Welcoming Back Casa San Agustin and Introducing Casa Pestagua

March 5, 2025 by Hidden Doorways

We’re delighted to welcome back Casa San Agustin and introduce its sister property, Casa Pestagua, to our collection this month. Both historic gems are nestled within Cartagena’s UNESCO-protected walled city, just moments from one another.

Casa San Agustin

Within the UNESCO-protected walls of Cartagena, where bougainvillea cascades over centuries-old stone and Caribbean breezes carry whispers of colonial romance, Casa San Agustin emerges as an exquisite embodiment of Colombia’s most enchanting port city. Spread across three masterfully restored 17th-century homes, this intimate hotel—the only Leading Hotels of the World property in the country—weaves together the threads of history with contemporary Colombian life.

The sense of place is immediate and profound. Original frescoes grace the library walls, hand-wrought ironwork tells stories of Spanish craftsmen, and centuries-old wooden beams soar overhead. At the heart of the property, an ancient aqueduct serves as the backdrop for the hotel’s luminous courtyard pool, where dappled sunlight plays across whitewashed walls.

Casa San Agustin’s 31 guestrooms and suites unfold across three restored colonial mansions, each space thoughtfully designed to blend 17th-century architectural heritage with contemporary comfort. Original details like soaring wood-beamed ceilings and handcrafted ironwork provide an authentic sense of place, while locally commissioned furnishings and a soothing palette inspired by the Caribbean create an atmosphere of refined elegance. From intimate Deluxe Rooms with garden or street views to the majestic Suite del Virrey with its sweeping terraces and panoramic views over Old Town Cartagena, each accommodation offers luxurious touches including Frette linens and Ortigia bath products.

Casa Pestagua

A place where history unfolds in grandeur, Casa Pestagua stands as one of Cartagena’s most majestic colonial mansions, an architectural masterpiece that blends 17th-century elegance with contemporary luxury. Tucked within the UNESCO-listed Walled City, this Relais & Châteaux sanctuary is the only hotel in Colombia to belong to the prestigious collection—a testament to its extraordinary heritage, refined hospitality, and exceptional culinary offerings.

A masterpiece of colonial architecture, Casa Pestagua is a rare example of Cartagena’s 17th-century grandeur, with Moorish-inspired arches, double-height ceilings, and lush courtyard gardens that echo the city’s opulent past. Within its walls, just 16 suites and rooms provide an atmosphere of rare exclusivity, where soaring spaces, handcrafted furnishings, and tranquil terraces transport guests to another era—without sacrificing modern indulgence.

Casa Pestagua’s 16 guestrooms and suites convey a splendid Caribbean atmosphere, where historic architecture meets modern comfort. Local artistry and Colombian tradition inform each space, from traditional furnishings to contemporary art. Deluxe Rooms evoke 17th-century refinement with high ceilings, while the hotel’s crown jewel, the Conde de Pestagua Suite, offers a private elevator, expansive terrace with jacuzzi, and magnificent views across the historic city. Throughout all accommodations, thoughtful amenities include Ortigia bath products, Bose sound systems, and luxury linens, while high ceilings and elegant furnishings maintain the property’s aristocratic air.

Exceptional Dining

Culinary excellence is a shared hallmark of both properties, with celebrated chef Heberto Eljach at the helm of two distinctive dining experiences. At Casa San Agustin, Alma Restaurant transforms traditional Colombian flavors with global sophistication in an atmospheric indoor-outdoor setting. As evening falls, the sounds of live tropical music drift through the courtyard, while the sophisticated Alma Bar crafts cocktails that capture the spirit of the Caribbean.

At Casa Pestagua, AniMare celebrates coastal Colombian cuisine sheltered by the property’s stunning colonial arches. Here, Chef Eljach presents a menu that honors the ancestral techniques and flavors of both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts, while the idyllic bar captivates guests with its classic atmosphere and expertly crafted cocktails. With just a five-minute walk between them, guests can easily experience both culinary destinations regardless of where they stay.

Exploring Cartagena

Perfectly positioned in the heart of the historic center, both hotels put the city’s finest galleries, boutiques, and restaurants just steps from their front doors. From the dome of the Cathedral to the church of San Pedro Claver, history unfolds at every turn. Guests can explore cobbled streets on guided walking tours, discover authentic treasures with private shopping guides, or delve into the city’s past at the Naval Museum and Museum of Modern Art.

For respite between adventures, the Aurum Spa at Casa San Agustin offers ancient healing traditions that draw inspiration from pre-Colombian gold rituals and traditional Moroccan hammam practices. Guests of both properties enjoy exclusive access to ACASI Private Beach on Barú Island, where water sports, sailing, diving, and fishing await.

What truly sets these sister properties apart is how seamlessly they weave together the threads of Cartagena’s past and present. Whether you choose the intimate grandeur of Casa Pestagua or the storied elegance of Casa San Agustin, these remarkable hotels offer not just a place to stay, but a chance to experience the authentic spirit of Cartagena while surrounded by understated luxury.

Contact:

Casa San Agustin

Email: reservas@hotelcasasanagustin.com

Website: hotelcasasanagustin.com

Casa Pestagua

Email: reservas@casapestagua.com

Website: casapestagua.com