Adventure Travel
This charming hotel in Cartagena's historic district was once a house from the 18th century.
a
by Lonely Planet
13-07-2024
Adventure Travel
a
by Lonely Planet
13-07-2024
Cartagena de Indias, one of the oldest colonial cities in South America, is nestled along the north Caribbean coast of Colombia. Spanish colonization began in 1533 and ended in 1821, but much of the historic architecture of the city's "Old City," which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has survived to this day. (The Old City is encircled by a wall that stretches for approximately 2.5 miles; it was constructed by the Spanish in the 1590s to fortify the port city against assaults.)
Travelers may now look forward to colorful buildings, picturesque squares, and cobblestone streets. A new boutique hotel, Casa Pestagua, was welcomed to the Walled City this past spring in a building that dates back to the Colonial era. The old mansion, which dates back to the 18th century, was renovated to the tune of $15 million, bringing together the city's Colonial past and present. This is the sole Relais & Châteaux hotel in Colombia, which is quite an accomplishment.
The property's lobby, on-site restaurant, bar, and fitness center have all been renovated as part of the renovation. According to Paula Andrea Chamorro, the director of sales and marketing, the hotel was meticulously refurbished and reopened with all of the team's finest efforts, as she informed Travel + Leisure. "Its Moorish-inspired arches; its double-height ceilings; its rooms, each one different from the other and with a history related to the Count of Pestagua; the service and luxury amenities — all these aspects make our hotel unique."
The exquisitely renovated Casa Pestagua features sixteen guest rooms and suites. The size and shape of each chamber is different from the next. The rooms are united by their careful design and amenities.
For bigger groups, the hotel offers two suites: the Count de Pestagua suite and the Madariaga suite. Each three-bedroom apartment comes with its own private elevator, three bedrooms, and a terrace with city views and a jacuzzi.
A lush, open-air courtyard in the manner of Morocco sits at the heart of the hotel, surrounded by arches. Ánima, headed by chef Heberto Eljach, is the on-site restaurant located there. Within Colombia, Eljach found inspiration in the gourmet traditions passed down through generations, the rich biodiversity of the country, and, of course, his family, as he said to T+L.
A complementary breakfast is included with every stay. A fruit plate with regional and seasonal nibbles and a basket of breadsticks are brought to each table. A variety of drinks, including coffee, water, orange juice, and green juice, are available for guests to order. Additionally, there is a la carte breakfast fare that includes items like yogurt parfaits, acai bowls, and arepas. A waiter recommended the arepa with huevo y carne and that it was his go-to breakfast dish, whether he bought it from the hotel or a street vendor. So I ordered it. (He was absolutely correct; it was absolutely mouthwatering.)
The usage of local products, artisanal fishing, organic products from the Montes de Maria, Amazon, and other regions of Colombia, as well as ancient cooking techniques like curing, salting, fermenting, canning, smoking, and pickling are all part of Ánima's relationship with Colombian cuisine, according to Eljach. "Our culinary traditions are a means by which we can preserve our heritage, and every dish has a story to tell." Ceviche Eljach, according to the chef, is an absolute must-eat. Onions, pig rinds, roasted arepa, fish, octopus, shrimp, and native chili peppers make up the ingredients.
Another option, Alma, also created by Eljach, is to have dinner at Casa San Agustin. A lot of people think it's the greatest restaurant in town. (Actually, I had dinner at Alma during my 2019 personal trip to Cartagena; the restaurant's stellar reputation made it an absolute must.)
There is a notable difference between the two menus, with the exception of the presence of Ceviche Eljach. "The cuisine and products of the Colombian Caribbean and Pacific coasts inspire Alma's menu," the chef explained.
My favorite part of staying at Casa Pestagua was going to Acasi, a secluded beach in Barú that is reserved for visitors of Casa San Agustin and Casa Pestagua themselves. "For those looking to escape the noise, Acasi is the perfect place to unwind and experience the natural environment of the lush mangroves and beautiful white-sand beaches," said Chamorro. "We welcome up to 10 people per day and serve delicious Colombian-Caribbean cuisine."
We disembarked from our private boat after an hour of beautiful scenery and went through mangroves to a beautiful beach. Upon my arrival, I was offered a coconut-based beverage, nibbles, hammocks, and beach loungers. Unlike the busier beaches in the vicinity, this one was peaceful and quiet the whole day. The lunch menu consisted of shrimp ceviche, paella, chocolate cake, and salad.
Two different meal packages are available to guests: the regular day excursion and the VIP one. Transfers from the hotel to the dock, as well as a private speedboat and host, are part of both packages. Shrimp ceviche, fruit, and plantain chips are part of the regular package, whilst lobster empanadas and grilled octopus are part of the VIP one. The difference is in the food. Two people get the standard package for $600, with an additional $75 for extra adults and $35 for every child. Costing $620 for two adults plus $83 for each additional adult and $50 for each child, this is the VIP package.
Aurum Spa, located at Casa San Agustin, is available for guests of Casa Pestagua to schedule spa treatments. Chamorro stated that Aurum Spa stands out from other Cartagena spas due to its official Hammam room, which offers the service in the traditional Marrakesh manner.
After a long day of flying to Cartagena, I was able to relax and unwind with a full-body massage at the spa. They escorted me to the rest area after my treatment so I could gradually readjust to my surroundings.
Rafael Núñez International Airport (CTG) is only four miles away, making Casa Pestagua a short fifteen-minute drive away. Guests can have their airport transfers arranged by the hotel.
Located in the heart of Cartagena's old town, this apartment is within easy walking distance of most of the area's famous landmarks. For instance, you can reach Las Bóvedas in thirteen minutes on foot; the world-renowned Fernando Botero sculpture, which is located in Plaza de Santo Domingo, is only around the corner; and Santuario de San Pedro Claver is just four minutes away. (Pedro Claver was an abolitionist and missionary.) You may reach the trendy Getsmani district in about 10 minutes by vehicle or 20 minutes on foot.
Chamorro praised the hotel's convenient location near the heart of the city. "Not only because of the city's history and diversity, but also because of how easily navigable the area is — you will never be far from the property."
Visitors should be aware that most local streets and walkways are cobblestone, which could be difficult for anyone with limited mobility, even if the city is rather flat in terms of elevation.
Guests are encouraged to reuse linens and towels instead than obtaining a replacement every day at Casa Pestagua. Additionally, it collaborates with a recycling facility to recycle all plastic packaging, which it then donates to organizations that help sick children.
There has been an earnest attempt to preserve the private beach's natural state. What this implies is that mangroves were planted and, rather of pavement, a pathway leading to the beach was constructed from washed-up coral.
