Cartagena & Barú

Color, Calm & Caribbean Vibes

We started in Cartagena, hot, fabulous, and full of stories. A walled city where bougainvillea spills from balconies, the past lingers in every plaza, and music drifts out of doorways well into the night. From Getsemaní’s murals and street performers to the quiet grace of colonial churches, Cartagena is a place that rewards wandering. Fruit-sellers call out, cobblestones gleam in the heat, and somewhere nearby, someone’s always dancing. History and heat compete for your attention, and both win.

We stayed at Casa San Agustín, tucked inside the walled city and full of quiet, colonial charm. Think leafy courtyards, original frescoes, a glowing little pool, and a breakfast that became a ritual. Alma, the hotel restaurant, serves strong coffee and very good coconut lemonade (though it really was delicious everywhere (shoutout to Buena Vida). I did what I always do: soaked it up and quietly scouted. Their sister property, Casa Pestagua, is also worth a peek, moodier, romantic, and equally rooted in Cartagena’s story. And for those who like luxury and like to plan ahead: Four Seasons is opening soon, in a prime spot.

We wandered, sweated, and tasted our way through the city. Street food (pandebono, corozo juice, arepas). Juices in every color, fruits I’d never heard of, and limeade made with tiny limes, it was a flavor parade. A private walking tour layered with pirate history and independence pride. And yes, I said yes to a photo with the Palenqueras, the women in fruit-topped dresses who represent something much deeper than a tourist snapshot. It felt human, not staged.

Then we escaped, by catamaran, to Barú.

Before we left Cartagena, we squeezed in rooftop cocktails at Alquímico (go early or expect a line and a few checkpoints). We also had a fun, over-the-top night at Andrés Carne de Res, loud, chaotic, and completely worth it.

Not technically an island, but it plays the part beautifully. We arrived salty and sun-kissed at Sofitel Barú Calablanca, a modern, breezy resort with multiple pools, big views, and enough space for our crew to spread out and actually relax. Our room had a jacuzzi, the boys had calzone-making and beach soccer, and I had a hammock and no agenda. The minibar on the water, only reachable by boat, was as fun as it sounds, and beach food trucks delivered casual lunches with a side of sand.

We took a coffee class (serious for about 90 seconds), made calzones, floated in the sea, and snorkeled over Pablo Escobar's old drug plane (still surreal). A boat day to the Rosario Islands brought turquoise water, giant crabs, cold drinks in pineapples, and a floating bar that required a boat to reach, a highlight. So was the bioluminescent plankton tour, even if the photos didn’t turn out. Trust me: it sparkled.

Barú was slower, softer. Cartagena was vivid and alive. Together, they made a perfect pairing.

I only wish we’d had more time. Colombia surprised me in the best ways, and I already know I’ll be back.

If you're wondering about timing: it's year-round summer here. The high season runs during our winter, but we were there in July and it was absolutely lovely, sunny, breezy, and not too crowded.

If you're thinking of going, or just curious about how to do it well, romantic, family-style, or something in between, I’d love to help. I work closely with the hotels we stayed at (and scouted), and my clients receive exclusive perks like upgrades, resort credits, and curated experiences. I also have far more insider intel than I could fit here, and I’m happy to connect you with some incredible hidden gems

Let's make it personal. Let's make it unforgettable. From the first idea to the final goodbye, I’ll help you make the most of it.

[Reach out here → Let’s Chat]