Pack your bags Texans, it’s time to explore this vibrant Caribbean gem where you’ll get a perfect combination of relaxation, rich culture and adventures to last a lifetime. Colombia is only a flight away; it’s time for a change of scenery! 

 

Santa Marta is a must-see destination with its beautiful terrain and impressive beaches. Make your stay unforgettable at the Santa Marta Marriott Resort Playa Dormida while exploring the oldest surviving city in Colombia. 

 

You’ll find textures and representative elements of indigenous cultures throughout the hotel. The interior is decorated with natural elements, such as woven chandeliers, bags, baskets and hats (made for leaders of the tribe). 

You’ll also notice an enchanting bird-theme throughout the hotel (based on the guacamaya), extending to the cozy, luxurious rooms. The Classic King is great for couples or solo travelers.  I enjoyed waking up to a beautiful view from the terrace overlooking the Caribbean sea. Upgrade to a suite for a terrace with a jacuzzi!

The best part? The hotel is right on the beach, so you’re steps away from ocean waves and sandy toes. And if you don’t feel like beaching it up, take a dip into the stunning hotel pool surrounded by lush greenery or grab a drink at the Sinku Pool Bar.

You deserve to indulge in the ultimate relaxation, so book a massage or body scrub at the quiet and serene Seishua Spa – with beautiful views overlooking  the beach. Every month they have a special treatment!

The property has two on-site restaurants. Make your way to the beachfront restaurant Cayeye, where you’ll experience the vibrant culture, local flavors and traditional dishes of the Colombian Caribbean. 

Enjoy a diverse menu of international cuisines with a local twist at the signature restaurant 1525, all while savoring the beautiful ocean views. (The view is even more gorgeous when the sun is setting!) The fresh seafood, exotic fruits and lively ambiance all perfectly capture the spirit of the region.

 I highly recommend trying the Cartagena-Style Black Beef “Arepa” which is a corn arepa with stewed beef on top with guacamole, pickled onion and local sour green. Try the traditional lemonade or change it up with a more unique flavor like coconut, mango, panels, cherry, or peppermint. These were super tasty!

Dine at Guasimo Restaurante

If you’re interested in dining beyond the hotel, Guasimo Restaurante offers a diverse menu including seafood, Colombian specialties, and vegetarian-friendly options. The restaurant is not only known for its flavorful dishes but also its artistic ambiance. The owner is a talented artist who decorates the walls with his paintings, which are switched out monthly. He even creates a new mural on the exterior frequently. The quality of dishes such as the arroz con coco (coconut rice) with shrimp and seafood platters make this a great experience for those wanting authentic Colombia Caribbean flavors. 

What to Do: Coffee & Cacao Tasting Tour

There’s no better way to immerse yourself in the rich flavors and traditions of Colombia than to go on an unforgettable Cacao & Coffee Tour. You’ll learn the intricate process of crafting the beloved beans, from the vibrant plantations to the hands-on production techniques. 

The trek up the mountain is an adventure in itself, either on foot or vehicle. Along the way you’ll see native plant species like the Bromeliad (a pinecone-looking flower) that truly showcase how far you’ve traveled from home. Here is where one ton of cacao is produced. The beloved beans are very rich with many nutrients, and can be used to make coffee, chocolate, soap, and even face masks. 

The cacao beans come from a tiny flower that eventually turns into a yellow (once ripe) cacao pod. The pods “or beans” contain 20 – 60 seeds embedded in white pulp. (It’s recommended to suck on the seeds). The bush is harvested in five months, and when the plant is 20-25 years old, it’s considered “too old” to reproduce. 

They have a fascinating way of warding off predators. Squirrels will make holes in the plant to try to get the bean, and to control the squirrel, they’ll plant mangos or banana trees around it so the squirrel prefers to eat those instead of the cacao. 

Overall this tour offered a wonderful blend of fun, adventure, tasting, and education that all ages will enjoy. 

Tip: Stop by La Veranda Hotel & Restaurant after the tour for a delightful lunch in the jungle. I loved the Guacamaya as a starter (similar to bruschetta). I savored every bite of the Higueron (a ribeye with herb butter).

Other Things to Do in Santa Marta: 

• Visit the Quinta San Pedro Alejandrino and Santa Marta Historic Center
• See Ciudad Pérdida / Lost City that was built 700AD around the 8th century
• Go hiking at the Tayrona National Natural Park or enjoy a beach day trip
• Take some time to explore the Gold Museum (Museo del Oro Tairona)

Marriott Barranquilla

The new Marriott Barranquilla is located north of the city and only 40 minutes away from the Ernesto Cortissoz International Airport. You’re bound to find comfort and solace in one of the 191 rooms or 8 suites to make the most out of your time in the city. 

