Make Your Next Trip Extraordinary

About a year ago, we decided that our family trip this year would be to Havana, Cuba. We reached out to Wendy Perrin as we have done many times before and they put us in touch with Rob. What we learned was that due to being American, we had to adhere to certain travel plans, and Rob created a “For the People” three-day tour of Havana for our family of five.

It was short, but packed with art tours, a private dance performance, private musical performances, tours of the city, religious learning opportunities, a cooking class, a cocktail class, and a cigar rolling class. The most incredible moment was a special lunch with a Cuban family in their home and the opportunity to discuss life in Cuba, their love of their country, and their struggles. Learning about the politics, the culture, the food and most importantly the beautiful people was a highlight. We were blessed to have met such wonderful people and getting to enjoy an incredible spread of homemade Cuban food. It’s impossible for me to put in words how strong, resilient, kind and grateful the Cuban friends we met were. We came home with a love, respect and admiration for Cuban people and their culture.

I cannot say enough about Rob, his staff, our guide, and our driver. The tours were thoughtful and well planned and executed. We were not rushed but our itinerary was packed with just enough learning opportunities, enough entertainment, and plenty of food and drink. As we travelled, when we wanted to fit something in that wasn’t in the plan, the plan was quickly edited to include it. Our accommodations were amazing and I wish every hotel I stay at would have such attentive and respectful service. We just loved this trip and I can honestly say that this country changed all of our lives more than any other travel we have done. Thank you Rob and Wendy Perrin for putting together this incredible experience!

Five people after lunch with a local family in Cuba.

Traveler Ann Marie Bell and her husband enjoyed lunch with a Cuban family.

Our trip to Cuba in March 2025 was nothing short of extraordinary. What made it so special wasn’t just what we saw and the richness of the experience (though both were good), but the exceptional care and expertise with which every detail was planned. The experience surpassed what we could have imagined.

From the very beginning, Rob and Ana Maria took the time to truly understand what we hoped to gain from our time in Cuba. Their thoughtfulness, in partnership with their phenomenal on-the-ground team, Raquel and Diana, made all the difference. Raquel met us at the airport and became our amazing guide and companion throughout our stay. Diana, our 24/7 concierge, partnered with Raquel to work magic behind the scenes to make sure every moment was seamless. She made a point to see us several times during our stay. Their level of commitment went far beyond professionalism—by the end of the trip, we had met their families and were invited to attend Diana’s daughter’s birthday party. These personal touches allowed us to experience Cuba through the eyes and hearts of the local people.

We asked for a trip that would help us connect with the culture and learn about the people. They delivered far more than that. Some of the most memorable experiences included a private concert at the home of a celebrated Cuban guitarist (Molina), and a mural tour that was originally planned with the artist himself, who was unexpectedly out of the country. In his place, his wife welcomed us, hosted us for coffee, and shared stories of his work. In a thoughtful gesture, the artist left two original portraits to take home.

The food and drinks were exceptional, including the cooking class and rum tasting/mixology lesson we had. As good as those were, one of our favorite experiences was sharing lunch in the home of a Cuban family. The meal rivaled the top restaurants we visited, but what stayed with us was the intimate conversation and powerful connection we felt around their table and their efforts to improve their community. Another surprise…attending a local baseball game, which was unplanned and coordinated by the family we shared lunch with. It was another glimpse into the everyday Cuban spirit.

There was also a day trip to Vinales, where we explored tobacco and coffee farms and gained a deeper appreciation for the traditions and resilience of Cuba’s farming communities. Our driver during the trip, Tony, safely transported us around Havana and to the countryside. His commitment was remarkable in ensuring our comfort and making sure our journey was smooth (when things we take for granted, like availability of gasoline, cannot be assumed in Cuba).

The trip could not have been more thoughtfully and beautifully curated. The warmth, resourcefulness, and hospitality of the Cuban people was front-and-center in every interaction. We are grateful to Rob and Ana, Raquel, and Diana—not only for planning a perfect trip, but for welcoming us into their everyday lives. It was an experience we will carry with us forever.

Bill Melamed and his husband Jamey Lundblad visiting Fusterland in Havana, Cuba.

Travelers Bill Melamed and his husband Jamey Lundblad at Fusterland, the Havana home of artist Jose Fuster.

Rob, Ana and their team provided a memorable and wonderful week in Cuba. From the first outreach through the planning process, they worked with this group of four culture hounds (me, my husband, and two friends) to craft a unique and custom itinerary that allowed for so many memorable moments. Cuba is a country of contrast—beautiful but challenging, difficult but hopeful—and our week there allowed us to see, learn, and experience it all.

We had countless private moments with Cubans in their homes that built memories that we will carry with us. If Cuba is not on your travel list, adjust your list NOW and talk to Rob’s team about how to see this special country. We were there for a week (February 16-23) and loved it from beginning to end. We were especially happy to be out of Havana and see more of the country, including Santa Clara, Trinidad and Cienfuegos. Go if you can, you won’t regret a minute.

Connie Price | February 4, 2025

We were thrilled with our guide Diana and the driver, Pedro in Havana. She is smart, well informed, and fun. We loved our hotel, most restaurants. We especially liked the private musical performance, the artist Maisel Lopez. A perfect trip.

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