Hotel Agua, Down Cartagena Way
My family took some time off last February to enjoy some much-needed time in the sunshine. Our destination was Cartagena de Indias, Colombia, which lies on the Caribbean coast. We stayed in the old, walled part of the city – a World Heritage Site. That means, the city has been preserved much as it has been, for 500 years. It was a spectacular trip.I thought I’d share some photos of our hotel, Agua. This is probably the nicest hotel I’ve ever stayed in. A private home was redesigned by the owner into an exquisite hotel with only 6 rooms. The staff were so kind and wonderful that I wanted to stay forever. I really felt like this was my home. Let’s take a peek.
Inside the entrance you’re welcomed by antique baskets and wooden bowls – and staff with cold cloths and lime-flavored water.
The living room (above) and the breakfast area (below) made up the public space. The perfect place to enjoy a cocktail before heading out to dinner. Need a dining suggestion? The staff knows just what you want and will make the reservations for you.
a
The breakfasts were so delicious, we’ve started eating in the same style now that we’re home. That means fresh, tropical fruit, eggs, bread and jam. I haven’t figured out how to make those wonderful tortilla things stuffed with cheese. On my “to-do” list.
Follow the jump to see the rooms and rooftop pool!
Other than the duplex (where the owner was staying) I think we had the best room in the house. That’s room number 5.
This is the wall opposite the bed. Fresh fruit was served every day and cold water brought up when we returned in the evening.
Every girl loves a nice selection of toiletries. Hotel Agua out-did the rest. Loofas, French soaps and lotions. Sigh.
From our balcony, we could see down onto the street life. After dark, there are no cars, save the taxis. You’re free to wander the lovely streets in peace and quiet.
This is the upstairs hall, looking into Room number 4 – the duplex. The library is part of the duplex and, if no one is staying there, it’s open for everyone’s use.
Here’s a better view of the library. We admired it, but were too busy to watch TV. We can do that back home! A quick tip: skip Room #4 – unless your children (like mine!) are staying there. It’s small and the window has no view.
The upstairs hall, looking the other way, led to the rooftop pool. Let’s go!
The pool may look small, but with only 6 rooms, you’ll feel like it belongs to only you.
This should be my Chair of the Day – every day. Here’s a little touch of detail that makes a hotel great. The staff provided huge towels (folded in the middle). They covered the lounge pad with the towel, as well as the pillows, so that everything smelled fresh (if you get my meaning). I don’t want to bathe in the sun with the thought lingering over who’s been there before.
Above the pool deck, there is another shaded with umbrellas. That’s the cathedral in the background.
In the middle of the week we splurged on a night at Agua Baru, another location on a Colombian off-island. Come back tomorrow for some photos of our stay there, as well as some snaps of Cartagena.
