The Colombian Caribbean attraction to invest
Santa Marta (Magdalena)Rescued by a group of foreigners who decided to reconquer, this city is becoming one of the most attractive places on the coast.
Some news to understand the new rhythm of Santa Marta: in the month of November 2013, a study in the magazine Science, where it is stated that the National Park Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta is the most “irreplaceable” natural environment in the world, among 78 natural environments. A few months ago, Tony Wheeler, creator of the Lonely Planet travel guide, included Ciudad Perdida among his fifteen favorite places in the world, even above Machu Picchu. According to the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism, in 2012 more than 500 foreign businessmen and 5,000 nationals invested more of eight million dollars in commerce in Santa Marta. This city offers the most economical value per square meter in the country facing the sea, compared to Cartagena or Barranquilla. In 2012, the Program United Nations Human Settlements (UN-Habitat) chose Bogotá, Medellín and Santa Marta in Colombia for the realization of urban transformation projects, and has been working since months ago with the City Mayor's Office in the 2025 Plan, the POT and the implementation of the global citizen campaign “I improve my city”.
We could say that the quarter of an hour Santa Marta started more or less three years ago; it feels different, vibrates at other rhythms, has new faces and a face to show to the world. From the usual tourism of El Rodadero, it has gone to a diversity of experiences that meet and exceed the expectations of most demanding travelers. History, comfort and gastronomic offer in the Historical Center; nature tourism, archeology and diversity in the Mountain range; virgin and paradisiacal beaches in the Park corridor Tayrona; beach tourism with large hotels or boutiques in Bello Horizon, and underwater wonders in Taganga diving.
The symbols of transformation architectural, cultural and social are appreciated in the restoration of colonial and republican houses; the enormous luxury buildings that rise in Bello Horizonte and El Rodadero, or the beginning of projects of the most recognized hotel chains in the world. Additionally, and As a relevant fact, private biological reserves have been created in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta (like El Dorado), and little by little the work of national and international NGOs with indigenous and vulnerable communities is bearing small fruits. Despite the timid actions of national and local governments on the issue of protection of nature and history, private initiatives provide hope in that perhaps development can go hand in hand with caring for the natural, material and intangible heritage.
Since its foundation, in 1525, this Earth has invited exploration. He was always an exceptional witness of the history of nation building. But never before the eyes of the world had landed in Santa Marta. Maybe it was because of his assets port in the context of the FTA, perhaps due to a boom in the sector real estate, perhaps due to a commitment by the country to promote itself as tourist destination, but what you hear from foreigners is that This place is full of experiences, nature and is a destination of investment.
The reconquest
The place that most embodies intensity this transformation is the Historic Center. Five years ago The Plan Centro was launched from the Mayor's Office, whose purpose was the recovery of the main squares, pedestrianization and restoration of the most emblematic buildings. This initiative is was supported by the investment of foreigners, who saw the tourist potential of the city and bet on its development. First hostels like La Brisa Loca and Aluna, which brought tourists back to the heart of the city and They caught the attention of guides for international travelers. Then the restaurants Basel, El Santo, Ouzo, Lulo, El Bistro and Made in Spain. Later, in a bid for travelers looking for comfort, the Casa Verde and Casa del Farol boutique hotels were born. AND In the last two years, housing solutions such as Casa have been created del Río and Building 1525 that, by the hand of renowned architects in the country, have changed the way of living in the Center.
Is It is necessary to recognize it: foreigners have imposed a new rhythm on the city. They have created innovative businesses with international standards, have convinced tourists from different latitudes to come to Santa Martha; have created an empirical school of service and care of the visitors; have been committed to the city in improving the security, and with their own initiatives they have contributed to reducing the inequality and improve governance. In addition, they have rescued territories from the hands of crime with investment, culture and creativity, as This is the case of 12th Street.
Foreigners and locals Inspired by them, they have understood the importance of initiatives private to transform the public. They are aware of the challenges of pollution, inequality, drugs and prostitution, but they have chosen offer development options and thus have transformed the city. Today, Walking through the Historic Center is a journey to the diversity of cultures; to a range of gastronomic experiences; to a date with history in hotels built with taste and originality, and to the dialogue of the past and the present, where the restoration is seeking to rescue the steps of the ghosts.
If you go to the Center stay in…
Amani House
This is a hotel with personal history. It belongs to a Colombian who works with the high commissioner of the United Nations for Refugees. In his work he has visited more than ninety countries. This project meant his return home and for this He moved objects from twenty-five countries, because he wanted to share the wealth of the world. Casa Amani, which means peace in Swahili, has five rooms, and each one was named with the word peace in Sanskrit, Arhuaco, Persian, Japanese and Russian. Every corner tells a story of a place in the world, and this diversity mixes with the calm of the Caribbean.
Calle 18 No. 2-72 -
Hotel Boutique Don Pepe
It is the most recent in the Center Historic and stands out for its delicacy and elegance. It is located in a house with two centuries of history, where the remains of the Liberator. In it, history, Samarian tradition and comfort. It has twelve rooms decorated with vintage details. In addition to the comfort of its facilities, Don Pepe has a beautiful central pool next to your dining room; terraces to contemplate sunsets, and an innovative restaurant.
Calle 16 No. 1c-92 -
Green House Hotel
It was the first boutique hotel in the Historic Center and operates in a beautiful republican house from 1920. The decoration is inspired by the natural wealth of Quebrada Valencia and It works under the concept of home, a space where you share with others. guests and they appropriate the space. Thanks to the warmth of your service and the comfort of its rooms, Casa Verde has earned a space in the Lonely Planet travel guide, as one of the best hotels in Colombia.
Calle 18 No. 4-70 -
The Lantern House
This hotel operates in a construction from 1720 and receives its name from the beautiful lantern that hangs on the façade of the building. It has ten rooms dedicated to the ten favorite capitals of the owners, a couple of Spanish travelers founders of the Xarm Hotels chain. The decoration furniture was bought in each city, brought by boat and placed with subtlety and elegance. It has a central patio with a swimming pool and a terrace with view of the cathedral. In addition to this hotel, the chain offers various experiences of the Center in its other boutique hotels: La Casa del Agua, The Tree House and The Piano House.
Calle 18 No. 3-115, -
SOURCE: Diners Magazine