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Havana Salsa Holiday

Join our Havana Salsa Holiday in the colourful bustling capital of Cuba. Enjoy a heady cocktail of Cuban dance classes taught by Havana’s top professional dance teachers. Uniquely, every person on the holiday has their own Cuban dance partner to help learn authentic Cuban style dancing.  We cover not just Salsa but also Son, Merengue, Rumba, Chachacha and other Cuban and Caribbean rhythms.  This Havana salsa holiday is an authentic cultural experience that will help you to dance with confidence and joy in the company of like minded people.

Accompanied evenings out with our dance partners to dance the night away and a walking tour of Old Havana are also included, with time to relax and recharge your batteries. Optional activities include a guided visit to the Museum of Contemporary Art, a cookery class in a local home, a tutored rum tasting session and additional private dance lessons.  All in a unique and exciting Caribbean atmosphere.

A holiday you will never forget, our one week Havana salsa holidays are the ideal way to improve your dancing and gain a better understanding of Cuban culture.

  • Duration: 7 nights
  • Start dates:

    2025 dates: 02 Feb; 02 March; 30 March; 9 Nov; 7 Dec

  • Price: from £1260 (single room, homestay)

“Havana is such an amazing place to visit,  with its vibrancy, colour, street life, music, people – we cannot wait to go back!” LR

 Cuba Dance holiday highlights:  

The ideal trip for those travelling solo
The majority of people on our group dance holidays in Cuba are travelling solo. This means it is the perfect opportunity to socialise and build friendships with like-minded people from all over the world who share a love of dance. We also have friends, relatives and couples joining us – everyone is more than welcome!  Our programme  includes accompanied nights out and a guided walking tour but plenty of free time to relax too.

Small group size to keep the experience as personal as possible
On our Havana salsa holiday we have small groups of up to maximum 15 people to keep the group dynamic as personal as possible. It helps people get to know each other better, both Cubans and dance holiday participants, and makes arrangements more manageable from a practical point of view.

Dance lessons which are fun yet challenging, and carefully tailored to each person’s ability
You will have your own experienced Cuban dance partner for main group lessons. The contagious energy, talent and patience of our professional dance teachers will encourage you to progress throughout the week. We provide classes from beginner to advanced levels, and you will be allocated to a group according to your level for each style of dance to ensure you get the most from your lessons.  If you would like to book additional private lessons during the week just let us know.

Accommodation in the heart of Old Havana with welcoming hosts
We offer accommodation in a small comfortable homestay, a larger 4* guesthouse or 4*-5* boutique hotels.  All are located in Old Havana and are within walking distance of the dance studio.    The accommodation is of a high standard and each person has their own individual bedroom with air conditioning and private bathroom (you may share a twin/double room with someone else if you are travelling together).  As there are several guest rooms in each place, you will most likely be staying with other Havana dance holiday participants.

Our hosts will provide you with a delicious and nourishing breakfast each morning, using local seasonal produce. They can cater for special dietary requirements too.  Evening meals are not included but can be arranged direct with your hosts, or you can eat at any one of the many local restaurants in the area.

Please note that 7 nights accommodation is included in the cost of your holiday, so if you arrive on the Sunday before classes start, you will check out of your room the following Sunday. If you would like to arrive a day or two earlier this is no problem at all. As long as you arrive in time to start the dance lessons on the Monday morning it does not matter whether you arrive. Just let us know when you are booking what your travel plans are and whether you require any additional nights of accommodation.

Havana, the ideal location for a dance holiday
Havana is the perfect location to immerse yourself  in Cuba, with its atmospheric streets and strong cultural vibe. The city breathes life and passion, and has a very strong culture of music and dance. Its compact historic city centre makes it really easy to walk to most places – to the dance lessons, on nights out, to local bars, cafes and the main squares – and the warm and friendly character of the local Habaneros will make you feel right at home.

