Untouched Cuba and All Inclusive Cuba

As we walked the streets of the Old Havana district people seemed happy enough yet, we couldn't help but sense the unrelenting frustration that people had simply learnt to live with.

There is a kind of melancholy that lingers in the air, but at the same time, you can see flickers of hope in people's eyes that really is a testimony to the Cuban spirit. This idea of ‘ making the most of what you have' is reflected in the way they take care of their cars.

I had read about the cars but when I actually saw the immaculate condition in which they are kept they took my breath away! It felt like I had been transported to another era, especially when a powder blue Chevrolet sauntered past, with its chrome wheels shining, all I could do was stare in complete admiration.

My boyfriend and I had been saving for this holiday for ages and we could hardly believe the day had come. We couldn't wait to get hold of a good mojito!

We managed to speak to a few locals and they kindly showed us the best places in the capital and we enjoyed a good few hours drinking in the old town. Their stories were enlightening and it was the comment of one young Cuban that played over in my head, like a broken record, and I made a promise, there and then, never to take anything for granted.

The young Cuban said: ‘ We may be able to live without soap and hot water, but we can't live without hope'. I think this just about sums up this amazing country.

It was then time to escape the hustle and bustle of the noisy city and enter a world of complete relaxation…

Cayo Coco is blessed with an amazing coral reef. Snorkelling is a must and the fantastic array of marine life is simply breathtaking! We used to take some breadand walk out a few yards into the sea and within minutes all kinds of fish would appear and circle you.

We managed to see some really peculiar bottle nosed fish. I can only describe the sea as turquoise perfection, which shimmers so brilliantly it is truly mesmerising. The stretch of white sandy beach is also magnificent and is scattered with countless palm trees.

It is the perfect location for getting away from it all. The purity and tranquillity of the island seems to embrace you with open arms and you can't help but fall in love with it.

The same can be said about the Cuban people, who, despite the hardship, are the warmest and friendliest people you will meet. The entertainment, especially the dancing, is of a high standard and there are a variety of sports activities available to keep you entertained. The food at the Iberostar Daquiri is excellent and you get fresh seafood and roast piglet, beef and lamb on most days.

It is funny, but it is sometimes the simplest things that can make a holiday memorable and mine has to be sitting on the beach staring out at the blue-green horizon, eating a coconut, which tasted so divine, I had to pinch myself to make sure I wasn't dreaming.