Club Habana

Lonely Planet review

This fabulously eclectic mansion dating from 1928 once housed the Havana Biltmore Yacht & Country Club. In the 1950s it gained brief notoriety when it famously denied entry to Cuban president Fulgencio Batista on the grounds that he was 'Black' (he was in fact of mixed background). Castro had better luck when he dropped by for dinner some 30 years later and the club remains one of the few places where he has dined in public.

These days the history of the establishment seems to have swung full circle and it is again a popular hangout for foreign correspondents and diplomats. The club has its own beach, swimming pool, tennis courts, bar, boutique shops and health club. Annual membership is around 1500 , but should you wish to hobnob spontaneously with the high and mighty, daily passes are available.