First Look: Casa Carolina Debuts In The Heart Of Cartagena, Colombia
Gabriel García Márquez once said that all of his works have loose threads of connection to Cartagena, the vibrant and vivacious capital that was the muse of his magical realism. Nearly 500 years after its foundation, Cartagena still weaves together a history of pirate raids and baroque beauty with modern-day glittering skyscrapers that seem to rise from the sea.
In the midst of a nearly 500-year-old historic center and on the foundations of what was once Cartagena's first city block, Casa Carolina is a new luxury boutique hotel that brings together every thread of the city's soul.
Centuries-old elements painstakingly preserved to UNESCO World Heritage standards meet sleek outdoor pools, cutting-edge wellness offerings, and inspirational cuisine and cocktails inspired by the coast. Casa Carolina is just what the visitor to Cartagena seeks: the old and the new, often all at once.
Casa Carolina's colorful rooftop with outdoor swimming pool. Casa Carolina
Like most structures in the colonial-era Walled City of Cartagena, Casa Carolina has lived many different lives before its debut as the city's newest luxury hotel earlier this year.
Located directly across the street from one of Cartagena's central squares, it was first the presbytery of Santa Catalina de Alejandría Cathedral, its coral stone columns, staircases, and walls reaching sky-high and breathing centuries of history. By the 19th century, the space had become the Café de la Nueva Granada, a meeting space for the creative minds of Cartagena, the first of its kind in the city.
In 2022, it began its most recent renovation, a multi-year labor of love overseen by owner Caroline Tchekhoff to transform it into the 15-room boutique hotel it is today. "Casa Carolina is more than just a hotel—it's a celebration of Cartagena," says Tchekhoff.
It's a celebration that visitors feel as soon as they step through the towering front doors, past columns and through arches dating 16th century, and into the grand courtyard. Where a cistern once hid beneath the floor to collect rainwater, an outdoor pool now glimmers. At the heart of the courtyard, a storied níspero tree, laden with ripe fruit, provides shade on the hottest days.
A suite at Casa Carolina. Casa Carolina The Rooms
Carved out of the hotel's centuries-old structure, each of the hotel's 15 rooms and suites has a different layout and personalized design. Thoughtfully-selected pieces of art and decor fill spaces designed to feel serene and sleek, with muted furnishings to let historic details shine. Each room has amenities like a Nespresso maker to brew organic Colombian coffee, and locally produced, sustainable bathroom amenities from Loto del Sur.
Some rooms, especially those towards the back of the property, lack some of the historic feel of the rest of the space. However, most rooms retain original elements that range from frescos and wood ceilings to original walls.
At the front of the property, the stunning suites facing Cartagena's main square are the most stately. Sky-high ceilings, original frescos, and a stunning mix of history-meets-modern design throughout make them the best rooms in the house, hands down.
Guests who are sensitive sleepers may prefer one of the rooms towards the property's back courtyards; while soundproof windows throughout keep out most noise, drumming and dance performances are a daily occurrence at sunset in the square facing the hotel. However, they're festive rather than annoying, especially considering they just last for an hour or two. Accessibility
Guests with mobility issues, especially those who use walkers or wheelchairs, will have trouble accessing the property. Though many areas of the property are accessible via elevator, accessing the elevator isn't possible without first navigating stairs.
Unfortunately, given the property's age and historic character, it was impossible in the renovation process to make more substantial changes to allow for more inclusive access. Guests with mobility issues should check in with the property prior to booking with any concerns.
Casa Carolina's rooftop bar stands out even with Cartagena's quickly-growing mixology scene. Casa Carolina Food & Drinks
Dining at Casa Carolina is an experience to remember. Located off the courtyard is Just B, a wellness-minded cafe offering drinks, smoothies, salads, pastries, and more, all made fresh from locally-sourced ingredients. Make sure to get the matcha and granola bowl and a cold brew mixed with orange juice and thank me later.
