The official opening of Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski La Habana in 2017 at the heart of UNESCO-protected Old Havana is a big deal – it has encouraged the Geneva-based luxury hotel group, Kempinski to open its third property in Cuba, Gran Hotel Bristol, in 2020.
However, in June, President Donald Trump rolled back on Obama’s Cuba policy and tightened restrictions on travel and trade between the two countries. He reinforced the ban on Americans transacting with businesses owned by Gaviota, the Cuban military’s tourism arm. This makes it illegal for U.S. citizens to stay at some 50 hotels owned by the Cuban government. While it’s still too soon to say if these changes will have a major impact on Cuba’s travel industry, for the rest of the world, the majestic Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski La Habana is a much-welcomed addition to a city that previously offered only casa particulars (private homestays) and old hotels that were built before the Cuban Revolution.
GRITTY LUXURY
If Cuba has always been on your bucket list, there’s no better time to head to Cuba than now – when the country is still largely untouched by commercialization but there’s a new luxury hotel where you can enjoy creature comforts like a 10,000 sq ft spa and a rooftop pool. Make no mistake about it – you are still visiting the country for its rustic 1950s charm and idyllic white beaches. But at least at the end of a sweltering day traipsing through Havana, you can look forward to living it up at Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski La Habana.
This story is from the January 2020 edition of Epicure Magazine.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the January 2020 edition of Epicure Magazine.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Raising The Bar (And Beyond)
Precision Japanese techniques and revolutionary cocktail techniques by well established mixologists are employed to create the finest drinks for their guests.
Secrets of the Orchards
Le Chocolat Maxime Frédéric at Louis Vuitton features the finest ingredients sourced from Normandy and other parts of France.
Passion For Hanwoo
Is Korean hanwoo overtaking Japanese wagyu as the best beef in the world? Find out why meat aficionados can't get enough of Korea's star ingredient, and what makes it so good.
Preserving Quality in A Bottle
Master blender Patrick Leger shares about benefits of technology alongside sustainability efforts in the vineyards and distillery today.
Tokyo's Dining Revival
From Michelin-starred establishments to casual chic dining, Tokyo never ceases to amaze with its host of food offerings.
West-bound
An ultra-luxe stay topped with sublime gourmet creations and Western Australian wines await at The Ritz-Carlton, Perth.
Contemplative Experience
Takahashi aims to be an oasis of tranquillity that presents an exceptional fine dining omakase experience in Singapore. Located at 4 Mohamed Sultan Road, this is the first international outpost of Chef Jun Takahashi of Sushi Takahashi in Ginza Tokyo. The restaurant here is helmed by head chef Rinto Sasagawa, Takahashi's dedicated protégé of eight years.
Languorous Sundays at Loloan
Captivating ocean views and sublime culinary offerings make brunches at Loloan Beach Bar and Grill a must on the weekends.
A Taste of History
Discover the unique flavours of Cambodian cuisine as Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor launches multi-course Khmer tasting menus at 1932, its fine dining establishment
Future Proofing
Penfolds senior winemaker, Steph Dutton, shares her views on technology sustainability, future proofing in winemaking, and transferring knowledge to the next generation of winemakers..