Puzzles Presents - My Cuban DJ Residency
Havana, Cuba
This past February - March I flew to the Resonance Musique Resort in Varadero, Cuba to partake in the Puzzles Presents week long DJ Residency at the hotel. Puzzles is a Toronto based Events company headed by Asif Sheikh which has been making waves for its amazing local and international DJ events and its first Cuban DJ Festival ‘Mystical Destination’. They have been collaborating with the Resonance brand in Cuba to send Toronto-based DJs to play week long residencies in Varadero, Cuba.
It’s always a treat to play overseas. New audiences, new challenges, you grow a lot as a performer. I enjoyed the experience and collaborating with the local Cuban entertainment team headed by Ricardo Teve. On the weekend my partner and I got to visit Havana for the very first time, which was a fascinating journey in itself. I’ll let the photos speak for themselves.
If you are looking for a fun, budget friendly Caribbean vacation, indulge in the vibrant energy of Resonance Musique Varadero, an adults-only paradise where every moment pulses with the rhythm of the Caribbean. Nestled on the sun-kissed shores of Varadero, our all-inclusive resort invites you to immerse yourself in a world of musical experiences and endless entertainment. From passionate live music to exhilarating DJ parties by the pool and beach, every day and night resonate with the beat of fun, diversity, and energy.
Resonance Blue Varadero, Cuba
Havana, Cuba
Havana, Cuba
Havana, Cuba
The Fearless Nomad Tips for Travelling to Cuba
Bring at least one change of warm clothes, if you are travelling off season Cuba can get pretty chilly!
If you are staying at a resort and like your Ketchup / Mustard / Hot Sauces , bring them with you from home. The resorts do not have sauces at the buffet. they are limited to local ketchup and mustard.
If you are staying at a resort, bring $1 and $5 bills in USD currency to tip the staff. Cubans cannot exchange coins, so bills are preferred.
If you need to chance money, it’s actually better to do so with a local working at resort who will give you a higher rate than the banks.
If you are planning to travel outside of the resort, pack a roll of toilet paper (local toilets don’t carry any).
Be weary of where you purchase cigars as the counterfeit cigar market in Cuba is huge and they’re severely overpriced. I travelled to Toronto and Turkey after I left Cuba and found authentic Cuban cigars at the Duty Free to be a fraction of the price of those in Cuba.
Bring gifts for the locals. They will always appreciate it. New or gently used clothes, makeup, sunglasses, etc.
If you want to help, you can contact Not Just a Tourist to help bring a suitcase of medical supplies over to a Cuban hospital - local hospitals are in dire need of medical supplies because of extreme shortages. If you have an extra luggage space in your checked luggage you can act as a courier.