However, the culinary highlight is the hotel's rooftop bar and al fresco dining space, made magical with the view of the coral-colored cupola of the cathedral at sunset. The bar menu is impressive, designed in partnership with Cartagena's El Barón, featured on the prestigious 50 Best Discovery list. I'd recommend trying the Baile y Fuego , a tribute to García Márquez himself, or the Casa de la Nueva Granada , inspired by the cafe that once filled these historic walls.
"We're proud to bring the essence of El Barón to Casa Carolina," said Juan Diaz, owner of El Barón. "Our goal was to create cocktails that don't just taste incredible, but that also share a sense of place, honoring the people, stories, and traditions that make Cartagena so unique.
Both eateries are open to the public, making this a great place to escape from the heat of the day while peeking inside the incredible interior of this historic building.
Beyond Casa Carolina's courtyard is a yoga studio and spa offering a range of treatments and experiences. Casa Carolina Spa & Wellness
For a hotel of this size to have a spa is impressive, but at Casa Carolina, wellness goes far beyond a standard massage menu. With an intimate spa and a yoga shala tucked towards the back of the property, wellness is a pillar at the heart of a stay at the property.
Casa Carolina's commitment to wellness is motivated by the owner's personal dedication to mindful living practices like yoga and Ayurvedic healing techniques that she says helped safe her life after an accident nearly left her paralyzed years ago. With these same principles brought to life at Casa Carolina, "it's luxury with purpose," she says, "designed to leave a lasting impression.'
Yoga classes, meditation sessions, and sound healings are available throughout the week on a rotating schedule, and can also be arranged by request. While the spa specializes in Ayurvedic treatments and therapies, guests interested in something a little more classic will find plenty of options to choose from as well.
The níspera tree at the heart of Casa Carolina's courtyard. Casa Carolina Staying at Casa Carolina
To stay at Casa Carolina is also to support the hotel's commitment to sustainability, woven through the fabric of its operations in big ways and small. Notably, Casa Carolina is part of a new local initiative known as Nuestra Cartagena, a collective of sixteen local, independently-owned businesses in the tourism industry brought together by a shared love for the city and a desire to mitigate the downsides of tourism by helping craft rich, authentic, and equitable experience for visitors.
Basking in the shine of her debut in Cartagena, Casa Carolina strikes a balance that few places in the city can. With its heartfelt commitment to the modern and the historic, Casa Carolina feels like Cartagena itself, storied and sage, yet very much still vibrant and alive.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
%3Amax_bytes(150000)%3Astrip_icc()%2FTAL-la-pergola-rome-cavalieri-ROME3MICHSTAR0825-710ba131941c4fabbf7a7828004ac34e.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
Travel + Leisure
18 minutes ago
- Travel + Leisure
This Hotel Has Rome's First Three Michelin Star Restaurant and the City's Best Views—Here's What It's Like to Eat There
No matter where I turned inside Rome Cavalieri, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel, I could not escape the feeling of magnificence. It seeps through the fine art on the walls, like the rare triptych by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo that hangs in the lobby. It's palpable from the hotel's balconies that peer over Rome's iconic landmarks. The magnificence can even be experienced through taste, as it is home to Rome's first three Michelin star restaurant, La Pergola. La Pergola is more than just the jewel in the hotel's crown, it is that to the city as well. The restaurant recently underwent a full renovation and reopened its doors last year, revealing an interior that pays homage to the grand city it calls home. The new design, executed by Paris-based Studio Jouin Manku, cleverly tells the story of Rome—think terracotta hues that mirror the city's rooftops, crystal chandeliers that allude to Roman rainfall, and a bar carved from travertine, the stone used for the Coliseum and so many Ancient Roman icons. Upon further inspection, you can see the design is laced with unexpected moments that serve as an amuse-bouche to the dining experience. My personal favorite is