Brimming with character that reflects the country as a whole, our favourite hotels and casas in Colombia are a wonderful mix of the elegant and the bohemian. From the most glamorous neighbourhoods of Bogota and the deepest reaches of the Amazon, to the towns brimming with history and the sunny shores of Cartagena, these are our picks for the very best accommodation offerings in Colombia.
Four Seasons Hotel Casa Medina
Bogota
With a backstory that begins in the 1940s as a family house, the Casa Medina challenges all perceptions of a classic Four Seasons. With its original wood-panelling, hand-crafted cedar doors and stained glass windows displaying birds and flowers (a passion of the architect), the building is officially a Monument of Cultural Interest. No two rooms are alike either; some have sinkable leather loungers whilst others showcase hand-carved furnishings and, in the Penthouse Suite, there’s a roaring fire to warm your tootsies before bed. The main restaurant is an atrium-style masterpiece with walls of greenery and a delicious Mediterranean menu, but if you fancy heading out, you’re in the heart of Zona G, aka the ‘gourmet zone’, and there are dozens of wonderful restaurants on the doorstep. When you return, head straight to the spa for a signature green coffee wrap.
Patio del Mundo
Medellin
Set in the centre of leafy El Poblado Provenza, the Patio del Mundo is an oasis of calm away from the bustling streets of Medellin. Surrounded by blooming gardens, there are swaying hammocks to relax in and a secluded deck with a hot tub to soak in after a day of exploring. There are 13 rooms in total and each is uniquely named after a different global destination – and decorated accordingly. Amenities also differ between each one; Out of Africa has its own hot tub, whilst Cartagena de Indias has a private terrace, and India is adorned with textiles collected on the owner’s travels. Every morning, breakfast is served on the terrace as birdsong fills the air and in the evenings, drinks and snacks are served in the garden. The hotel doesn’t offer dinner but there is a bevy of fantastic restaurants in the vicinity. The major sights of Medellin also aren’t too far away, including the famous Botero Plaza, Parque Arvi and Comuna 13, where you can enjoy a private tour and delve into the city’s past.
Sofitel Legend Santa Clara
Cartagena
Now a gleaming outpost of Sofitel, the Legend Santa Clara dates back to the 17th century when it served as a convent. Original pieces and religious relics offer a window into this intriguing history, and there’s a fascinating ‘walking’ tour of the hotel, led by one of the butlers, if you fancy learning more. You can even visit the crypt that inspired Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s famous novel. Spanning multiple wings, the rooms are chic yet tropical, combining the verve of Colombia with its French roots. The most impressive suites pay homage to some of the country’s most revered artists and boast sublime sea vistas. Outside, you’ll find the largest swimming pool in the historic centre and some of the finest restaurants in Cartagena (and even Colombia!). After a day looking at the street art in the trendy Getsemani area or enjoying a session of rum and chocolate tasting in the ancient walled city, head back to the terrace bar for something chilled and a spectacular view over the Caribbean.
La Casa en las Nubes
Salento
The ‘house in the clouds’ sums up everything that makes Colombia’s coffee region so alluring. Holding true to its name, La Casa en las Nubes enjoys a hilltop vantage point, from which you can gaze across the Cocora Valley and its iconic wax palms. Take up residence in our favourite lookout spot by the fireplace in the glass-walled living room and enjoy! Days at the casa can be as laid back or action-packed as you like, and there’s always an activity to suit when the mood takes you. Explore the surrounding landscape on foot, bike or horseback, whip out your binoculars for a spot of birdwatching (Colombia is one of the best places for it), or taste your way around a nearby coffee farm. The casa is completely exclusive but if that’s not enough for you, a private cabin with its own kitchenette is set amongst the ample gardens.
Villa Playa Tayrona
Tayrona National Park
There are many reasons to love the Villa Playa Tayrona. For starters, it’s an intimate, adults-only paradise right on the Caribbean coast (with its own private beach, no less), where every room has striking views of the Sierra Nevada de Santa. Next, it happens to be just a few minutes away from the entrance to Tayrona National Park, a lush land where the birdlife is dazzling and remnants of ancient civilizations peek out from the greenery. And thirdly, it feels a million miles away from any hint of fast-paced city life… During your stay, you’ll be perfectly looked after with every detail seen to with excellence by the dedicated team, whether it’s meals prepared in the open-air kitchen (we guarantee this is some of the best food you’ll have in Colombia), cocktails beside the pool, or massages to the sound of the rolling surf.
