20 independent reviews for Cuba salsa dance holiday
Reviews for Cuba salsa dance holiday
Robert Pangrace review 29 May 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Having been on this Vacation once before I was welcomed back like an old friend by the Casa owners staff and representatives of the tour operator. Everyone was accommodating to my needs2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Everything was well planned in advance , but be prepared for temporary power outages, bringing a portable rechargeable fan is a good idea3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
By staying in a locally owned casa , visiting locally owned restaurants and venues, buying handmade items in the markets contribute directly to the finances of the people of Santiago De Cuba4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Thoroughly enjoyed my stay, and plan on returning for a third timeCynthia Ward review 21 Mar 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The Cuban dancers were exceptional hosts!2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Pack a lot of a variety of things; items in Cuba are scarce.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
It completely benefited the people we interacted with.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Exceptional and one of my best!Robert Pangrace review 19 Dec 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The complete vacation was outstanding. I am still in disbelief. The staff and itinerary made this the best vacation I have ever experienced2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Do your research on Cuba ,accept any unforeseen changes and you will have a great time!3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We ate lunch daily at local establishments, traveled to historic sites via taxi and frequented local clubs all employing Cuban people4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
ExcellentAlex Tackie review 5 Mar 2020
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The most memorable things were the dance classes, the interaction with the teachers both in the classes and on the social nights out and the warmth and friendliness of my Cuban hosts.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Make sure you have the essentials you need with you: it is not easy to obtain some supplies in Cuba.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
On the whole my visit probably had a net positive economic benefit for the Cuban economy. However, I think its impact on distribution, ecology and conservation are less evident.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
I had an excellent vacation - I thoroughly enjoyed myself and would like to do it again sometime!Doyin Lawunmi review 4 Mar 2020
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The dance classes which are excellent. The teachers have a high standard of expertise and they communicate a passion and enthusiasm for dance. We were also lucky as we were invited to attend a regional dance competition for local students; the standard was outstanding. Also, the nights out dancing were great fun.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Relax and enjoy. The dancing is not on a sprung floor, so take comfortable supportive shoes. Don’t hesitate to book extra lessons if there are things you want to work on.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Excellent, surpassed my expectations.Angela Griep review 12 Jan 2020
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The dancing was certainly the most important part of it, but learning more about Cuban religion, Cuban people, Cuban food and drinks was definitely equally exciting!!2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Bring some flexibility since things in Cuba don't always go the way you expect them to go. The physical exercise is great to keep your mind of your usual working day, but it may also lead to some ups and downs - embrace these and your vacation will turn out to be a wonderful experience.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, the working with the dancers as well as visits to traditional places where people explain their culture benefitted both sides equally4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
I call it a wonderful dance adventure in a beautiful place. Sometimes I wished for more possibilities to simply relax, but then there was too much to discover to actively look for these possibilities...Read the operator's response here:
We are delighted that you enjoyed your recent dance vacation in Cuba with us and thank you for your positive comments. We always try to balance the dance classes and accompanied night out for more dancing with cultural activities and visits so that you have an opportunity to learn more about the local community and people you are meeting, and it certainly sounds like this worked well on your trip. Flexibility is key to the overall enjoyment of any vacation in
Cuba, as you have mentioned, and we are very pleased that you had such a wonderful experience.
Michael Baker review 24 Nov 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Dancing tuition with professional Cuban dancers2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Remember Cuba is very much a cash economy, credit cards and ATMs may not work due to the Trump blockade of the island3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Staying in local homes, eating locally and visiting local dance and music venues4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
The local staff and the dance company looked after our group very wellSmriti Bellad review 29 Mar 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The most exciting part was dancing classes2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Don't think......just go for it3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
It did help the locals as it added to their economy4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
5 starRead the operator's response here:
We are delighted that you have rated your recent Cuba dance vacation as a 5***** experience and thank you for your positive feedback. Our local dance instructors are all experienced and professional performers and they certainly know how to bring out the best in everyone on our dance trips. The local economy in Santiago de Cuba has been supported by these vacations for the last 20 years now and our trips make a significant impact on local pockets.
