Destination Weddings and Honeymoons

sofitel-santa-clara-blog

Enlarge Photo

I recently had the pleasure of visiting the Sofitel Santa Clara in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia, for their annual wedding showcase. The event was absolutely stunning! Although tying the knot in Colombia might not be the easiest option for Americans, the hotel would be perfect for a civil ceremony or a super romantic honeymoon.

Event Spaces:

Catholicism is widely practiced throughout Colombia, and most traditional bodas (weddings) take place in a church or cathedral. The Sofitel Santa Clara has this covered, thanks to the fact the property is a 400 year-old converted convent. The main wedding venue is an impressive chapel with a dreamy, old-world feel: dramatic, high ceilings with exposed beams, large wooden doors, wall alcoves and romantic chandeliers. Whether you envision a large, grand affair or a small, intimate gathering, the space can be transformed to whatever your heart desires. For a non-traditional outdoor ceremony and reception, opt for the hotel’s terrace overlooking the ocean.

Style is at the heart of the Sofitel brand, and the hotel works with a team of top-notch vendors, from planners to caterers to cake designers. Here are some of the unique creations from the wedding showcase:

Personal Highlights:

Old City Tour
As a UNESCO World Heritage site, Cartagena in itself is a magical place. I got to experience this firsthand with a walking tour of the old city, led by Marelvy Peña-Hall, a Cartagena native and expert. She took us through the narrow streets and main plazas of the walled city, while giving us an extensive and fascinating history lesson.

Horse-drawn Carriage Rides

Sure, taxis are options for getting around the city but choose a honeymoon-worthy form of transportation at least once: a horse-drawn carriage. As night falls, the click-clacks of horse hooves on cobblestone echo throughout old city as carriages escort patrons to dinner and dancing. Some drivers will also give a city tour, but if you don’t speak Spanish inquire beforehand if the tour can be en inglés.

Café Havana
Although I am undoubtedly a gringa, I have a huge appreciation for Latin music and dancing. I fell in love with Café Havana, a little slice of Cuba in Cartagena. The place was packed with locals and tourists alike, all getting down to a live band. It’s a great post-dinner spot to shake your stuff, but I was happy to just sit and watch other people salsa and merengue.