bathroom in each. Accommodations fill first come, first served.

PRIVATE SUITES

Private suites have one double bed and ensuite bathroom with outdoor patio.
Please note that all rooms are unique and are booked first come, first served.

$3,395usd private
$3,195usd shared bed* per person

PRIVATE ROOMS

Private rooms have one double bed and ensuite bathroom.
Please note that all rooms are unique and are booked first come, first served.

$3,355usd private
$3,165usd shared bed* per person

SHARED ROOMS

Shared rooms have one double bed and one twin bed with ensuite bathroom.
Please note that all rooms are unique and are booked first come, first served.

$3,265usd double bed
$3,065usd twin bed

*You must provide your own bedmate. We will do our best to pair you with a roommate if you like but if we cannot find a one for you, you must take a private accommodation.

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Salsa & Yoga Retreat in Cuba

Reservations

Historically when any policy changes have been made towards Cuba travel, the US government has honored travel by any American who has already made payments toward their trip as a way to ‘set the wheels of your Cuba trip in motion’. US Airlines are flying to the island daily both direct and with layovers. IF anything is different and travel is banned we will refund your deposit in full, but this should not be the case. Please be brave and join us for these epic adventures to Cuba to SUPPORT THE CUBAN PEOPLE! They need it now more than ever…

MAKE YOUR DEPOSIT HERE :

Deposits of $1,000usd are due to secure your space in the retreat. Please check availability with us for accommodations before making your deposit.

Roommates should book together. If you would like to share a room and do not have a roommate we will provide one for you if possible. In the case that there is no one to share a room we ask that you take a private room instead.

Please use the form below to submit your deposit.

BALANCE PAYMENTS :

The balance of your retreat (minus your $1,000usd initial deposit*) is due in cash in USD in Havana upon arrival.

POLICIES

CANCELLATION POLICY

All payments are 100% non refundable and non-transferable. We recommend that you buy Trip cancellation insurance immediately upon making your initial deposit to cover any travel hiccups or complications that may arise between now and the time of your retreat. No exceptions are possible so please cover your trip by connecting with an insurance company that offers the right policy for you. Agents are available online to help with your specific needs. Cover your retreat here!

CLIENT RESPONSIBILITY

The acceptance of a verbal or written confirmation from YOGA & ADVENTURES WORLDWIDE (Y&AWW) constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions listed herein. Participants are responsible to be adequately insured, therefore Traveler’s Insurance is strongly recommended*. Y&AWW and its staff assume no responsibility nor liability for any delay, loss, damage, injury or accident with regards to persons or property which may be caused by fault or negligence of any third party vendor. This includes hotels, transportation providers, and local operators participating in part for our services. Y&AWW shall be held harmless for any expense caused by injury or accident, to any participants as well as any loss or damage of personal items while on our tours. We reserve the right to make any changes to services and itineraries, with or without notice, which may become necessary.

Yoga & Adventures Worldwide, its affiliates, retreat facilitators, hotels, third party vendors, and tour providers, the ownership, or staff, of course, cannot be held responsible for events that are outside of our control. There are no refunds as per our cancellation policies. We highly recommend that all of our guests secure a quality travel insurance that will cover them for ANY event which may cause for a change of travel plans, or for ANY unfortunate event including but of course not limited to:

– Transportation delays, cancellations or changes due to strikes, labor disputes, or lockouts from airlines, boats, ferries or any type of transportation.
– Any inconvenience or complication caused by bad weather, storms, and hurricanes : a direct hit, near miss, or significant threat of a hurricane strike
– Government/political actions, events or situations; threats or acts of terrorism, acts of war or declared war.
– Personal health issues or personal situations in general which may affect travel plans
– Any loss, theft or damage of personal items at any stage of your trip
– Any accident causing injury during any stage of your trip
– Travel restrictions or illness associated with COVID-19.

All travelers may join our retreats “at your own risk”, but should continue to take precautions such as wearing masks in public, avoiding crowds, maintaining social distance and washing hands frequently. Any Covid testing will be determined by the countries through which the traveler must pass. All testing requirements are at the travelers expense and are not included in our packages. Please stay up to date with current travel related requirements.

We require that you are covered with medical insurance while on retreat. Please check your health insurance policy regarding treatment outside your home country in the rare case you would need care while away from home. Most policies have coverage for emergencies and we ask that you submit proof of this coverage when prompted. If you do not have a policy that covers travel medical, we recommend that you speak with an agent to see what is best for you. Insubuy has many options for coverage.  Please consult with the agent to make sure the plan you choose covers medical care in the country you are visiting. We will ask for proof of medical insurance prior to the retreat.

By submitting payments toward your retreat you accept these Terms and Conditions.

If you have any questions regarding the details of this retreat please feel free to contact us to set up a call or to receive further info via email.

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Some of our ‘intermediate’ salsa dancers showing their moves after a retreat.

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An adorable short film about our adventures in Havana and beyond as created by our friends and local artists.

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What to expect on your cuban adventure

Travel to Cuba for US Citizens is legal with our yoga retreat programs. We operate under the US Department of the Treasury, Division of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) Support for the Cuban People general license §515.574. This license allows us to travel as a group to Cuba and participate in a full schedule as outlined by the US government while we are in Cuba.