Paula LeRoy-Antaki review 9 Jan 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
This trip was extraordinary. Every bit was memorable-especially the Christmas Day dance party at the beach with a super sound system, full on buffet, warm ocean water in view of soft green mountains. Another was, New Years in the town square with most of Santiago plus Cutumba (our teachers) performing, and then dancing til 4am. Every day was special and the nuts and bolts of the trip were first rate. Firstly, the dance teachers were of the highest caliber, and gave us their full attention, patience, caring, love of dance, and intentions for us to improve. After seeing them perform, I doubly recognized how honored we were to be working with such talented dancers. When we all went out at night, we had great dancers to dance with and they would do spontaneous dance "performances," too. Secondly, the other people on the trip were especially interesting, hardy, and eager to be there. We all bonded and enjoyed free time activities together. Thirdly, For the homestay, I was quickly incorporated into a fabulous, multi-generational family and served excellent food that catered to my food sensitivities. I felt healthier there then at home. Fourthly, all of the excursions were well planned and interesting, guided by the very capable and super fun Alex, who with Maria, also organized our nights out, and went the extra mile to accompany some of us to immigration appointments etc. We were well taken care of every step of the way.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Plan an extra day or two on either side of the trip if you can, because there is transport involved to and from the airport that can take time from your tour time. Speaking Spanish always broadens the experience, but isn't necessary.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Our vacation definitely benefited the local people. Having extra means of income is key for people in Cuba, because they have free housing, education, healthcare and basic foods, but salaries are low and buying items such as shoes is difficult. The dancers benefitted from the stipends of teaching us and private lessons. Supporting the restaurants and clubs is a bonus for the community. We traveled in a tour bus a few days, and otherwise walked everywhere.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
This was the best trip I have ever been on!Read the operator's response here:
Many thanks for your positive comments about your recent Cuba dance vacation in Santiago de Cuba with us. We are really delighted that you had such a wonderful vacation and that you enjoyed the whole experience to the full. Cuba is a very special place and our experienced local team, homestay hosts and partner dance company provide a unique way of being involved at a personal level with the local community and Cuban culture
Chris Nelson review 3 Jan 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
How friendly Cubans are.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Make sure all you Sterling notes have absolutely no marks on them if you’re planning on exchanging them!3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Absolutely a benefit to the local community and Cuba as a whole.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Best vacation I’ve ever had and I’ve had many over the years.Read the operator's response here:
We are really delighted that you had such a good vacation with Caledonia Worldwide in Cuba and thank you for your positive review.
Nuri Gene-Cos review 27 Jul 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Meeting the dance teachers.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
It's a great vacation. Leave behind any preconceptions and you'd love it.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I think so.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
4.5 out of 5Read the operator's response here:
We are delighted that you enjoyed your dance vacation in Cuba so much and that the most memorable part was meeting our dancers. They are all exceptionally talented and to be able to learn to dance with professional Cuban dancers is a key element of our salsa vacation. We are very aware of the positive impact these trips have on the local economy and we make sure that all payments are made direct to the people involved in running the classes, homestay accommodation and cultural excursions, thus contributing to the local economy. Many thanks for your positive review.
Britt Voll review 10 Apr 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The dancing was amazing, hilarious, fun and depending on how much you put into it - painful due to bad shoes! But totally worth it. The people there - I can't describe how warm and welcoming they are. The dancers, the guides.... everybody I met in fact.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Be prepared to live like a local. This is not a luxury hotel thing - this is real life for those who work there, but you are a tourist. You will get the most out of this if you just relax, be thankful for everything you get, and bring the right type of clothes. Shoes! Think comfort - not fashion.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
My economy helps people there - although there is not much for them to get a hold of. But it gives jobs, experience and also a door out to the world outside of Cuba. Yes - I felt that it benefited many. But as tourists - be respectful! We get so much, and they have so little materialistically.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
I've booked my return - three days after coming home from Cuba. I'm back next year.Anniina Simula review 11 Feb 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
One of the best moments was probably snorkeling in the Bay of Pigs area near Play Giron, and then of course all the salsa dancing, both in classes and in the evenings!2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
If you are into salsa dancing, try a salsa class or two (or ten) - you usually get your own personal and skilled teacher, and because of this one-on-one teaching you learn a lot of new things in a short amount of time.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
It benefited local people, because we stayed in home-stay accommodations (casa particular) and took dance classes from locals.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
We had a great time - the accommodation was clean and nice, the hosts welcoming and helpful, and we didn't have any problems with transportation either, so we could just focus on enjoying our time in Cuba!Read the operator's response here:
We are delighted that you enjoyed your recent trip to Cuba so much and many thanks for your positive comments about the arrangements we made for your vacation. It is good to know that you had a good time when dancing and scuba diving and that you were comfortable in the homestays too.
