BAILA EN CUBA SALSA FESTIVAL 2011 IN HAVANA CUBA!
For Salsa dancers of all levels with a world-renowned dance program taught by the top instructors in Cuba!
Brought to you by Salsa Viva Productions and EasySalsa Dance
Departure Date: NOVEMBER 19, 2011
Trip Duration: 7 or 14 nights
Referral Code: BEC2011
  • Overview
  • Itinerary
  • Accommodation
  • Prices
  • Sign-up
  • Payment Options
Overview
An escorted Salsa vacation for dancers of all levels
September 8, 2011
Up to date
7 nights in Havana or 14 nights visiting two cities - Havana and Varadero
(the 14-night package is highly recommended).

We have drawn from our own experience traveling to Cuba over the last 10 years and put together a program that will indeed make your Salsa vacation an experience of a lifetime!

With the 14-night package you get it all - 22 hours of Salsa classes with some of top instructors and dancers in Cuba - all from the world-renowned ISA (Instituto Superior de Arte), your very own Cuban dance partner, 5 live concerts by some of the top Salsa bands Cuba has to offer, the exciting nightlife of Havana, the awesome nights of dancing with the locals, the culture, the sightseeing, the amazing architecture, the breathtaking white sandy beaches and crystal clear turquoise waters of Varadero, a full-day Catamaran excursion to Cayo Blanco with interactive swim with the dolphins, a scooter tour of Varadero and surrounding areas and much much more! What more can you ask for? (see details below)

THE BENEFITS:
  • A choice of 1-week or 2-week packages
  • 7 nights accommodations in Havana including breakfast and dinner at the fabulous 5-star Hotel Melia Habana
  • 7 nights all-inclusive accommodations in an ocean-view room at the beautiful 4-star Barceló Solymar Beach Resort in Varadero (all meals plus alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages included).
  • Transfers between airport and hotel
  • Inauguration party on Sunday night
  • Participation in the world-renowned "Baila En Cuba" dance program - 22 hours of Salsa classes taught by the top dance instructors from the highly-respected ISA (Instituto Superior de Arte).
  • Your very own Cuban dance partner who will help you achieve the smoothness and fluidity of the Cuban dance and movement.
  • 5 live concerts by some of the top Salsa bands Cuba has to offer such Los Van Van, Yumurí, Haila, NG La Banda, Manolito Simonet, Anacaona, Adalberto Álvarez, Azúcar Negra, Bamboleo, Charanga Habanera, Elito Revé, Pachito Alonso, Paulo FG and Pupy.
  • Transportation to and from the concerts and inauguration party
  • Exhilarating Salsa dancing at some of the hottest Salsa clubs including the famous Casa de la Musica, Cafe Cantante, Havana Cafe, the Mambo Club, Cafe Mediteraneo, La Comparcita and others.
  • A well thought out itinerary with you in mind consisting of Salsa night outs, sightseeing, excursions and many other fun activities.
  • Transfers between Havana and Varadero
  • An adventurous full-day Catamaran Seafari to the beautiful white sandy beaches of Cayo Blanco featuring an open bar all day with cold beer, sodas, rum and traditional Cuban cocktails, snacks onboard, a lunch buffet with lobster, fish and shrimps at Cayo Blanco, an afternoon of swimming and sunbathing on a beautiful white sandy beach, coral reef snorkeling with gear provided, an interactive swim with dolphins, entertainment and of course lots of Salsa music and dancing onboard.
  • An exciting and informative scooter tour of Varadero and surrounding areas. Yes, you read it right! The tour will be done on scooters - What an adventure!
  • Afternoon Salsa dancing & practice by the poolside - fun fun fun!
  • A dance program participation certificate
  • Benefit from the experience of your host! Having been to Cuba nine times, he's an expert on Salsa dancing in Cuba. His experience will best serve you by eliminating the trial and errors that usually result from traveling to a new destination for the first time on your own. His vast knowledge will ensure that your trip is most enjoyable, time efficient and headache free.
  • Group travel with people who share common interests and passions for Salsa dancing is more exciting and adventurous.
  • A choice of optional excursions and activities you can do on your own.

