Casa San Agustin Hotel: Three Treats in One Extraordinary Building

I thoroughly enjoy attending the annual Cartagena Bridal Week Tendencies 2015, located again in the walled city of Cartagena De Indias, Colombia. This is an extraordinary opportunity to learn a little bit more about this unbelievable romantic city, and the offerings of hotels, restaurants and amazing entrepreneur’s that are poised to provide excellent service and quality product. It is also an opportunity to view the latest trends in the wedding industry and identify local celebrities and leaders in the business of weddings and tourism.

 

As part of our regularly scheduled programming our luncheon was planned off site and as I stepped across the threshold of the 12 time award winning boutique hotel, the Casa San Agustin. I absolutely knew I had fallen in love with this remarkable property. Upon entering their foyer, I was taken by the design and architecture; they had combined three colonial homes and then incorporated in this design a subtle palette of natural colors that immediately put me at peace.
Nestled in the core of this marvelous property is their beautiful light and airy award winning restaurant “ALMA.” We each found our tables and made ourselves at home as each flight was expertly served with care and at the end of this delightfully succulent meal and intriguing conversation, we were graced with the appearance of their executive chef, internationally renowned Colombian born, Chef Heberto Eljach. For more than 18 years, Chef Heberto Eljach, has worked with numerous top chefs from around the world, learning firsthand how to create and apply his own authentic methods and techniques that are the inspiration for his delicate, yet strong Colombian influence. Prior to becoming the Executive Chef, Eljach worked at the Sofitel Santa Clara for years as the Executive Chef at Restaurant 1621, El Refectorio and Restaurante el Claustro and is a recipient of Trip Advisor’s “Certificate of Excellence” for his cooking skills, techniques and interpretation of the indigenous cuisine of the Colombian coast. As the President of the Caldero Caribe Foundation, he also spends time to research and rescue the recipes and tradition of Colombian cuisine. Chef Eljachis committed to the working in the community and volunteers with with the Cartagena Ciudad Sabor Foundation to help grow tourism in Cartagena through a very innovative experience by positioning it as a destination for culinary, musical and cultural tourism. Chef Heberto finds time to be active with the Colombian Association for Chefs, The World Association of Chefs’ Societies and the Asociacion de Cocineros Unidos Del Caribe. Oh, and did I mention his food is phenomenal and his spirit made our luncheon settle smoothly. This was a delightful experience – I love to meet the Chef and this one did not disappoint.

 

Chef Heberto Eljach
As is tradition, we had to tour this lovely property and I fell in love with their immaculate suites. I was fascinated by the design of this hotel. The vision of the planners, while subtle is indeed extraordinary, each suite was planned to be adjacent to the others by creating these small halls and entrances that connect to other spaces that can effortlessly be combined to create a series of family villa residences. Each space is appointed with handmade works by local artisans from their iron lighting and bed frames to beautifully crafted vases and interesting visual art. There are private seating areas and plunge pools that were part of an ancient Aqueduct, and a rooftop getaway with the most spectacular vistas of the city. I would highly recommend The Casa San Agustin Hotel as the perfect location for a destination wedding to keep your family under one roof.

 

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