the masterfully embroidered wall nook by Atelier Montex, which showcases designs of chef Heinz Beck's most treasured flowers and herbs. The vast library of wine at La Pergola includes more than 60,000 bottles, including ultra-rare vintages in the cellar. These wines can be explored through the full 10-course experience with five wines (1,200 euros per couple), the abbreviated seven-course menu with four wines (1,000 euros per couple), or you can choose to order a la carte and drink by the glass. The premium beverage offerings trickle into a global water menu, where both mineral and bottled waters from around the world can be found. While many flock to Rome to get lost in its maze of frenetic trattorias, chef Beck provides a radically different approach to Italian cuisine—save for his signature dish, the Faggotelli La Pergola, an inverted version of Rome's classic carbonara, where pouches of handmade pasta are filled with the cheesy, peppery sauce, creating a flavorful explosion with each bite. Beck's methods are often scientific, balancing flavor with chemical precision—so much so that his work is cited in Italian academia. Most important to the Bavarian-born chef is focusing on balance and health. His risotto, for instance, is made without any milk or solid cheese, its indulgent creaminess created rather through technique. The meal begins with a slew of artistic small plates prepared tableside, an intimate, tone-setting moment between chef and patron. The tasting menu is a tour of local ingredients such as Alba white truffles, Mediterranean red shrimp, and Italian veal. As the final espresso hits your lips and your hands find the drawers of a fantastic biscuit cabinet, you'll understand how La Pergola has kept a firm grip on its Three Michelin Stars. While La Pergola is a gastronome's most prized work of art at Rome Cavalieri, it certainly has its competition. The hotel's private art collection of over 1,000 original pieces adorn the walls of its grand hallways, lobby, and suites. The public galleries make for a perfect moment pre- or post-dinner. Expect to find 17th-century paintings, such as "Judith with the Head of Holofernes," marble statues like "The Kiss ," tapestries including "The Triumph of Mars," and the collection's true treasure, the aforementioned triptych by Tiepolo. A nightcap is best served at Rome Cavalieri's Tiepolo Bar, which is often brought to life with both a live piano and a front row seat to Tiepolo's masterpieces. The craft cocktail menu, called The Art Collection, draws upon the hotel's various art pieces for inspiration. "Each drink is a liquid interpretation of an iconic work of art, crafted to evoke emotions and inspiration—just as a great artist does with their brush," writes Angelo Severini, the chief mixologist. Drinks like " represent the hotel's private Andy Warhol "Dollar Signs" collection, which can be found in the penthouse suite. While it is easy to get lost in Rome Cavalieri's lavish amenities, some of its most memorable moments come from outside. Positioned atop Monte Mario, Rome's highest hill, the hotel's 15 acres provide sweeping views of the Eternal City, a reminder that it is both a spectator to Rome's magnificence and the keeper of some of its greatest stories.
%3Amax_bytes(150000)%3Astrip_icc()%2FTAL-header-exterior-pensione-america-PENSIONEAMERICA0825-6c635a09bd2940dd851f60288be5330e.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
Travel + Leisure
8 hours ago
- Travel + Leisure
One of Italy's Most Stylish Tuscan Seaside Towns Just Got a New Hotel—With a Beach Club Along the Ligurian Coast
Pensione America Pensione America's design reflects Forte dei Marmi's posh seaside energy—there are plenty of chic, comfortable spaces for relaxing throughout the hotel. Each of the 17 rooms and suites, along with the two-story, two-bedroom villa, feature a private terrace or veranda ideal for enjoying a morning espresso or an afternoon aperitivo. The all-day restaurant serves seasonal, elevated Italian dishes prepared by local chef Sabrina Pucci. While the hotel has a pool, beach club Bagno Assunta is just a two-minute bike ride, and the sunbeds closest to the water's edge are reserved for Pensione America guests. As I arrived at Pensione America, I noticed a single grayish-green bike casually parked at the hotel's entrance. An infrequent biker at best, I didn't think much of it as I wheeled my suitcase under the elegant, vine-laden pergola toward Pensione America's shaded veranda. And yet, less