CARTAGENA , COLOMBIA
SOFITEL LEGEND SANTA CLARA CARTAGENA
With its walls blending in with balconies and buildings that evoke the splendor of bygone eras , the Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Cartagena is a luxurious hotel bursting with history , grandeur , and impressive tales . Built in 1621 , the property was originally a convent before the Poor Clares were evicted in 1861 . It served as a charity hospital , prison , and medical school for over a century before becoming the hotel in 1995 with reinvented modern accommodations , exquisite cuisine and the perfect combination of age-old tradition and local hospitality .
Discover the magic of Cartagena , the historic walled city , made a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1984 . Situated in a bay in the Caribbean Sea , Cartagena has the most extensive defensive walls in South America with a system of zones dividing the city into three neighborhoods : San Pedro , with the cathedral and many Andalusian-style palaces ; San Diego , where merchants and the middle class live ; and Gethsemani , the ‘ popular quarter .’ All are highly recommended UNESCO sites . And while Cartagena isn ’ t known for its coffee plantations , it is home to some of the best cafes where you can try endless cups of coffee , indulging in the nuances of growing regions , roasting , and the ritual of enjoying one of the world ’ s most popular beverages .
Within the hotel , not to be missed sites include Hall Gabriel Garcia Marquez with tributes to his works ; The Crypt found during one of the excavations ; the swimming pool , which was once the Convent ’ s orchard ; and more . With lots to do in and around the hotel , it ’ s difficult to resist the charms of Cartagena and this impressive property .
Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Cartagena , Colombia
RESERV A TIONS spring 2023 • 69