Santa Clara, Cuba merges the bounty of soft powder beaches with an historical significance that has bestowed upon it a very proud and certain identity. Here, in the midst of fervent rays and beachside luxury, is Melia Las Dunas, where the waterfront is lined with colourful sails and the turquoise waters of four pools merge effortlessly with the distant horizon. As part of Melia hotels, the Melia Las Dunas is afforded the expertise of an international organization whose efficiency surges through the exotic tropical paradise that bounds the resort, perfect for families or a romantic getaway.

The privileges program at Melia will afford guests more time to snorkel the cerulean waters or explore aboard a paddle boat by providing personalized check-in and check-out services, and all resort stays begin with a welcome cocktail. Once your appetite for Caribbean cocktails has been whetted, there are five bars on site to curve your cravings including a beer garden, and seven restaurants where international, Italian and traditional Cuban fare is served. Guests receive four guaranteed a la carte reservations where they can sample arroz con pollo at Los Siboneyes, or enjoy the open-air sea breezes of Los Caribes.

There are a host of activities to keep guests entertained on the resort, from windsurfing adventures and Hobie Cat sailing to introductory diving lessons in the pool. There is also tennis and volleyball courts where guests can work up a sweat before taking a dip in the refreshing pools or stopping by the ice cream station, and live entertainment is provided for both kids and adults. Rooms perfectly hold a family of four, and the air conditioning and satellite TV make for perfect evenings together while comfortable beds and a coffee maker ensure energized mornings.

For those who wish to wander off the resort, there are ecological excursions offered into Santa Clara's luxuriant countryside and a host of cultural venues commemorating Che Guevera including a monument and boxcar museum. Also worth a visit are the picturesque grounds of Santa Clara University where lofty palms command the buildings as they salute Spanish style architecture.

OTTAWA DEPARTURES