San Rafael

Surrounded on every side by terracotta-roofed buildings, San Rafael fits right into the topography of Mompox. Originally a classically built home, the hotel is set in lush gardens with a pool at its heart. Communal spaces feature white-washed walls, high ceilings and 'barn door' shutters, as well as a variety of knick knacks collected over the years. Most meals are served on the veranda overlooking the pool and incorporate fresh, local ingredients. You'll also find a library, stocked with plenty of interesting finds.

San Rafael has just 10 rooms, all simply but effectively furnished with King-size (some four-poster) beds, TVs and ceiling fans, as well as a well-appointed en-suite bathrooms with bath tubs, showers and double vanities. The Master Suites are the most spacious and have small sitting rooms as well as direct access to the rooftop terrace. Most rooms open onto a central courtyard, brimming with potted ferns and various greenery, making for a lovely oasis right outside your door.

San Rafael is particularly well placed in Mompox and a great spot from which to take in the aged Spanish architecture of one of colonial Colombia's key ports. The city is known for its many churches including Santa Barbara, San Francisco and San Augustin – all definitely worth a wander – as well as its stunning filigree jewellery workshops where every piece is still made by hand. This region is also an integral part of Colombia's Depresion Momposina wetlands so scenic boat trips and bird watching are definitely on the agenda.