Casa Patio

Aside from the patio with its living and dining space, the ground floor features two bedrooms, both of which have beautifully tiled ensuite bathrooms. There’s also a swimming pool where you can take a dip in the late afternoon while the staff are preparing aperitivos. Beside the pool are cushioned sunbeds while throughout the space is an abundance of greenery and botanical-themed artworks.

Upstairs is the main living room with a workspace, as well as an old balcony overlooking the street. Along the verandah are two more double bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, plus the master bedroom, which is huge and with an oversized sunken tub. It has windows on either side looking out over the patio and enjoys lots of light — it’s absolutely gorgeous.

OVERVIEW

• 5 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms
• Spacious first-floor living area with office space
• The large master suite has an oversize sunken bathtub

Bedroom 1, 35 sqm

• Located on the entire first floor with a king-size bed, floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the interior courtyard, an ensuite bathroom with a sunken bath-tub and walk-in shower

Bedroom 2, 20 sqm

• Located close to the master bedroom and is ideal for children, with twin beds and an ensuite bathroom with a walk-in shower.

Bedroom 3, 20 sqm

• Located on the upper floor with a queen-size bed and an en-suite bathroom with walk-in shower. Views of the courtyard.

Bedroom 4, 20 sqm

• Located on the ground floor with a double bed and en-suite bathroom with a walk-in shower

Bedroom 5 20 sqm

• The bedroom comes with a four-poster queen-size bed.

Air conditioning is available throughout the property, as is complimentary Wi-Fi. All of the rooms have hairdryers and portable Bluetooth speakers are available for guests’ use. Included in the rates are airport pickup, daily breakfast and toiletries by Loto del Sur. Casa Patio also comes fully staffed with cooks and housekeepers. 

AMENITIES

• Shaded lounge and dining area
• Swimming pool (40 sqm and up to 2m deep) and sunbathing area
• Large courtyard
• Roof terrace with sun loungers and views of Cartagena
• Covered alfresco lounge beside the pool with seating and dining spaces, ceiling fans and greenery.
• Air conditioning in all bedrooms
• WiFi
• Portable Bluetooth speakers
• Hairdryers in bathrooms

Cartagena is surrounded by walls that extend into the sea, so there isn’t a beach in the city as such. Most people go to Playa de las Americas, which is around 10 or 15 minutes’ drive away, or they’ll head out to one of the islands by boat. There’s always a lot of artwork in the streets and there are great festivals throughout the year, including an artisan, a literary and a classical music festival. 

I usually spend three or four days in Cartagena, exploring the Old Town, then head out to Isla Baru, which is just to the south of the city. It’s the complete opposite and a place for total disconnection. You can have the beach all to yourself and spend your days reading, swinging in a hammock and eating great food. Alternatively, I would recommend making a day trip to Islas del Rosario.

Aside from Cartagena’s Old Town, I would also suggest exploring Getsemene, which is a nearby neighbourhood that has a more authentic atmosphere. It is filled with colourful, colonial houses that are mostly occupied by locals, as well as great salsa bars with live bands.