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Tucked away on a quiet street in the middle of all that Cartagena, Colombia has to offer, sits a small, boutique hotel behind a beautiful and crumbling canary yellow edifice. Unassuming from the outside, Casa Pombo opens-up from behind a small intricately carved wooden door to reveal a paradise oasis of waterfalls, pools, fountains and glass-fronted apartments. As you walk into this magical space and glance up at the tropical plants that have taken over every nook and cranny of the internal courtyard, you can’t help but be enchanted by the history, charm and luxury that surrounds you.
Owned by the same hotelier who runs Casa Pestagua, an internationally acclaimed and equally beautiful property around the corner, Casa Pombo serves as a respite from the hot streets of Cartagena. Once a private home owned by the Pombo family and built in phases between the 1500s and 1800s, the space is divided into five duplex apartments which offer between two and four bedrooms, multiple bathrooms, granite kitchens, stone patios and direct access steps away from the front door to the huge pool. Each apartment is totally private, and even when fully booked, you feel completely secluded and relaxed within the walls of the hotel.
Beginning in the morning, staff allocated to your apartment will bring you a fresh Colombian breakfast of eggs, arepas, papaya juice, pancakes and more, straight to your dining room table. Piping-hot Colombian coffee is served and an opportunity arises to plan your day. There is no concierge at Pombo, but Casa Pestagua’s hotel team act as your surrogates and are happy to book and arrange any experience you desire while in town. But, the man of the house, Pedro, will look after you with diligence, tending to every need, personally.
What is so striking about Casa Pombo is that it feels like home. No need to worry about hoards of other guests parading through your space, no need to wait in line to book a boat trip to the nearby Rosario Islands. Everything here, is extremely personalized. For all the luxury travelers with a bent for excellent service and undivided attention amongst the most beautiful surroundings central Cartagena, look no further. Casa Pombo is THE best choice for apartment-style hotel living.
