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Discovering Cuba's Keys

Cayo Santa Maria: Cuba's unspoiled destination.

Whenever I uncover a perfect gem of a destination that few people have yet discovered, I'm always faced with a dilemma. Part of me wants to boast about my newest treasure, while a big part of me wants to keep it to myself and share it only with my closest friends and those family members that I still talk to.

However, because it's the holiday season and I'm feeling generous, I'm going to share my latest prize with you, but I'm trusting you'll keep it to yourselves.

Sleeping peacefully off the northern coast of central Cuba is a string of coral islands that are to nature what poetry is to language. Cayo Santa Maria and Cayo Ensenachos are the crown jewels in this string of precious gems.

Here you will find endless miles of flawless powder-sand beaches as soft as an angel's whisper and as white as St. Nick's beard. The water, which is clear, warm and calm for swimming, is a great painter's palette of every shade and hue of blue; these are the beaches from which all others are painted.

It is important when travelling to a holiday destination that is somewhat off the beaten path to choose a resort with enough facilities and amenities to keep you fully occupied and entertained.

One such resort is Meliá Cayo Santa Maria; set in 12 hectares of coconut-scented palm trees, blazing oleanders and lush foliage, it fronts onto 400 meters of white powder sand. Meliá maximizes its ideal beach location by offering a veritable ocean of watersport activities at no charge to hotel guests.

A second favourite is Occidental Royal Hideaway Ensenachos, located on the secluded Cayo Ensenachos beach. This luxury resort serves up 5 à la carte restaurants, several bars, a disco, cigar lounge and, of course, a wide range of watersports. Both of these all inclusive resorts rate 4 1/2 stars and are perfect for honeymooners and spa lovers.

About 90 minutes from the Cayos is the town of Santa Clara, rich in historical significance and the capital of Villa Clara Province. It was here on December 28, 1958 that Ernesto 'Che' Guevera, with a small group of men, defeated Batista's troops despite being outnumbered ten to one. This proved to be a decisive victory, as Batista fled the country two days later. Now known as Che's city, Santa Clara houses an impressive monument to this heroic figure as well as a museum and a mausoleum that houses his remains.