14 Jan 2016
We need 10 people by Jan. 25...
Want to join Randy Pielsticker and Jenny Cressman in Cuba? The upcoming
trip to Marea del Portillo is a great opportunity to do some biking...
or not. The April 20-27
group trip is designed to suit adventurous bikers as well as people who
just want to chill out on a warm beach, so to speak, and those in
between. But, whether you opt in or out for the daily bike excursions, you will still get a free massage as part of the package! Prices on the flyer (page 2) will be valid until Feb. 18, if at least 10 people sign up by Jan. 25. After that, prices may go up. Contact Jenny for more info or to sign up for this exclusive trip!
23 Dec 2015
Merry Christmas & Feliz Navidad!
Have a seat! The one on the right is a Muskoka chair in our back yard;
the one on the left is a chair at a lovely little Cuban beach.
I am working on plans for the next group trip to Marea del Portillo and the tentative departure date is April 20. I will send out & post the details when they are confirmed. Feliz Navidad! ~ Jenny
I am working on plans for the next group trip to Marea del Portillo and the tentative departure date is April 20. I will send out & post the details when they are confirmed. Feliz Navidad! ~ Jenny
27 Nov 2015
BYOG - Pick your own dates for an "Incomparable Cuba" group road trip!
Greetings,
After much consideration, I have decided to postpone the bus tour of "Incomparable Cuba" that was originally scheduled for Jan. 4-15, 2016.
However, I am now able to offer a new option for this tour: BYOG. Yup, if you guessed that stands for Bring Your Own Group, you're correct. Round up a dozen of your friends and the road trip is on!
Please contact me 3-4 months (or more) in advance to discuss dates and confirm hotel availability and prices. I will certainly do my best to keep the rates similar to those previously advertised for the Jan. 4-15 tour; unfortunately, costs are climbing, especially in the "high season," which is November to April in Cuba.
As well, we may have to use different hotels than the original literature notes, depending on what is available for the dates your group wishes to travel. But, if I am working with a smaller group (12-ish), we may have more flexibility regarding accommodation options.
The revised "Incomparable Cuba" poster is below. For tour agenda details, please scroll down to the post entitled: "Road trip! Let's tour Cuba together..."
I'm looking forward to another road trip in Cuba!
Cheerio,
Jenny
After much consideration, I have decided to postpone the bus tour of "Incomparable Cuba" that was originally scheduled for Jan. 4-15, 2016.
However, I am now able to offer a new option for this tour: BYOG. Yup, if you guessed that stands for Bring Your Own Group, you're correct. Round up a dozen of your friends and the road trip is on!
Please contact me 3-4 months (or more) in advance to discuss dates and confirm hotel availability and prices. I will certainly do my best to keep the rates similar to those previously advertised for the Jan. 4-15 tour; unfortunately, costs are climbing, especially in the "high season," which is November to April in Cuba.
As well, we may have to use different hotels than the original literature notes, depending on what is available for the dates your group wishes to travel. But, if I am working with a smaller group (12-ish), we may have more flexibility regarding accommodation options.
The revised "Incomparable Cuba" poster is below. For tour agenda details, please scroll down to the post entitled: "Road trip! Let's tour Cuba together..."
I'm looking forward to another road trip in Cuba!
Cheerio,
Jenny
6 Nov 2015
Something magical seems to happen
It happened again.
Every time I lead a group to Club Amigo Marea del Portillo, a lovely little resort in southern Cuba, I return home thinking that this was the best group ever. How could it be possible to have a nicer bunch of people to hang out with? Then it happens. The next trip seems to magically surpass the last.
The most recent group was made up of an interesting mixture of people, including many repeaters, who travel with me regularly, and numerous newbies. Some folks just wanted to relax and read while others were keen for adventure but we all got along well and, I think it's safe to say, everyone had a great time.
I lead groups to my beloved Marea del Portillo twice annually and the next trip is tentatively scheduled for April 2016. Will the Marea magic continue? I think so! If you want to be part of it, you can sign up to receive email updates from me - just click on the "Subscribe" button and follow the instructions.
Meanwhile, if you want to see some photos of the October 2015 "Posse Trip," find me or my group page, JennicaCuba, on Facebook. I've posted about 15 thematic albums, as well as a little video, which is a compilation of some general scenic photos. Here's a link to the latter: 2015 October - Marea del Portillo, Cuba
Loving the magic,
Jenny
Every time I lead a group to Club Amigo Marea del Portillo, a lovely little resort in southern Cuba, I return home thinking that this was the best group ever. How could it be possible to have a nicer bunch of people to hang out with? Then it happens. The next trip seems to magically surpass the last.
The most recent group was made up of an interesting mixture of people, including many repeaters, who travel with me regularly, and numerous newbies. Some folks just wanted to relax and read while others were keen for adventure but we all got along well and, I think it's safe to say, everyone had a great time.