Casa Yahri
Barichara
Sitting pretty above the town of Barichara, the inspiration for Disney’s Encanto, the Casa Yahri has its very own kind of magic. Constructed around an original 19th-century home, it’s a melee of indoor and alfresco terraces, all of which have stunning views across the Chocamocha National Park and mountains beyond. With just four rooms, the casa is far too intimate to have anything as formal as a restaurant, but Dona Blanca presents a delicious spread of arepas, cereals and fruit every morning. For dinner, take your pick of one of the fine restaurants in Barichara or, if you fancy staying in, the chef will whip up something special for you. Rooms are rich and full of colour with plenty of exposed brickwork, gnarled ceiling beams and antique furnishings. Choose the Chicamocha Suite for your own plunge pool and terrace, but otherwise there’s a lovely, large shared pool as well.
Calanoa Lodge
Colombian Amazon
Holed up deep in Colombia’s slice of the Amazon, Calanoa Lodge is only reachable via a scenic speedboat. What you’ll find at the other end is a rustic gem where a genuine connection with nature is the priority, achieved through a combination of art, activities and community engagement – and a complete disconnection with the outside world! The bedroom cabins range in type and size from the Tiger Hut perched high in the canopy to the Junior Suite with its original steamboat design. Every space at Calanoa is built with sustainably-sourced wood including the communal dining area, where you’ll tuck into meals of freshly-caught fish, and the secluded meditation pavilion. After waking to the sound of a thousand twittering birds, explore the lush treeline on foot (day or night) and meander down the tranquil waterways by boat, your eyes peeled for pink river dolphins, sloths and monkeys of every kind.
San Rafael
Mompox
Dating back to the 17th century, San Rafael has a remarkable history that blends into the tapestry of Mompox, once one of Colombia’s most prominent ports. This history is interwoven into the design of the hotel and you’ll find plenty of period furnishings and antiques scattered throughout to admire. Situated alongside the shimmering Magdalena River – the rooftop terrace enjoys spectacular views – the location is ideal for exploring the higgledy-piggledy streets of Mompox. There are beautiful churches, tree-lined plazas and remarkable architecture to admire, and how could we forget Mompox’s famous filigree jewellery, which you can pick up at local artisanal workshops and markets. And when you’re done exploring for a little while, the secluded courtyard pool awaits…
Morromico Lodge
Nuqui
Where the forest meets the black sand beaches of Colombia’s Pacific coast, Moromico Lodge is a dream for anyone looking to escape reality for a little while – especially with no wifi. Surrounded by gardens of banana, coconut and papaya trees, there are just three rooms with stunning ocean views as well as a totally secluded cabana for those looking for the utmost privacy. Prepared with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, every meal is an ode to the region’s unique gastronomy and they are best enjoyed with a view in the open-sided dining room. When you’re not lazing in a hammock, make a beeline for the beach to catch some rays, learn to surf, or spot bottle-nosed dolphins, turtles and even whale sharks on a boat trip (or in the water if you dare!). Then there’s Utria National Park; explore with a local guide and keep your eyes peeled for birds of every colour.
Casa Legado
Bogota
As soon as you enter Casa Legado, you can tell that owner and designer, Helena Davila, put her heart and soul into this place. There’s no formal reception, just friendly hosts to welcome you in with a cuppa before showing you to one of the immaculately-presented rooms. Each one is named after a member of Helena’s family and the interiors inspired by their personality. With a kitchen that’s open to guests 24/7, movie nights with cosy blankets in one of nine living areas and homemade breakfasts served at the communal table, it’ll feel like you’re staying at a friend’s house – and little details like hand-written recommendations are the cherry on top. Grab one of the bikes to do a little exploring of Bogota, whether you fancy seeing the historic sights of La Candelaria or find your new favourite cafe, where you can simply soak up the atmosphere.
