Sazagua

Sazagua is in the heart of Colombia’s Risaralda coffee-growing region, and is surrounded by fertile farmland, tropical gardens dotted with palm trees and exotic flowers, and a diverse array of wildlife. The hotel’s name pays tribute to the Quimbaya civilisation, which is indigenous to the region, and traditional artworks and architectural features abound throughout the hotel. It has an attractive friendly and laidback atmosphere, and it is easy to find yourself lingering for days here.

The rooms at Sazagua are colourful, spacious and full of character, with extensive use of dark wood, traditional textiles adorning the beds and walls, and tiled stone floors. The bathrooms are exceptionally spacious, with giant, inviting baths.

Some rooms have terraces and outdoor balconies where you can relax on a hammock and listen to the birds, or enjoy a fresh cup of coffee under the shade of an umbrella. All the rooms are individually decorated, featuring unique pieces of furniture, antiques and traditional Quimbaya artworks.

Hacienda Sazagua’s contemporary restaurant was designed with a mission in mind: to champion traditional local recipes, passed down through families for generations, with unique touches inspired by international cuisine. The menu changes constantly, but examples of what to expect include classic Colombian lentil dishes and punta de anca – juicy tri-tip steak.

In the likely event that the food inspires in you a newfound devotion to Colombian cuisine, you can join the hotel’s chef for a cooking class in the gazebo in the pretty gardens. If you’re celebrating a special occasion, you can also enjoy a private romantic dinner amongst the palm trees and butterflies.

The hotel’s lovely outdoor pool is open year-round, and is a great place to cool off and relax on a poolside lounger with a drink, a cup of local coffee or a good book. There’s also a lounge and TV area and plenty of spots on the veranda and around the gardens where you can unwind alone or with your fellow guests. Take advantage of a range of spa treatments in the wellness centre, which includes a sauna. The hotel has facilities for disabled guests. This is a family-friendly hotel, and family rooms are available.

While this is a beautiful and tranquil spot to simply relax and do very little, a range of experiences can be indulged in, many of them making the most of the region’s reputation for fine gastronomy and, of course, coffee – the star of the show. A visit to Hacienda Guayabal will see you learning all about the production process, and of course tasting the end result, before stopping off at some natural hot springs on the way back. You can also enjoy extensive tastings of Colombia’s vast array of exotic fruits, and try ice creams made from them. There are national parks around an hour away offering the chance to discover more of the diverse landscapes and wildlife of the region.

Back at the hotel, an unforgettable dining experience will be laid on for you in the gardens, where you’ll sit around a bonfire and be serenaded by a traditional Colombian band as you enjoy a traditional meal of arroz atollado ­– a rice dish with chicken, pork and vegetables.