Why Cuba?
Learn to dance with the pros in Cuba - the home of Salsa
Cuba is the most enchanted island of the Caribbean and is a favorite sun destination for both tourists and Salsa enthusiasts
from all over the world and here are a few reasons why...
  • First and foremost, it is the home of Salsa
  • A rich culture
  • A proud, friendly and welcoming people
  • Varied history
  • Amazing Architecture
  • Breathtaking scenery
  • Beautiful white sandy beaches with crystal clear turquoise water
  • More tourists return to Cuba than any other sun destination
  • One of the safest vacation spots in all of Latin America
  • Home to the world's most talented musicians
  • And of course lots of Salsa music everywhere you go
Tour Itinerary
Well-thought out itineraries to ensure your maximum enjoyment!
September 8, 2011
Up to date

Offering two possible itineraries

This itinerary includes the city of Havana only. This package includes the opening ceremony, the 22 hours of Salsa classes with some of top instructors and dancers in Cuba - all from the world-renowned ISA (Instituto Superior de Arte), your very own Cuban dance partner, 5 live concerts by some of the best Salsa bands Cuba has to offer, the exciting nightlife of Havana, the awesome nights of dancing with the locals, the culture, the sightseeing and the amazing architecture. Visits to other cities can be done during your one week stay in Cuba at your own expense.
This itinerary includes both cities - 7 night in Havana and 7 nights in Varadero
We highly recommend this package to get the most out of your experience in Cuba. With this package you get it all - the opening ceremony, 22 hours of Salsa classes with some of top instructors and dancers in Cuba - all from the world-renowned ISA (Instituto Superior de Arte), your very own Cuban dance partner, 5 live concerts by some of the best Salsa bands Cuba has to offer, the exciting nightlife of Havana, the awesome nights of dancing with the locals, the culture, the sightseeing, the amazing architecture, the breathtaking white sandy beaches and crystal clear turquoise waters of Varadero, a full-day Catamaran excursion to Cayo Blanco with interactive swim with the dolphins, a scooter tour of Varadero and surrounding areas and much much more! What more can you ask for?
Accommodation
Carefully selected hotels that offer quality services for the best prices!
September 8, 2011
Up to date
In Havana - Hotel Melia Habana
(BB) - includes breakfast

SALSA SPLASH CUBA :: Hotel Melia HabanaThis 5-star hotel Melia Habana welcomes visitors from all parts of the world. On the edge of Havana, a quiet, sophisticated hotel where you can “turn off” the city at the end of the day. Designed primarily for business travelers, but vacationers enjoy top-notch services and proximity to the culture-rich city centre.

Because of Melia Habana’s privileged location on the west coast, right at the center of the elegant neighborhood of Miramar, very near to Havana International Conference Centre and the Miramar Trade Centre, and only fifteen minutes away from the Jose Marti International Airport, this hotel is an ideal option for tourists and business travelers. (view map)

SALSA SPLASH CUBA :: Hotel Melia HabanaIn a safe and friendly atmosphere, the guests will enjoy a variety of services and attractions: spacious, highly comfortable rooms, with internet access and huge balconies overlooking the sea; different restaurants and bars; an amazing large swimming pool, landscaped with palm trees and tropical plants in the garden; sports facilities, and even health and beauty treatment, are among many its features.

Although Havana offers many magnificent hotels, we have selected the Melia Habana mainly because it's the site where all the dance classes are held so you won't have to go far to get to class. But also because of its strategic location and all the services and features it offers (see below).

