One for the adventurous traveller, Colombia is a South American country that’s bursting with character and energy. Said to have a sea of seven colours, it borders the Caribbean coast as well as the Pacific Ocean and the Amazon river runs through it; collectively home to sloths, humpback whales and pink river dolphins. While inland you may spot jaguars, caimans, giant anteaters and the spectacled bear. Come to Colombia to visit the world-famous coffee district, hike to the Lost City, see the rainbow river at Caño Cristales, climb Monserrate mountain and marvel at the Gold Museum in the capital, Bogota.
Bogotá
Four Seasons Hotel Casa Medina Bogotá
Found in the G Zone – Bogota’s gourmet epicentre – this is a top choice for foodies, with a greenhouse atrium restaurant, Castanyoles, onsite. The hotel is so stunning, with its columns, beamed ceilings, and hand-carved details, it’s been made a Monument of Cultural Interest. The building was designed by artist-architect Santiago Medina Mejia, erected in 1946, with each room displaying its own individual character. As a Four Seasons property, Casa Medina has an air of calm sophistication, no more so than in the spa, where you can book a relaxation experience, such as a Colombian Green Coffee Wrap.
W Bogotá
The fashionable district of Usaquén is home to Bogota’s W. Styled for those who like their hotels glitzy and quirky, this incarnation of the brand’s party-centric property has a lot of gold built into the decor. Choose a Wonderful, Fabulous or Spectacular room with views of the glittering skyline and colourful murals spanning the walls and ceiling. Swim in the mysterious black indoor pool, get pampered at the AWAY spa, dine in the Market Kitchen, sip signature cocktails in the Lounge bar and listen to tunes from top DJs. If you’re in town at the weekend, don’t miss W’s famed bottomless brunch.
Four Seasons Hotel Bogotá
Luxuriate in European elegance at this high-end chain hotel in the Zona Rosa area, where guest rooms have a classic-meets-contemporary feel. Its spa has been inspired by the colour of Colombian emeralds and uses Loto del Sur products. The restaurant, La Biblioteca, is an all-day dining venue serving a range of international dishes. There’s also a shop and fitness centre onsite. And should you wish to embark on some adventures, the concierge will be happy to book you onto one of the hotel’s excursions; a foodie tour of the city, a helicopter-based journey, or tours of the textile studio at VERDI.
JW Marriott Hotel Bogotá
Get an undisturbed, indulgent night’s rest when you stay at the JW Marriott – Spanish-style rooms have soundproofed windows protecting against the city clamour and 300-thread-count Egyptian cotton sheets for supreme comfort. Book detoxifying treatments at the full-service spa, work out in the 24-hour fitness centre, soak in the whirlpool and swim in the indoor lap pool. There are four restaurants to choose from; The Market, a casual all-day venue with modern art murals, Tamarine Asian Cuisine, Nau Sushi Lounge and Circo, for brick-oven baked pizzas, live music and the option of alfresco seating.
Cartagena
Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Cartagena
Stay on the Plaza San Diego in a 17th-century former nunnery in Cartagena’s historic quarter. You can still explore its hallowed hidden staircases and chapel, and the restaurant, 1621, is a reminder of the year the building was completed. Guests can also dine and drink at El Claustro, under cloister vaults, and in El Coro Lounge Bar, above a crypt. There are newer wings too, and a chic pool area. Choose a suite for butler service and one on the top floor bedrooms for sea views (you can see for 500 miles on a clear day).
Casa San Agustín
Welcome mocktails and snack platters, stocked minibars and cooked-to-order breakfasts all come as standard at the Casa San Augustin. Guests can hop on free loaner bikes to explore Cartagena, laze on the rooftop terrace’s rattan loungers or read a book in its library. Made up of three colonial-era buildings, the boutique hotel has retained its original architectural features. 30 bedrooms have Ortigia toiletries and shuttered windows; some have private patios and plunge pools, while the Suite Del Virrey boasts two rooftop terraces and an outdoor Jacuzzi. And a secluded courtyard accommodates a foliage-flanked heated freshwater pool.
Casa Lola Luxury Collection
A hotel of two parts, this comprises one 17th-century colonial house and one late 19th-century building, each restored to create an elegant and cosy ambience. This is complemented by antique and modern pieces, ethnic and artisan crafts and 500-thread count linens. The vibe on the open-air rooftop, however, is very much a contemporary one, with riviera style loungers, day beds, palms, a plunge pool and Lolita’s Bar. Dona Lola, the comida del Caribe is open for lunch and dinner, serving Spanish tapas and Caribbean-inspired dishes. You’ll find Casa Lola in the Old Town’s Getsemaní neighbourhood.