Imagine sipping on a freshly brewed cup of world-famous Colombian coffee as you gaze across lush landscapes from the balcony of a secluded, high-end boutique hotel. With its stunning natural beauty and reputation for top-tier hospitality, Colombia has emerged as a sanctuary for elite travelers seeking exclusive holidays.
This country offers deluxe activities that range from private yacht journeys through crystal-clear waters to personalized culinary tours. Join us as we unveil the top luxury experiences in Colombia. We will divide the experiences into cities and regions so you can make the perfect jetsetter Colombian itinerary.
Top Luxury Travel Experiences in Bogotá
Staying at the Four Seasons Hotel Casa Medina Bogotá
Of course, nothing says luxury like staying at a 5-star hotel, and the Four Seasons Hotel Casa Medina Bogotá is the best in the city. This stunning accommodation is in the Zona Rosa, a part of the Chapinero neighborhood with many high-end restaurants and designer boutiques. The district is among the best areas to stay in Bogotá for nightlife.
When you book a room at the Four Seasons Casa Medina, you can access a restaurant serving Spanish cuisine, a tapas bar, and a fitness center. Moreover, the hotel’s spa takes inspiration from the country in its treatments. Hence, you can get a Colombian coffee wrap or a massage surrounded by shades of green that resemble Colombian emeralds.
Besides its services, this hotel stands out for its modern building and organizing top luxury experiences in Colombia. Some of the experiences you can book while staying here include a private helicopter tour of the historic town of Zipaquirá, including its Salt Cathedral, one of the must-see attractions during a first trip to Bogotá.
Shopping for Designer Clothes at Zona T
Bogotá’s Zona T is the city’s shopping area par excellence. Here, you can find designer boutiques selling the latest fashion trends.
In particular, the Andino shopping center is home to exclusive stores by international brands like Dolce & Gabanna, Tiffany’s, and Louis Vuitton. Like Cartier, Armani, and Carolina Herrera, you can also find other luxury brands in the mall’s surrounding streets. The Carolina Herrera store is in a beautiful brick house.
This district is among the best areas to stay in Bogotá.
Drinks with a View at the B.O.G. Hotel
The B.O.G. Hotel is also in the Zona T and has a rooftop terrace with a bar that offers spectacular views of Bogotá. The rooftop has a swimming pool and is the perfect place to sip a cocktail while you watch the sunset. On good days, you can even see the mountains.
This 5-star hotel’s design was inspired by the Museo del Oro (gold museum), one of the most important museums in Bogotá. So, the hotel’s rooms and common areas have golden shades that give it an extra luxurious vibe. However, its spa’s influences are emeralds, with pops of green in its facilities. The spa treatments include hot stone and wax massages, facials, and body exfoliations.
When you book a room at the B.O.G. Hotel, you can also access its excellent restaurant with Italian influences.
Dinner at Harry Sasson
Harry Sasson is a restaurant named after its owner, one of the most prestigious chefs in Colombia. The restaurant is in an English-style house with a modern interior. The menu is a fusion of traditional Colombian cuisine, Latin, and Mediterranean food, including several seafood dishes.
Harry Sasson is among the top 50 restaurants in Latin America, so eating here is undoubtedly a top luxury experience in Colombia. Please make a reservation at Harry Sasson Bogotá before your arrival.
Going to a Colombian Emerald Ring Workshop
Regarding exclusive experiences in Colombia, booking an Emerald ring workshop ranks highly. These workshops are only available for small groups and are led by professional jewelers. So, you will not only be able to make your own stunning Emerald ring, but you will also take it home with you as a souvenir.
During the workshop, you will also learn the history of Emeralds and their connection to Colombian history.
Best Luxury Experiences in Medellín
Staying at the Stunning Hotel Marquee Medellín
Medellín’s El Poblado area has no shortage of high-rated, 5 star hotels. However, the Hotel Marquee Medellín may be the best in the city.
This luxury hotel has a rooftop bar, pool, and breathtaking views of Medellín. Moreover, by staying at the Hotel Marquee, you will be in the best area to stay in Medellín for nightlife. Thus, the Parque Lleras area, with its many bars and restaurants, will be within walking distance.
Relaxing at the Spa Hotel San Fernando Plaza
If you want some pampering while in Colombia, the Hotel San Fernando Plaza in Medellín is the place to go. This 5-star hotel with a view has a spa with Turkish baths and saunas. Likewise, different types of massage and skin treatments areavailable at the spa.
