Cuba COVID Hotel
January 8, 2022
Everything was going perfect on our Cuban Vacation until the Resort physician, security, and management showed up at our room on New Years Day to share the news that one of us had tested positive with a low viral load for COVID. The doctor encouraged us to ask for a new test when we arrived as our viral load was so low. The resort instructed us to stay isolated in the room until the following day, when transportation would separate us and take the positive cases to a COVID hotel.
The following day the phone rang with the instruction to meet near the front lobby as the Ambulance had arrived to transport us to isolation. When arriving at the front, three guests were instructed to get into the Ambulance for transport to an unknown location.
We were transported from our resort by Cuban Ambulance to a two-star COVID hotel named Aparthotel Azul.
As we drove up to the property, it was sectioned off, directing us to the entrance where the medical staff in green scrubs and facemasks instructed us to follow. The lack of understanding of Spanish added some anxiety as we could not understand what was happening entirely.
A guy from Toronto who also understood Spanish tried to bridge the gap between the medical staff and the three of us that arrived. We were shown to our room and expected to share accommodations two per room in a unit that housed four people. We were all strangers, so we expressed concern about sharing accommodations with people who tested Positive for COVID.
Within an hour, the medical staff came back, removed us from the room, and told us we would be moving to another location as the doctor said this location had hit capacity. It took about five hours before we were sent to another site. During this time, with much pleading to be tested again, the doctor had agreed to do another COVID test.
Around 5PM, we were escorted back to the front of the property, where cheers greeted us from others who first thought we had tested negative and were on our way home. We explained that they were moving us to another property, and two women from Ontario told us we were so lucky as, from Instagram, the place looked so much better.
We felt a sense of relief.
When we arrived at the new location, it was a former Melia Cayo Coco, now the Sol Cayo Coco. The property had been closed, and the pools empty. We were instructed to stay in our room but were given single accommodation. While this was still a far cry from our vacation accommodations, it was far superior then where we had just left. There was a sense of community through all of this; we all knew we had each other. Most people had travelled from either Montreal, Ottawa or Toronto for their Cuban Vacation.
By 9 PM the same night, I was given the all-clear that my second test had come back negative and I would be sent back to the resort. The message was that it would take place the following day, but the next day turned into 2.5 days away from my family in a COVID hotel after testing negative for the virus.
Two of us were released with enough time to make it to the airport to catch a return flight back to Canada.
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A pride of lions walks calmly along a safari road in Kruger National Park as vehicles pause at a respectful distance.
Some places you visit while travelling stay with you long after you leave. Not because they are polished or modern, but because they carry generations of skill, patience, and pride in every detail. This traditional oxcart workshop in Sarchí, Costa Rica, is one of those places. Sarchí is widely recognized as the birthplace of Costa Rica’s iconic painted oxcarts. Originally built to transport coffee beans from the Central Valley to the coast, these carts became rolling works of art. Over time, they evolved into one of the most recognizable symbols of Costa Rican identity. Walking into this workshop feels less like entering a museum and more like stepping into a living chapter of the country’s history.
A visit to Refugio Animal de Costa Rica and a reflection on wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, and the impact of human development.
Over the course of four unforgettable safaris through Kruger National Park, we had the rare opportunity to witness something extraordinary. Elephants simply being elephants. Wild, free, and deeply connected to one another. We stayed at the remarkable Shalati The Train on a Bridge, a luxury lodge uniquely perched over the Sabie River. From our elevated view, we watched herds pass beneath us. Calves stayed close to their mothers while elders stood watch, scanning the horizon with quiet authority. It was here, between early morning game drives and golden hour sightings, that the idea for this short film first took shape. In our new video, Giants of Kruger A Journey with Elephants, we bring together moments captured across all four trips. These are intimate glimpses into the daily lives of these remarkable animals. You will see mothers carefully guiding newborns across dry riverbeds. Young elephants learning to use their trunks through play and trial. Families caring for one another in ways that feel deeply familiar. And the commanding presence of matriarchs leading the herd with calm confidence. What stayed with us most was the elephants’ sense of community. In their world, a calf is never raised alone. Aunties, cousins, and older siblings all play a role in nurturing and protection. Their family structure is built on patience, empathy, and instinctive support. Our time in Kruger reminded us of the power of connection. Between animals. Between people. And between the wild places we all have a responsibility to protect. 📽️ Watch the full video now on YouTube: Giants of Kruger: A Journey with Elephants Whether you are a wildlife lover, dreaming of an African safari, or simply in need of a few quiet minutes in nature, we hope this story stays with you as it has stayed with us.
