Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Travel
  3. News

A 16th-century mansion in Cartagena is now a serene wellness retreat

New Cartagena hotel revives 400-year-old mansion

Casa Carolina
Casa Carolina

Looking for a unique stay in Cartagena, Colombia? Step inside Casa Carolina, a newly opened luxury wellness retreat set within a meticulously restored 16th-century colonial mansion in the heart of the city’s historic Walled City. Once home to Cartagena’s first cathedral presbytery and later the storied Café de la Nueva Granada, the property weaves centuries of history into a calm, curated escape.

Original coral stone walls, towering columns, and hand-painted frescoes (some more than 400 years old) now frame 15 thoughtfully designed rooms and suites, including three grand suites. With high ceilings, breezy balconies, and artisanal touches throughout, Casa Carolina invites guests to slow down, recharge, and reconnect, both with themselves and with the cultural roots of the city.

Recommended Videos

“Casa Carolina is more than just a hotel – it’s a celebration of Cartagena’s soul,” says Carolina Tchekhoff, Owner of Casa Carolina. “Our aim is to provide a holistic experience that offers guests the chance to relax, rejuvenate, and immerse themselves in the rich history and culture of this iconic city.”

Unmatched wellness and culinary amenities

Casa Carolina isn’t just a place to stay, it’s a sanctuary designed to nourish body and soul. Guests can unwind in one of two outdoor pools or indulge in a range of ancestral and Ayurvedic spa rituals. The rooftop terrace, with views of Cartagena’s Cathedral and Governor’s Palace, sets the stage for sunset yoga sessions in the open-air shala or relaxed afternoons in the solarium.

A standout feature is the rooftop cocktail experience, curated in partnership with El Barón, one of The World’s 100 Best Bars. Downstairs, the Just B Wellness Café serves a unique, plant-forward menu that’s completely free from gluten, dairy, additives, and GMOs.

Rates start around $290 per night in summer (May-August) and $350–$400 in peak winter months (December-February). Every stay includes daily breakfast, yoga classes, a welcome cocktail, and a fruit basket.

Amanda Teague
Amanda, an accomplished freelance writer from Columbus, Ohio, is a dedicated explorer of both the world and the written word…
Want to feel like a lad watching England vs. Norway in New York City? The London is where it’s at
The quarterfinals are here. The London's where you should be.
Flag, Plant, City

The last quarterfinal games in the 2026 FIFA World Cup are here. England-Norway kicks things off in Miami before Argentina-Switzerland caps the day's action in Kansas City. One of the best things to come out of the World Cup has been the atmosphere these fans have provided at each city they've visited. We saw the amazing vibes out of Mexico City last week when England fans visited. Before the game, England fans partied and went toe-to-toe with Mexicans at bars everywhere. I know because I was there at The Dog House Pub.

After England beat Mexico in a classic Round of 16 game, fans flooded the streets and partied. We celebrated with England fans until the wee hours of the morning. If you have a serious case of FOMO, you need not worry. You can still catch good vibes and feel like a lad watching England-Norway at The London, A Luxury Collection Hotel, in New York City.

Read more
There’s more to do in Napa Valley than just wine tasting
Silverado Resort is the ideal place to experience it all
Silverado Resort in Napa Valley

Tell someone you're going to Napa Valley, and it conjures images of rolling vineyards and wine tastings. Both are good things to be sure, but there's more to do in Napa than sample fermented grapes. And that's good news for travelers who don't drink, want to explore a different side of Napa, or simply prefer other pursuits.

Napa Valley's wine country reputation, while well-earned, can overshadow what is a legitimately diverse playground. There are championship golf courses, world-class spas, hiking trails, a walkable downtown, and some of the best dining in the country. And it's all easily accessible, whether these activities are the focus of your trip or something to squeeze in between tasting rooms.

Read more
These 8 Philadelphia historic activities reveal the America most tourists miss
Skip the overwhelm and consider these 8 under-the-radar stops on your next visit to the City of Brotherly Love.
People, Person, Clothing

Philly has so many layers of American history that it’s hard to take it all in. Like most first-time visitors, I was overwhelmed by the sheer number of Philadelphia history sites at my disposal. So I stuck to safe bets like the Liberty Bell and Reading Terminal Market, usual suspects that tourists explore when planning a trip to Philadelphia.

And while these stops hold real significance, I was left feeling that I had barely scratched the surface. With century-old landmarks piquing my curiosity at every turn, I knew I’d be back for a deeper dive.

Read more