Casa San Agustin

Casa San Agustin reflects the historic and beautiful nature of its surroundings in Cartagena’s Old Town. It was built around a 300-year-old aqueduct, vines creep along the stonework, and charming alleyways wind among the old buildings, one of which is a former nunnery - while the interiors are a haven of luxury, with plush beds, bespoke furnishings and original features such as frescoes.  

Casa San Agustin’s 30 beautiful rooms and suites are decorated in a traditional Colombian style, with whitewashed walls, beautiful high wooden-beamed ceilings and ornate, hand-carved doors and antique furnishings, as well as original frescoes. The décor comes courtesy of local artisans, specifically commissioned to create exquisite one-off iron four-poster beds and chandeliers.

Cartagena’s Caribbean backdrop is reflected in the marine colour scheme of whites, blues and greens. Many rooms feature balconies from which you can take in the colourful views of Cartagena and the ocean beyond, and the Premium Suites feature private patios with Jacuzzis. Some are split level, creating a deluxe home from home.

The hotel’s restaurant, Alma, is a beautiful space and is acclaimed in its own right as one of Cartagena’s best restaurants, drawing visitors from far beyond the hotel itself. The speciality, as with many places in the city, is fresh seafood; the ceviche, which you can personalise with your choice of a huge range of ingredients, is a must-try. The restaurant is open all day, and is a great place to start off the day with a hearty full English breakfast or selection of baked goods, washed down with Colombian coffee. In the evening, head to the elegant mirrored bar for drinks.

The hotel has a lovely outdoor pool, set in a quiet courtyard shaded from the hot afternoon sun, with a historic stone wall (part of the aqueduct) a stunning feature which divides it into partitions, which you can swim through beneath an arch. Towering palm trees and inviting sun loungers line the pool, and there’s a candlelit bar alongside that’s an idyllic and romantic spot for a refreshing tropical fruit cocktail.

If you’re a fan of the sun, there’s also a solarium on the pretty roof terrace, but if the heat gets a bit much, head inside to the cool and peaceful library, where you can enjoy a complimentary cup of tea or coffee and relax with a good book.

Cartagena is renowned for the colonial beauty of its Old Town, and Casa San Agustin’s prime location is perfect for exploring it. Start off at the Palacio de la Inquisicion, where exhibits document the grisly lengths the colonial Inquisition went to in order to retain control. Then, have a wander round the Old Town before heading to the Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas, a mighty Spanish fortress which was built in 1657.

The Convento de la Popa, perched on a hill high above the city, is well worth a visit for its beautiful chapel and the sweeping views over Cartagena and the coast.