I lead groups to my beloved Marea del Portillo twice annually and the next trip is tentatively scheduled for April 2016. Will the Marea magic continue? I think so! If you want to be part of it, you can sign up to receive email updates from me - just click on the "Subscribe" button and follow the instructions.
Meanwhile, if you want to see some photos of the October 2015 "Posse Trip," find me or my group page, JennicaCuba, on Facebook. I've posted about 15 thematic albums, as well as a little video, which is a compilation of some general scenic photos. Here's a link to the latter: 2015 October - Marea del Portillo, Cuba
Loving the magic,
Jenny
 |
| Early morning view from my cabaña at Club Amigo Marea del Portillo, October 2015. |
12 Oct 2015
20 Aug 2015
You can still join the October posse!
The deadline for final payment has passed but it is still possible to join the 2015 posse, Oct. 28-Nov. 4.
We have a great group of people going so far! If you're interested, just give me a call: 705-788-1791 or (cell) 647-216-1791... or send me an email: jennicacuba@gmail.com.
~ Jenny
We have a great group of people going so far! If you're interested, just give me a call: 705-788-1791 or (cell) 647-216-1791... or send me an email: jennicacuba@gmail.com.
~ Jenny
15 Jul 2015
Marea del Portillo beats expectations - even for professional travel writers!
Here's a column that was recently published in a travel industry e-newsletter, Travel Industry Today. I very much appreciate writer Sam Ion's support for me, my JennicaCuba endeavors & Club Amigo Marea del Portillo – where she likes to go on holiday. Maybe one day I'll actually meet her instead of just chatting with her by phone…. perhaps it will be at our favorite little resort!
BEATING EXPECTATIONS
Charming and affordable
Sam Ion
15 JUL 2015: “Today, December 17th the United States of America is changing its relationship with the people of Cuba” said President Obama.
During the two-hour transfer for our fourth holiday at the 3-star Club Amigo Marea del Portillo Resort, I noticed groups of people with their children. It seemed odd for a Wednesday night at 9:30 and it crossed my mind that it might have been a holiday.
Not till way into the next day did I hear the big news. Locals were cautiously optimistic, but felt it would be a long time before it affected them.
For your clients who are concerned about the prices, and the changing face of Cuba, this resort may be a good choice. Manzanillo de Cuba is tucked away in the southeast province, 900 kilometres from Havana, and in the warmest part.
This year for the first time ever, we invited another couple to come with us. I sat them down and explained exactly what it is like.
“If you want Sandals, this is not the holiday for you.” They loved it. They kept telling me it was so much better than expected, and they want to come back this year.
Well, I brought two guests but Jenny Cressman has brought 300 guests since 2009.
“We had so much fun on my two previous trips, that the following year, I organized and led my first large group there. This, in turn, led me set up a website (JennicaCuba.com) and to become a licensed travel agent, now affiliated with P&G Travel because they specialize in Cuba trips.
The local landscape – a combination of soaring mountains and charming ocean bay – can’t be beat but, for me, the true hook is 3-star Club Amigo Marea Del Portillo with 130 rooms and its sister resort a leisurely short walk away the 120 room Farallon de Caribe.
Guests can use the dining rooms and facilities in both. “ Staff are lovely; polite, courteous, anxious to help, and that included the front desk. And no, we don’t tip them until we were leaving.
The food? Well, it is Cuba, and they do the best they can with shortages, and a low food budget compared to other destinations. Sometimes the food was delicious, sometimes it wasn’t … just like my cooking. Christmas Eve dinner was fabulous.
There are many things about this resort that make it more than a 3-star. You could get a cappuccino 24 hours a day. There were lifeguards on the beach, and there were enough beach chairs, and shade even though the resort was full.
Elena de Moya, the state-of-the art Sunwing rep meets people at the airport and gets them registered right outside, making for very little lining up. She is always available to help guests, a true hostess.
Several guests have complained about the livestock in their reviews. That astonishes me. It is one of the charms. Directly behind the resort is a farm, and the fields have oxen, cattle, goats, pigs, and 11 riding horses.
It isn’t just the kids who were fascinated.
The animals, according to one guest liked to escape and eat the watered ‘tourist grass.’ I do chase the goats away from the gardens though.
Riding is a bargain, and just steps away. Chi Chi is in charge of the riding programme and in fact owns them. He is a big part of the resort and the reason many go back over and over. Once a week, if you’re any good at it, you can race against the locals. On another afternoon you can challenge the locals in a baseball game.
There are some interesting tours, well priced and not far away. Diomedes Lara the charming hotel manager, and his wife Barbara the food and beverage manager, are wonderful hosts, setting the tone for the staff. There isn’t an animator yelling into the mike all day. If they have enough kids, they have someone organize games and things. There is a pool, and wading pool in the Marea section, which is close to the black sand beach. Yes, there are stones in some areas, but in others just sand right out into the water. There is a large pool with a swim-up bar at the Farallon, with a longer walk to the beach.
