The beach at Cayo EnsenachosMeliá Buenavista, Cayo Santa Maríawww.audleytravel.com/cuba l 01993 838 685 l Cuba 15Northern cayesIn recent years, the remote northern cayes, east of Varadero, have seen a smattering of hotels open, and for those willing to travel a little further, they represent an excellent option. Cayo Santa María, Cayo Ensenachos and Cayo las Brujas are all small islets connected to the mainland by a causeway. They are covered in thick mangroves and are important bird nesting sites with idyllic beaches and sparkling seas. The resorts here are quite large but are generally newer than those in Varadero and provide a quieter alternative, in a pristine setting, whilst still offering a good standard of accommodation and excellent facilities. These cayes are all within a five-hour drive of Havana or Trinidad. Iberostar Ensenachos, Cayo EnsenachosThe only hotel on the unspoiled islet of Cayo Ensenachos, the 460 room and 46 villa Iberostar is a large all-inclusive resort laid out in a series of two storey hexagonal 'bungalows' each containing ten rooms. The resort sits amidst lush grounds and the beaches are amongst the best in Cuba with powder-white sand lapped by green-blue water. It is an ideal place to relax on a pristine beach and has extensive facilities including four restaurants, two bars, a spa and wellness centre with sauna, Jacuzzi tubs and a fitness studio as well as numerous swimming pools dotted around the complex. There is also an activity centre where you can organise windsurfing, waterskiing, kayaking, or day trips out into the ocean on-board a catamaran. Meliá Buenavista, Cayo Santa MaríaThe Meliá Buenavista is the most recent and luxurious addition to the group of all-inclusive Meliá resorts in Cuba and is located on the beautiful long, white-sand beach at Cayo Santa María. It is small by resort standards with just 105 rooms in total and is currently exclusively for adults. Extensive facilities include two pools, three bars, three restaurants, tennis courts and a beach club where it is possible to organise numerous aquatic activities. Villa las Brujas, Cayo las BrujasVilla las Brujas is the only small hotel on Cayo las Brujas offering a more intimate atmosphere and is ideal for those seeking a non all-inclusive option. Set on a white-sand beach, this simple hotel has 24 palm-thatched cabins linked by a boardwalk raised over thick mangroves home to hummingbirds and jutias. All rooms are air-conditioned, have en suite facilities and a studio-style partitioned lounge and bedroom area with a balcony. A simple restaurant caters for all lunch and dinner requirements whilst staying here. There is also a small marina close by offering a limited range of water activities including diving and snorkelling tours. Despite its simplicity, the hotel is extremely popular with those looking for a beautiful beach and keen to avoid the larger resorts.Villa las Brujas, Cayo las Brujas

16Santiago de CubaEastern CubaThe less-visited east of Cuba is a real treat for those who like to get off-the-beaten-track. Colloquially known as La Tierra Caliente or 'hot earth' due to its higher temperatures and African influence, it is best reserved for those on a longer trip. As we are currently unable to offer internal flights within Cuba for safety reasons, a journey here requires a lengthy road trip across the country, which is a fascinating way to visit parts of Cuba that few others will see.Santiago de CubaSet in an attractive bay surrounded by the impressive Sierra Maestra Mountains, Santiago de Cuba is a vibrant, cultured city that used to be Cuba's capital. Although considered by Habaneros to be 'behind the times', it rivals Havana in many ways. Santiago is fiercely proud of its revolutionary past with the huge Revolution Square and imposing political propaganda serving as constant reminders of its important place in Cuba's history. The city's roots are predominantly Afro-Caribbean but today it is a true cultural melting pot and a music lover's dream. In July the city explodes into a rum-fuelled musical street party during carnival. It is also possible to visit Emilio Bacardí's mansion, which is now a museum. Outside the city, Fidel Castro's original command post can be seen in the shadow of Cuba's highest peak, Pico Turquino.GuardalavacaLocated on a striking stretch of coastline indented with picturesque horseshoe bays and glorious beaches, Guardalavaca and the surrounding coast are popular alternatives to Varadero. The beaches and resorts here are easily accessible by road from Santiago de Cuba. There are a number of all-inclusive resorts offering a full range of facilities, set on three kilometres of beautiful beach. Despite ever-increasing visitor numbers and a lack of character hotels, Guardalavaca is still something of a tropical idyll. Its pristine reefs also provide a great option for scuba diving and snorkelling. Further west, Playa Esmeralda provides a more peaceful and picturesque location with newer resorts.BaracoaAt the eastern tip of Cuba, sleepy Baracoa was Christopher Columbus' landing site in 1492, Cuba's first settlement and the original capital city. It has a distinctly French vibe thanks to its Haitian settlers. The region's main export is chocolate and the local produce is available everywhere, with a visit to a cacao plantation and chocolate factory a must.Baracoa is remote but can be reached by a very picturesque five hour drive from Santiago de Cuba. Arriving by road is particularly dramatic as you descend from the mountains along a series of hairpin bends with beautiful views over the lush landscape and the sparkling Atlantic. Hotels are simple here but this is a perfect place to absorb Cuba's authentic colonial charm or walk in the surrounding mountains.Che Guevara mural, BaracoaStreet musician, Santiago de Cuba