On this Havana salsa holiday, you really will learn how to dance Cuban style. Your lessons are taught by top professional dance teachers from Havana, each with their own individual style and passion for dance. Dance lessons focus mainly on Salsa and Son, but also include Merengue, Rumba, Chachacha, Bachata and other rhythms so you will have an opportunity to learn a variety of popular Cuban and Caribbean dances with individual tuition and plenty of attention to detail.

Havana has a wide range of live music and dance venues which offer different entertainment each night of the week. You will be able to practise what you have been learning each day on our organised nights out accompanied by your dance teachers.

Daily Cuban dance lessons are organised in small groups but each person has their own professional Cuban dance partner for all lessons. This means that you will have plenty of opportunity to improve your salsa dancing skills and to learn new moves and rhythms too. Classes are taught according to level and are suitable for absolute beginners to those with an advanced level.

Carefully selected accommodation provides you with delicious breakfasts using seasonal local produce and a chance to practise your Spanish in a home away from home with all the independence you need. Our homestay and guesthouse accommodation options are all located within easy walking distance of the city centre, the seafront Malecon promenade and just 5-10 minutes from the dance school.

HOMESTAY – budget option

Our small friendly homestay is just 2 blocks from the dance studio and is run by a lovely couple who we have worked with for many years.  They have 5 rooms, each with ensuite bathroom, safe box, air conditioning and good furnishings. The rooms are quiet as they do not look out over the street. There is an internal patio area where you can sit and relax on the ground floor and also a sitting room on the first floor for the use of all guests. Breakfast is served in the ground floor patio each morning. There is no roof terrace. There is a similar homestay right next door for any additional bookings.

HOSTAL CASA VIEJA mid range option

This is an artistric boutique guesthouse with 8 rooms, a large covered roof terrace and lots of original artwork throughout the building. It was formerly an 18th century mansion and although it has been lovingly resorted it still retains many of its original features. Rooms are spacious and all have ensuite bathrooms, air conditioning, huge beds and good furnishings. Some rooms have a small balcony with a table and chairs overlooking the street, but not all (these rooms tend to be a little noisier than the internal rooms).   There is a rooftop bar/bistro where you can order dinner and this is also where breakfast is served each morning. There are two spacious sitting room areas for the use of all guests and plenty of space for relaxing. https://www.facebook.com/hostalcasaviejahavana/?locale=es_LA

HOTEL LOMA DEL ANGEL – luxury option

This boutique 5* hotel is beautifully furnished and offers 2 large master suites and 4 junior suites. The former 18th century mansion has been very tastefully restored and is well presented, with a covered roof top terrace where breakfast is served and where you can have drinks at night. Throughout the hotel there are wonderful furnishings and a peaceful atmosphere.   There are English speaking front desk staff who are very helpful.  There are no evening meals here but there are plenty of options within a 1 minute walk for dinner. https://lomadelangel.com/

Group dance holidays are subject to a minimum number of 6 participants.

If the dates below do not suit your travel plans, you might like to consider joining our small group dance trips based in the second city of the island, Santiago de Cuba. Full information on this link to the Cuba Salsa Holidays page.

Alternatively, we can organise a customised dance holiday for you at any other time of  the year.  Full details on this link to our Dance, Music and Spanish courses in Havana or Santiago de Cuba.


Havana Salsa Holiday – Small Group Scheduled Trips

2025:  Start dates: Sunday 02 Feb; 03 March; 30 March; 9 Nov; 7 Dec

Make the most of the winter with this joyous Cuban dance holiday – daily dance lessons with professional dancers, nights out to local music venue, comfortable and friendly accommodation.

To book your place on a Havana salsa holiday

Get in touch to let us know which dates you would like to book and we will send you our secure online booking form. A 30% deposit is required to book your place on the Cuba salsa holiday of your choice. Please note that the price does not include any flights, transfers or visas although we can help organise airport transfers on arrival/departure and also can issue the digital visa.

If the scheduled group dates do not suit your travel plans,  we can easily organise a tailormade trip at any other time of the year for a minimum of one week. Just get in touch to discuss further!

