Colombia's Spanish conquerors certainly knew how to build beautiful and the 16th century colonial architecture of Cartagena's historic centre contains the pick of Cartagena's luxury vacation rentals.
Since its foundation in 1533, Cartagena has been home to the country's most impressive holiday homes, a veritable Caribbean playground for Colombia's richest families.
In the last 10 years, they have brought their opulent colonial mansions bang up-to-date, converting them into elegant, regal palaces fit for royalty.
Their stunning swimming pools, rooftop Jacuzzis, designer décor and hi-tech entertainment systems all provide a contemporary sheen to Cartagena's unique, colonial pomp and rich cultural heritage.
More than 50 uber-mansions fit for the world's most celebrated visitors can now be found inside the city's historic 16th century walls.
We've got the keys to every luxurious piece of Cartagena real estate available to rent for short holiday stays.
So if you travel like a prince and want a premium vacation rental in Colombia with top-notch concierge services to boot, you're in luck put our talented team of travel advisors to the test and enlist the help of the A-team to get you booked into a holiday home that's fit for a royal family.
To ensure you get full service during your stay all of our Cartagena vacation rentals come with breakfast and transfers to and from the airport as standard as well as a bilingual concierge to meet you on arrival and help get you settled for your stay.
All you need to do is browse through our selection of the very best colonial mansions and luxurious short-stay accommodation options in Cartagena. Let us know which palace you like best.
Sit back and we'll do the rest...
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Casa Pombo
Behind its reassuringly heavy oak door is a world of luxury and opulence, where five private restored suites serve up unique characteristics to ensure your stay is nothing less than enchanting.
In one of the house's five suites, an old cell makes for a quirky toilette, whilst a different suite sports the famous regal bed where Javier Bardem writhed with Italian actress Giovanna Mezogiorno in Mike Newell's 2007 adaptation of Marquez's Love in the Time of Cholera.
Owned by European stars of the silver screen, this is the epitome of Cartagena luxury vacation rentals, retaining a magic all of its own. Its status firmly cemented atop the Colombian vacation rental hierarchy means it's frequently booked out by film stars and celebrities who rejoice in its discretion and serenity.
You can rent the place in its entirety or simply select one of the five palatial apartments although the latter is only really an option during the week.
A rooftop pool with views of the city's cathedral, a personal chef, private masseuse, full staff and on-hand guide who customizes a private walking tour of the Cartagena landmarks that inspired so many of Marquez finest works are all available.
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Casa Sandia
This studiously designed Cartagena mansion was built for sharing with friends and family. A spacious pad in trendy San Diego, Casa Sandia, is affordable and luxurious at the same time.
Slip behind the house's inconspicuous front door and you'll discover an inviting open-plan kitchen / dining area at ground level that links cleverly with the pool area to create an exceptional ambiance for mingling with friends and family.
With a special mix of antique and contemporary furnishings, the house is a gem for lovers of smart architecture and clever design.
There are day beds by the pool perfect for passing the day reading or catching up on some much needed Zzzzzs.
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Casa Borojo
This palatial colonial mansion has plenty of panache. A delicious 5-bedroom Cartagena colonial mansion with some stunning designer touches courtesy of the King of Colombian interiors, Miguel Soto.
Belonging to one of Cartagena's most desirable gay couples, this spacious Caribbean crib has impeccable taste, a privileged position on the Parque Fernandez de Madrid and the best restaurants in Cartagena right on the doorstep.
One of the owners is the founder of an international hotel chain, so the people that run this palace understand the importance of providing the service levels you would expect from the mainstream hospitality industry.
Perfect for a large family or a select group of friends, Casa Borojo, is a treat to the senses.
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Casa Pitaya
This beautifully restored historic vacation rental puts you in the heart of Cartagena's historic center a short walk from the city's finest restaurants
Just two doors from Cartagena's luxurious Hotel Sofitel Legend Santa Clara, this magnificent seven bedroom house is an idyllic escape from even the most luxurious of daily routines.
A picture perfect oasis in the heart of Cartagena's historic center, this lovely Cartagena villa comes with presidential neighbours a pool on the ground floor and a jacuzzi on the roof.
With Cartagena's best eateries and entertainment on the doorstep, the historic 17th century walls of Cartagena a short hop from the house and great shopping within a block, there's very little exertion required when staying in this superb piece of Cartagena real estate.
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Almond Island
There’s some special beach spots in Cartagena’s island archipelago of the Rosario Islands but only a handful offer the chance to experience your own private Caribbean island escape in such salubrious style.
Almond Island, is a little piece of heaven on earth.
Belonging to one of Colombia’s richest businessmen, Almond Island, ticks all the boxes when it comes to privacy and overdosing on Caribbean kudos.
Perfectly located in the emerald waters of the lush, Cholon lagoon, this idyllic islet is about as privileged a spot you could find to spend a few days off the grid with your loved ones.