A refined French dining experience arrives at Sauble Beach. Café Gilou opens at The Sands Hotel, bringing Brittany inspired cuisine, thoughtful cooking, and quiet elegance by the lake.
When most people think of Sauble Beach, they picture sun-soaked summer days, sandy shores, and vibrant beachgoers. But those in the know understand that Sauble Beach transforms into a winter wonderland, offering a completely different kind of adventure—one filled with fresh snowfall, thrilling winter sports, and cozy escapes that make the most of a great Canadian winter.
Last night, the Sauble Sands Hotel welcomed its culinary partner, Clementine’s , a restaurant destined to become the next best addition on Lakeshore. Brought to Sauble by the same talented crew that gave us Heydays at The June Motel—Freddy and Katie Laliberté — Clementine’s drew a packed house of eager guests excited to experience this latest standout destination. The ambiance set the tone for the evening. With window seating, stunning design, and the buzz of lively conversation, the atmosphere struck a perfect balance. Every table was full, the bar seating completely occupied—a clear sign that Sauble is ready for another exceptional dining establishment.
From start to finish, each dish at Highview Food & Drink offered something unique and memorable. This cozy gem in Southampton is ideal for anyone looking to enjoy carefully crafted food in an intimate setting. Whether stopping in for a quick drink at the bar or savoring a full meal, Highview delivers a dining experience that’s both charming and flavorful.
A Magical Morning: Early Rise & Anticipation Our adventure begins in the early hours of August 15, 2024, with a wake-up call at 3:45 am. Sleepy-eyed but filled with anticipation, we gather with fellow travelers, sharing the excitement for what's to come. Cappadocia, with its unique blend of historical villages, tall fairy chimneys, and valleys painted in the hues of the sunrise, is a place that inspires wonder. And what better way to see it than from the sky? As the sun starts to peek over the horizon, the preparations for takeoff begin. You watch as the vibrant turquoise balloon takes shape, coming to life in the dim light. The burners roar to life, and the balloon gently lifts, revealing a sense of adventure as the landscape below starts to unfold. Gliding Over Cappadocia: A Sky Full of Beauty As the balloon ascends, Cappadocia's dreamlike scenery comes into full view. Below, the rocky terrain stretches out, with ancient villages and surreal rock formations known as “fairy chimneys” standing tall like mythical guardians of the land. The Love Valley, with its whimsical, spire-like formations, appears almost otherworldly, like something out of a storybook. The tranquility of the flight is spellbinding. Suspended in the morning sky, you’re enveloped by the colors of dawn—soft pinks, golds, and oranges. The world feels quiet and peaceful as you glide through the air, offering the perfect vantage point to soak in the natural beauty and rich history of Cappadocia. A Flawless Finish: Precision and Skill in the Sky The highlight of the flight, however, isn’t just the awe-inspiring views—it’s the masterful landing that’s nothing short of perfection. As the journey comes to an end, your heart races with anticipation as the pilot, with a keen eye and steady hand, maneuvers the balloon with incredible skill. The landing site? A truck trailer! With gentle precision, the pilot sets the basket down squarely on the trailer, bringing the flight to a flawless and exhilarating conclusion. This remarkable landing showcases the expertise of the Turquaz Balloon team, adding an exciting and memorable finale to an already incredible experience. The thrill of the adventure is matched only by the skill and professionalism of the crew, leaving you with a newfound respect for the art of ballooning. Why Choose Turquaz Balloons for Your Fairy-Tale Flight? If you're searching for a travel experience that combines natural beauty, ancient history, and a touch of magic, a flight with Turquaz Balloons over Cappadocia is a must. With stunning views that will take your breath away and a level of precision in flight that leaves a lasting impression, this is not just a balloon ride—it's an enchanting journey that you’ll cherish forever. So join us, soar through the skies, glide over Cappadocia's mystical landscapes, and witness a landing that will have you applauding. Don’t miss this visual feast of nature and history from a vantage point like no other!
