Sofitel Legend Santa Clara

Donde History Encuentra Caribbean Magic

A impresionante 17th-century convent transformed into a lujo hotel, where four centuries of colonial charm meet modern elegancia in Cartagena's mágico walled city.

Cartagena is one of the most romántico cities in the Americas, and the Sofitel Legend Santa Clara is its undisputed crown jewel. This beautifully restored 17th-century convent sits within the UNESCO-protected walled city, surrounded by cobblestone streets, bougainvillea-draped balconies, and the kind of atmosphere that makes you feel like you've stepped directly into a Gabriel Garcia Marquez novel. The magia realism here is real, chica—you can feel it in the air.

The hotel seamlessly blends 400 years of historia with contemporary lujo in a way that feels both respectful and alive. Original stone walls and colonial arches meet modern art and French sophistication. la piscina courtyard, once the convent's cloister, is an oasis of tranquilidad where you can imagine the footsteps of nuns echoing through centuries. The cloister rooms offer unique historical ambiance with original architectural details, while the Republican section provides more contemporary spaces with colonial-inspired design. This is Colombia at its most enchanting, and once you experiencia it, you'll understand why so many travelers fall hopelessly in love with this city.

Las Habitaciones

The rooms at Sofitel Legend Santa Clara are divided between two distinct sections, each offering a unique experiencia. The Cloister rooms occupy the original 17th-century convent, featuring thick stone walls, high ceilings, and that unmistakable sense of historia that makes sleeping here feel like time travel. These rooms are cooler and more intimate, with original architectural details preserved throughout. The Republican section offers more contemporary lujo with colonial-inspired design, balconies overlooking the streets of the walled city, and the Sofitel brand's signature elegancia. Suites feature private terraces, separate living areas, and views that capture the essence of Cartagena. Every room blends modern comfort—premium linens, marble bathrooms, Hermes amenities—with a deep respect for the building's extraordinario heritage.

La Experiencia del Spa

So SPA by Sofitel occupies spaces that once served as the convent's meditation rooms, creating a sanctuary within a sanctuary. The treatment menu draws on Colombian tradiciones, incorporating local ingredients like coffee, cacao, and tropical fruits into transformative therapies. The signature coffee body scrub uses beans from Colombia's famoso coffee region, leaving skin impossibly soft and energized. The outdoor pool, surrounded by the ancient cloisters, offers a surreal swimming experiencia—floating in the courtyard where nuns once walked in contemplation. The spa also features a fitness center and relaxation areas designed for complete renewal in this most mágico of settings.

Gastronomía y Bebidas

The hotel's dining options celebrate Colombian cuisine elevated through French technique. Restaurant 1621, named for the year the convent was founded, serves contemporary Caribbean cuisine in elegante surroundings. Fresh ceviche, grilled seafood, and dishes that showcase Colombia's increíble biodiversity fill the menu. El Coro, set in the former choir of the convent with soaring ceilings and acoustic perfection, offers a more casual experiencia with excellent cocktails. The courtyard bar is perfecto for afternoon drinks by la piscina. And the breakfast spread is legendary—fresh tropical fruits, Colombian specialties, and pastries that justify the French influence.

Explorando Cartagena

Lose yourself wandering the walled city's colorful streets—every corner reveals another photo opportunity, another architectural tesoro, another story. Watch sunset from the ancient walls with a cocktail as the Caribbean blazes orange and pink. Take a horse-drawn carriage ride through the historic center as the evening comes alive. Explore the massive Castillo San Felipe de Barajas fortress, understanding how this city withstood pirates and invasions. Eat fresh ceviche and drink aguardiente with locals. Day trip to the Rosario Islands for pristine Caribbean beaches and world-class snorkeling. At night, Cartagena transforms—salsa music spills from every doorway, street vendors sell arepas and empanadas, and the warm Caribbean air invites you to dance until dawn.

Tips de Sofía

Request a Cloister room for the full historical experiencia—sleeping in a former convent cell is something you'll never forget. Cafe del Mar on the ancient walls is perfecto for sunset drinks with panoramic views. La Cevicheria is tiny and cash-only but worth the wait for lo mejor ceviche in town—go early. Take a salsa class from a local teacher; you'll use those moves that same night. The Getsemani neighborhood, just outside the walls, is artsy, authentic, and has lo mejor nightlife and street art. Carmen restaurant is the splurge-worthy fine dining experience that showcases modern Colombian cuisine. December through April offers the driest weather. Bring comfortable shoes, chica; those cobblestone streets are gorgeous but absolutely unforgiving. And learn to love the heat and humidity—it's part of the Caribbean magia that makes Cartagena so unforgettable.

Cartagena is magic, romance, and Caribbean soul.
Fall in love with Colombia—con todo el sabor