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ELLE Travel: The magic of Colombia
Fantasy, fashion and new-found freedoms make Colombia a happening spot for chic globetrotters.
By Noreen Flanagan
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Mystery woman
Beatriz Camacho is on a mission to fend off the flashy Miami influence that has infiltrated her city's fashion scene. "There's this pressure to look like a South Beach girl, but my girl is natural and free," she says. "Like this magical place, one's fashion sensibility should have a touch of mystery. " Scanning her store, which is located in the old walled city, Camacho points to the blues and corals in her fabrics. "The sea is always quietly on my mind," she says. "Its colours breathe optimism and life into my designs."
Gem dandy
In matters of the heart, a diamond may symbolize eternal love, while an emerald signifies one's undying loyalty, explains Bogotá-based jeweller Juan Carlos Díaz Fleing.
• Rock talk "Vivid or deep leafy-green gems are the most expensive," says Díaz Fleing. "Because emeralds are porous and prone to inclusions, it is accepted practice for the stones to be treated with colourless cedarwood oil to enhance their colour and mask the inclusions."
• Shop talk
Unscrupulous dealers may use a cheap palm resin called "palma oil," which leaches from the stone and turns a milky-white colour within months. "Buy gems from jewellers who are recommended by reputable sources," warns Díaz Fleing.
Bogotá
The scene If you arrive on any day but Sunday, the roadways in this city of seven million are bustling with yellow cabs, tinted SUVs and TransMilenio public buses. But on Sunday, the main streets are closed and bicycle-mad Bogotános have the run of the place. That's the perfect day to tour the famous Plaza de Bolívar, which is the heart of the original town. From there, you can walk through the colonial barrio of La Candelaria and visit one of more than 50 museums, including the world-famous Museo del Oro (Gold Museum). Don't miss the Donación Botero, which houses 123 of the artist's roly-poly masterpieces.
The vibe "Bogotá is 2,600 metres closer to the stars, which makes it a lot more vibrant," says fashion designer María Luisa Ortíz. "Its diversity is inspiring. When you wake up in the morning and see those gorgeous mountains, you feel alive."
Where to stay Politicos, business tycoons and tony tourists make their way to Casa Medina. Located in North Bogotá, this discreet hotel was built in the '40s and showcases a mix of classic Spanish and French influences. Rooms at the back are especially quiet and have dazzling views of the looming Monserrate mountains. Don't miss the hotel's fruit plate, with sweet grenadilla, pitaya and curuba.
Image courtesy of Beatriz Camacho
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