Vegetarian wedding in Cuba?!

delsolarie · February 15, 2010

I know it sounds like an oxymoron but we can dream, right??

What we want is a beachfront resort that offers all inclusive packages making it easier on our guests. There are two options we're considering:

1. something near Havana then doing a bit of a reception at El Bambu in Havana (in the national botanical garden) or El Romero which is a good 45min west of Havana making it a much longer journey if our guests opt to stay in the Varedero resorts. If we take this option. We'd most likely stay in Camelon Club Jibacoa. Unfortunately, I haven't heard anything about this resort in regards to weddings or whether or not they even offer it. If anyone knows anything about this resort in regards to weddings and/or vegetarian options, please let me know.

2. Do everything at a resort anywhere in Cuba that has a vegetarian restaurant on-site. So far I have only found 2 such resorts: Blau Costa Verde and Playa Pesquero - both in the Holguin area.

If anyone knows of any other options, please do let me know.

If anyone has been to the vegetarian restaurants at either resorts, your input would be greatly appreciated. I haven't seen any photos of either, or heard any feedback about either so any information would be of help.

Or, if anyone has any other ideas about hosting a vegetarian wedding in Cuba - do tell! Thanks!!

bholthof · February 15, 2010

I used to live in Owen Sound!!!

My resort also has a vegetarian restaurant, but its also in Holguin. However, if you do find one in the Havana or Varadaro area, you might want to check that it is open all year - or at least during your wedding week. At my restaurant, a lot of reviews mention that the vegetarian restaurant isn't open during most of the year - only during peak season.

But to my understanding - isn't there usually enough choice at the restaurants or at the buffets that there are vegetarian options? Maybe you should just pick one that you like, instead of trying to find a good vegetarian option - or maybe you can talk to your resort and find out if they offer options for vegetarians.

Good lucK!

delsolarie · February 15, 2010

When did you live in Owen Sound? Small world eh?? I actually just moved up here from the GTA about a year and a half ago... I know usually it's the other way around but for those who love the outdoors, it's amazing up here!

We don't mind that it's in Holguin - in fact, it's a place both my fiance and I have been wanting to see ever since hearing so much about it while on a trip in Havana.

I have been reading the forum and have found quite a lot of information on Playa Pesquero. I emailed Yaly last night and received a reply today! She suggested that the vegetarian restaurant shouldn't be a problem so I've requested March 22nd 2011 and we'll see where it goes from there!

I know there are typically vegetarian options at the buffets but we really want a wedding that is entirely consistant with our values. I'm still keeping it open but so far what I've heard of Yaly from the people from these forums, I'm very impressed.

I still would like to get an idea of what the restaurant looks like and what the menu will be like too though

bholthof · February 16, 2010

I went to high school in Owen Sound, I left almost 5 years ago. Its true, its an absolutely GORGEOUS area to live, especially if you like the outdoors and are willing to take advantage of it! Tobermory and the island up on the peninsula are wonderful, too.

Playa Pesquero has a lot of great reviews, adn there is lots of info here on the forum. We strongly considered it, but its enormous, and we wanted a smaller resort for our group. On the other hand, that could be good for you, as the larger resorts might have a bit more ability to work with you for your wedding. And when we talked to them, Yaly was very good at responding quickly, which is rare for most wedding coordinators!

Have fun planning!!