Experience Cuba’s world-renown holistic health
and organic agriculture!
Cuba’s quest for organic agriculture and holistic health began in earnest with the collapse of the Soviet Union in the late 1980’s resulting in shortages of food, chemical and fossil fuel inputs for agriculture
and conventional medicines and health supplies.
Faced with looming catastrophe and the possible end of the revolution, Cubans responded with a wide-spread conversion towards small scale, self-sufficient organic agriculture and the development of an alternative, complimentary holistic health care system. The typical Cuban diet underwent significant changes as fresh fruits and vegetables began to be produced and sold within cities. Alternative modes of transportation such as bicycling and walking created a healthier population. The use of “green medicines” and plant based “super foods” has become common place and integrated into clinics and pharmacies throughout the country. Massage, yoga, tai chi, homeopathy, and other holistic health practises that were once quite rare have increased in popularity.
While the acute crisis has passed, Cuba continues to struggle for food sovereignty and the highest possible health of its citizens. Cuba’s thousands of organic farmers and health practitioners generously offer their experience and inspiration to a world in search of viable solutions for a more sustainable future.
a unique opportunity to explore and experience Cuba’s organic agriculture and holistic health movements in a way that is not normally available to tourists.
Working in close partnership with Cuban organizations in the health and agriculture sectors, we will have direct access to leaders on the cutting edge of Cuba’s agro-ecology and alternative health movements. You will not only learn about these movements, you will experience them directly!
Our program will be based out of the Varadero Centre for Educational and Social Services (Casa de Cariño), a delightful community retreat centre adjacent to the most beautiful stretch of beach in all of Varadero! Casa de Cariño provides shared rooms for alternative travellers to Cuba and uses this income to run their social programs for Cubans in need. They are dedicated to modeling healthy living and serve wholesome meals based on the macrobiotic diet using local, organic ingredients.
Relax and rejuvenate.
This is a unique, retreat-style experience far different from the typical tourist all-inclusive.
Follow your passions.
Into the life-giving connections between organic farming, permaculture, holistic medicineand vibrant health!
Get ready for an adventure! Be inspired.
Explore Cuba’s fascinating innovations in sustainability, ecological agriculture and alternative health.
“This is one trip that you cannot plan for yourself. Ron’s relationships in Cuba opened doors (and farms) for us that we would never have discovered or been able to access on our own. We will be forever grateful for this privileged experience.”
Our 11 Day Itinerary
- Orientations to Cuba and the emerging organic agriculture and holistic health movements.
- Visits to small farms, cooperatives, urban agriculture projects and permaculture sites.
- Personalized health consultations and attention from holistic health professionals.
- Workshops and dialogue with visionary holistic health practitioners and organic farmers.
- Opportunities to explore Cuba’s rich history, culture, music, beaches and natural areas.
- Two nights to remember in thebeautiful, bustling capital city of Havana - yours to enjoy.
- Daily Yoga and Tai Chi classes, healthy meals, massage, meditation and plenty of time for rest and rejuvenation!
- Full treatment at a Cuban natural hot spring / spa.
Program Leadership
The Urban Farmer
Ron Berezan operates The Urban Farmer, an organic gardening, urban agriculture and permaculture design service. Ron has extensive organic food gardening and permaculture experience and training and has been a long-time promoter of urban agriculture. He worked for several years with NGO’s promoting community development work in Latin America and has lead 17 group programs in Cuba for over 300 Canadians. He is a fluent Spanish speaker, a Tai Chi practitioner and a triathlete. Ron will coordinate the overall flow of the program in close partnership with Cuban organizers and leaders.
The Centre for Education and Social Services
/ Casa de Cariño
Dedicated to providing an alternative to the “all-inclusive” tourism model that’s dominant in Cuba, Casa de Cariño hosts alternative travellers who are interested in solidarity with the Cuban people. Located on the most beautiful stretch of beach in all of Varadero, this retreat centre offers a “home-like” setting for visitors and Cubans with special needs. The Centre embraces the “macrobiotic” philosophy of healthy, whole foods that nourish the body and the soul and they also contribute to many valuable social causes in Varadero and throughout the country through their affiliation with the local Presbyterian Church.
Additional key Cuban partners are the Finlay Institute, a leading alternative health organization based in Havana. As well as the Antonio Nunez Jimenez Foundation, a Cuban NGO dedicated to the promotion of a healthy environment through organic agriculture and permaculture.
“This was an amazing experience for me. There is so much we can learn from Cuba and apply in Canada. It was truly an inspirational and life changing experience for me, and I am so, so, so glad that I decided to participate!”
