Anandá Hotel Boutique

High-end luxury hotel in the heart of the old town of cartagena

Housed in a 17th century colonial building with plenty of character and charm, if you prefer a small boutique hotel, the Anandá is a great choice. Located in the center of the old part of Cartagena, a small pool and secluded courtyard will provide a nice escape from the hot Cartagena days.

From $280/night

Casa de Indias

Private Home rental, owned and designed by Lina Botero 

One of the most beautiful private homes in Cartagena, owned, designed and decorated by Lina Botero, daughter of the Colombian artist Fernando Botero. A gem of a house that sleeps up to 16 guests with excellent service, the renovated colonial architecture awash in vibrant colors with a magnificent center courtyard, provides a haven from the bustling streets just outside the magnificent front door. There is a special rooftop with a jacuzzi…perfect for a sundown drink overlooking the gorgeous old town of Cartagena.

For inquiries about rental, please contact contact@casadeindiascartagena.com

Casa La Merced

Casa La Merced is a beautifully renovated old colonial home with a contemporary twist. The house has 9 rooms.

Hotel Las Islas Barú

Located just 45 minutes from Cartagena by car or boat, Hotel Las Islas is a sophisticated, environmentally conscious retreat, with luxurious accommodations and exceptional amenities. Settle into your bungalow built into treetops, with views of the sea or of the neighboring Parque Nacional Natural Corales del Rosario y de San Bernardo. The restaurants and bars serve locally sourced food, supporting local communities.

From $460/night

Santa Clara

This maginificent hotel is located in a convent that has been beautifully transformed into a top notch, high-end luxury hotel. From the moment you step into the sweeping entrance and stunning courtyard, you know you are in for a treat. If you don’t make it out boating one day, the Santa Clara has a beautiful pool where you can escape the midday intense heat of Cartagena.

From $800/night

Santa Teresa

The CHARLESTON Santa Teresa is one of the two most important hotels in the old part of Cartagena, the other is the Santa Clara. Once a convent, a magnificent transformation turned it into a top-notch hotel with beautiful views of the historic fortress wall.

From $280/night

DON JUAN

Don Juan and its sister restaurant Maria are two of the most popular restaurants in Cartagena. They are very attractive, and serve excellent Mediterranean/Latin cuisine, must book well in advance.

La vitrola

This a must, famous for its excellent Cuban cuisine and colonial “Havana-like” atmosphere, with excellent live music most nights, you may even find yourselves wanting to repeat during your Cartagena visit. Must book well in advance.

Restaurante María

Maria and its sister restaurant Don Juan are two of the most popular restaurants in Cartagena. They are beautiful and serve excellent Mediterranean/Latin cuisine, must book well in advance.

Boating in Cartagena

 Something about the PLACE 

Cartagena has a rich 500 year history, but sadly was left to disrepair, until some decades ago the abandoned homes were bought with the idea to restore them to their original glory. Today Cartagena is the most picturesque restored colonial town of South America, filled with fabulous restaurants, bars and shops.

Get lost in Cartagena’s charming narrow streets, where music, food and vibrant colors will sweep you away. As the heat in the old town is quite unbearable at midday, getting out of Cartagena on a boat every day is important, but we do have to warn you it takes some work.

Your hotel concierge or staff in your home rental can help put you in touch with boat rentals, you can rent by the day or for a longer period if interested. There are not that many lunch spots in ‘Las Islas’ (how the locals refer to the boating area), so often taking a picnic is your best option. Your hotel or home should be able to arrange this.

You need a good hour to get to beautiful clear water, but closer by, around Punta Grande, you can also enjoy a nice swim, when you are more pressed for time. A very important tip to remember is that every afternoon after 3:00pm or so the seas get rougher, and they get rougher and rougher as the afternoon progresses. It is advisable to avoid pulling into the bay any later than 4:30/5:00pm, once you are in the bay the waters will be calm. But of course, your captain knows this.

See Roaming Stones Map for locations!

Islas del Rosario

Beautiful Caribbean-like turquoise water awaits you here, one of the best spots to head to by boat for a day of swimming and relaxing.

Isla Arena

Anchoring around this small island for a swim is well worth the trip, beautiful white sand beach and crystal-clear water will keep you in the water for hours.

Punta Grande

If you are a little pressed for time, and are longing for a swim, Punta Grande, just outside the bay of Cartagena, will do the job.

Hotel Agua Azul

There is a nice spot to anchor and swim in front of this rustic hotel at the tip of Barú, in the past we have enjoyed a simple fried fish under a palm tree served by the hotel. Roaming Stones is recommending this as a boating destination, not as a hotel to stay at.

Cholón

A unique spot at the tip of Barú, where many boats also head to spend the day. Cholón is a ciénaga, a marshy wetland, with fresh water, where you can swim and enjoy your picnic. Often many boats tie up together and groove for the day. Think day party on boats.

Hotel Las Islas Barú

After swimming in Las Islas del Rosario or in Isla Arena, head to this eco resort with rooms hanging in the trees for an excellent lunch buffet, the best lunch spot in the area. SEE Stay

Blue Apple Beach House

Just outside the bay of Cartagena, on Tierra Bomba, the Blue Apple is one of the few spots in the area for a relaxed restaurant lunch. Not recommended to spend anytime swimming in front, but lunch here is perfect to break up the picnic lunches.

Alquímico

A stay in Cartagena is not complete without a visit before or after dinner to this striking multi-story bar in the heart of the old town. Special rum infusion drinks are popular on the menu, excellent DJs and often live music will move your hips, and on the rooftop the MULBERRY PROJECT (a pop-up bar from NY) is often in residence.

In 2022, it was nominated The Best Bar in South America 2022 as part of the World’s 50 Best Bars.

Café del mar

Located on the historic walls of Cartagena, this is the destination to watch the sunset while sipping a refreshing cocktail. You can’t miss this experience, and we think you will probably want to repeat it throughout your stay!

Café Havana

The ultimate big-band salsa bar where you can dance the night away sipping delish Cuban cocktail.

El Baluarte

Located on the historic walls of Cartagena in front of Hotel Santa Teresa, this bar is a special spot for sunset drinks, providing a similar vibe to the better-known Café del Mar just down the wall. Both these spots are magical.

Casa Chiqui

The mastermind behind this amazing store is Colombian personality Chiqui de Echavarria, who has curated an extraordinary, varied collection of special items from her extensive travels around the world. From jewelry and fashion to home and lifestyle, you can get lost in this casbah for hours! Look out for her unique mochila handbags, you will have a tough time choosing one, and may walk off with several!

Silvia Tcherassi

Silvia Tcherassi has become one of the most well-known Colombian fashion designers. In her shop, you will find beautiful colorful dresses, blouses, pants and accessories.

St. Dom

Founded by Alex Srour and Maya Memovic in 2014, St DOM is a carefully curated art and design space that is dedicated to promoting the best of Latin design. The owners of this attractive concept store have curated a wonderful collection of fashion, accessories, handicrafts and jewelry, focusing on Colombian and South American designers.