Susan Nagen review 25 Oct 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Clearly the dancing lessons2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Book now3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I believe so. Although they deserve more.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
It was perfect. No changes needed. The guides and teachers were really professionalAmanda Harvey review 2 Aug 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Everyday was wonderful! But highlights include the dance lessons and nights out, the visit to the local Basillica and just soaking up the daily life in Santiago. The homestay family were also a memorable part of the vacation as they were so kind.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Book now! This is truly one of the best vacations I have been on. Be prepared to be very hot and to not worry about things not running exactly to plan as Cuba is a very relaxed place. If you can speak some Spanish that will really help as well but you can get by without.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes absolutely! I was really impressed by how long the operator had been working in Santiago, 20 years. They really look after the dancers and homestay families. The company is definitely part of Santiago life and the dance community there.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
100% amazing the service and care from the operator was amazing. I have had the best 2 weeks of dancing with the most amazing professional dancers. I felt very well looked after. I was fortunate to be with a wonderful group of people.Maria Cappelen review 14 Jan 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The dans and dancers; they were excellent, friendly and accommodating to all levels of proficiency.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Don't hesitate; do it!3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, bringing tourism to poor parts of the world helps the local inhabitants: However, it is paramount to meet them with respect and an open mind, fully aware that we are visitors in their country.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Fantastic. I feel fortunate to have met the people I have met in Santiago, lived in their homes, got to know them, learnt to dance. And Kath - remarkable, attending to all queries and concerns and our welbeing both before and during the trip! I would like to do it again, (this in spite of my a principle never to go to the same place twice; too much to see in the world. This trip however could be an exception).Ujwala Rao review 13 Sep 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The best part of the vacation was the dance lessons. The instructors were great. Very patient and enthusiastic. The dance program again was well put together. The night outs with the dance instructors was great too - helped build confidence around what we had learned during the day.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Helps to have some basic interest in dancing. Carry comfortable clothes and shoes - Santiago de Cuba is very hot and humid. Do carry some gifts along for the dance instructors/guide etc - even items like nail polishes, deodorants, perfumes, cosmetics etc will be much appreciated.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes it did. The of ground support was provided by Paradiso cultural center, a local agency which does much for encouraging music and dance. The dance teachers were again from a large local dance group.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Excellent . Would love to go back for this!Read the operator's response here:
We are delighted that you had such a wonderful time on your trip and that you enjoyed the dance lessons in particular. Our local colleagues in Paradiso and the dance instructors have all been part of the team in Santiago de Cuba for many years now and our small group dance vacations are designed to try and bring maximum benefit to the local community in Santiago. We look forward to welcoming you back out there again!
Keith Armstrong review 7 Nov 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Learning to dance with the professional dancers. My wife and I had never danced before and we speak no Spanish so the patience and understanding of the dancers was fantastic! It was hard work in hot temperatures but it was great fun too.We also had a tour of Havana in a 1928 Model A Ford where the owner, Ramon, very kindly let me drive his car, it was a fantastic experience.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Learn a little Spanish, be prepared for tiring dancing lessons and enjoy the cocktails! A simple way to help people is to take a lot of ball point pens which everyone is happy to accept. Try the independent restaurants but be patient as service can be slow.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We would like to think that spending time and money, especially in Santiago de Cuba was beneficial to the local economy.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Exciting, tiring, very enjoyable and glad we went before it gets over commercialised.Read the operator's response here:
We are delighted that you had such a good trip, and that you enjoyed the dance lessons in Santiago de Cuba and that you had your dream drive in Havana too. With regard to how your stay benefitted the local economy, all costs for accommodation, dance lessons, trips and excursions, food and drinks, local transport and our Cuban tour leader and guides are paid in Santiago so you can be totally assured of the positive input into the local economy. Many thanks again for coming to Cuba with us.
Jerry Fenner review 14 Jan 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Oh, there were lots - loved meeting all the other travelers, and our dance teachers, and of course the dancing. I think the female teachers especially had huge patience with us! Exploring Santiago was wonderful - usual I seek out quiet peaceful places, which Santiago IS NOT - but I loved it and will return :-)2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Relax and enjoy - pack lots of thin clothes to keep yourself cool - a three hour dance class in temps of 25-30C is challenging! If you want, take lots of pens, pencils, notebooks to give away to the kids, but overall come with an open mind and heart.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Hugely supported local people - our teachers were all local professional teachers who gained income directly from our visit; likewise, the homestays.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Fabulous - loved Cuba, my first visit, but I will be back, and might even do this trip again - many of the others were return visitors.Sharon Ahern review 3 Aug 2015
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The most memorable for me was the dancing. Dancing the son with Orlando at the Cultural Centre on the night if the fireworks and the high energy, high speed rueda we did during our lessons and on the street during carnaval.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
I think you get more from the dance classes if you know some salsa before coming. And more from going out in the evenings.If I hadnt been so concerned about the weight of my luggage I would have brought more toiletries etc to leave behind.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes we certainly benefitted the local people through providing work, and being able to give them some of our toiletries etc. It was a great oportunity for us to meet Cuban people and to have some understanding of their lives and for them to do the same. So there were lots of opportunities for expanding international relations and learning more about each other.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
I had an absolutely fantastic time. Our group was so lovely and I am sure we will stay in touch. Our homestay was oerfect. The food exceeded my expectations and our host was perfect.the vacation was very well organised with enough downtime built in. Yaritsa is perfect. Nothing fazed her and she looked after us like a mother! I do hope I will be able to come again next year.Read the operator's response here:
We are delighted that Sharon enjoyed her trip so much and would agree with all of her comments above. We have tried over the years to ensure that our Cuba dance vacations really do make a positive impact locally by working with local homestay owners, professional dancers and other Cuban based suppliers. Our local tour leader is a wonderful person and is a firm favourite with our clients. Looking forward to Sharon coming out to Santiago de Cuba with us again!
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