than 30 minutes after being warmly welcomed and ushered to my room, I was steering the handles of my bicycle (complimentary for the next few days) onto the quiet residential street and toward the town center. Biking in Forte dei Marmi—a small, chic Tuscan beach town tucked between the Ligurian Sea and the Apuan Alps—is the primary form of transportation. Ample bike lanes run parallel to the coastline, dotted with manicured beach clubs. After an idyllic five-minute ride down the beach, I took a sharp right into Forte dei Marmi's glitzy town center where high-end shopping reigns and melds with gastronomy. Shop at pretty much any high-end designer you can think of, then set your bags down for a coffee at Caffè Principe, owned by Miuccia Prada, or cool off with a gelato at the Louis Vuitton kiosk. Every Wednesday and Sunday morning, a suitably luxe outdoor market takes over the central Piazza Marconi, offering made-in-Italy cashmere, linens, and Tuscan ceramics. Sit and relax among the lemons trees. Manfredi Gioacchini/Pensione America With a new scarf blithely secured in my bike's chic front basket, I rode back to Pensione America. The intimate hotel feels like home, which is exactly what owner Sara Maestrelli intended. She and her family, who own and operate the newly opened hotel, have been decamping to Forte dei Marmi for decades. 'I would spend summer here with the cousins, my brother, my grandparents, friends from the beach. The summers felt kind of the same year after year, and that consistency was, at the end of the day, what we looked forward to every June,' she told me. 'It's part of who we are." By design, Pensione America aims to provide guests with that same feeling of villeggiatura, which is the Italian word for a prolonged summer vacation by the sea or in the countryside. This tradition is woven throughout the hotel, which is open from Easter to early October. There are plenty of cozy spots to relax with a book or a drink, seated comfortably in stylish wicker chairs—from a communal living room with a baby grand piano, a marble chess set, and stacks of coffee table books to a terraced restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. A stone path through the neatly trimmed lawn leads guests to the hand-painted Sicilian ceramic tile-lined pool, flanked by emerald green loungers. Lounge chairs and daybeds lay around the pool. Manfredi Gioacchini/Pensione America Pensione America was originally built in 1899, commissioned by a Roman artist as a private home. It was sold in the early 1920s and turned into a pensione (or boarding house), which the current owners drew inspiration from. It's the fifth hotel in the Maestrelli family's Collezione Em and joins Villa Roma Imperiale, their other luxury boutique hotel in Forte dei Marmi. While the family wasn't necessarily looking to expand its portfolio in the area, when Pensione America came on the market, they couldn't resist. After a meticulous renovation that took years to complete (they purchased the property in 2021), the hotel opened in April 2025. Settling in for a pre-dinner aperitivo on my room's plant-lined terrace, I took in the view of the sparkling pool, where a few guests lingered to catch the last of the afternoon light. The sounds of a particularly lively game of tennis being played behind the nearby pine trees and the clink of cocktails filtered through. Reaching for my glass of bubbly Franciacorta, I could see the allure of villeggiatura—even for a long weekend. Here's what it's like to stay at Pensione America in Forte del Marmi. The Rooms There are 17 guest rooms and suites in Pensione America's L-shaped main building. La Villetta, a two-story, two-bedroom villa, is also nestled among pine trees overlooking the pool. The hotel's general vibe pairs chic coastal nostalgia with a celebration of Italian craftsmanship, as the elegant decor of the public spaces extends to the accommodations. While each room is slightly different in layout and furnishings, all have a private terrace or veranda, comfortable beds, and hand-painted wallpaper by Italian designer Elena Carozzi. My room (number 15) was a 452-square-foot junior suite that, while tucked just next to the restaurant, remained quiet and peaceful. It also had a spacious closet and a 193-square-foot terrace, offering just enough privacy to enjoy a morning coffee or take an afternoon riposo. The spacious bathrooms feature colorful hand-painted tiles by ceramicist Nicolò Giuliano (his work also lines the pool) and