At first glance, Cuba is the archetypal Caribbean island: sandy, palm-fringed shores are washed by crystal-clear waters, the tropical afternoon heat cooled by a breeze that carries the heady scents of frangipani, mango and guava.

Yet the ever-present visual references to the 1959 revolution let us know that Cuba is actually far from typical.

The island has so much more to offer than idyllic beaches: there is picturesque, decaying colonial architecture, grand plazas, streets filled with classic automobiles from the 1950s and ‘60s and, of course, the constant invitation to sway your hips to the sultry sounds of salsa.

Columbus may have been the first European to discover Cuba’s beauty, but today the country is increasingly accessible to global tourists after years of political isolation. UK travel companies can now offer fantastic luxury breaks to Cuba – an island still largely awaiting discovery, just perfect for the traveller who likes to get away from it all.

The sheer size of Cuba led Columbus to believe he had struck lucky and found a new continent. The island sits in the mouth of the Gulf of Mexico, fully 746 miles (1,200km) in length – with unexpected sights and attractions at every turn.

Cuba is a year-round destination, although visitors tend to aim for its cooler winter months of December to March. The tail end of the hurricane season is September to October, when wet and windy weather can be expected.

The average summer temperature in Havana is 27 degrees Celsius (81 degrees Fahrenheit), from June to September. In the coldest months, this average drops to around 22 degrees Celsius (72 degrees Fahrenheit).

The official language is Spanish, but you will find that English is widely spoken in the main tourist areas.

A Tourist Card (‘Tarjeta del Turista’) may be issued by tour operators, travel agents or airlines, in lieu of a visa, for a single-entry holiday trip of up to 30 days. A ticket for onward travel is required, as well as sufficient funds to cover the period. Please check the rules around visa requirements before you travel, as they may change regularly.

You must hold travel insurance to cover medical expenses, with coverage in Cuba.

Cuba is considered free from any threat of terrorism, but its crime rate is on the rise, so you should take the normal, sensible precautions as you would anywhere else.

Tropical storms and hurricanes usually occur between June and November, when electricity and water supplies and communications may be disrupted.

For all your high-end, bespoke leisure and corporate travel needs to contact our Travel Managers on 800 NEXA (6392). You can also contact us on info@nexatourism.com .