Best hotels in Colombia

Nestled within Cartagena's ancient, cobblestoned walled city, the Casa San Augustin is a boutique hotel with a fascinating history. Every space celebrates the original design, like the wooden beamed ceilings or the library's glorious frescoes. The hotel is actually three houses in one, connected by a 17th-century aqueduct (complete with original stone gargoyles), which stands grandly above the central pool. And if you're left wondering what that lovely aroma is, it's Casa San Augustin's exclusive perfume, which is sprayed in every room. When you're ready to do some exploring, hop on one of the waiting bicycles and take a meandering ride through the city's quaint streets.

Nestled in the heart of Medellín, this chic boutique hotel offers a seamless blend of modern luxury and Colombian flair. Boasting a rooftop pool with breathtaking cityscape vistas, an acclaimed restaurant helmed by a celebrity chef, and stylish, contemporary rooms, this haven is perfect for both relaxation and indulgence. The hotel’s prime location in the vibrant El Poblado district makes it an ideal base for exploring the city’s cultural hotspots and nightlife, ensuring an unforgettable stay in the City of Eternal Spring.

Set in a rather unassuming building in Bogota's well-heeled Zona Rosa, this iteration of the Four Seasons is set apart by its size and sensibilities. However, there's nothing unexpected about its outstanding quality of service. The staff are very happy to recommend the must-see spots in Bogota, including the Zona Rosa's eateries and glamorous bars - although, you'll definitely want to spend an evening or two at the in-house restaurant, helmed by one of the most prominent chefs in Colombia. The rooms are swish and sophisticated suites complete with high-thread-count Egyptian cotton sheets and light-filled living rooms.

Completely immersed in the wild world of La Serrania de la Macarena, where monkeys chatter and birds fill the air with song, La Manigua is an eco-lodge through and through. Built sustainably with local materials, the entire lodge is solar-powered and a mere 10-minute boat ride away is the Cano Cristales Nature Reserve, where its namesake river runs in shades of red, yellow and green (the very photogenic result of an aquatic plant). There's plenty to do while you're here too, including epic hikes and horseback rides through the forest. The team is wonderfully attentive and will have you quickly feeling like family.

Having inspired the makers of Disney's Encanto, Barichara is a magical little spot hidden deep in the Colombian Andes where charming streets lined with terracotta-topped buildings take visitors on a journey through time. Partially built in the 1800s, Casa Yahri sits on a series of terraces overlooking the town and the acres of lush forest and mountains beyond. The atmosphere is relaxed and casual, and with just four rooms, it's wonderfully intimate. Spend all day meandering through the town or hiking into the scenic surrounds, then return for a dip in the huge swimming pool.

A 30-minute speedboat ride away from the shores of Cartagena, Blue Apple Beach is equal parts a Mediterranean beach club and a boutique hotel. Occupying a prime seaside location on the southern end of Tierra Bomba Island, it's an idyllic, sun-kissed escape from the city's hustle and bustle - and one that also has a passion for the environment. The hotel is 100% solar-powered and all ingredients used in the restaurant are ethically-sourced. Inside, the beach cabana rooms are bohemian and breezy, each with its own plunge pool, perfect for relaxing beside after a day of exploring the island. The service is exceptional and harnesses a real sense of community.

On the northern coast of Colombia, there's a secret, serene corner where the river meets the ocean and it's right here that you'll find the Villa Playa Tayrona. Just five minutes away from the entrance to Tayrona National Park, the seaside escape has the best of all worlds. We're talking a private stretch of Caribbean shore, epic hikes into the forest and river adventures — and much more! This is the kind of place where you can be as active or idle as you like, the latter of which takes the form of a hammock swaying gently beneath the palms.

Down streets lined with white-washed buildings and draped in bougainvillea, you'll find Casa Terra. Built in a traditional Spanish style, the casa enjoys views of cactus- and flower-filled gardens and the surrounding grassy hills. The rooms are authentic and stylish, filled with beautifully-patterned fabrics and Colombian artwork. There are bicycles ready and waiting for explorations throughout the town of Villa de Leyva, whether you fancy eyeballing intricate churches in the largest downtown plaza in Colombia, or exploring one of the many museums. This is the kind of place where time slows to a gentle pace and it's worth taking the time to really soak up the atmosphere.

Separated from the real world by acres of luscious rainforest, Morromico Lodge is the seaside hideaway you've been dreaming of. To reach it, you'll zoom up Colombia's Pacific Coast in a speedboat and find yourself in a world that few humans ever enter. The lodge has a limit of 10 guests at a time and, as a family-run spot, your visit will be wonderfully personalised. Each day will take form as you choose, whether you that's lolling in a hammock for hours, trekking through the bird-filled Utria National Park, or snorkelling with every manner of creature in the indigo water.

