Cartagena & Vibes: Luxury, Beach Clubs & Electric Nights

Touchdown in Cartagena! We kicked off our trip with a private airport transfer straight to the heart of the Walled City, because starting your vacation with peace of mind (and A/C) is key.

We checked into Hotel Charleston Santa Teresa, a five-star oasis tucked inside the Walled City that delivers on elegance, service, and location. Think: a rooftop pool with panoramic views, a serene courtyard perfect for sipping wine, and plush rooms that make you never want to leave. It’s romantic, classic, and totally Cartagena.

After dropping our bags, we made a beeline for the rooftop pool, where city views and poolside cocktails instantly put us in vacation mode.

After some rest and rooftop lounging, we freshened up and headed down to the hotel’s open-air courtyard for a glass of wine under the stars—the perfect pre-dinner vibe.

Dinner that night was at Agua de León, which was effortlessly chic with a playlist that hits—Rüfüs Du Sol, Elderbrook, and vibey electronic beats. The open kitchen buzzed with energy, and the food was chef’s kiss. Try the grilled octopus, their take on ceviche, and whatever cocktail the bartender recommends. Trust me, they know what they’re doing.

Next stop: Alquímico, a three-level cocktail bar that ranks number eight on the World’s 50 Best Bars list. We headed straight for the rooftop and snapped a pic with the glowing "Cartagena, my love" sign—it’s a must.

Still riding the high, we wandered over to La Movida, a local favorite with major energy that was right next to our hotel. Think high-end nightclub meets Latin lounge, where you can dance ‘til your feet say no más.

After a late night of dancing, nothing beats a boat day. We chartered a private boat to the Rosario Islands, where clear turquoise waters and tropical breezes were waiting.

Our captain took us to a few island stops before dropping anchor at Paue Beach Club—a stunning beachside escape with a live DJ, chic loungers, oceanfront dining, and Instagram-worthy photo ops (you know I scoped them all).

We sipped, swam, and snacked until it was time to make our way back. It was beautiful, but real talk: the waves can get intense. If you’re prone to motion sickness, plan ahead (Dramamine or Sea-Bands are life savers).

Back on land, we recharged with a quick nap and freshened up for another night of Cartagena magic. The Walled City is packed with must-try restaurants, so whether you're craving elevated Colombian cuisine or something more global, there's a spot that delivers. We ended the night with La Movida again with our friends!

Must-try spots in Cartagena

• Carmen Cartagena: Contemporary Colombian cuisine in a lush garden setting

• Celele: Inventive tasting menu that highlights Caribbean-Colombian ingredients

• El Barón: Cozy, stylish cocktail bar in Plaza San Pedro

• Townhouse Rooftop: Poolside drinks, skyline views, and trendy energy

On day three, we enjoyed our daily free breakfast amenity and then ventured beyond the Walled City to explore Getsemaní, Cartagena’s artsy, bohemian district that’s bursting with character, color, and culture.

We did a private walking and street food tour that was equal parts history, flavor, and "wow, this place is magic." From the moment we stepped in, Getsemaní felt alive. It has a more local, grittier edge compared to the polished Walled City, but at no point did we feel uneasy walking around with our guide.

We wandered through candy-colored alleys lined with flags and umbrellas, learned about the city’s rich history, and stopped every few blocks to try a local bite. Food highlights include:

• Arepas de queso: Warm, golden cornmeal fritters stuffed with gooey cheese

• Bollos: Savory dumplings wrapped in banana leaves, filled with corn or yuca

• Cocadas: Chewy coconut candies in every pastel shade

• Fresh-cut mango tossed with lime juice, salt, and chili—refreshingly addictive

Oh, and another highlight: monkeys in the park! An unexpected and adorable sighting. Getsemaní gave us a deeper, more authentic glimpse into Cartagena’s everyday energy.

The rest of the day was filled with wedding festivities for us, but even if you're not here for a celebration, this city gives you a reason to dress up and hit the town every night. There are so many great restaurants and lounges to choose from. I need to go back ASAP to experience more.

Our final morning in Cartagena was the perfect blend of relaxed and refined. Thanks to our Fora perks, we started the day at the hotel’s restaurant with a complimentary breakfast of freshly baked pastries, tropical fruit, Colombian coffee, and made-to-order eggs served in a beautiful setting that made it hard to say goodbye.

After a slow, breezy morning, we met our private transfer back to the airport. A seamless way to wrap up a trip, especially when traveling with family or a group.

Pro tip: At Rafael Núñez International Airport, travelers flying internationally can access the Copa Club lounge or Avianca Sala VIP (depending on your airline or credit card perks). Both lounges offer A/C, light snacks, Wi-Fi, and a much calmer space to wait out your departure—totally worth checking into if you have time before your flight.