Wellness in Cartagena

Welcome to the beautiful colonial city of Cartagena for your rejuvenating wellness retreat! Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel for check-in. Spend the afternoon getting acquainted with the hotel property and amenities on site.

Later in the evening, enjoy a traditional Colombian dinner at a local restaurant.

Start your day with a delightful breakfast and a soothing sunrise wellness class, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in a serene atmosphere.

Take this morning to unwind and acclimate to the captivating surroundings. The day commences with a delightful lunch at a nearby local restaurant in the city. Indulge in the flavors of the region, savoring the culinary delights before embarking on our captivating city tour of Cartagena.

During our leisurely stroll, we will explore a multitude of historical sites, including the enchanting Plaza de San Diego, the elegant Plaza Fernandez of Madrid, the picturesque Park Bolivar, the vibrant Plaza de los coches, and the lively Plaza Santo Domingo. The rest of the evening is at your leisure.

After breakfast, we will head out of the city towards the Juan Polo Ciénaga, located at the northern end of the Tesca Wetland. Visitors to this wildlife sanctuary find themselves on an exciting boat trip through lagoons and marshes, interconnected by beautiful natural canals and mangrove labyrinths of exotic, unique beauty.

Today, we are embarking on a thrilling 90-minute canoe tour through the natural mangrove tunnels of El Chanco, El Amor, and La Felicidad. Our adventure begins in La Boquilla, where we will be greeted with a refreshing cold coconut drink. During the tour, we will witness the awe-inspiring panorama of the Juan Polo Ciénaga while our community guide, who also operates the canoe, enlightens us about the ecological significance of the Tesca Wetland and its resident animals.

Being this connected and intertwined with nature really adds an extra dimension to this wellness retreat itinerary. After our canoe tour, taste a typical Cartagena lunch before returning to the hotel for a free evening to explore the city and enjoy some relaxation.

After breakfast, and a morning wellness practice, we will venture off for our fully immersive Cartagena cuisine tour. In this experience, we learn to prepare traditional Colombian cuisine and of course taste along the way.

By the end, our goal is for you to return home with not only a wonderful understanding of why food plays such a huge role in Colombian culture, but for you to dazzle future dinner party guests with a Colombian-style four course meal!

The Bazurto market is a traditional market offering fish, meat, fruit, clothing, and is as important in Cartagena as the La Popa Convent or the Castle of San Felipe. It is a traditional market, barely visited by tourists. We can buy food or traditionally prepared Colombian dishes or just enjoy the local market of Cartagena in the early hours.

Let this “underground” part of Cartagena enchant you; it is ideal for an adventure. We will walk through a maze of alleys, where the tour guide will introduce you to many fruits, herbs, vegetables, fish, seafood, and meats. There is also a spice market and natural healing pharmacies. Gastronomy is an important part of the local culture, and the Cartageneros are proud of their Caribbean cuisine. Apart from tasting it, what would be better than learning how to prepare seafood, coconut rice, and other specialties of Cartagena’s cuisine?

The cooking class takes place in a colonial house in the city center or in Getsemaní. The chef will give us a presentation about the ingredients before showing us how to prepare typical dishes. The class takes about three hours. Afterward, we will eat together.

Part of Cartagena’s charm is its location in front of the Caribbean Sea. What better way to enjoy the city and its surroundings than in a luxurious motorboat to live a nautical adventure without equal.

The tour begins with transportation to the pier where your captain and an assistant await you with the boat ready for a day of sunshine, blue waters, white sand, and good music. Once the engines start, we will leave the bay of Cartagena, and then make a panoramic tour to the Rosario Islands. Enjoy stops for lunch and snorkeling as you explore the marine life all around you.

Return to Cartagena in the evening, where you’ll conclude your experience with a farewell dinner at one of the city’s vibrant restaurants.