Luxury hotel brand Ancalá to debut three Cartagena properties in August

Luxury hospitality brand Ancalá will open three boutique properties in Cartagena, Colombia, in August, marking its debut with two hotels on Barú Island and one in the city's historic Walled City.

Operated by Hart Hospitality, the collection includes Ancalá Casas Altas and Ancalá Waterfront on Barú Island, along with Ancalá Casa de la Renta in Cartagena's UNESCO-listed historic center. The Swiss-owned brand said its properties were acquired to preserve architecturally significant buildings while creating luxury experiences rooted in Colombian culture.

Interior designer and co-owner Diana Posen styled each property using furniture, textiles and artwork primarily crafted by Colombian artisans. The company also said it is supporting heritage preservation, education, job creation and environmental initiatives through partnerships with the Somos Barú, Fundación Centro Histórico and Green Apple foundations.

On Barú Island, Ancalá Casas Altas is a hilltop hotel overlooking the Rosario Islands, while the adjacent Ancalá Waterfront serves as the collection's seaside restaurant, bar and lounge. Originally designed by Colombian architects Gustavo Pinto and Simón Vélez, the waterfront building is distinguished by its vaulted bamboo roof.

Guests arrive by private dock at Ancalá Waterfront before making the short walk uphill to Casas Altas, which comprises two thatched-roof casitas with private pools and a larger villa featuring two suites, a family bedroom, an infinity pool, dining room and kitchen. The property's restaurant, led by chef Pedro Mosqueda, serves Mediterranean-inspired Caribbean cuisine using locally and ethically sourced ingredients. Casas Altas is about a 45-minute boat ride from Cartagena.

In Cartagena's Walled City, Ancalá Casa de la Renta occupies a restored colonial mansion on what was once the city's tobacco trading street. The six-bedroom hotel takes its name from the building's historic role as a tax collection house where merchants paid levies on their daily sales.

Designed to resemble a private residence rather than a traditional hotel, each guest room features unique furnishings, locally sourced textiles and artwork by Colombian artists or pieces inspired by Colombian culture. Shared amenities include a breakfast lounge, a 12-seat communal dining table, a courtyard pool and a self-service open bar with pre-bottled cocktails included in the room rate.

Through a partnership with Nuestra Cartagena, guests can also order meals from local restaurants, including Carmen and Candé, for in-house service.

The properties are now accepting reservations ahead of their August opening. Nightly rates start at $350 for standard rooms at Casa de la Renta and $550 at Casas Altas. Breakfast is included at both properties, while Casa de la Renta also includes access to its open bar. Boat transfers to Casas Altas are available at an additional cost.