Canadian woman’s Cuban holiday turns into nightmare after assault at resort

A Canadian tourist, Crystal Jardine, was assaulted at the Blau Hotel in Varadero, Cuba, on March 3 while on vacation to the island nation, Cuban media reported.
The attack happened after a brief encounter with a man at the beach bar, which led to an altercation with his partner. Despite reporting the assault, Jardine said she received little support from hotel security and local authorities, raising serious concerns about tourist safety.
Jardine said she and her husband were at the resort’s beach bar when a man approached her for a cigarette. She gave him one, but shortly after, his female companion aggressively accused her of flirting, following which she asked them to leave.
"I firmly asked him to leave, and eventually, they did. About 30 minutes later, the man returned from the other side of the bar and, without provocation, punched me in the face. He also physically attacked my husband," she detailed.
Despite the presence of hotel security, the attacker—a fellow Canadian guest—was reportedly not detained. Instead, he was allowed to return to his room. Jardine, injured and in shock, contacted the Canadian Embassy for help. She said she attempted to call the police multiple times, but the calls disconnected whenever she mentioned the hotel’s name.

Jardine eventually received medical treatment for her injuries, including a swollen eye. She informed the police that she wanted to press charges, and they assured her they would visit the hotel at 9:00 am. However, by 6:00 pm, they had still not arrived. After another phone call, she was told she would have to wait until the next day.
Even after reporting the incident, Jardine said she found little support. The hotel refused to provide the attacker’s name or an official report. She was also informed that pressing charges would require her to stay in Cuba, a condition she was unwilling to accept.
"I don't have the name of the man; the resort won't give it to me. They did not provide me with an official report of the assault. The only information they gave me is that he was Canadian," she said.
Back in Canada, Jardine shared her story with the media, hoping public attention would lead to justice. A legal expert confirmed that since the incident occurred in Cuba, she couldn't file criminal charges in Canada. However, if she identified the attacker, she could pursue a civil case.
"It's disgusting that someone could do this, knowing that he is Canadian and that he can do it too. This is all wrong. I want this man to be held accountable for what he did to me," she wrote.