Also located in El Poblado, the hotel features an outdoor pool, a restaurant with a great selection of wines, and a lobby bar. You can book a room at the Hotel San Fernando Plaza Medellín and relax between sightseeing and shopping.
Taste Heavenly Food at Elcielo
For top-notch Colombian gastronomy, you must head to Elcielo Hotel & Restaurant. The chef of this 5-star accommodation restaurant is the renowned Juanma. The chef’s vision mixes Colombian tradition with the latest cooking techniques. This restaurant has Michelin star-awarded branches in Miami and Washington, DC.
On the other hand, the hotel itself is simply stunning. With its terrace, fitness center, and pool, Elcielo is paradise. You can book a room at Elcielo in El Poblado to have one of the best luxury experiences in Colombia during your trip.
Taking a Luxury Boat Ride to Guatapé
Guatapé is among the must-see places during a first trip to Medellín, and there’s a way you can visit it in style.
You can book a luxury boat tour to Guatapé, a charming small town near Medellín. The Peñol de Guatapé, a rock monolith, is the main attraction in the area. And, trust me, the views are worth the over 700 stairs.
Going on a Coffee Tour
Of course, a trip to Colombia would be complete only with a coffee tour. And, although you can have a more authentic experience at the country’s Coffee Axis, you can also find excellent guided activities near the cities.
From Medellín, you can go on a coffee tour with a wellness spa included. This luxury experience features a massage, a coffee steam room, a bath, a barista show, and, of course, coffee tasting.
This tour will teach you about the many properties of coffee beyond its energetic effects. You will learn how Colombia’s most prominent export product is also helpful for the skin.
Best Luxury Experiences in Cartagena
Going on a Cruise at Sunset
Hopping on a yacht through the coast at sunset isn’t only a luxury but one of Colombia’s top romantic experiences. In Cartagena, you can book a sunset cruise with an open bar and enjoy the best views while sipping on as many cocktails as you want and listening to music.
These cruises will show the striking contrast between Cartagena’s modern and old sides. Likewise, the sun setting on the horizon is a sight to behold. Plus, you’ll get some great photos for your Social Media posts while joining this activity.
Tasting Colombian Rum and Chocolate
Cartagena stands out for its Caribbean flavors, and two of its most iconic exports are chocolate and rum. So, you should attend a VIP rum and chocolate experience when you visit the city. Furthermore, the tour is at an old chocolate factory where you will learn about the making process while tasting different dishes by mixing both ingredients.
This experience is perfect for groups visiting Cartagena. However, I do have to warn you: it’ll be hard to limit yourself to only a little bit of chocolate.
Driving An ATV Through Cartagena
For an adventure in Colombia, you could drive an ATV through Cartagena. This tour will show you a different side of Cartagena through picturesque landscapes, rocky terrains, and beautiful landscapes. Hence, you’ll get to see places that most tourists miss because they stick to the city’s main attractions.
There are only a handful of spots on this tour so that you can experience this adventure with only a few other people. That said, please book in advance, or you’ll miss it.
Staying at Hotel Casa San Agustin
Lastly, Hotel Casa San Agustin is in the Old Town, one of the best areas to stay in Cartagena. The 5-star hotel is a Colonial-style house with a pool, terrace, restaurant, and business areas.
The Best Luxury Travel Experiences in Santa Marta
Exploring Cabo San Juan
Santa Marta houses the Tayrona National Park, a paradisiac place full of beaches and tropical forests. Visiting Tayrona is a must-have experience, but getting to the park can take some work. Thus, you could always book a tour of Cabo San Juan, a beautiful cape inside Tayrona.
This guided tour includes delicious seafood and coconut water for hydration, guaranteeing the ultimate VIP Caribbean experience.
Scuba Diving at Tayrona National Park
Speaking of Tayrona, you can also do scuba diving at the park. This aquatic experience will allow you to explore the Caribbean through its marine life and colors. This activity is 100% safe for beginners and includes underwater photos and videos for your socials.
Staying at Hotel Boutique Don Pepe
Hotel Boutique Don Pepe is a charming accommodation in the center of Santa Marta. When you book a room at Hotel Boutique Don Pepe, you will get access to an outdoor pool and restaurant and remain close to the beach. This vintage, Colonial-style hotel also has a terrace with a hydromassage tub.