Las Terrazas Hotel is located 50 meters from the beach, approximately 25 km from Havana. The one and two bedroom apartments are clean and spacious without any frills. Each apartment has a kitchen with stove top, fridge, utensils, dining area, livingroom with satellite TV, bathroom with shower, and bedroom with twin beds. Most rooms have balconies or patios, many with a view of the ocean. Air conditioners are located in each bedroom, however you will find the breeze off of the ocean each night refreshes the air and you seldom use them. The 24 hour front desk exchanges money, offers phone and fax service, and rents safety deposit boxes. There is a beautiful 2 tier swimming pool with waterfall separating the deep and shallow sections. The complex has an open air dining room, 24 hour pizzeria, bar, tourist information desk, and 24 hour medical clinic. Recreation and Entertainment staff offer many activities for your enjoyment. We have found this hotel to be comfortable and the extremely friendly staff take good care of our groups. We personally rate it at 2.5 stars.

SANTA MARIA BEACH AND AREA

Cuba has developed many large tourist destinations such as Varadero and Cayo Coco. A vacation to these areas is enjoyable, but isolated from the real Cuba. Santa Maria Beach is lightly developed and retains its relaxed Cuban character. On the beach you will find excellent seafood lunches, great musicians, and professional massages. The beach is never crowded and the water is perfect for swimming. It is possible to walk long distances down the beach without seeing another person. Grocery stores, shops, and other restaurants are within easy walking distance of Las Terrazas.

• Guanabo village is located a short distance away. The farmer's market sells fresh fruit and vegetables six days a week. There are also other shops, sidewalk cafes, and small privately owned family restaurants, called paladars, that serve tasty traditional Cuban food.

• Tarara village is a short walk from the hotel. This is the area where over 17,000 children affected by the Chernobyl nuclear accident have come to receive medical care. It is possible to visit the children and their parents. This is particularly rewarding if you speak a little Russian or Ukrainian.

• Old Havana has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is acknowledged as the most authentic colonial city in the Americas. Within the compact grid of narrow cobblestone streets there are over 150 buildings dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries. You will feel very safe to visit Old Havana and browse through the craft markets, have lunch or a drink, and listen to the musicians. Havana is one of the greatest places for people watching because of the cultural diversity.

OUR SPECIALIZED TOURS We will be coordinating many different and varied day tours into Havana and the countryside. Some of the places you may want to tour with us are the Museum of the City, National Capitol Building, Morro Castle, San Francisco de Asis Basilica, Christopher Columbus Cemetery, diplomat areas, craft markets, and shopping areas.

For those of you who have joined us in the past, we have many new locations to introduce you to. The reconstruction of Old Havana in the past couple years is remarkable. Huge areas have come back to life and the spectacular architecture is sparkling again. There are numerous small hotels in Old Havana with beautiful courtyards full of unique artworks. Two new art galleries have opened this spring. We will also tour a rum factory in Havana and go through one of the big cigar factories. The Presidential Palace, ferry rides across the harbour, and visits to different churches will be on the itinerary. We will also be touring several new sites throughout the countryside.

The music scene in Havana is more vibrant and varied than ever. We will ensure that everyone has the opportunity to take in whatever concerts, flamenco dance, ballet, operas, or special musicians that are available during your stay. Of course there will also be baseball games, visits to farms, fishing, snorkeling, and the opportunity to see more distant locations on 2 and 3 day excursions. All tours are optional and paid for in Cuba as you book them. The costs are reasonable as they are all uniquely prepared for us and given special group pricing.