Click here to see more photographs of this amazing hotel

Features & services of Hotel Melia Habana

Rooms 409 rooms, Terrace or Balcony, Air Conditioning, Phone and Internet Access, Satellite TV, Fridge, Fully-equiped Bathrooms, Safe Deposit Box, 24-hour Room Service, 220 Volt Outlets.
Local Attractions Miramar, Old Havana, Plaza de la Revolucion, Congress Center Expocuba, Pabexpo, Zoo, Botanical Garden
Catering 1 Buffet Restaurant, 3 a la Carte Restaurants (Gourmet, Italian and Grill), 1 Snack Bar, 5 Bars (including 1 lobby bar, 2 pool bars, 1 VIP bar and 1 cigar bar), 1 Cafeteria and Ice Cream Parlor
Credit Cards Mastercard & Visa accepted (not US bank issued)
Leisure & Sports 3 swimming pools - 2 with whirlpool, Fitness Centre, Aerobics, Sauna and Massage, Games Room, Entertainment Programs, Tennis, Squash, Golf, Horseback Riding, Bowling
Health 24-hour Medical Services. Hotel Doctor on call 24 hours a day
Other Services Hairdresser, Boutique, Beauty Salon, 9 Conference Halls, Business Centre, Fax Services, Internet Cafe, Wireless internet connection (Wi-Fi) throughout the hotel, Laundry & Ironing Services, Money Exchange, Post Office, Multi-Lingual Reception Staff (Spanish, English, French, German and Italian), Souvenir & Gift Shops, Parking, Tourist Office, Car Rental, Taxi Desk, Free shuttle service to and from the old city center.
Salsa Vacations - Hotel Gran Caribe Riviera in Havana, Cuba
In Varadero - Barceló Solymar Beach Resort
(AI) - All Inclusive

Salsa Vacation to Cuba :: Barcelo Solymar Beach ResortWhen Cuba was first discovered, explorers would have never returned home had they discovered Hotel Barcelo Solymar first. And you may never go home either!

Be prepared to be pampered as never before! The world's finest beaches featuring pure white sand, turquoise ocean and the smiling faces of the staff of the Barcelo Solymar await you.

Solymar's privileged waterfront situation, on the best strip of the white sandy beach (view map), its beautiful gardens and hundreds of palms beautifying its grounds, make it the perfect place for an unforgettable vacation.

Salsa Vacation to Cuba :: Barcelo Solymar Beach ResortAs a first rate All-inclusive resort for travelers who love exquisiteness, comfort and exclusivity, they put a range of options at your disposal. For those who prefer a fresh water swim in a marine environment, the hotel has two pools surrounded by beautiful Cuban tropical gardens. And if you happen to enjoy outdoor activities, you can choose from golf, windsurfing, sailing, diving, fishing and horseback riding. Enjoy a nice meal or a drink at any of the different restaurants with live music, the four bars or three snack bars that are everyone’s delight. Also, every day, the entertainment crew offers parties and nightly shows to liven up the days you spend at Barcelo Solymar.


Location

Salsa Vacation to Cuba :: Barcelo Solymar Beach ResortOn the best stretch of Varadero beach, Cuba's main tourist center, it is just a 5 minute walk from the town and Shopping center, 25 minutes from Juan Gualberto Gomez International Airport and only 2 hours from Havana. (view map)

Meal Plan

All inclusive. All meals and beverages both alcoholic and non-alcoholic are included.

Accommodation

525 rooms in one 4-storey building and 2-storey bungalows. Air conditioning, full bathroom with hairdryer, telephone, mini bar, in-room safe, coffee/tea maker, satellite TV, radio, balcony or terrace.

Catering

2 buffet restaurants, 3 a la carte restaurants (Italian, Cuban & Seafood), 6 bars including beach bar and 2 snack bars that serve snacks throughout the day. Reservation and dress code are required for the 3 a la carte restaurants. Lobster is offered at the Seafood restaurant.

Sports & Leisure

Fitness center. massage services, 2 outdoor swimming pools surrounded by tropical gardens, 1 children's pool, 2 Jacuzzis, sauna, 2 tennis courts, volleyball, basketball, aerobics, dance classes, beach volleyball, water aerobics, water basketball, water polo, giant chess, shuffle board, recreation room with billiards and darts, kids playground, awesome day and night entertainment programs including a nightly show by the Solymar dancers, great selection of motorless aquatic sports - windsurfing, sailing, kayaking, catamaran - bikes and carbine shooting (fee). And, for activities outside the resort, you can enjoy horseback riding, renting a scooter, golf, dolphin show with interactive swim with the dolphins, scuba diving, skydiving, fishing and many others.

Other Services

Hair salon, souvenirs and jewelry shop. mini market, currency exchange, tours & excursions desk, car rental, medical services, internet cafe, wireless internet in lobby and taxi services.

