Ah, Colombia. The days where international travelers were advised not to travel here are, at long last, finally over. As a result, the capital city of Bogotá has emerged in full glory as one of the jewels of South America. Filled with luxury shopping, beautiful people and charming mercados, a second Four Seasons Property seems quite fitting.
The new Four Seasons Hotel Bogotá is modern, sleek, stylish and perfectly situated in the uber-chic Zona T neighborhood. Dust off your Vuitton valises, because come April the former Hotel Charleston is set to open joining The Four Seasons Hotel Casa Medina Bogotá, as the brand’s second location in the city.
General Manager Luis Argote, a Colombian native, couldn’t be more enthusiastic, “While each Four Seasons hotel is as unique as its place and its people, the common thread throughout is a passion for quality and signature Four Seasons service that makes every visit memorable.”
If you’ve ever stayed at any Four Seasons property, you know ALL stays with them are memorable.
The Lauren Rotett designed rooms – almost half of which are suites-include custom-made beds, wooden paneling and pale wood flooring.The entire hotel has been remodeled from bathrooms to technological details, with nary a detail spared.
The spa, complete with Beauty Editor’s French favorite, Biologique Recherche, surely won’t disappoint guests seeking some pampering after a day of shopping or sightseeing. If you indulged in one too many arepas (how can you not?) there’s a Matrix equipment stocked fitness center. FYI, Juanes, Carlos Vives and Shakira make for a great running playlist, trust me! Once you see all the perfect bodies walking around Colombia, I’m pretty sure you’ll be motivated to hit the gym hard. And if nipping and tucking is your thing, Colombia has some of the best plastic surgeons in the world. Beauty is paramount in this country and plastic surgery is de rigeur for women (and men) alike.
After all that hip shaking at the gym and Googling “best plastic surgeons in Bogotá”-
(let’s be real here), make sure you check out Kuru, Four Seasons Japanese robata dining spot on property. In true Four Seasons style, the restaurant design is stunning, with a two-story glass façade facing Bogota’s gastro-chic, Carrera 13. In true Latin American style, The Four Seasons created a space that encourages staying awhile.
As Argote puts it, “We wanted to create a light-filled space that could offer multiple options for guests to dine, drink and enjoy time with friends and colleagues.”
In the expansive open kitchen, Executive Chef Pablo Peñalosa and his team will prepare selections of shareable sashimi and temaki from the sushi bar as well as more substantial dishes on the charcoal robata grill. Robata is always a treat, but I’m sure diners will enjoy a few “tocas Colombianas” here and there. It’s a Colombian thing. More memorable to local Colombians is Biblioteca, a one time power breakfast spot in the former Charleston Hotel space. It’s coming back, with a new glass wall opening up to a live green wall, and an incredible 40-plus-foot beaded installation inspired by indigenous motifs providing a colourful backdrop to Chef Pablo’s menu. Another touch of Colombian pride, however slight. The hotel lobby area sits between the two restaurants and is the perfect meeting spot with ample comfortable velvet couches and chic loungey vibe. Aguardiente or café?
Breakfast at Biblioteca
Colombians also speak what I consider as the most beautiful version of the Spanish language. They have a neutral accent with a pretty, sing-songy type rhythm which is easy for non-native Spanish speakers to understand. They are warm, friendly people who love to have a good time and love all that is fine in life. The Four Seasons couldn’t have arrived at a better time.
In celebration of its grand opening, Four Seasons Hotel Bogota is offering the Experience More package, which includes a USD 100 hotel credit. For Hotel reservations, call 57 (1) 325 7900 or book online. For restaurant reservations at Kuru, call 57 (1) 325 7900.