What exactly does ‘Support for the Cuban People’ mean? This is a category of license set up by the US gov’t that encourages connection between the people of Cuba and the people of the US (and beyond so don’t worry if you are from another place! It is really for everyone). This means we will only be directly supporting the Cuban people with our activities and plans while on the island.

Flights are available directly from the USA to Havana and are very affordable. We send you with all the legal documents you need to travel in and out of Cuba as required by US law.

Once travel plans have been made, regardless of any future changes in regulations you are still allowed to follow through with your original plans as they were when set in motion. That said, we do not anticipate any further setbacks in this area of the government.

You will travel to Havana with your own tourist visa just like any country. You purchase this on your own through your airline at the airport in the city in which you are flying into Havana from. Your airline can offer further guidance in this area. The visa costs between $30-50usd in addition to your flight (note that flying through Miami you’ll see a visa rate of $100usd so try to avoid that if at all possible). There is also a way to obtain your travel visa in advance online but shipping costs apply so it might not be cost effective to order in advance. Please contact your airline directly for options and pricing once you have your flights.

You are required to hold onto this visa throughout the duration of your time in Cuba as they ask for it on your departure from the country. There are no departure taxes leaving Cuba.

Please feel free to contact us with any other specific questions or concerns you have regarding travel. We are here to set your mind at ease and help you in any way possible. We have been running retreats in Cuba for more than three years now with much consistency and have not had any problems thus far whatsoever and do not anticipate any to come.

 DONATIONS AND WHAT TO BRING FOR OFFERINGS

Please plan to bring a duffle or suitcase full of items to be donated to children, women, men, and families in need in Havana. Plan to bring a variety of items of clothing (remember the climate is hot and hotter but chilly in winter so a hoodie and long pants also could serve especially this time of year), toys, books (in Spanish if you can find them or basic workbooks in English), hygiene products, underclothes, and any other items you feel appropriate or that you have to offer. Sizes can range from babies to teens, both boy and girl please as well as adult clothing and other items that you may have around. If you have items in your own closet that you can forego feel free to add those in.  Think basics as those tend to be the most treasured. Items that are always cherished are fabric softener, warm light bulbs, and clothes hangers. It’s the little things…so if any of those are overflowing from your cabinets feel free to toss them into your bags!

We also will be supporting local artists with hard to get supplies so please drop by your local art store or your own studio and pick up oil paint tubes. A variety of brushes, palettes, and canvas rolls if you can fit them into your suitcase (you could roll up some canvas and fit it inside your yoga mat or fold up both when packing.  They can iron out the creases later!)  These are a few suggestions.  We will separate them out on opening night and distribute them throughout our stay. We are very close with a leader in the Cuban art community who will accept our offerings and distribute them as needed throughout the city and beyond.

Thank you so much in advance for your generosity. Keeping in mind the recent hurricane that pummeled the island, Caritas Cubana the organization we work with on the ground distributes their accumulated donations across the island far and wide to reach those most in need. We will also be carrying a few items with us as we make our way around the island to personally deliver to those that cross our paths.

COMMUNICATION AND WHERE TO FIND YOU IN CUBA

Getting online in Cuba is tricky. If you need to check in there is a place you can do so a couple blocks away at a wifi park. You need to get a scratch off card from a guy on the corner (hopefully he is around) and enter it into your phone or computer. Bringing a laptop seems excessive so I think it’s best to embrace the idea that you are literally ‘offline’ and enjoy that. It’s kind of fabulous and freeing!

In case of any emergency have your people send an email to us with URGENT in the subject and we will get the message to you. Also we have a Cuban cell phone if you or your people need to reach me directly there. We will provide that in our group email the weeks leading up to the retreat.

MONEY : HOW MUCH AND WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING

Cuba operates on CUP, the Cuban Peso but many places accept USD.

You should bring USD to spend and exchange to CUP.  There is a currency exchange desk at the airport in Havana (one inside upstairs and one outside when you exit from customs). You will need your passport to make these transactions. Just let your driver know that you have arrived before your exchange and he will wait for you to do so! Please keep in mind that the items not included in your retreat are :

– Alcohol or any nightlife you’d like to enjoy and taxis getting to and from
– A few dinners
— Bottled drinking water
– Any extras like souvenirs, cigars, art, or rum
– Staff Gratuities which is always much appreciated (and well deserved!)

We recommend that you start out exchanging the equivalent of $200usd and then if you need to exchange more there wil be opportunities in Old Havana to do so during the retreat.

For Americans, your bank card will not work in Cuba (and shouldn’t be used anyway) so you want to make sure to bring enough money with you. Cuba is not as inexpensive as you might think so plan to spend what you would in say Manhattan or San Francisco daily for food and other purchases.  With that in mind you’ll have enough and likely go home with some cash.

We will be taking balances in USD upon arrival in Cuba. We will email you the details of the rate with your balance due email a few weeks prior to the retreat. It is perfectly safe to carry the balance in cash with you into the country. Our facilitator will be there when you arrive to the host house to settle up with you. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation as this is necessary for us to run the retreat on the ground.

NAVIGATE THE CITY AND BEYOND OFFLINE :

Before you leave home please take the time to download maps.me AND the city of Havana so you can navigate the city in your free time!