The Art of Escape: Colombia’s Boutique Hotels & Culinary Soul

The Art of the Escape: Colombia

There’s something about Colombia that stays with you.

Maybe it’s the rhythm—the way music spills into the streets, or how the days stretch long and golden in the heat. Maybe it’s the wild beauty: cloud forests, Caribbean coves, colonial rooftops. Or maybe it’s something deeper, something quieter—a sense that life is lived fully, richly, with heart.

I felt it the first time I visited, and next week I’ll be heading back for my second journey through Colombia—this time with my brother, the ultimate foodie and seasoned restaurateur. We’re setting out to explore Medellín, Bogotá, Cartagena, and the Rosario Islands. While I’ll be scouting soulful boutique hotels and private villas that reflect the Blue Planet ethos, he’ll be savoring the flavors of the cities—from sizzling street food stalls to refined fine dining rooms that capture Colombia’s culinary soul.

In this post, I’m sharing why Colombia is trending, what makes it such a compelling destination for meaningful travel, and what to consider if you’re dreaming of an escape that blends color, culture, stillness, and soul. And when I return, I’ll be sharing stories, standouts, and a few off-the-map gems that may just become your next favorite hideaway.

Why Colombia Now? Colombia Boutique Hotels

Colombia is having a moment—and not just in the press. From travel designers to wellness experts, there’s a growing recognition that Colombia offers something rare: a destination where nature, culture, and creativity converge. International bookings are on the rise, especially to vibrant cities like Medellín and coastal jewels like Cartagena. And it’s easy to see why.

• Diverse landscapes – From rainforest and rivers to mountains and beaches, Colombia is wild and welcoming.
  

• Rich cultural heritage – Music, art, food, and architecture all pulse with energy and soul.
  

• Sustainability & transformation – Once overlooked, regions like the Magdalena River Valley and the Coffee Axis are emerging as leaders in regenerative, community-based tourism.
  

This isn’t just a trending destination. It’s an awakening. Colombia excels at boutique properties that feel like an extension of the place itself. These aren’t cookie-cutter hotels. They’re restored mansions, design-forward boutique hotels, and soulful eco-retreats. On this trip, I’ll be experiencing a few standouts firsthand—each one offering a different perspective on Colombia’s evolving hospitality story.

Medellín: I’ll be staying at The Click Clack Hotel Medellín, a bold, creative stay nestled in vibrant El Poblado. Known for its rooftop terrace, immersive art, and playful design, it’s the perfect base for exploring the city’s culinary scene—with my fun-loving brother leading the way fork-first. Whether we’re diving into street food at Mercado del Río or sipping cocktails with a view, this stay promises to reflect Medellín’s cultural energy with a twist of flair and fun.

Bogotá: My time in the capital will be grounded at the Four Seasons Hotel Casa Medina, a favorite and restored national monument that blends Spanish colonial charm with quiet sophistication. Wood-beamed ceilings, artisan details, and cozy fireplaces make it an ideal base for exploring Bogotá’s art districts and emerging culinary scene.

Cartagena & Rosario Islands: In Cartagena, I’ll be staying at Charleston Santa Teresa, a historic hotel housed in a 17th-century convent overlooking the sea. Its rooftop pool, tranquil courtyard, and elevated Caribbean cuisine reflect the layered elegance of the city itself. From there, I’ll travel to Hotel Las Islas in the Rosario Islands—where treehouses and overwater bungalows sit lightly among mangroves and turquoise water. It’s barefoot luxury at its most regenerative.

When to Visit

• Dry season: December through March (ideal for Cartagena and the islands)

• Green season: April to June and October to November (lush, fewer crowds)

• Festivals: Cartagena Film Festival (April), Barranquilla Carnival (February), Feria de las Flores in Medellín (August)
  

Each season has its charm, and the right time to go depends on your rhythm.

Planning with Intention

Booking a boutique hotel in Colombia isn’t about picking the prettiest property online. It’s about knowing who to trust, what neighborhood suits your pace, and which details create ease instead of friction. From private transfers to day sails in the Rosario Islands or walking tours led by historians, I handle it all—with presence, care, and a deep respect for place.

Stay Tuned: Field Notes from My Second Visit

I’ll be on the ground next week—walking Medellín’s art-filled barrios, experiencing Bogotá’s creative pulse, exploring the bougainvillea-lined streets of Cartagena, and sailing through the Rosario Islands in search of that warm, turquoise hush.

This is my second visit to Colombia, but in many ways, it feels like the beginning of something deeper. I’ll return with firsthand insights on boutique hotels and experiences that align with the way many of us are choosing to travel now: with curiosity, care, and connection. My brother will be diving fork-first into Colombia’s food scene, and I’ll be sure to share the best meals, flavors, and culinary surprises we uncover.

If Colombia is calling you too, let’s talk. I’d love to help you experience it in a way that feels truly yours.

Molly McMillen Founder, Blue Planet Pro | Luxury Villa & Travel Specialist