Treat yourself to authentic coffee or a great selection of sandwiches, pastries, and other hotel dining at Meira Café. 

Share a drink with colleagues or loved ones at the Great Room Bar or head on down to Amira for a casual ambiance offering delicious wood grilled meats, fresh fish and seafood.

Chef Juan Buitrago certainly knows how to craft delectable meals with his culinary expertise. 

For those wanting a more intimate space to enjoy a glass of rum, specifically Colombia rum, book the Rum Room. The room is a small tribute to Gabo where the words “yellow butterflies” decorate the room beautifully. The wall has the music sheet of the song “El Vallenato Noble” interpreted by Hermanos Zuleta in honor of the writer.

Speaking of which, you’ll notice yellow butterflies painted all around the city in many art forms. This is an ode to the author Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s “100 Years of Solitude.” Colombia has the most butterfly species in the world (more than 3,600). Yellow butterflies symbolize love, hope, and peace. 

The M Club is perfect for those looking for a little more privacy. Open 24/7, The M Club is an exclusive space for Marriott Bonvoy members with Platinum Elite, Titanium Elite and Ambassador Elite status. (Guests can also enjoy access if they book an M Club room). I’d say a highlight of having access to M Club is the Mind Menu which offers some tasty snacks and selection of drinks. 

Dine at Manuel Restaurante

For those wanting to branch out – why not dine at a restaurant that made the World’s 50 Best Restaurants? Dining at Manuel Restaurante was undoubtedly one of my favorite dining experiences of the entire trip. The warm lighting combined with the lush greenery set the tone that evening for a cozy, inviting atmosphere. The ambiance was very romantic, perfect for date night. 

Manuel Mendoza truly has a remarkable talent for creating unique, outstanding dishes with a sophisticated and creative food presentation. The cuisine at Manuel is always evolving with its local and global flavors from all over the world. (The menu changes every 8-9 months). Culinary traditions of the county’s Caribbean Coast flavors bring life to the dishes, from the charcoal-grilled fish with spicy butter to the popular picańa steak served with cassava purée and chimichurri. 

What to Do: Usiacurí Town Tour

Just an hour from the hotel, take a tour of Usiacurí Town, known as the ‘Manger of the Atlantico state’ for its traditional houses and panoramic viewpoints. 

View the Largest Macro Mural in Colombia

An amazing 360 view of the town is located at the top of Santo Domingo de Guzman church. The church’s striking blue and white exterior stands out beautifully against the vibrant flowers and surrounding landscape. Don’t miss the exquisite painting of Jesus on the stairs – a touching detail that enhances the church’s charm.

From these viewpoints you’ll admire the largest macro mural in Colombia – colorful painted rooftops that reflect the region’s flora and fauna. Birds from various regions are depicted on the 10,700 square foot roofs. This vibrant project was a collaborative community effort, with locals voting to choose between two design proposals. The same colors on the roofs are also used in the town’s intricate artisanal crafts. 

Buy Artisanal Crafts at Local Prices

These artisanal crafts are beautifully made with Iraca palm and plenty of love. This is a practice that’s become part of the culture, and is passed on from generation to generation, helping women with low income be independent and afford basic needs. Since toddlers, kids are taught how to make their first knots and stitches, and at age of 11 they know all the different weaving techniques as well as how much each piece costs. 

Lesvia Jimenez, owner of Artesanias Bella (stand No. 3 En El Centro Artisanal Usiacuri – Atlantico) is 78 years old and has been weaving since she was 5. She is currently hiring 20-30 families to supply different merchandise. These families bring Iraca palm from nearby provinces. They’ll leave the Iraca palm under the sun for 1 week until it becomes beige. Then it is used to handcraft gorgeous purses, jewelry, headbands, totes, placemats and more.

Other Things to Do:

• Stop by the house inhabited by the poet Julio Florez for more than 13 years
• Visit the Shakira statue and practice your “hips don’t lie” pose. This statue was made in a record time of 4 months! (FYI – Shakira was born and raised in Barranquilla.)

• Check out the newly-opened Muelle 1888 – also known as International Gastronomic Center. Here is where you can enjoy the expansive pier, stunning sea views, shopping, dining, nightlife, the list goes on! (Puerto, Colombia)

• Take photos in front of the Ventana Al Mundo Monument
• If you’re in Barranquilla four days before Ash Wednesday: it’s a must to attend the most cherished celebration in Colombia, the “Carnaval de Barranquilla.

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Cover photo courtesy Santa Marta Marriott Resort Playa Dormida

Leean Vargas is the Highlight Reel newsletter editor at Texas Lifestyle Magazine and an honors graduate of Texas State University with a bachelor’s degree in Public Relations. She is a concert enthusiast who loves traveling, photography, good food, and discovering new hangout spots in her beloved city, Austin, Texas.