Hotel Snapshot
Historic charm juxtaposes beautifully with contemporary Colombian life at this thoughtfully restored 17th-century mansion, set within the UNESCO World Heritage Site designated Old Town Cartagena. Guests get to live in a design showpiece that’s located in a vibrant port city- it’s well-known that Cartagena is a cultural star that offers centuries of history and is surrounded by gorgeous beaches, giving a diversity that’s hard to find elsewhere in South America and the Caribbean.
Design & Character
Casa Pestagua, which is the only Relais & Chateaux property in Colombia, preserves its original colonial bones: features include double-height ceilings, Baroque details, oversized chandeliers, and arches inspired by Moorish architecture surrounding a lush inner courtyard and garden. The imposing stone columns, wooden beams, ornate stonework, and arched windows further add to the grandeur.
Rooms
Accommodations are stylish, blending the hotel’s colonial past and contemporary Colombian energy, and don’t skimp on the modern amenities that luxury travelers need. The 16 rooms are each distinctive, and the suites feel like apartments. They feature antique and newly custom-made furniture, contemporary Colombian art, colorful textiles, and locally sourced decorative pieces.
Bathrooms are large with oversize open showers, vanities with plenty of counter space, and cabinets with stunning inlay stonework. Only the toiletries- courtesy of the Italian brand Ortigia Sicilia- veer from the sense of place. They smelled so divine, however, that I don’t consider this a flaw.
Food & Drink
The property’s restaurant, Animare, is situated in the central courtyard beneath the hotel’s signature colonial arches. It’s a hotspot that sees a good-looking crowd. Regulars include polished locals and returning visitors- they come to work their way through Chef Heberto Eljach's creative menu. The talent has worked at top spots worldwide and has returned home to bring his international pedigree to traditional Colombian dishes.
Chef Heberto’s cuisine is bright, fresh, and flavorful. It favors the freshest seafood, tropical fruits, and spices that add zip. Imagine lobster ceviche with tiger’s milk and tamarind sorbet, a warm mixed seafood ceviche with a sweet corn cake, and a tenderloin with truffled salt. Lucky for me that this picture came to life. I thoroughly enjoyed everything I tried..
Before and after dinner, a cocktail- zero-proof or with booze- at Animare bar is a rite of passage. It’s where you take in the breadth of your day, mingle with other patrons, and feel like you’re somewhere special and tucked away in one of the world’s most photogenic destinations.
Amenities
For a hotel that’s this small, Casa Pestagua offers more amenities than I would expect. There’s a swimming pool, gym, and 24-hour room service and concierge staff. Guests have access to bikes and to Aurum Spa, located at the hotel’s sister property Casa Agustin, about a five-minute walk away. For beachgoers, the property can arrange for access to ACASI, a private beach on Barú Island.
Location & Neighborhood Recs
Old Town Cartagena is outside of your door, and I mean that in the very literal sense. You’re surrounded by an endless number of historic buildings, cathedrals, and charming narrow streets that are begging to be explored. It’s no wonder that it shaped the work of famous authors, including Gabriel García Márquez, who spent much of his life here.
Homegrown boutiques selling handcrafted wares, including fashionable beachwear and decor pieces, plus buzzy restaurants, also abound. Beyond the walled city, mangrove forests, beaches with piercing blue waters, and the Rosario Islands Natural Park await.
Fast Facts
Location: Cartagena, Colombia
Rating: Five-Star
The Vibe: Understated luxury, design-centric, and very much authentically Cartaragenian
Room Count: 16
Starting Rate: $585 USD for a deluxe room
Food + Drink: AniMare Restaurant, AniMare Bar
Our Favorite Thing About the Hotel: The living in history ambiance, but tended to by a staff who make you feel like you’re their only guest.
Closest Airport: Casa Pestagua is a five-mile, 20-minute car journey from Cartagena’s Rafael Nuñez International Airport.