SALSA SPLASH CUBA :: Cubadisco 2010
Some of the photos used here are courtesy of DTCuba.com
Salsa Splash Cuba Package Prices
Great value, affordable prices!
September 8, 2011
Up to date

Proof of traveler's medical insurance is now required as a condition for entry into Cuba. (see Travel Insurance section below)

Included in the one-week package to Havana

  • 7 nights accommodations in Havana including breakfast and dinner at the fabulous 5-star Hotel Melia Habana
  • Transfers from/to Jose Marti International Airport and Hotel Melia Habana
  • Participation in the world-renowned "Baila En Cuba" dance program - 22 hours of Salsa classes taught by the top dance instructors from the highly-respected ISA (Instituto Superior de Arte).
  • Your very own Cuban dance partner who will help you achieve the smoothness and fluidity of the Cuban dance and movement.
  • Inauguration party on Sunday night
  • 5 live concerts by some of the top Salsa bands Cuba has to offer such as Los Van Van, Yumurí, Haila, NG La Banda, Manolito Simonet, Anacaona, Adalberto Álvarez, Azúcar Negra, Bamboleo, Charanga Habanera, Elito Revé, Pachito Alonso, Paulo FG and Pupy.
  • Transportation to and from the concerts and inauguration party
  • A well thought out itinerary with you in mind consisting of Salsa night-outs, sightseeing, excursions and many other fun activities.
  • The benefit of an experienced tour host who is an expert on Salsa dancing in Cuba. His experience will best serve you by eliminating the trial and errors that usually result from traveling to a new destination for the first time on your own. His vast knowledge of Cuba will ensure that your trip is most enjoyable, time efficient and headache free.
  • A dance program participation certificate
  • Other meals marked as "included"

Included in the second week to Varadero

  • 7 nights all-inclusive accommodations in an ocean-view room at the beautiful 4-star Barceló Solymar Beach Resort in Varadero (all meals plus alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages included)
  • Charter bus transfer from Hotel Melia Habana to Barcelo Solymar Beach Resort
  • An exciting and informative scooter tour of Varadero and surrounding areas. Yes, you read it right! The tour will be done on scooters - What an adventure! (scooter rental included)
  • An adventurous full-day Catamaran Seafari to the beautiful white sandy beaches of Cayo Blanco featuring an open bar all day with cold beer, sodas, rum and traditional Cuban cocktails, snacks onboard, a lunch buffet with lobster, fish and shrimps at Cayo Blanco, an afternoon of swimming and sunbathing on a beautiful white sandy beach, coral reef snorkeling with gear provided, an interactive swim with dolphins, entertainment and of course lots of Salsa music and dancing onboard.
  • Afternoon Salsa dancing and practice by the poolside
  • A well thought out itinerary of Salsa dance outings at the best Salsa venues in Varadero (admission and transfers to these venues not included)

Package Price
All prices are in Canadian funds

IMPORTANT NOTE

This is a customized itinerary consisting of a world-class dance program, 5 live concerts, activities and excursions. Comparing it to a standard beach vacation would be like comparing apples to oranges. Nevertheless, we did our best to keep our prices as low as possible and, if you compare it to similar Salsa vacations to Cuba offered by other organizers, you will find that ours offers a lot more for the same price or less. See for yourself... We found a similar package offered by another organizer from Toronto and their price for one week in Havana is $2049 without air and that's just for one week. We are offering a much better deal! Our one-week package to Havana with all the extras for ONLY $1349 (before August 31st) without air and a second all-inclusive week to Varadero with a lot of extras for ONLY $820 more. TOTAL OF $2169 FOR 2 WEEKS COMPARED TO $2049 FOR 1 WEEK (based on double occupancy)

Click here to see the comparison.

CONDITIONS

A non-refundable deposit of $300.00 per person is required at time of booking. Balance due 45 days prior to departure. A minimum of 10 passengers (5 Rooms) will be required for this tour to take place. EasySalsa Dance and Salsa Viva productions reserve the right to cancel this tour if the minimum participation is not met. In the event of tour cancellation, all deposits will be refunded in full. Prices may vary depending on the date of booking, currency exchange rates, and the total number of participants.This is a land package only and participants are responsible for their own air travel to and from Cuba.

