Villa Marina Tarará

You have to show your passport and receive a pass before you can enter. This is truly a gated community and the well-maintained quiet streets are almost eerie in their order. They have houses with up to seven bedrooms, and the beach is small but nice here so it makes a good family or group getaway. The cheapest houses are far from the beach. Scuba diving, deep-sea fishing, and yachting are readily available at the marina, and there's a disco, swimming pool and gym.

Reached through the Campamento de Pioneros José Martí off the Vía Blanca, 22km east of Habana. The entrance is poorly marked so be alert.