FEB-MAR 2014
met restaurants and buzzing bars, perfect for relaxing meals and refreshing cocktails. Latin and creole flavors collide with those from Europe and the Americas, creating exciting dishes and memorable feasts.
Many of old town’s iconic buildings have been converted into upscale hotels. Casa San Agustin, recently voted amongst the top new hotels in the world, is a trio of colonial era white-washed buildings that have been impeccably renovated, maintaining the warmth, charm and elegance of a magnificent private residence, whilst now incorporating luxury appointed guest suites. Artisan Columbian crafted furniture and fittings, hard wood colonial shutters, antiques and art combine to create a magical ambiance. This is the intimate choice for luxury breaks in Cartagena; a place to seek peace, tranquility and elegance within this tropical, Caribbean city.
A few blocks across town, within a stunning, historic convent is Sofitel’s luxury Legend resort, the Hotel Santa Clara. Its arched cloisters surround a verdant patio, complete with historic trickling fountain, and is home to the resort’s mascot, a Toucan called ‘Mateo’. A stay here is to experience the city as portrayed by Gabriel García Márquez, since this extraordinary building is said to be the location inspiration for ‘Of Love and Other Demons’. Guest suites are within both the ancient convent and the adjacent modern classical wing, which also includes a spa, gym and a stunning outdoor pool. The nearby bohemian quarter of Getsemaní is now one of the city’s most authentic, vibrant neighborhoods. It is home to salsa bars that fill the streets with Caribbean and Cuban sounds, and offer the best mojitos cocktails. A night out here will be one of the many lasting memories of this tropical, spell-binding Caribbean city