Cartagena, Colombia. March 7, 2017
40 - 1
We set foot for the first time in our lives in South America for a three-day visit in Cartagena, Columbia. Isabelle and I are celebrating of our 39th anniversary.
High Five!
We stayed at the Casa Pestagua, a charming Relais & Chateaux hotel located in the center of the old fortified city. Claude Pimont and his son, Pierre, are wonderful hosts and make you feel at home as soon as you enter this beautiful mansion. It is said that Casa Pestagua is the most beautiful house in Cartagena. Painted ceilings, carved stone windows, courtyards and royal palms... this Moorish-inspired colonial palace was built in the eighteenth century, in time of splendour for the city and Spanish galleons laden with gold and precious stones. We definitely recommend this wonderful hotel with its great service, perfect location and very attractive value/price offering.
The first part of this mansion was built in 1650; it was finished in 1750 by Don Andres de Madariaga y Morales.
The Count of Pestagua was rich, influential and one of the “illustrated” characters in the city. The Count was the Mayor of Cartagena appointed by the King. He was awarded by royal decree the title of Count of Pestagua in 1769.
Only a two-hour flight from Miami, Cartagena is the perfect destination for a weekend escape in South America. Two to three days is the right amount of time you really need to discover this charming city, wondering around the colorful streets, surrounded by rich colonial architecture and enjoy the many great restaurants such as Don Juan, Amadeus, Cuzco, la Cocina de Pepina, Santa Clara, and la Vitrola.
Isabelle enjoyed the many nice stores and the famous local handbags, the Mochilas.
You get a great view over the entire city (old and new) from the Convent de la Popa.
Getsemani is a fun district in the old city to visit. Cartagena's hipster area with cool bistros and many murals and colorful street art.
We truly enjoyed this well deserved romantic weekend. 39 years + together is quite of an achievement (for Isabelle of course!) but who's counting?
