Hola Friend,

Happy weekend! Hope you are well...

You may have heard me say before that we do not go to the Cayos as they are all-inclusive hotel areas and as such not the place for sustainable small group tours. So why on earth am I asking you about Cayo Guillermo?

Once sparsely inhabited by fishermen and charcoal producers, Cayo Guillermo is now a treasure trove of natural wonders located off the coast of central Cuba. This Biosphere Reserve is part of the renowned Jardines del Rey region, and is famous for its shallow coastal waters, towering sand dunes, and pristine beaches, such as the picturesque Playa Pilar. Named after Ernest Hemingway's beloved yacht, this beach has even been listed among the top 25 beaches in the world. Interestingly, Cayo Guillermo was also the setting of the thrilling climax of Hemingway's last novel, "Islands in the Stream". This idyllic island paradise is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking stunning natural surroundings and a glimpse into literary history.

Absolutely beautiful area offering plenty to do and now there's a new resort option in town - the Kempinski Cayo Guillermo Resort. It is not an all inclusive stay!

Although if that's what tickles your fancy, the package can become an all inclusive package. Otherwise you can still get out and about to enjoy.

Step foot on this piece of paradise in Cuba and prepare to be spellbound. Here, Mother Nature has been especially generous, gifting us with nearly 400km (250 miles) of some of the world's most spectacular coral reefs. But the wonder doesn't stop there. This ecotourist's dreamland also boasts a plethora of lagoons, marshes, and a breathtaking birdlife. With over 200 different species, this is a birdwatcher's paradise. Perhaps the most jaw-dropping sight of all is the native colony of pink flamingos. It's almost surreal to witness upwards of 10,000 of these majestic birds shimmering in the distance like a pink blanket on the horizon.

Glide through the crystal-clear waters to find grouper, snapper, and mackerel abound, while the deeper waters offer up marlin and swordfish. This slice of heaven will steal your heart and leave you with an unquenchable thirst to return again and again.

So if you want to hear about the options, let us know.