One-Week Package - Havana  
Hotel Melia Habana  
Land Package Only Without Air  
EARLY BIRD PRICING STILL IN EFFECT BUT NOT FOR LONG $1,349
   
2nd Week Varadero Upgrade  
Barcelo Solymar Beach Resort $820
   
Single Supplement  
One-Week Package - Havana $330
Two-Week Package - Havana & Varadero $470
   
Optional Add-Ons
 
In Havana  
Guided City Tour with Lunch $49
   
In Varadero  
Trinidad Overnight Excursion:
(includes visits to the cities of Santa Clara, Cienfuegos and Trinidad, lunch and dinner and 1 night accommodation in Topes De Collantes)
$159
Dolphin show including swimming with the dolphins: $115
Dolphin show only: $20
Additional Daily Scooter Rental (24 hours) $33
Hourly Scooter Rental $12


to book your Salsa Splash vacation NOW!

SALSA SPLASH CUBA :: Cubadisco 2010
Some of the photos used here are courtesy of DTCuba.com


What is not included in the package price

  • Airfare
  • Air taxes
  • Individual transfers from Varadero to Havana airport if not traveling with group
  • Passports and items of a personal nature
  • Meals marked as "not included"
  • Gratuities
  • Cuba entry visa ($25 CDN)
  • Cuban departure tax (25 CUC - Cuban Convertible Pesos)
  • Any activities, tours or excursions marked as "optional" or "not included"
  • Entry to evening clubs or shows other than the ones included
  • Insurance - Proof of traveler's medical insurance is now required as a condition for entry into Cuba. (see below)

Payment Schedule

Note: All quoted prices are subject to change until package is fully paid. Registrations are now being accepted and must be accompanied by a deposit.

Deposit at time of booking: $300
Balance due by:: October 5, 2011

Travel Insurance

Marlin Travel offers travel insurance and suggests a plan which includes medical, flight accident, trip cancellation including change-of-mind, loss of baggage and more at a cost much less than purchasing these insurances separately. For those who may have out-of-country medical already, they offer a non-medical package as well. Costs on application (based on age and general health). Contact Marlin Travel at (604) 681-0117 for an insurance quote.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation charges will apply if you cancel.(this is on top of the $300 non-refundable deposit).

61 - 95 days prior to departure: $200.00
0 - 60 days prior to departure: 100%


to book your Salsa Splash vacation NOW!

SALSA SPLASH CUBA :: Cubadisco 2010
Some of the photos used here are courtesy of DTCuba.com
 
Salsa Splash Cuba Registration
Book your dream Salsa vacation and prepare yourself for the adventure of a lifetime!
   
Are you ready for an unforgettable adventure?
to book your Salsa Splash vacation NOW!
SALSA SPLASH CUBA :: Cubadisco 2010
Salsa Splash Cuba Registration - Step 2 of 3
Prepare yourself for the adventure of a lifetime!
September 8, 2011
Up to date
Payment Options
Please read the following instructions carefully
Your registration for "Salsa Splash Cuba" escorted Salsa vacation has been submitted and we thank you. The next step is to secure your spot by making a deposit or paying for the entire package. PLEASE NOTE that a deposit ONLY secures your accommodation and a spot in the dance program, but it does not protect you from price increases.

Once your deposit is received, you will be sent an invoice with the balance owing (if any). The remaining balance MUST be paid no later than 45 days prior to departure date.

Please choose one of the following payment options
1
 

Cheque

Very shortly we will send you an invoice by e-mail. Once you receive it, please send a cheque payable to Tony Boutros to:
103 - 1193 Main Street
Vancouver, BC
V6A 4B6

Cash

To pay by cash in person please call (604) 836-4030 to arrange a time for payment.
 
OR    
2
Solution Graphics   Credit card payments are processed on PayPal's secured pages.
no paypal account required
OR    
3
  Through your PayPal account if you have one
SALSA SPLASH CUBA :: Cubadisco 2010
SALSA SPLASH CUBA :: An Escorted Salsa Vacation To Baila En Cuba!

World-renowned Baila En Cuba program

BAILA EN CUBA :: An Escorted Salsa Vacation To Baila En Cuba!

Click image to see more photos