As we usher out 2024 and prepare to welcome 2025 with open arms, it’s a reflective moment for all of us at Simply Cuba Tours, both on a personal and professional level. It’s hard to believe that just four years ago, in 2020, we embarked on a daring venture to bring bespoke, meaningful travel experiences to Cuba. The timing couldn’t have been more challenging or, ironically, perfect — setting sail as the world was anchoring down.
The Beginning of a Dream Amid Global Uncertainty
2020 was not just any year; it was a year that tested resilience and patience worldwide. For us, it marked the birth of our business, crafted from a shared dream between myself and Yoanis, who was not just my co-founder but would also become my partner in life. Starting a travel company at the cusp of global shutdowns was daunting. The uncertainty was palpable, but our passion for Cuba and authentic travel experiences fueled our determination. The physical distance between Yoanis and me, stretching over two long years, was a tough phase. But it was also a period of growth, where we learned that resilience, much like love, thrives across distance and time.
A Slow Reawakening — The World Rediscovers Travel
As the world gradually re-embraced travel, Cuba emerged again as a top destination. Travelers sought more than just vacations; they sought experiences, connections, and moments that could not only be captured through a lens but felt deep within the soul. Yoanis and I realized early that the post-pandemic traveler was searching for something different. They yearned for the unhurried rhythms of life; something that Cuba offers in its purest form.
2024: A Year of Favorites and Reconnections
The gifts that Cuba holds have been particularly cherished this year. Our clients have reveled in the slower pace that seems to flow through the Cuban air — almost tangible but blissfully serene. One of our most loved experiences has been the Finca Tungasuk cooking class, an intimate affair that allows travelers to delve into the rich tapestry of local cuisine guided by heartfelt stories from our hosts Annabelle and Alfredo.
Equally transformative has been the Viñales Farm Experience. Our guests step into the lush landscapes of tobacco fields, interact with local farmers, and discover the intricate processes behind coffee, honey, and tobacco production, capped off with a hearty farmhouse lunch. Such real-life discoveries connect them with the earth and its stewards in a profound way.
In Trinidad, another layer of Cuban authenticity unfolds. Here, travelers engage hands-on at a local farm, dehulling coffee beans using time-honored methods, and even milking cows at dawn. It’s these raw, genuine moments that have resonated deeply with our clients.
Rediscovering Life’s Essentials: Family, Connection, and Nature in Cuba
In the heart of our bespoke journeys to Cuba, beyond the vibrant activities and immersive experiences, lies a deeper, more profound revelation for many of our travelers. Cuba has a unique way of reminding us of the true essences of life—family, connection with each other, and nature. As we navigate through the lush landscapes, share stories with local families, and partake in community traditions, our travelers often discover a renewed appreciation for these fundamental values. It’s a poignant contrast to the fast-paced, often disconnected lifestyle prevalent in the Western world. In Cuba, the slower rhythms of life don’t just mark time; they weave into your being, reminding you to cherish every moment, every interaction. This reflection on the simplicity and richness of life is perhaps one of the most transformative aspects of the Cuban travel experience, fostering deeper connections not only with the land and its people but also within oneself.
Yet, amidst these novel experiences, the allure of classic activities like the cocktail class overlooking the Malecón and the timeless elegance of a classic car cruise around Havana remain ever-popular. These experiences bridge the old and the new, the historic charm and the burgeoning future of Cuban travel.
Looking Forward with Anticipation and Gratitude
As we bid goodbye to 2024, we carry with us the lessons, the challenges, and the triumphs of these four years. Each moment has been a building block for our dream, a testament to our vision for sustainable, immersive travel that honors the spirit of Cuba and its people.
2025 promises more adventures, more connections, and more unforgettable experiences. We are committed to enhancing our offerings, deepening our understanding of what you, our valued travelers, seek, and ensuring that every journey with us is not just a trip, but a gateway to stories, learning, and memories to cherish.
We thank you for being part of our journey, for trusting us to guide you through the beautiful, vibrant isle of Cuba, and for helping us grow into a stronger, more inspired company. Here’s to making 2025 even better, together.
From all of us at Simply Cuba Tours, we wish you a journey worth taking every year. Happy New Year!
