Sophia Grimm Just Back From Cartagena

Name of Advisor

Sophia Grimm

Destination 

Cartagena

Accommodations and/or DMC/On Site

Casa Carolina Hotel (Cartagena Old City)

Sofitel Barú Calablanca Beach Resort

How to get to

Cartagena is extremely accessible with nonstop flights from most major U.S. hubs. Airport is only ~15 minutes from the walled city. Also a major cruise port.

Recommended For (families, couples, corporate, celebrations, etc)

Couples

Small groups

Celebrations & milestone trips

Incentive groups & retreats

Multi-gen families (especially when pairing city + island stay)

Not-to-be-Missed Experience or Activity

Cartagena is one of my favorite food cities in the Caribbean. I always encourage clients to plan at least one special dining night (or a guided food experience) early in the trip — it completely changes how they see the destination beyond “pretty colonial city.”

Favorite culinary aspect of the hotel or region

The range is what makes Cartagena special. You can go from an incredible craft cocktail bar to a serious tasting menu to a plastic-chair ceviche spot and all three feel equally essential to the experience. The cuisine reflects Afro-Caribbean, indigenous, and Spanish influences — lots of coconut, seafood, tropical acidity, and depth of flavor rather than just spice.

Casa Carolina’s rooftop dining and cocktails were a highlight. Expert bartending, incredible food (we ate 4 out of 6 meals at the hotel because they were just that good- and I never do that!)

Favorite Wellness aspect of the hotel or region

Casa Carolina really shifted how I consider crafting trips to Cartagena- its the first time I've felt tranquility in the walled city. The spa and massage were outstanding and the proprty itself is a little oasis that gives guests a reset from the heat and energy of the city. I would now intentionally plan a recovery afternoon here — clients enjoy the destination much more when the pace is balanced.

Sofitel Baru also had an incredible spa with an ayurvedic focus, plus a couples therapy room as well!

Favorite amenity 

Casa Carolina rooftop pool — peaceful and shaded with views over the old city

Sofitel Barú’s swimmable beach — calm water and wide shoreline (very different from typical day-trip island crowds)

Kudos to: refers to a guide, chef, member of hotel team, etc. that went out of their way

The Casa Carolina team — incredibly intuitive hospitality. They read the guest well and adjust recommendations naturally instead of over-scripting the stay. Super impressed by Mattheu on the bar and Katerina's wellness offerings. Everyone on property was exceptional though!

Additional Remarks

Not all “Cartagena beaches” are the same — and this is where planning matters most.

Barú and the Rosario Islands each offer very different experiences, and a well-chosen overnight beach stay changes a client’s perception of the destination entirely. A day trip alone doesn’t show the real coastal side of Cartagena.

Please list the Virtuoso amenities and any other special touches they add for our clients

• Upgrade on arrival when available

• Daily breakfast for two

• Early check-in / late checkout when possible

• Welcome amenity

• Resort or spa credit

• VIP recognition & pre-arrival planning support

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To plan a trip, contact Sophia@travellustre.com