Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Cartagena is a luxury hotel situated within the historic walled city of Cartagena, Colombia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a city steeped in history, alive with Caribbean color. Housed in a meticulously restored 17th-century convent, this property blends colonial charm, modern sophistication, and warm Colombian hospitality.
Location
Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Cartagena is perfectly situated within the walled Old Town of Cartagena, offering guests direct access to the city’s architectural beauty, cultural landmarks, and lively plazas.
The hotel is just a 10-minute drive from Rafael Núñez International Airport, making arrival effortless. Once within the city, guests can easily explore cobbled streets lined with vibrant bougainvillea, colonial facades, and endless dining and shopping options. Whether you’re in town for leisure, romance, or celebration, its location offers the ideal base for soaking in Cartagena’s unique spirit.
Style & Character
Originally constructed in 1621 as a convent for the Poor Clares, the building has served various roles over the centuries, including a hospital, prison, and medical school. In 1995, it was transformed into a luxury hotel, preserving its historical architecture while incorporating contemporary amenities. Notable features include original confessionals, crypts, and a chapel now repurposed for private events.
Walking through the arched entryway of this former convent, you are immediately enveloped by a sense of serenity and splendor. The hotel retains its colonial charm with restored frescoes, stone walls, and cloistered walkways, yet is equally defined by its modern, elegant sensibilities.
Decorative flourishes include sculptures, curated art collections, and design elements that nod to Cartagena’s rich history while maintaining the chic polish associated with the Sofitel Legend brand. The blend of Republican architecture and colonial soul creates an ambiance that is romantic, refined, and unmistakably Caribbean.
Service & Facilities
Guests staying in suites enjoy butler service, which includes everything from personalized unpacking to arranging private excursions and dinner reservations.
The hotel’s So Spa provides a sanctuary for relaxation, featuring seven treatment rooms, a hammam, and a fitness center. This spa is a haven of tranquility, combining Colombian beauty traditions with French Sisley Paris products to deliver personalized, holistic treatments.
A stunning, palm-fringed outdoor pool—once the convent’s orchard—stands as the largest and most iconic in the Old Town, complemented by poolside service and an adjacent Jacuzzi. This expansive outdoor pool is the largest in Cartagena’s historic center, and offers views of the sea from the second-floor terrace.
The Sofitel Fitness center rivals any urban gym, boasting 800 m² of Technogym equipment, yoga classes, and guided walks through Cartagena. Sustainability is also woven into the experience, with Green Key certification and solar-powered facilities like the rooftop bar.
Rooms
The hotel offers 125 rooms, including 25 suites, each thoughtfully designed to reflect a blend of colonial and republican architecture with modern comforts. Many rooms feature balconies or terraces with views of the Caribbean Sea or the hotel’s lush interior gardens.
The more modest Classic and Superior rooms offer sleek, modern décor, Sofitel’s signature “MyBed,” and amenities like Bose sound systems and Nespresso machines, all set within the Republican wing of the property.
For those seeking a more luxurious experience, the Colonial and Spa suites elevate the experience with dramatic architecture, expansive layouts, and private terraces. Standouts include the Spa Suite, with its Jacuzzi and vertical garden, and the Grau Suite, an homage to Colombian artist Enrique Grau with sweeping sea views.
The Iconic Suites pay homage to renowned Colombian artists, such as Fernando Botero and Olga de Amaral, incorporating original artworks and bespoke furnishings.
The crown jewel, however, is the Fernando Botero Presidential Suite, which is an elegant, 1580 ft² sanctuary in the colonial section, complete with artworks, a luxurious tub, and VIP services that include private transfers.
Food & Drink
Dining at Sofitel Legend Santa Clara is an exploration of flavors and textures as inspired as the city itself. Jardín Santa Clara serves as a relaxed yet refined venue for Mediterranean fare, gourmet burgers, and ocean-fresh seafood, all of which can be enjoyed under the colonnaded arches of a sun-drenched courtyard.
For a more elevated culinary experience, 1621 is the hotel’s gastronomic jewel. Set in the former dining room of the convent’s Mother Superior, this restaurant fuses French haute cuisine with Colombian ingredients through daring, beautifully plated tasting menus and expertly paired wines.
The Botika Bar, perched on the rooftop, is pure romance. Here, signature cocktails infused with exotic fruits are served alongside breathtaking views of the Caribbean. Solar panels power the venue by day, underscoring the hotel’s commitment to sustainability. El Coro Lounge Bar adds a sultry, spirited dimension to nightlife within the hotel, where guests sip mojitos under vaulted ceilings and dance to live salsa music. For casual poolside indulgence, the Pool Bar serves light Colombian bites and tropical drinks beneath the shade of towering palms.
Conclusion
Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Cartagena boasts over 400 years of history and a location in the heart of Cartagena’s walled city, giving guests easy access to historic sites, vibrant markets, and local attractions. Its suites are adorned with original artworks by Colombian masters, providing a culturally immersive stay.
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Image(s) courtesy of Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Cartagena.
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