A New Chapter for Historic Buildings
From railway stations to prisons, hoteliers around the world are transforming historic buildings into modern-day luxury. One of the latest projects is the Four Seasons Hotel and Residences Cartagena, which has repurposed a collection of historic structures, including a 16th-century San Francisco cloister, a former theatre, and the 1920s landmark Club Cartagena. Located in the Getsemaní neighbourhood of the Colombian city, the hotel offers easy access to the UNESCO-listed Walled City.
The 131-key hotel aims to capture the essence of Cartagena’s rich history and Caribbean charm. In addition to the hotel, there are also private residences designed by Rodriguez Valencia Arquitectos available for purchase.
Inside the Four Seasons Hotel
The design of the hotel was led by the late François Catroux, who was known as the “decorator of choice for aristocrats” by The New York Times. Of the 131 rooms, 27 are housed within heritage buildings, with Catroux ensuring that the architectural features that define the property’s Spanish colonial character are preserved.
Local artisans played a key role in the design, with sculptural plaster relief elements from Alejandro Hernández, in-room artworks from Miguel Cárdenas, and furniture and textiles from Poli Mallarino contributing to the unique aesthetic.
Guests can enjoy the two rooftop pools, which offer breathtaking views over the city, or book a treatment at the Umari Spa. Named after a plant associated with spiritual growth, the spa uses traditional Colombian botanicals and ingredients for its treatments.
Dining and Entertainment
The hotel is set to become a major food and drink destination in Cartagena, featuring eight bars and restaurants. These include The Grand Grill, a classic steakhouse; Pizzeria Della Chiesa; and El Patio del Limonar, a breakfast spot. Guests can also enjoy the country’s famous coffee at Café Rialto or sip cocktails at Bar Lelarge.
El Aljibe, named after the water cistern it replaces, is the city’s first speakeasy, while El Palmar is the perfect place for rooftop sundowners.
Getting to Cartagena
Travelers looking to reach Cartagena from Europe have several options. Direct flights are available with KLM from Amsterdam Schiphol and Plus Ultra from Madrid. Alternatively, passengers can fly via Miami or Colombia’s capital, Bogotá, which is served by airlines such as Air France, Iberia, and Lufthansa.
