Havana might not have the big food and drink chains of other countries, but it has seen a huge growth in independent coffee shops, restaurants and bars. The current penchant is for cool retro decor evoking the era of vinyl records and streamlined American cars that directly preceded the revolution.
State-run tourist operator Cubanacán has added half-a-dozen historic boutique hotels to its 'Encanto' brand in Cuba's provincial cities. Highlights include Hotel Arsenita in Gibara, El Marqués in Camagüey and Hotel Caballeriza in Holguín.
Normal flight service between the US and Cuba was resumed in 2016. Over half-a-dozen airlines now run regular weekly flights between a variety of US and Cuban cities for qualifying American tourists.
In the last two years, Cuba has sprouted more than 200 wi-fi hot spots. Most provincial towns offer coverage in local parks and squares, while hotels of three-stars and up usually have a reasonable connection.
In May 2016, the Adonia became the first US cruise ship to dock in Cuba for five decades. Since then, the Cubans have given permission for five more lines to visit the country in 2017.
Havana's finest theater and one of its most impressive eclectic buildings reopened after a lengthy renovation in 2016. Home to the Cuban ballet, it has been renamed in honor of the doyen of Cuban dance, Alicia Alonso.
Cuba's newest sport continues to make waves along the north coast and several new operators have opened for business renting gear and offering lessons. Havana, Varadero, Cayo Guillermo, Playa Santa Lucía and Guardalavaca are all active kite spots.
The resort building on the northern keys continues unabated with new hotels on Cayo las Brujas and Cayo Guillermo, plus two on Cayo Santa María, including the Valentín Perla Blanca.
After 50 years of being monopolized by state-run ice-cream parlor La Coppelia, Havana is starting to produce a few private artisan ice-cream makers including Helad'oro, which knocks out impressive flavors made with local fruits, guava and mamey.
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