I woke up early and took the road that winds through verdant hills. Upon arrival, the mountain's coolness and pure air enveloped me. The hotel, with its architecture seamlessly integrated into nature, welcomed me with a breathtaking panoramic view: immense valleys, coffee plantations, and the blue silhouette of the Sierra Maestra in the distance.
I checked in quickly and, without wasting any time, joined a guided hike along the nearby trails. We walked among mahogany and cedar trees, while the guide told stories of the guerrillas and how these same mountains had been a refuge for freedom. The song of the tocororo, the national bird, accompanied us throughout the hike.
At midday, I returned to the hotel to enjoy a typical lunch at its restaurant. I tried a delicious Cuban ajiaco, followed by barbecued pork with yucca and congri. To toast, nothing beats a refreshing mojito with mint freshly picked from the hotel's own garden.
In the afternoon, I cooled off in the pool overlooking the mountains. Later, I participated in a Cuban dance demonstration organized by the hotel's entertainer. I learned the basic steps of son and cha-cha-cha, amidst laughter and good music.
Before dinner, I went up to one of the hotel's viewpoints to watch the sunset. The sun dipped behind the peaks, painting the sky orange, pink, and violet. It was a magical moment that connected me with the grandeur of nature.
Dinner consisted of fresh fish from the south coast, and afterward, I enjoyed a peaceful evening on the terrace, listening to the whisper of the wind through the pine trees and gazing at a breathtaking starry sky, free from light pollution.
Before going to sleep, I gave thanks for that perfect day. The Sierra Maestra Hotel not only offered me comfort and beauty, but also an authentic experience where history, culture, and nature merge in an eternal embrace. Without a doubt, a Wednesday that will be etched in my memory as one of the most wonderful trips of my life.
Credits: The images are my own.
I used Google Translate.