  • Sunday

    Arrive Havana by today and settle into your accommodation. Meet your local tour leader and others on the holiday and group dinner arrangements for those who arrive by early evening.  

  • Monday

    Introduction to dance company and dance classes 10.00-13.00
    Guided afernoon walking tour of the city centre and evening welcome cocktail for the whole group

  • Tuesday

    Dance classes 10.00-13.00
    Free afternoon
    Organised night out with dancers

  • Wednesday

    Dance classes 10.00-13.00
    Free afternoon for optional cultural activity such as guided tour of Museum of Fine Art
    Free evening

  • Thursday

    Dance classes 10.00-13.00
    Free afternoon
    Organised night out with dancers

  • Friday

    Dance classes 10.00-13.00
    Free afternoon
    Group dinner to end the week

  • Saturday

    Free day or optional excursion to place of local interest/beach
    Final organised night out with dancers

  • Sunday

    Check out of accommodation by midday

    END OF TRIP

The cost of the Havana Salsa Holiday includes:

Homestay/ guesthouse / hotel accommodation:
Single room including breakfast x 7 nights. All rooms have air conditioning, ensuite private bathroom, access to a fridge and some have safety boxes. Twin/double rooms are available for two people travelling together.

Dance classes:
15 group Cuban dance lessons with your own professional dance partner(s) for all group tuition, 3 lessons per day Monday – Friday

Cultural Activities:
1 guided walking tour of Old Havana with a professional local guide

Nights out:
3 x accompanied nights out with dance partners to music venues
(the price of the holiday does not include your kitty contribution for organised group nights out. The money collected for these nights out covers entries and drinks for you and your Cuban dance partner for the whole evening, and any local transport costs such as taxis or bicitaxis. The amount will vary depending on which venue the group is going to that evening).

Tour leader:
English speaking Caledonia tour leader and local guide(s)

Cost of the Havana Salsa Holiday

with single room in homestay  £1260

with twin/double room in homestay £1095 pp

with single room in local boutique hostal £1495

with twin/double room in local boutique hostal £1220 pp

with single room in 4* boutique hotel   £2020 (junior suite), £2765 (master suite)

with twin/double room in 4* boutique hotel £1590 pp (junior suite), £1945 (master suite)

Other options are also available on request – just ask us for more details.


Please note the following are not included in the Havana Salsa Holiday:

  • Flights
  • Digital travel visa (called the tourist card)*
  • Airport transfers*
  • Travel insurance
  • Lunches and evening meals*
  • Entries, drinks and travel expenses on nights out

These can be arranged by us on request.

Travel

Are flights included in the cost of the dance holiday?
No, flights are not included in the cost of the trip as we have travellers coming from all over the world.  You should book your flights independently and just tell us when and where you are arriving so that we can book your transfers, if required.

Transfers

For those arriving at Havana airport or the Viazul bus station in Havana, we can arrange local transfers.

For those arriving at other locations in Cuba, we can arrange domestic travel and advise best routes. Please get in touch with us directly for more details.

Accommodation

What type of accommodation is included in the trip?
Single or double/twin rooms in a range of carefully selected accommodation: friendly homestays, our favourite guesthouses and an excellent boutique hotel are included in the cost (see the Whats Included tab). For those travelling with a friend, partner or family member, we can arrange double/twin room accommodation as required.  Please note that shared rooms are only available for two people travelling together. If you would rather stay in a larger hotel just let us know and we can provide a quote for you.

What is homestay accommodation like?
Homestay accommodation provides an insight into the everyday lives of Cubans, and offers a safe, friendly and welcoming place to stay. It is also the most cost effective type of accommodation.  All our homestay accommodation is licensed by the Cuban state and guarantees a good standard of cleanliness and facilities as well as daily contact with truly wonderful welcoming hosts. Your room will have air conditioning and an ensuite toilet facilities with a shower. You will also have access to a fridge.