Overlooking the serene Cocora Valley, the Casa en las Nubes (or the 'house in the clouds') perfectly captures the beauty of Colombia's lush coffee region. This is the kind of place to escape everyday life and discover a slower pace, spending your time soaking up the view, sipping the world's finest coffee, and hiking into the hills. A completely exclusive house-turned-hotel, La Casa en las Nubes has all the elements you need for a hideaway including a dedicated team and plenty of space to really stretch out and bask in the scenery.

Surrounded by the central Andes Mountains, lush farmland and acres of its own, Hacienda Bambusa is a tucked-away gem in Colombia's land of coffee. You'll be warmly received by the team and the hacienda will quickly feel like home, with a few welcome additions like indulgent chocolate therapy at the spa. Each morning you'll wake to the sound of chirruping birdlife before getting comfortable beside the pool or enjoying some of the fantastic on-site activities. There's everything from mountain biking to the hacienda's specialty, cacao tasting. And hey, how often do you get to stay in the estate that inspired La Casita Madrigal from Encanto?

There's no shortage of charm in Mompox, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the banks of the Magdalena River, the longest in Colombia. On arrival, you might suspect that you've somehow travelled back in time and certainly, not much has changed since Spanish rule. A well-preserved colonial home, El Bioma fits right into Mompox's aesthetic and makes for a delightful home-away-from-home in the centre of town. It is also ideally located to explore the sights on foot and the hotel offers a number of different tours, ranging from the famous filigree jewellery to delicious local cuisine.

With a coveted position on the illustrious Plaza San Diego, Sofitel Legend Santa Clara began its life as a convent in 1621. The remarkable history is evident throughout the hotel from the sweeping entrance with original 17th-century beams to the crypts now used as venues for private events. In fact, the story of one of them inspired the work of author, Gabriel García Márquez. The rooms are separated between the original and Republican areas and showcase striking artwork by names like Fernando Botero and Olga de Amaral. You'll also be in strolling distance of grand, historical structures including the Palace of the Inquisition and Cartagena's famous walls.

Nestled in the heart of Medellín's upscale El Poblado district, this elegant hotel offers a sophisticated retreat amid the city's dynamic pulse. Renowned for its classic charm, it features spacious suites, gourmet dining, and personalised service. Choose to unwind in the lush gardens, enjoy a cocktail at the stylish bar, or explore nearby attractions, from bustling markets to art galleries. With its prime location and an array of amenities, this hotel promises a delightful stay in the City of Eternal Spring.

Refined and full of beautifully-curated details, the Sofitel Victoria Regia holds pride of place in Bogotá's upmarket Chico neighbourhood. Designed by architect Miguel Soto, the hotel takes a French aesthetic and sense of art-de-vivre and combines it with contemporary Colombian design. If you stay for a few days, you might catch the constantly rotating artwork, which celebrates the work of local creators. The hotel is in a fantastic position to explore the history of the city, from the enthralling Gold Museum to the bustling Plaza de Bolivar. On your return, a fabulous afternoon tea or massage awaits...

After arriving at Leticia, the meeting place of Colombia, Brazil and Peru, you'll spend the next few hours winding down the Amazon's waterways until you reach Calanoa Lodge. The brainchild of Marlene and Diego Samper, the lodge goes beyond simply being accommodation and functions as a space to discover how creativity and nature intertwine. You'll have the chance to experiment through a variety of mediums including music, photography and art. The lodge is also deeply involved in the community and advocates for sustainable tourism through many of the activities – local guides lead you on informative walks through the forest and you'll have the chance to visit a nearby school.

In the northern reaches of Colombia, Barichara is a picturesque medley of cobblestones and white-washed walls, painted shutters and creeping bougainvillea. Not far from the pretty main plaza, Casa Miajara was built in harmony with the city's aesthetic, with a specific focus on using recycled materials and techniques typical of the region. Surrounded by beautiful flowering gardens, the Casa is a calming oasis where days are best spent soaking up the views of Barichara's magnificent cathedral and the Yariguies Mountains.

Hop aboard a speedboat in Cartagena and race across the bay towards Las Islas, a corner of paradise to call home for a few days. On arrival, a waiting golf cart will whisk you through the trees and wild orchids to your bungalow amongst the canopy. You'll have ample opportunity to explore the island on e-bikes or navigate the mangroves in a glass-bottomed kayak, eyes peeled for flocks of flamingos. On your return, order a fruity cocktail at the Clubhouse, and soak up the 360-degree views, the sound of waves lapping the white-sand shores and a gentle breeze ruffling the lush greenery...

Set amongst the palms on a stretch of powder-fine sand, Cayena is a laidback getaway on the Caribbean Coast. Spend your days enjoying massages as butterflies float just metres away, go for long, lingering strolls on the beach (meander down the coast to other sunspots a little further away), or venture into the nearby Tayrona National Park to explore its trails. The hotel has a breezy, tropical feel with a 22-metre-long pool at the centre – the perfect place to spend many happy hours with something chilled in hand.

