This Colombia Boutique Hotel Will Blow You Away

The old town district of Cartagena de Indias on Colombia’s Caribbean coast is steeped in history. Its colonnaded plazas and opulent mansion-houses speak to the grandeur of Spanish Colonial power, just as its oppressive, cobbled warrens and foreboding Palace of the Inquisition linger as a reminder of the old Empire’s brutality.

These days, the El Centro district in Cartagena is littered with boutique stores and hotels and its streets are flooded with tourists looking to soak up the colourful Caribbean charm of Colombia’s most visited city and very own UNESCO world heritage site. Among the countless hotels and honey-coated tourist traps, one establishment stands out as a faithful steward of its rich history and a graceful purveyor of warm, authentic luxury: Casa San Agustín. Keep scrolling for a look at what’s on offer at this charming boutique hotel and come along for a virtual tour within its hallowed and historic walls.

About Casa San Agustín

Casa San Agustín is a boutique hotel in the heart of El Centro’s “Walled City”. The hotel occupies a trio of authentically restored 17th Century Spanish-colonial townhouses, complete with earthen clay roof tiles, generous open terraces and leafy private courtyards. Its smooth rendered walls are accented with playful bursts of bougainvillaea and its rustic wooden eaves and balconies are enlivened with the lush tropical foliage of palms and creeper vines.

Image: Casa San Agustin

The interior of the hotel is similarly a showcase of history, with authentic wrought-iron furnishings, glazed terracotta tiles and exposed original timber rafters. Cleverly placed feature lights draw attention to the historic features of the casa while its modern comforts—air-con units, wine fridges and in-house speakers—blend seamlessly into the scenery.

Accommodation Options

Deluxe

Casa San Agustín is an intimate boutique hotel, with just twenty guestrooms and ten private suites spread among its three buildings. The Deluxe rooms are the most modest offering among these and are impressively appointed and intimate. The rooms are dominated by a stately king bed, draped in crisp, fine linens made by luxury Italian textile company, Frette. Rich timber dressers and side-tables adorned with rough iron-detailing give the deluxe rooms a rustic and homely feel, while their whitewashed walls cast the daylight from generous windows throughout the space. Perfect for an overnight stay or brief visit.

Junior Suite

The Junior Suites are a step up in size and comfort, featuring a studio-style living space adjoining the bed area. These suites are equipped with a sumptuous sofa, a duo of plush armchairs surrounding a coffee table, as well as a drawing desk and armoire. Perfect for daytime entertaining and longer stays, the Junior is the ideal home-base for travelling couples to explore and make the most of the historic city of Cartagena.

Suite Del Virrey

Suite Del Virrey is the largest and most luxurious space on offer, and it seamlessly combines the luxury and service of a boutique hotel with all the comforts and privacy of home. Its two rooms are adorned with a king bed and ensuite, and the adjoining loft-ceiling living room is spacious and comfortably equipped for gathering. This stately suite expresses the very pinnacle of colonial excess, with a private rooftop patio that boasts commanding views of the city as well as a generous jacuzzi. Luxurious, roomy and exquisitely appointed, the Suite Del Virrey will make any guests feel like the governor and governess of this gorgeous Caribbean paradise.

Restaurant and Spa at Hotel Casa San Agustin

In addition to its authentic and luxurious accommodations, Casa San Agustín features world-class services in the Alma restaurant and Aurum spa. These in-house establishments complete the luxury offering in this iconic destination.

Alma’s menu sets out to combine authentic Caribbean-colonial flavours and contemporary flair, expressing the vibrancy of the sea as much as the bounty of the jungle. The Ceviche Coco Woods encapsulates this mission perfectly, featuring fresh fish marinated in lemon and coconut milk, garnished with plantain chips and coconut foam. The Palenquera San Agustín pays homage to the exotic setting of the restaurant, foregrounding the Colombian staples guava, passion fruit and tamarillo served as a colourful casabe-style dessert.

After a lazy lunch, luxuriate under expert hands in the indulgent Spa Aurum. Named after the Latin word for gold, Aurum seeks to purify the body and invigorate the soul with the vital essence of the Sun-in-Earth that gold represents. Aurum’s treatments include therapeutic deep tissue massage and reflexology that ease the weariness of travel while relaxing herbal massage engages the senses and grounds the mind, using the very best organic treatment products.

Casa San Agustín is the beating heart of El Centro, Cartagena, and is an absolute must-try for any visitors to the old city. With respectful deference to its colonial history and an impressive commitment to contemporary luxury and comfort, this gorgeous boutique hotel provides an unforgettable experience. Be sure to check out Casa San Agustín’s website to browse its impressive list of accommodations and services in more detail. You’ll surely fall in love with this slice of Caribbean heaven as much as I have!

Day dreaming about travelling? Check out this luxury ranch in Big Sur, California.

Featured