Page 42 - Dreamscapes Magazine | Winter 2021-2022

IT’S TIME FOR THE ROYAL R&R
Situated off Cuba’s north coast, and part of the archipelago Jardines del Rey (Spanish for “King’s Garden”), Cayo Cruz is a remote, slender strip of land tethered to the main- land by a 12-kilometre causeway, and to its neighbouring island, Cayo Romano, by a causeway about five kilometres long. Inter- estingly, here, there are no cities, villages or farms. In fact, there are no permanent inhabitants at all. Instead, folks commute by car or board one of the steady parade of buses that carry workers to-and-fro, drop- ping them off and picking them up at one of the island’s three resorts.
Built to be a state-of-the-art tourist utopia, collectively there’s the Valentin; the Hotel Iberostar Coral Level, a resort com- plex within swanky Iberostar Selection Esmeralda; and La Marina Plaza & Spa Hotel. Each luxe beach property features a contemporary design, within structures so new that sometimes, intermingled with the sea air, I swear I can detect the smell of fresh paint. Previously known only as a great spot to go sportfishing, in 2019 and early 2020 that changed with the opening
of these oceanfront properties. Each building is set back from the sea to help protect against hurricane damage, and with raised footpaths and bridges leading to the beaches, to ensure fauna and flora along the shoreline are preserved.
SUPER SUN CHOICES
At the adults-only, all-inclusive Valentin Cayo Cruz, I consider hauling myself off the
chaise longue on which I am sprawled next to the multi-level infinity pool, to take a stroll along the boardwalk to the beach. As a reward for my efforts (it’s less than a five- minute walk but hey, I’m on holidays) I could grab a drink at the open-air bar before skimming across the warm white sand into the Atlantic for a swim. On the other hand, I could just do a log-roll from my chaise into the pool and hit up the bartender at the
INSIDER’S TIP
Cuba-bound Canadian travellers on an all- inclusive package need a valid passport, tourist card (included) and mandatory Covid insurance, which is available to pur- chase through your travel agency or upon arrival at the airport for $30 USD. Coverage is valid for 21 days.
42 DREAMSCAPES WINTER 2021/2022