Citizen Femme Guide To Cuba: Part 1

Cuba is for romantics, for lovers of art, history, culture and gorgeous sunsets. It is the travel destination for those with an affinity for places that have a complex history. It’s a country that wholeheartedly embraces a ‘go with the flow’ philosophy and where people believe in making the most out of what they have, at any given moment. A country that values joy and community, and where people seem to take nothing for granted.

Get as colourful as your surroundings in Cuba with these suitcase must-haves curated by fashion editor Lisa Haynes.

Traveling through Cuba is a profound, multifaceted and a multi-sensory cultural experience. The island’s varied historical influences from Europe, Africa and the Americas have cultivated distinct sounds, aesthetics and flavours, that are emphatically Cuban. The streets transport you to a different time, one where classic American cars and old world charm abound.

 

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“Cruising down El Prado, with the wind in my hair not wanting to miss a moment. The strumming sounds of live music pierce through the hum of the wind. Motorcycles pass by weaving through the parade of candy colored cars. The warmth of the sun kisses the nape of my neck. I absorb the sights and sounds around me fully present in this moment: my first time seeing the beauty that is Havana.” ✨🏝✨ Have you been to Havana? What was it like? Share some of your #traveltales in the comments below. #islandmagic #thecubatraveler

A post shared by CUBA CANDELA (@cubacandela) on Oct 29, 2019 at 6:19am PDT

Cuba lacks the abundance of commercial advertising; that means no billboards or screens vying for your attention. It’s ideal for a digital detox and if you’re looking to connect with humanity, with your innermost selves, with friends or family. You just may find yourself surrounded by the sea, listening to the rhythms of African drums, gazing upon immaculate Spanish colonial architecture, and savouring the rich tradition hand-rolled into an authentic Cuban cigar.

As the largest island in the Caribbean, Cuba possesses countless hidden gems waiting to be unearthed. It is home to some of the oldest cities in the Western Hemisphere and boasts 9 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. From the large capital city of Havana in the north, to the colonial streets of Trinidad in the south-east, and the evergreen valley of Viñales to the west, the island is steeped in magic, riddled with history and rich in culture.