Previously, there were few luxury hotels in Colombia to choose from, and even fewer that catered to upscale leisure travellers because there weren’t many of them to serve. Most of the top 5-star hotels catered to international business travellers and domestic tourists, with the occasional narco-king requiring an entire floor for his entourage. Over the last decade, times have changed dramatically, and many more tourists have discovered Colombia as a great place for an extended vacation or a quick trip. Over the last decade, we’ve seen historic buildings converted into luxury boutique hotels and new construction from high-end international chains. It’s becoming increasingly difficult to keep up with all of the new boutique hotel openings in Cartagena and throughout the country, where dozens of new luxury hotels and resorts open each year. For the time being, the majority of the luxury hotel and resort action is concentrated in Cartagena, where tourism was strong even when the rest of the country was a pariah state. However, there is plenty of upscale lodging in Bogota, and it is the only city in the Americas with two Four Seasons hotels. There are also a number of impressive small lodges in the Coffee region. For the time being, there are only a few high-end beach resorts, but this is bound to change quickly in a country with beaches on both the Caribbean and the Pacific.
Cartagena de Indias, Colombia
Sofitel Legend Santa Clara, located within the grounds of a 17th-century converted monastery, has a fascinating history that is intertwined with the impeccable service expected from this hotel group.
Hotel Boutique Sazagua
This hacienda-style resort in Colombia’s coffee-growing region offers dreamy accommodation in ten beautifully decorated rooms and five villas. The restaurant is popular with locals, and the lush gardens are alive with hummingbirds, multicoloured tanagers, and various tropical blooms.
Casa San Agustín
The historic Casa San Agustin, built around a 300-year-old aqueduct in the heart of Cartagena’s charming old town, provides a charming respite from the sun. Spend the afternoon relaxing by the tranquil poolscape before dining at the renowned ALMA restaurant.
Four Seasons Hotel Casa Medina
The Four Seasons Hotel Casa Medina combines colonial history from the 1940s with contemporary Colombia. A leafy suburban mansion in the heart of the capital is an ideal retreat for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city – settle down beside fireplaces and escape Bogotá’s constant rain.
Bastión Luxury Hotel
In the heart of Cartagena’s walled city, the Bastión Luxury Hotel combines modern architecture with 16th-century craftsmanship. Soak in its history while relaxing in the panoramic pool or in the spa for some sun-kissed tranquillity.
The Dreamer Hostel
This hostel serves as a small safe haven for travellers passing through Colombia’s north coast. Bring your dancing shoes here after a wild night of partying in Santa Marta (where Dreamers has a sister hostel), or rest your tired trekking legs after a hike in Tayrona National Park.
W Bogotá
The W adds a childish delight to staying in a large chain hotel. It’s delightfully flamboyant while also being outstanding in terms of design and service. Everything is covered, from space-age pampering to late-night partying – or simply passing out. It serves as a golden gateway to Bogotá.
Ecohabs Tayrona
Luxury within Tayrona National Park – and the park’s only accommodation other than camping. Stay in your private wooden Ecohab for the most immersive park experience. Sleep to the taunts of playful monkeys and awake to the crashing of Caribbean waves on your private beach below.
Movich Cartagena de Indias
This small hotel is located on a quiet street in Cartagena’s vibrant and colourful Old Town. The rooms have a stylish, pared-down design in soothing colours, and there’s a spectacular rooftop pool and bar with panoramic views of this cool Caribbean city.
Blue Apple Beach House
Blue Apple is an excellent location for getting away from the hustle and bustle of Cartagena. But it’s not all rest and relaxation: the hotel is a hangout for trendy young Colombians, with a lively party scene.
Townhouse Hotel
The Townhouse is located in the heart of Cartagena’s Old Town, surrounded by trendy restaurants, bars, and high-end clothing stores. The hotel’s relaxed vibe, billed as a “home away from home” for guests, does not compromise on quality: The hotel is ideal for millennials because it is chic but not stuffy, vibrant yet elegant.
Gitana del Mar
With six bungalows set over sand and a private beach with views down Colombia’s rugged coastline, this rustic retreat offers a slice of Colombian paradise. It’s an ideal base for exploring Ciudad Perdida, Colombia’s ‘lost city,’ as it’s nestled in the Sierra Nevada foothills.
Deep Blue
Deep Blue Hotel cascades down the northern side of Providencia Island, home to the world’s third longest barrier reef and accessible only by 15-seater micro-plane, boasting an unrivalled location with panoramic views over the sea of seven colours.