are stocked with products by Florentine-based brand Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella, along with plush robes and towels. Food and Drink In true pensione-style, Pensione America has one restaurant and its purpose shifts throughout the day—breakfast becomes lunch becomes complimentary afternoon tea and cookies. Aperitivo transitions seamlessly into dinner, and all are taken al fresco under the veranda's shade. I met Pensione America's chef, Sabrina Pucci, when she popped out of the kitchen to check on me over dinner. The Forte dei Marmi native's dishes skew seasonal and fresh, with a focus on ingredients that speak to the Italian coast. Her feather-light gnocchi with clams and bottarga gave me ample reason to shower her with compliments, as did her custard-filled pastries the next morning. In addition to the aforementioned freshly-made pastries, breakfast at Pensione America includes a buffet with: fans of ripe mango, pineapple, and melon; kiwi halves presented in egg cups; the requisite granola/dry cereal/nuts/yogurt spread; and daily cakes and crostatas presented on platters of varying heights. The à la carte menu features options like uova al pomodoro or eggs in tomato sauce, pancakes, and savory crepes to enjoy with expertly-made caffeinated drinks. While you can certainly stay on property for lunch, Pensione America's attentive team will be happy to book you a cabana and/or a lunch reservation at the family's stylish beach club, Bagno Assunta. The beach club's menu—where options include fritto misto of fried seafood and vegetables, a salad with seared tuna with fennel, and spaghetti alle arselle, a local specialty made with wedge clams—is an ideal match for the specific kind of toes-in-the-sand joy that is seaside, Italian holiday dining. Activities and Experiences Owner Sarah Maestrelli spent a good part of her childhood summers playing at Tennis Club Roma just next door to Pensione America, so it makes sense that the family decided to purchase the tennis club and offer guests access to the nearby clay tennis courts or arrange a private lesson with an instructor. If you prefer to leave your tennis whites at home, the hotel also has a small gym on-site. Or you can skip the workouts altogether in lieu of bike rides into town and to the beach. Speaking of the beach, afternoons in Forte dei Marmi tend to revolve around time spent by and in the sea. Here, every family seems to be a member of the same bagno (beach club) for generations. Fortunately, staying at Pensione America provides access to this family's beach club, Bagno Assunta, a short two-minute bike ride away. Even better—the club's navy blue towel-lined sunbeds, chairs, tents, and umbrellas closest to the water's edge are reserved for guests of Pensione America. Lunch, snacks, and aperitivo can be ordered and delivered right to your spot on the beach. There are also clean changing rooms and showers to rinse off a full day of salt and sand before hopping back on your bike. The Spa While the hotel doesn't have a spa, the team can arrange in-room treatments by request. Family-friendly Offerings Pensione America is an adult-only hotel (guests must be 13 years or older) and feels especially well-suited for—and visited by—couples. Accessibility and Sustainability Pensione America offers two ADA-compliant rooms, both Junior Suites. Guest rooms are stocked with full-size toiletries, and there are no single-use plastics. The hotel has partnered with Italian artisans and companies. Location Enjoy the view from a hotel's lounge area. Manfredi Gioacchini/Pensione America Forte dei Marmi is set on the Tuscan coast and sheltered by the Apuan Alps. The closest international airport is Pisa's Galileo Galilei Airport (PSA), about 26 miles from the seaside resort town. You can also take a train from Florence's Santa Maria Novella train station, which takes an hour and 40 minutes, or rent a car. The hotel is located just south of the town center, a five to 10-minute bike ride into town and a two-minute bike ride to the seaside. Book Now Pensione America is a Leading Hotels of the World member, and Leaders Club members receive benefits, such as early check-in, late check-out, and upgrade priority on arrival. The hotel is open seasonally from Easter to early October. Nightly rates at Pensione America start from €1,600 ($1,850). Every T+L hotel review is written by an editor or reporter who has stayed at the property, and each hotel selected aligns with our core values.
