cartagena

As Curated by Voyager Voice, Johanna Ortiz

I’ve had my house in Cartagena for over 15 years and of the places I call home, this is one of my favorites. There is something about it as a city, that makes you dream. Perhaps it’s Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s magic realism. The winner of the Nobel Prize once said that he was ‘reborn after visiting Cartagena for the first time’. All the original houses in the Old City of Cartagena have impressive Spanish Colonial architecture …they are simply magical & surreal. The style is characterized by a simple colored façade, a central courtyard with a pool, very high ceilings and a barrel vault. My husband and I wanted a special tropical escape where we could enjoy summer all year long, where the kids could have fun at the pool and be immersed in the Caribbean. But it’s so much more: there is beauty and history everywhere in the city. It is the place where we spend our Christmas Holidays, where we host dinners with special guests and old friends... So many memories that spark joy have been created in this beautiful city.

WHERE TO STAY...

Originally built as a convent, the Sofitel Santa Clara is a legendary landmark in the heart of Cartagena's walled city, a mix of colonial and republican-style architecture. It combines the allure of history with Colombian hospitality and the art of French savoir-faire.

Also in the city center, there’s Bastion Luxury Hotel, a beautiful colonial house from the XV century that combines art and modern architecture and a great view of the historic city center.

Last but not least, Casa San Agustin is a smaller luxury boutique hotel, composed of three colonial homes that were renovated and restored to create a curated and sophisticated ‘home away from home’ hotel.

WHere to eat…

A Cartagena Classic: La Vitrola – The place to see and be seen, La Vitrola is more of an experience. For an unforgettable lunch next to La Muralla or for a night of mojitos and live cuban music. My favorites are the yellowfin tuna carpaccio but you have to try the coconut risotto, a Cartagena special ‘with a twist’

For dancing Salsa: Café Havana in Getsemaní – Live music, amazing drinks & great décor for a date night out.

For a good Colombian coffee and an afternoon looking for books: Abaco Librería - On a magical corner in the walled city, you will find the perfect mix of excellent coffee, nice jazz music and wonderful books!

WHat to do…

If you want to enjoy the beach, start with a trip to Barú, an island about 20 minutes away where you can enjoy an ‘alfresco’ lunch with the freshest catch of the day in one of the beach clubs around the island. My favorite is Punta Iguana, where I have spent New Year’s with my family for many years. Around 4pm head for afternoon drinks at Bar Mata ratón for the best sunset you’ll ever see. Back to Cartagena, after a long day of beach, boat and sun and you might be feeling like getting something sweet. Head to La Paleteria for the best basil ice cream in town. Explore the city’s historic walls and for a very local experience, go for a stroll around Getsemaní, the bohemian area where city and Caribbean meet.

WHERE TO SHOP…

St. Dom in the city center has a curated selection of Colombian designers, as well as Casa Chiqui for wonderful house decor.

Head to Malva at La Serrezuela, a luxury department store where you can find a selection of young Latin talent & support emerging designers.

LISTEN TO JOHANNA'S CARTAGENA PLAYLIST

WHAT TO pack...

Wardrobe essentials include versatile, effortless pieces. The Cartagena vibe is very chic relaxed and tropical so why not dress the part? An ecru cotton white dress is the ideal option for a daytime summer look that’s effortless and very feminine.

A statement one-piece or bikini set. You’ll be spending lots of time boat riding so make sure you have a fun cover up to protect yourself while at lunch and obviously, a pareo.

Artisanal, hand-made accessories are the perfect pieces to elevate a relaxed look. Throw on an Iraca beaded necklace or statement earrings over a t-shirt and wrap skirt and you’re good to go.

For an effortlessly elegant night out, pair a bohemian maxi skirt with a flowy crop top to show your tan. What I love about this top is that can be worn both ways depending on the occasion. Pair it with a color block raffia mini clutch and sandals to complete the look.