Ideal for families or a romantic escape with a very special plus one, Almond Island is all yours at a price that will probably have you pinching yourself on arrival.
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Casa Botero
This 10-bedroom property is one of the most spectacular short-stay options in Cartagena and Colombia. Few luxury vacation rentals in Cartagena can match the luscious mix of contemporary luxury fixtures and fittings and colonial pomp.
One of the first Cartagena mansions to be restored in the 1980s by Gloria de Zea, the first wife of Colombian artist, Fernando Botero, this glorious holiday home was given an interior flourish by their daughter, Lina Botero in 2013.
Lina's stylish re-fit brought the house right up-to-date placing it at the top of the tree when it comes to remarkable Cartagena holiday homes.
Saudi princes and heavy-hitting international art collectors have all been wowed by Lina's immaculate interior design.
There are special details sprinkled liberally through the property, like the rooftop Jacuzzi, Ralph Lauren bedding and designer furniture throughout.
This is a truly glittering destination for a celebrity set that just love visiting or staying in this expansive house when invite.
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Casa del Arzobispado
Ideal for those that want to be in the heart of Cartagena's historic centre, this delightful colonial villa sits on one of the city's most important streets, a short hop from the former governor’s house and Cartagena's imperious cathedral.
It's been called home by some historic figures over the years, not least, Antonio Joséde Ayos, one of the martyrs that fought to liberate Cartagena from Spanish rule in 1811.
A delicious re-fit in 2002, preserved much of the historical house’s character with a rich, colonial style and some great original time pieces dotted throughout but there's more than enough contemporary flourish to meet the exacting standards of a modern brand of visiting.
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Casa Claver
Aspiring to the big city ‘loft style living’ principle, these dreamy boutique digs in the heart of Cartagena’s most picturesque quarter, boast stunning high ceilings and fashionable furnishings.
Life inside the house might be modern, but their’s plenty of Caribbean character flowing through the casa's DNA with the vibrant wall hangings, colourful cushions and fabulous throws draped across the blissful beds.
The house is made up of self-contained apartments that fall into three categories; standard (sleeps 2), deluxe (sleeps 5) and premium (sleeps 6). All apartments are fitted with a private kitchen and laundry room and there is no need to split hairs about who cooks breakfast as your first meal of the day is included in the price of the stay, as well as concierge and cleaning services.
Whilst the premium suite is by far the most impressive, the standard apartment holds its own with its street views letting in plenty of light.
Although the rooms are wonderful, the resplendent rooftop terrace makes it virtually impossible to sleep in. Climb up here morning, day or night and it would never fail to take your breath away.
Stand, or even better lounge, here and it becomes all too clear why the hotel is called Casa Claver—the rooftop practically touches the cupolas of the Cathedral of San Pedro Claver, as well as spoiling you with an unspoilt, 360 degrees view of the city.
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Casa Nispero
Few of Cartagena's holiday homes for the rich and famous have weaved contemporary interior chic into Cartagena's colonial fabric with such effect as this stunning five bedroom mansion.
Owned by a Colombian clothing magnate, this crisp mansion can sleep 10 design connoisseurs comfortably.
Fashionable throughout, Phillipe Starck furniture, luxurious loungers and modern four-poster beds as well as glamorous dining and lounge areas are all made to measure for groups that want to take their contemporary home comforts with them when they go away.
There's no escaping Cartagena's colonial heritage, however, with Cartagena's history writ large on the exposed 17th century colonial walls.
If only walls could talk.
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Pistachio Island
A heavenly private island at the outer edge of the exclusive Rosario Islands archipelago, this wonderful Caribbean retreat is perfect for families looking for an idyllic beach escape
This Caribbean retreat is a pretty playground for families looking for some one-up seaside fun or a group of friends looking for a petite island hideaway. Recharge your batteries and indulge yourself with 3,700 sq m of peace, tranquility and wellbeing.
With no less than five beaches and a trio of Caribbean cabañas to choose from and with some great deck action to be had to boot, there's plenty of options to dip your toe, or dive headlong, into the crystalline waters of the Colombian Caribbean.
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So if you travel like a prince and want a premium vacation rental in Cartagena with top-notch concierge services to boot, you're in luck.
We've got more than just the keys to your unbeatable Caribbean villa in Cartagena. Our talented team of local insiders has hand-picked the very best vacation rentals in Colombia to help guarantee a better vacay all the way.
We really do know Cartagena and Colombia better than anyone else.
We’re on-the-ground, all-year-round so we can share with you all of our favourite Cartagena things to do, places to eat, drink and relax.
Our talented team of travel advisors has cherry-picked the very best Cartagena has to offer so you can experience this marvelous Caribbean city like a local.
Put our team of talented concierges to the test and get you booked into your royal family holiday home.
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