A scenic cable car ride transports you to this eco-lodge, high in the mountains of the Colombian coffee triangle, and an entirely different world. Tranquillity is the word of every day at El Nido del Condor – meaning 'the nest of the condor' in the local language – and below it, you'll spy one of the last Andean condor nests in the country. A family-run spot, El Nido del Condor was designed to share this beautiful place with guests in the most eco-friendly way, and the hotel is entirely solar powered and harvests organic ingredients from the garden to use in meals.

Along a tranquil stretch of the shimmering Magdalena River, Mompox is said to be like a microcosm of Colombia where natural beauty and a deep sense of history co-exist. Sitting just off the ancient Santa Barbara Plaza in the heart of town, San Rafael is a beautifully-restored hotel that dates back to the 17th century. The design places an emphasis on authenticity, with plenty of gorgeous period furnishings and classic architecture. When you're not enjoying snoozes beside the pool, there's all sorts to get up to in Mompox from exploring the many tree-shaded plazas to incredible birdwatching in the surrounding wetlands.

The former home of the Count of Pestagua, this casa is often referred to as the most beautiful house in Cartagena. And once you clap eyes on it, you're sure to agree. An 18th-century, Moorish-inspired mansion, it's a vision in white with grand archways, courtyards watched over by royal palms and beamed ceilings. The hotel also boasts an impressive location in the walled city of Cartagena de Indias and has splendid views over the cobbled streets and yolk-yellow buildings. You'll have plenty of opportunity to explore, whether you fancy shopping for handicrafts at the market or delving into the city's history at one of the many museums.

From the moment you clap eyes on it, Click Clack is an enigma. The exterior is a matte-black melange of boxes and girders (the work of Plan:b Architects), which is in complete contrast to the eclectic playground that waits inside – a slide accompanies most staircases! From the vertical gardens to the Paisa artwork scattered throughout, every detail has been carefully curated and the hotel has a highly distinctive look. This superior quality doesn't end at aesthetics either, and there are a number of eateries each serving stand-out dishes for a multi-sensory gastronomic experience.

Surrounded by the colourful, lively streets of Bogotá, the Casa Legado is hidden away in a world of its own – but one that's no less colourful. Completely re-imagined by owner, Helena Davila, it's a mid-century house with a beautiful courtyard garden draped in climbing ivy. There are plenty of living areas decorated in thick, vivid rugs and eye-catching knick knacks, and you'll find a crackling fireplace too. Every moment at the Casa Legado feels like spending time in a friend's beautiful home, from the well-stocked, always-open kitchen to the rooms, which are individually designed and named after members of Helena's family.

Settled alongside a turquoise cove on the north coast of Isla Baru, the Sofitel is Cartagena's answer to a seaside escape. After meandering past the glitzy Bocagrande district by boat and arriving back on land, you'll be whisked off in an electric golf cart to your room, all of which can be found in one of 10 towers. Each tower is named after a bird found in Isla Baru and they all have beautiful views of the Caribbean beyond. And whilst you could spend all day swinging in a hammock on the powder-white sand, the hotel offers catamaran cruises and mountain bike tours too.

A place designed to live transforming experiences. Located just 30 minutes from El Eden airport in Armenia and 45 minutes from Pereira Matecaña airport, it is an ideal point to visit the charming towns of Quindío like Salento (20 min), Filandia (15 min) and Valle del Cocora (35 min) declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Built on the site of a 16th-century home in the centre of the ancient city, the Bastion combines the essence of history with the vision of contemporary Cartagena. Hand-carved in Guayacan wood, the ceilings display delicate craftsmanship and the rooms have a real vintage elegance to them. You couldn't be in a better position for exploring the old town and its finest architecture, including the beautiful Santa Catalina de Alejandria Cathedral. Then again, you might prefer to delve into modern Cartagena at one of the trendy bars or salsa spots. The Bastion offers the best of both worlds...

Set in the centre of the buzzing but leafy neighbourhood of EL Poblado Provenza, the Hotel Patio del Mundo is a set of two carefully-renovated houses surrounded by gardens brimming with colour. A blend of Colombian and French style, the hotel is filled with items collected on the owners' travels and each of the rooms are named after a place they've visited. While the busyness of the city seems to just fall away in this charming location, you're still an easy taxi ride away from the major attractions of Medellin, including the iconic Botero Plaza and the street art hub of Comuna 13.

Bogotá's vivacious energy and fascinating history is revealed from this beautifully-designed mansion, declared an official Monument of Cultural Interest in a city full of amazing landmarks. The original home was built by Santiago Medina Mejia in the 1940s, a heritage that is very much present throughout the hotel, mixed with a elements of contemporary, eclectic style too. The Casa Medina is just off one of the busiest streets in Bogotá's 'gourmet zone', meaning there is a multitude of fine restaurants and bars in striking distance, while the Old Town is just a 20-minute drive away.