It’s a sometimes forgotten part of the Caribbean: the northern coast of Colombia.
But the country’s Caribbean coastline has been quietly seeing a wave of hotel and tourism development in recent years, both in its most popular hotspot, Cartagena, and, more recently, other coastal destinations.
That includes the beach city of Santa Marta, which this week welcomed its second Hilton hotel.
The new Hilton Santa Marta has opened its doors, with 261 rooms between the Sierra Nevada mountains and the beach.
Th new-build hotel has five dining concepts and more than 11,000 square feet of meeting space.
“The opening of Hilton Santa Marta is an exciting addition to our rapidly growing portfolio of more than 200 hotels in the Caribbean and Latin America,” said Jorge Giannattasio, senior vice president and head of operations, Caribbean and Latin America for Hilton. “We are thrilled to open our second hotel in Santa Marta and offer an elevated experience and Hilton’s friendly service in this unique destination in Colombia that blends beaches, mountains and exuberant nature.”
The hotel has its own beach club, a vibrant rooftop lounge and bar called Sikunu, or “Slingshot,” along with a pool, a kids club, a spa and a fitness center.
The hotel has two pools, both elevated, including one on the rooftop.
That’s along with a signature eatery called Nuggu, which features a mix of Latin soul food and Caribbean creole cuisine.
“We are delighted to expand the footprint of Hilton’s flagship brand in this spectacular destination with the debut of Hilton Santa Maria,” said Leonard Gooz, global brand head for Hilton Hotels & Resorts. “Hilton Hotels & Resorts will continue to set the benchmark for hospitality at this new property with intuitive service and world-class amenities, including an array of dining options, contemporary design with local influences and exceptional event experiences.”
It’s a major boost for Santa Marta, which last fall added a new nonstop route from Miami on Colombian airline Avianca.
For more, visit the Hilton Santa Marta.