Windsong’s New Havana Club to offer regular comedy nights.

By Kathy Borsuk ~ Photo By Jane Irion

Before the 1960s, Cuba was a traveler’s paradise and the country’s capital, Havana, was known as the “Paris of the Caribbean,” strongly rivaling Miami as an exciting destination for tourists. Such film stars as Frank Sinatra, Ava Gardner, Marlene Dietrich and Gary Cooper frequented Old Havana’s casinos, luxury hotels and nightclubs, and American author Ernest Hemingway wrote several of his famous novels there. All were drawn to the intriguing atmosphere that mixed elegance with a touch of spicy sass.
Although the Cuban missile crisis and resulting US travel embargo brought those days to a close for many, Providenciales visitors and guests now have the chance to travel back in time, and enjoy a good laugh in the process. Due to open in late March 2011 is the brand-new Havana Club at the Windsong Resort. Besides offering a touch of Old Havana elegance, the venue will be the first in the Islands to offer regular comedy nights.

The Havana Club is a beautiful, spacious room tucked within the Windsong Resort. Designed to evoke the intimate atmosphere of 1950s Havana, it features flickering wrought-iron wall sconces framed by richly furnished wall moldings and a dramatic, dark cypress ceiling. Within the club, there is air-conditioned seating for 50 guests, with an additional 24 garden seats. Highback wicker arm chairs flank white-clothed tables, all grouped around a lighted stage. Floor-to-ceiling windows are darkened by rattan shades, further adding to the Old World aura. Gentlemen staff members are attired in guayabera shirts and straw hats, while ladies wear authentic Cuban blouses and skirts.
The Havana Club offers entertainment, fine wine and specialty coffees to guests. Opening in March 2011, plans are to offer two comedy and/or close-up magic shows on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, including a 7 PM family show and a 9:30 PM show for adults. These ticketed events will feature entertainers from the U.S. and Canada, as well as headliners from the famed Atlantis Resort in Nassau, Bahamas. In addition, local jazz musicians will provide occasional entertainment on non-show nights, along with karoke and game nights.
Guests can also enjoy sporting events on the Havana Club’s 10 foot projection screen and two 60 inch LED televisions. The informal reception area features slot machines for gaming pleasure.
Fine French and California wines are featured with special selections such as Chateau Margaux, 15 and 19 liter bottles of wine, and the island’s largest margarita (60 ounces!). As well, an assortment of cappuccinos, frappes, espressos, coffees and imported teas will be served with incredibly decadent desserts prior to the show.
Windsong Resort opened to accolades in late 2008. Built along 450 feet of sugar-sand beach on the western edge of Grace Bay, this boutique property has only 50 condominiums on four stories so it never feels crowded. Each oceanfront suite has as its focal point the white sand, turquoise sea and azure sky that is the trademark of the Turks & Caicos.
Windsong is known for its fine attention to detail and super-friendly staff, along with solid value for its guests. There is a superb oceanfront pool, with nearby JoJo’s Cafe open for drinks and light meals during the day.
Plans are for the Havana Club to open in March 2011, with tickets available on-line at www.havanaclubtci.com.
The Havana Club is also available to host and cater private business functions and social events. For more information, call 649 941 7700.