Casa San Agustin

Casa San Agustin is an intimate boutique hotel perfectly placed within Cartagena’s colourful old walled city, only a stone’s throw from the turquoise Caribbean coast. Its terrific position immerses you in the city’s storied history, where cobbled lanes prop typical Colombian buildings with wrought-iron balconies overflowing with bright flowers.

The hotel itself, comprising three connecting 17th-century homes, evokes a bygone age with classic stucco exteriors and beautiful traditional touches inside. Rooms and suites spotlight dark wood-beamed ceilings, four-poster beds, stone floors and elegantly tiled bathrooms. But natural fabrics alongside a palette of soft blues and greens add a fresh, contemporary edge.

Some spaces gaze to the street life below, while others open to the pretty inner gardens. ‘Premium Suites’, with leafy patios and private Jacuzzis, are suited most to couples and honeymooners; families or groups of friends, on the other hand, will love the larger ‘Prestige Suites’ and ‘Suite del Virray’, featuring thoughtfully designed living areas and personal balconies or terraces.

Throughout the hotel, you’ll find plenty of indoor-outdoor spaces designed for relaxation. At the centre of the courtyard, a freshwater pool beneath an ancient aqueduct offers a refreshing escape from the heat, along with shaded daybeds nestled between tropical palms. There’s also a lovely rooftop terrace, framed by vibrant pink bougainvillaea, and a serene library adorned with original frescoes – perfect for enjoying a peaceful afternoon tea.

For a truly relaxing experience, treat yourself to a soothing session at the intimate spa, where treatments feature local ingredients like Colombian coffee and volcanic mud. The dining experience is just as rooted in tradition. Alma Restaurant brings the heart of Colombian cuisine to life with standout dishes such as Cartagena-style seafood casserole and freshly made ceviche.