Originally built as a convent in 1621, the Sofitel Santa Clara in Colombia is a legendary landmark in the heart of Cartagena’s walled city. Transformed into a luxury hotel in 1995, the Sofitel Santa Clara combines the allure of history with local hospitality and the art of French savoir-faire. Mixing Colonial and Republican-style architecture with modern comfort, the hotel features gourmet cuisine, exceptional service, a world-class spa, meeting facilities and state of the art technology.
Following three years of restoration, Sofitel Legend Cartagena Santa Clara has opened its doors as the fourth property under the Sofitel Legend label, a distinguished collection of iconic, historical properties throughout the world. An extraordinary address and a former monastery built by the Clarist nuns in 1621, Sofitel Santa Clara has stood through centuries of unprecedented history and is the first Sofitel Legend in South America.
Located in the heart of Cartagena overlooking the Caribbean Sea, Sofitel Legend Cartagena Santa Clara’s extensive renovation and restoration work has revived and distilled the best of its Republican style.
The hotel offers 122 refurbished guest rooms, comprised of the historical Colonial wing and the modernised Republican wing. The historical wing has 17 suites, including the Junior Suite Legend and the impressive 1539ft² Fernando Botero Suite, named after the celebrated Colombian artist, which features several pieces of his work.
To spice up this iconic suite, Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Cartagena had the support of the Master Botero and the interior design by Lina Botero, his daughter, Gustavo Pinto and Sergio Castaño and the construction firm Arias, Serna and Saravia.
The suite offers a large double-height dining room, master bath, half bath, walk-in closet, support kitchen and bedroom with living room. Each of the environments has been transformed into a place of great comfort and sophistication, in attention to details, and functionality with a Colombian touch.
It has all the latest technology required by international standards. Its NightCove system is a device that works with the selection and variation of wavelengths and sound, to ensure a relaxed and effective sleep achieving an energetic awakening thanks to its dawn simulator. In addition, the Bose 7.1 home theater system allows the highest sound quality in the room.
Inspired by the master’s early works, the colour palette includes wheat and sand tones. The decoration features natural materials, such as linen, wood, plant fibres, cotton, jute and sisal, handmade in Colombia. Thus, the curtains are developed on handlooms; wooden floors with rustic finished and bathrooms in white Carrara marble.
The furniture was designed in a classic, contemporary style, and the objects are mostly handmade with some colonial features. All of the above is complemented with two important masterpieces by Botero, which is located in the great hall.
The proportions of the elements comprising the room are pieces of important sizes, referring to the works of Fernando Botero. As well as some Colombian folk art pieces inspired by his works. The result is a suite with an eclectic, fresh and inviting style that transmits a unique experience of being in Colombia; to the illustrious guests who visit it.
The renovated suites provide the perfect combination of colonial architecture with modern comfort, while many of the guest rooms boast breathtaking views.
The modern wing reflects architectural details of the Republican era enhanced by elements of French and Colombian culture. Each room has its own personality with fresh whitewash walls, natural wood ceilings and floors, soft neutral tones, and splashes of soft corals, mints, and turquoises.
Sofitel Legend Cartagena Santa Clara promises luxury and exclusivity, with a knowledgeable team of Clefs d’Or concierges and personal butlers for unparalleled service, and exquisite experiences in culture, dining, and relaxation, in keeping with the French tradition of “art de vivre.”
Situated in the former Clarist nuns’ dining room, the property’s gourmet restaurant, 1621, offers a French flair to Mediterranean cuisine and an extensive wine cellar in a picturesque historic space. Guests can also enjoy El Coro Lounge Bar, offering signature cocktails, cigars and live music on weekends, and the more casual El Claustro brasserie.
The spacious So Spa at Sofitel Santa Clara draws on healing traditions from ancient cultures around the world, enhanced by the highest standard in skin care from the brand Sisley Paris. Guests can indulge with authentic, world-class treatments, a Hammam, Solarium, fitness centre and dedicated tea area.
With a pool overlooking the ocean, the exquisite courtyard at the hotel, and exclusive access to privately-owned beachfront properties close by, guests are able to experience all the natural beauty that Cartagena, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has to offer.