Where is the accommodation located?
Our homestay houses and boutique hostals/hotels are located right in the heart of Old Havana, very close to the venue for dance lessons. It is just a 10 minute walk to Parque Central and the El Prado pedestrianised promenade.  A hostal in Cuba is not a budget youth hostel but more of an upmarket guesthouse, kind of halfway between a homestay and a hotel.

Are meals included?
Breakfast is included for 7 nights, providing good home cooking using delicious local, seasonal produce. You don’t eat breakfast with your hosts although they will be present if you want to have a chat. Breakfast usually consists of coffee/tea, freshly made fruit juice, bread, butter, eggs, fresh fruit, homemade jam/honey.  You can usually arrange dinner with your hosts and pay them direct, or you can go to any one of the many local restaurants in the area.

I have a dietary requirement, can this be catered for?
Yes, often guests have special dietary requirements and your host will be happy to cater to your needs as much as possible.

Havana

What is the city like?
Havana is a big, bustling, colourful city and is considered to be the jewel in the Caribbean crown.  It is full of life, yet simultaneously has a laid back Caribbean atmosphere. It is the biggest city in Cuba with 2.3 million inhabitants but has a compact historic centre, making it very easy to get around Old  Havana on foot. This is the historic part of the city, with atmospheric squares which are lit up at night, a wide range of bars, cafes and restaurants and some very hip venues for late night revels!

The Dance Holiday – General questions

How many participants are there on the dance holiday?
We have small groups of minimum 6 and up to a maximum of 15 people to keep the group dynamic personal and friendly – it also helps people get to know each other better, both Cubans and participants. It also makes things more manageable from an organising point of view. Going out at night with 15 visitors + 15 Cubans is already quite a big group, and we really do try to integrate into the local cultural scene rather than dominate with our presence.

Dance classes

Will I have a dance partner?
Yes, each participant will have their own professional Cuban dance partner/tutor for all group lessons and will be accompanied by a Cuban dance partner on organised group nights out too.

Visas

Is a visa required to enter Cuba?
Yes, all persons visiting Cuba must have a valid tourist card to enter the country. The tourist card is digital and is valid for up to 90 days from the date of your arrival in Cuba. It is the required visa for those travelling for tourism purposes. Càlédöñiâ is authorised by the Cuban Consulate in London to issue digital tourist cards, so please contact us if you require one. Some countries require their citizens to apply direct to a Cuban Consulate for an A1 visa so you should check with us first.

‘Nahomi was a wonderful greeter upon our arrival, and Kath and Alex not only planned a great week of activities, but were very helpful and flexible to add or subtract where needed for individual travelers. Nights out were all terrific and good fun. The professional dance teachers were very generous with their time & patience They were so lovely and went out of their way to give us both group and individual instruction where needed. There was a sense of sincere warmth and appreciation. They exuded a love of the dance and their passion for sharing the joy. My daughter and I really enjoyed the intensity of the several hours of dance._ 10 out of 10 overall!’

Beth R, (USA), Havana Salsa, Oct 2024

‘The accommodation was lovely and super comfortable. The dancers, each and every one of them, were charming, professional, full of positive vibes; my partner never held back in correcting me and making me repeat steps till I got them right.  The three hours of classes in the morning went by very quickly and I was very happy that I was also able to arrange lessons in the afternoons. If I had had more stamina, I would’ve done even more extra   classes, but we had only five days and the other activities took up time and energy as well.  The nights out were just stupendous, (these I would categorize as the highlights of the week) – the dancers swept us off our feet and made sure no one stayed seated for very long. I would recommend the holiday to friends, and to anyone I meet who has an interest in dance and adventure.’

Monica M, (UK), Havana Salsa, Oct 2024

‘Highlights?  I was very impressed by how professional the teachers were and how much fun they made the classes. When we went out at nights all the dancers asked us up to dance, – really enjoyable. The night out to the ballet was truly amazing.  The whole trip was very well organised, and I enjoyed it very much’

Suzy P, (UK), Havana Salsa Oct 2024