Natalia Zapata is a citizen of the world. We’ve followed her through her California road trip and now, along her bachelorette trips around the world: from Mexico, Cuba and New York to the Colombian Pacific Coast. A tour du monde with a crowd of cool-girls from all over the globe… final stop is Havana!

Most memorable experience?

It rained most of our time in Havana, so one day my girlfriends and I stayed at our traditional room at Hotel Nacional de Cuba just ordering room-service mojitos and laughing, crying and catching up on life over our rainy but beautiful views of Havana. The overall experience in Cuba, however, was memorable. I think that by being there, one grows a firsthand respect for the country’s people; their endurance, their ingenuity and even more so, their passion. 

Favorite place to hang out and relax?

A small table at the terrace at Hotel Inglaterra for a few glasses of Cristal, the local beer. The son-cubano band here is lively and special. Plaza Vieja is another great spot to relax and smoke a Cuban cigar. 

All-girls-approved breakfast spot? 

Jíbaro

Where to dance until the sun comes out?

La Fábrica – cool music and contemporary art.

Where to souvenir-shop? What should we take as a souvenir? 

A pack of Cohibas, a classic bottle of Ron Havana Club, a local history book, some son-cubano tunes and definitely a poster or an art-piece by one of the young artists in Havana’s growing creative community.

For a hangover day – where to go?

To the stunning “Gran Teatro de la Habana Alicia Alonso” – the lighting and the color palette here are peaceful and absolutely beautiful. Another Havana classic is riding around the city in one of its colorful, antique convertibles. We rode with Andy (our fabulous, witty driver) along the Malecón and all the way to the gorgeous Parque Almendares – a perfect hangover re-charge. 

Where to go for drinks?

“La Floridita” in old Havana! One of Hemmingway’s favorites and where daiquiris are said to have been invented!

Any day trips you recommend?

Varadero

Where to find the best food? What to eat?

Local “Paladares”, La Guarida, Doña Eutimia and La Bodeguita del Medio were our absolute favorites.  They were all very homey -as most of them are alleged family homes turned restaurants- and had great food and spot-on mojitos. The ropa viejas, croquetas, fried beef and beans were delicious.    

How to spend the last day of the trip?

We spent our last day having a few drinks at The Kempinski Hotel. This particular international hotel, unlike many others that belong to the government, is a thought-provoking contrast from the rest of the city, but it has the coolest pool with fantastic views and again, great mojitos (yes, this was definitely a trend).