Where to stay in Colombia

Practically synonymous with luxury hotels in Colombia, Casa San Agustín is the best place to stay in Cartagena and one of our top picks in the entire country. With just 30 rooms and suites, this boutique hotel occupies three 17th-century buildings boasting original frescoes, wooden ceiling beams and an ancient aqueduct that presides over the tiled swimming pool.

Need to know: Cartagena is warm all year round, but we suggest visiting from December to March when skies tend to be clearer – all the better to enjoy Casa San Agustín’s private beach and rooftop terrace.

From the outside, Elcielo Hotel looks deceptively simple… but as soon as you step inside, you’ll see why we think it’s the best place to stay in Medellín. Every detail has been carefully chosen, from the warm shade of the wood-panelled walls to the leafy plants brightening up every corner. Head to the roof to relax on a poolside sun lounger with stunning city views in the background.

Need to know: Elcielo’s renowned restaurant is led by the acclaimed chef Juan Manuel Barrientos, serving contemporary haute cuisine inspired by traditional Colombian foods and recipes.

The best place to stay in Bogotá isn’t a hotel at all, but a family-owned bed-and-breakfast. Casa Legado will make you feel right at home in the small and stylish neighbourhood of Quinta Camacho. Each of its 13 rooms – spread across two adjoining houses – has its own unique vibe, but you can expect clean, bright and colourful decor no matter which one you choose.

Need to know: Casa Legado offers a sunny courtyard, spa treatments and homemade breakfast – including freshly baked bread – as well as bikes and gourmet picnic baskets to aid your explorations of the capital.

For unparalleled privacy and a completely exclusive experience, book the exquisite Kasamar villa in the Tayrona region. This is the best place to stay near Tayrona National Park if you’re travelling with a group or family; there are four bedrooms, two swimming pools, a personal chef and ample outdoor areas with views of the nearby ocean and surrounding jungle.

Need to know: For animal lovers, one of the top reasons to visit Colombia is its incredible biodiversity. Tayrona alone is home to hundreds of species, making this the perfect place to combine world-class wildlife experiences with seaside relaxation.

The Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta is among the world’s tallest coastal mountain ranges, creating stunning contrasts between mountains and sea. It’s here that you’ll find Casa Oropéndola: a cosy lodge perched high in the cloud forests, perfect for those seeking immersive travel. With just four guest rooms, it offers the chance to disconnect and really immerse yourself in the remarkable environment.

Need to know: The best time to visit Colombia is generally the dry season from December to March, although this area also experiences a second dry season from June to August – either is ideal if you’re hoping to hike.

Traditional culture and modern comforts aren’t mutually exclusive, and Casa del Presidente proves it. This historic five-bedroom villa is set in the wonderfully authentic and welcoming town of Barichara, and was once the home of a former president (hence the name). It offers totally bespoke service with a dedicated host, private chef and custom wellness experiences. 

Need to know: If you’re headed to Colombia in June, make sure to add Barichara (and a stay at Casa del Presidente) to your itinerary. Although the weather will likely be rainy elsewhere, it’s a fantastic time to explore the highlands.

If you’re wondering where to stay in Colombia’s idyllic Islas del Rosario, Casa Letty should be at the top of your list. Located on the largest island, Isla Barú, this lavish beach house is perfect for families and friend groups. The enormous four-bedroom villa has its own private beach, infinity pool, speedboat and full staff including a host, chef, housekeepers and even a personal trainer.

Need to know: Casa Letty proudly puts sustainability front and centre; it runs entirely on solar energy and has its own composting, recycling, water filtration and rainwater collection systems.

Serene, sophisticated and strongly tied to the nature around it, Savanna Orinoquía Lodge is a genuine oasis in Casanare. Located near Los Llanos’ tropical grasslands, this unassuming lodge offers the choice between a comfortable suite (for three guests) or a much larger bungalow (for five guests), each of which has a private pool and extensive outdoor space.

Need to know: Thanks to its prime location on the banks of the Cravo Sur River, Savanna Orinoquía Lodge offers experiences like canoeing, fishing along and riverside campfires, along with nature walks, horse riding and birdwatching.

Undoubtedly one of the best places to stay in Colombia’s Coffee Triangle, Hacienda Bambusa is located on a working farm that cultivates cacao, ginger and tropical fruits. It’s the ideal spot to dive into the details of the region’s coffee and cacao production (trips can be organised to nearby plantations) and experience slow travel – at least for a few days.

Need to know: Travellers who want to sample the very best of Colombian cuisine will be thrilled by Hacienda Bambusa’s delicious tasting menus. If you’d like to recreate local specialties at home, you can also take a cooking lesson with the head chef.