It’s hard to pinpoint the exact moment that transformed my trip to Havana, but the closest I can identify as a turning point was our visit to Casa Italia on a rainy Saturday night. I first came across this enchanting boutique hotel and restaurant through Kirby Allison’s YouTube channel. Situated on Havana’s elegant 5th Avenue, this privately owned establishment features 19 thoughtfully designed rooms and a restaurant serving authentic Italian cuisine.

My friends initially visited Casa Italia on our first evening in Havana, but regrettably, I had fallen asleep too early to join them. Thankfully, they reserved a table for the following evening so I wouldn’t miss out. The experience surpassed all expectations, solidifying Casa Italia, in my opinion, as the finest hotel in Havana. The villa was beautifully restored. Elegant dining rooms opened onto a captivating garden, offering genuine charm and tranquility, a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Despite intermittent rainfall, we took the risk and dined outdoors beneath a semi-shaded area. Soon enough, our table was overflowing with nearly every tempting dish from the menu, including perfectly cooked al dente pastas and authentic Neapolitan pizzas. For me, a particular delight was the availability of San Pellegrino sparkling water, a staple at my dining table.

Beyond the delicious feast, I felt comforted knowing that an excellent restaurant was just ten minutes away from my hotel whenever hunger struck. By the end of my trip, I had returned to Casa Italia five times. The meal I had there was the beginning of an extraordinary culinary experience in Havana, with each subsequent restaurant visit surpassing the previous one, enriching my trip far beyond my initial expectations. That night, I drifted into sleep with a profound sense of satisfaction.

Sunday marked our final day before the Habanos World Challenge, an annual competition in which amateur cigar aficionados compete in four challenges: a test of knowledge, blind tasting, cutting and lighting, and a pairing proposal, to reveal which team has the greatest expertise and knowledge in Havana cigars. The finals take place in Havana during the Habanos Festival after preliminary rounds organized by local distributors in their respective regions.

After breakfast, my friend Taher and I settled into a quiet corner of the hotel lobby, spending three focused hours reviewing our materials and rehearsing our presentation.

Later that afternoon, another memorable culinary experience awaited us at Vistamar, a seaside restaurant known for its exceptional seafood dishes. Every dish we tried was excellent, from delicious seafood carpaccio and fresh tuna to juicy lobster and flavorful fish tacos, satisfying even the most discerning tastes.

After this satisfying meal, I lit a Bolivar Royal Coronas cigar I had purchased the previous day from Cohiba Atmosphere. Among the eight robustos in Habanos’ regular production, this cigar is undoubtedly my favorite. Its effortless draw and intense flavor never disappoint. Enjoying this cigar in Havana made the moment especially memorable.

Returning to our hotel, we resumed our rigorous preparations for the competition. We rehearsed repeatedly before various groups, gathering invaluable feedback from our supportive friends. Regardless of one’s confidence, thorough preparation distinguishes a remarkable presentation from an ordinary one. Since public speaking has never been my greatest strength, I felt an even stronger responsibility to ensure I was meticulously prepared.

Our friend Mohamed wisely suggested that we rehearse in different settings and recommended practicing at least once while standing, despite our plan to present seated. His advice proved invaluable; standing indeed amplified the pressure significantly, emphasizing the importance of preparing for every possible scenario.

Beyond deepening my knowledge of Havana cigars, participating in the competition offered an excellent opportunity to refine essential soft skills such as public speaking, teamwork, time management, and stress management. I’ve seen considerable improvement in each of these areas throughout the experience.

With heartfelt gratitude to our supportive friends, I returned to my room for a final review. Excitement blended with anxious anticipation as I lay in bed, knowing that in just a few hours, I would stand on stage, showcasing my passion and knowledge of Havana cigars before an international audience.

Click here to read part four of the series.