A hidden gem:
The Villa Horizontes MaDolores, just outside Trinidad, Cuba, is a hidden gem. With individual and duplex style bungalows, in a lush tropical setting, you start your day greeted with fresh blossoms on the trees and shrubs outside your door. The site is very well maintained and the tree surrounded swimming pool has lots of shade and sunny locations. The kids enjoy playing on the stone horse and the pool shower is a work of art. This location can be a local stop on a tour of the island or a quiet getaway just to relax. The nearby nature park, El Cubano, with its network of trails, offers a challenge to hikers and horseback riders alike. Nearby Trinidad has very interesting buildings and architecture and a well attended local market. It is also a good starting point to visit the waterfalls and park at Topes de Collantes.
Food at MaDolores, with various meal plans available on request, is Cuban style, with generous portions. Beverages, other than morning coffee and juice, are not included. The dining area is comfortably small, but tables on the outside edge can be subject to rain effect if the sidewalls are not lowered quickly during their downpours. That will soon be rectified as their new restaurant, bar, kitchen and entertainment area is under construction. Once completed, it will be a fabulous addition to this attractive resort.
For those that are driving on their vacation, most of the roads are decent, albeit poorly signed. In Canada we have frost heaves on asphalt roads, in Cuba, it is the heat that causes the asphalt to heave or soften. The National Auto Pista (Freeway) can be surprising when you find that you share the road with bicyclists, horse drawn carts, tractors and centre median vendors.