This is a perfect property for seniors, who want quiet enjoyment, and to unpack and stay for a while. One couple has been 51 times.
It has the highest repeat business of any property that Sunwing carries. Positive feedback is 91 percent; unheard of in a 3-star. This is also a great place for people who want trekking, biking, and being involved with the small communities in the area. This resort is part of the Viva Cuba programme, an added bonus.
As always there are lots of improvements. A new disco is being built with a small eatery at the water’s edge below the Farallon section. This year we got Wi-Fi around the pool for the first time. There are lots of blogs on this property.
“It’s like you’re part of a cult” says Lawrence Elliott, Sunwing Group VP.
When the folks at home ask what I did on my vacation, I answer, “lay in the warm calm Caribbean and watched the Sierra Maestra Mountains change colour as the sun hit them. I do intend to start hiking, maybe next visit.“
When I think about our time there I remember the smiles, the gorgeous scenery, and the great swimming.
For your clients who are concerned about the prices, and the changing face of Cuba, this resort may be a good choice. Manzanillo de Cuba is tucked away in the southeast province, 900 kilometres from Havana, and in the warmest part.
This year for the first time ever, we invited another couple to come with us. I sat them down and explained exactly what it is like.
“If you want Sandals, this is not the holiday for you.” They loved it. They kept telling me it was so much better than expected, and they want to come back this year.
Well, I brought two guests but Jenny Cressman has brought 300 guests since 2009.
“We had so much fun on my two previous trips, that the following year, I organized and led my first large group there. This, in turn, led me set up a website (JennicaCuba.com) and to become a licensed travel agent, now affiliated with P&G Travel because they specialize in Cuba trips.
The local landscape – a combination of soaring mountains and charming ocean bay – can’t be beat but, for me, the true hook is 3-star Club Amigo Marea Del Portillo with 130 rooms and its sister resort a leisurely short walk away the 120 room Farallon de Caribe.
Guests can use the dining rooms and facilities in both. “ Staff are lovely; polite, courteous, anxious to help, and that included the front desk. And no, we don’t tip them until we were leaving.
The food? Well, it is Cuba, and they do the best they can with shortages, and a low food budget compared to other destinations. Sometimes the food was delicious, sometimes it wasn’t … just like my cooking. Christmas Eve dinner was fabulous.
There are many things about this resort that make it more than a 3-star. You could get a cappuccino 24 hours a day. There were lifeguards on the beach, and there were enough beach chairs, and shade even though the resort was full.
Elena de Moya, the state-of-the art Sunwing rep meets people at the airport and gets them registered right outside, making for very little lining up. She is always available to help guests, a true hostess.
Several guests have complained about the livestock in their reviews. That astonishes me. It is one of the charms. Directly behind the resort is a farm, and the fields have oxen, cattle, goats, pigs, and 11 riding horses.
It isn’t just the kids who were fascinated.
The animals, according to one guest liked to escape and eat the watered ‘tourist grass.’ I do chase the goats away from the gardens though.
Riding is a bargain, and just steps away. Chi Chi is in charge of the riding programme and in fact owns them. He is a big part of the resort and the reason many go back over and over. Once a week, if you’re any good at it, you can race against the locals. On another afternoon you can challenge the locals in a baseball game.
There are some interesting tours, well priced and not far away. Diomedes Lara the charming hotel manager, and his wife Barbara the food and beverage manager, are wonderful hosts, setting the tone for the staff. There isn’t an animator yelling into the mike all day. If they have enough kids, they have someone organize games and things. There is a pool, and wading pool in the Marea section, which is close to the black sand beach. Yes, there are stones in some areas, but in others just sand right out into the water. There is a large pool with a swim-up bar at the Farallon, with a longer walk to the beach.
This is a perfect property for seniors, who want quiet enjoyment, and to unpack and stay for a while. One couple has been 51 times.
It has the highest repeat business of any property that Sunwing carries. Positive feedback is 91 percent; unheard of in a 3-star. This is also a great place for people who want trekking, biking, and being involved with the small communities in the area. This resort is part of the Viva Cuba programme, an added bonus.
As always there are lots of improvements. A new disco is being built with a small eatery at the water’s edge below the Farallon section. This year we got Wi-Fi around the pool for the first time. There are lots of blogs on this property.
“It’s like you’re part of a cult” says Lawrence Elliott, Sunwing Group VP.
When the folks at home ask what I did on my vacation, I answer, “lay in the warm calm Caribbean and watched the Sierra Maestra Mountains change colour as the sun hit them. I do intend to start hiking, maybe next visit.“
When I think about our time there I remember the smiles, the gorgeous scenery, and the great swimming.
 |
| This is one of the photos Sam included at the end of her column - Chichi showing off! For a few more photos, including one of Sam Ion herself, click here. |
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