 |
|
|
|
ELLE Travel: The magic of Colombia
Fantasy, fashion and new-found freedoms make Colombia a happening spot for chic globetrotters.
By Noreen Flanagan
|
|
|
|
Mention that you're planning a trip to Colombia and the first question you'll likely be asked is "Why?" A discussion of gun-toting Marxist guerrillas, drug lords and kidnappings usually follows. What isn't mentioned -- at least, at first -- is that this South American country is home to some of the world's pop-culture, art and literary icons, from the original soap opera heroine Ugly Betty and hip-shaking sensation Shakira to renowned artist Fernando Botero and novelist Gabriel García Márquez.
Colombia's geography is equally dazzling, with its Andean mountain ranges, Caribbean and Pacific coastlines and Amazonian rainforests. If that's not enough, there are the country's dazzling emeralds and famous coffee. To downplay Colombia's negative press and showcase more of its charms, the government launched a "Colombia is passion" campaign in 2005. "Passion is the driving force behind everything Colombians do in life," explains Rodolfo Móseres-
Dieppa, the Toronto-based consul and trade commissioner for Colombia. "It's a source of our unique intensity, creativity and resourcefulness."
Cartagena
The scene Located on the Caribbean coast, the walled section of the city -- which was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site -- was founded in 1533 by Pedro de Heredia on the site of the Carib Indian settlement of Calamari. You can spend hours wandering through a maze of cobbled alleys framed by bougainvillea-lined balconies and fashionable shops and cafés. The streets are filled with pedestrians and horse-drawn carriages.
The vibe "Cartagena is a romantic, mysterious and magical city," says fashion designer Beatriz Camacho. "This is a city that you will never forget. I believe that the magic is between the walls because it is everywhere. It's difficult to express -- it's just something you feel."
Where to stay Located in the historic district, Hotel Charleston Cartagena dates back to the 17th century, when it was a convent. A stylish sense of serenity and calm remains today -- especially if you indulge in a signature Colombian coffee body wrap in the hotel's spa. Catch a stunning view of the city's historic skyline from the rooftop pool. (For breakfast, head to the poolside café and order an arepa de huevo. This deep-fried cornmeal patty is stuffed with egg and ground beef.)
Where to dine
• La Vitrola An Italian name but a Havana theme, right down to the live Cuban music and mojitos.
• Club Pesca A romantic seaside setting that attracts officers and gentlemen from the Colombian admiralty.
• 8-18 Nouvelle cuisine in a resto that would be quite at home in Toronto or New York. The coconut rice and stuffed patacones (fried plantains) are simply irresistible.
• Café del Mar Known for its hipster scene and views of the sea, it's ideal for after-dinner drinks.
Image courtesy of Noreen Flanagan
|
|
|
|
Next page |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
 |
|
| |
OR |
|
| |
|
|
| |
 |
|
| |
|
|
|