Associated Press
2 days ago
- Associated Press
JAMUL CASINO RESORT OFFICIALLY UNVEILS BRAND-NEW HOTEL TOWER WITH JAM-PACKED OPENING WEEKEND
San Diego's Newest Boutique Hotel Now Open Link to assets available here JAMUL, Calif., Aug. 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- San Diego's premier new luxury destination, Jamul Casino Resort, welcomed guests to the official grand opening of its state-of-the-art boutique hotel tower, marking a new era in Southern California hospitality. The stunning 16-story property features a premium spa with a full-service salon, a rooftop pool with sweeping mountain views, and a signature dining venue. With 200 spacious, Alexa-enabled rooms including multiple high-tech luxury suites, a speakeasy and invite-only gaming spaces, it creates an unparalleled stay and play experience. Offering guests a new standard of entertainment and luxury options in one spectacular destination, the Resort is now accepting all reservations at 'This moment has been a long time coming,' said Mary Cheeks, President, and General Manager of Jamul Casino Resort. 'Our new hotel tower is the result of years of dedication and vision—designed to create a truly exceptional experience for our guests while deepening our commitment to revitalizing the community. We're proud to unveil an all-in-one destination that captures the best of San Diego. Whether you're here to play or relax, Jamul Casino Resort is ready to welcome you.' The star-studded opening weekend kicked off with an official ribbon-cutting ceremony including welcome remarks from tribal members including Chairwoman Erica M. Pinto, along with Mayor Todd Gloria of San Diego, Supervisor Joel Anderson, Mayor Ron Morrison of National City and Mayor John McCann of Chula Vista. Throughout the festivities, guests enjoyed exclusive access to the Fly Room speakeasy, Signature Club and the Starlite Pool where a celebration was kicked off by baseball legend Trevor Hoffman, former San Diego Padres pitcher, who mingled with attendees and shared his excitement for the new Resort. The evening continued with a spectacular drone show set against the scenic backdrop of the Jamul mountains, followed by a rooftop pool party where the festivities carried on into the night. Grand opening weekend continued Saturday with an intimate Four Walls whiskey tasting in the Fly Room with exclusive bottle giveaways for VIP guests, hosted by beloved actor Glenn Howerton, known for his role in 'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia.' The three-day celebration concluded with a pool party on Sunday at Starlite Pool, complete with live music and salsa dancing where guests reveled well into the evening. The stunning Resort, originally imagined as a crystalline jewel box floating against the Jamul mountains, is a world-class destination where visitors can seamlessly transition from gaming and entertainment to relaxation and rejuvenation without ever leaving the property. Solidifying its reputation as a premier destination in Southern California, Jamul Casino Resort delivers an unparalleled guest experience through cutting-edge technology including advanced in-room automation via DigiValet's tablet-based control system that allows guests to manage their stay through intuitive voice commands. The artfully designed hotel tower aims to earn the AAA Four Diamond Rating — North America's premier hotel rating program, recognizing the most important aspects of luxury such as cleanliness, comfort, cuisine and consistency. To learn more about Jamul Casino Resort and to book a room, please visit About Jamul Casino Resort Opened in 2016, the Jamul Casino Resort is located in Jamul, California, San Diego County, and is owned and operated by Jamul Indian Village Development Corporation (JIVDC), a wholly owned enterprise of the Tribe. The $430 million, award-winning casino features nearly 1,700 slot machines, 46 live table games, a dedicated poker room, and various restaurants, bars and lounges, and a brand-new, 200-room luxury hotel tower. The 16-story boutique hotel offers an all-new collection of guest experiences from restaurants, retail space, a rooftop pool and full-service spa and salon. The hotel has been built to achieve AAA's Four Diamond designation. Jamul Casino Resort supports more than 1,500 permanent jobs throughout the region and is the closest casino to downtown San Diego, which is the eighth-largest city in the United States by population. For more information about Jamul Casino Resort, please visit MEDIA CONTACT Kirvin Doak Communications [email protected] View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Jamul Casino Resort
