Why You Must Do Luxury Glamping in Colombia

The Changing Face of Colombia

Colombia is throwing open its doors to welcome tourists to a different Colombia these days.  Holidays to Colombia are on the rise and now is the time to GO!

For decades, Colombia had been a country shrouded in danger and violence. It had an atrocious reputation for drug wars and kidnappings and was definitely off any tourist map. 

However, over the last 10 years or so, Colombia has worked hard to welcome tourists and is actively working to overturn this perception. Following a recent visit to Colombia, I felt I wanted to share with you my experience of this fascinating, colourful country

Colombia is Racing towards a New Era

In my Destinations page, I will be writing more about my time in Colombia. Additionally, please check out my Itineraries page to follow my 2 Colombian self drive itineraries which will be coming soon!

Colombia is an evolving country and every effort is being made to distance itself from its murky past. Tourism is growing fast here. Please don’t think its just a backpacking destination either, because let me tell you, it definitely is NOT.

Feeling at One with Nature

As a result of one of these self drives through Colombia, namely, the coffee region, I found myself in Atardeceres del Cafe. A glamping location but with a serious luxury boutique hotel vibe.

To be perfectly honest with you, glamping is not normally at the top of my list when it comes to booking holiday accommodation. I am naturally drawn to a smart, all-singing and all-dancing type abode to lay my head and pass my time in.

However, on a recent trip to South America, I soon realised that to take full advantage of the spectacular scenery before me, I had to become more “at one with nature”. 

If I wanted to visit rainforests, plantations, amazon and such like I needed to open my mind.

Finding Luxury in the Strangest Places

On that note, it never ceases to surprise me how you can find the most perfect accomodation in the unlikeliest of places. Nowadays, comfort and standards very rarely need to be compromised. The hospitality industry has definitely upped its game and the message has gone global.

Consequently, here I find myself in the “Zona Cafetera” or “Eje Cafetero” or simply the coffee region of Colombia. My destination for the next couple of nights is Manizales.

The Coffee Triangle

The drive has been very picturesque entering this mountainous region of central Colombia. The roads are good but windy as I weave through the mountain range.  All around is lush greenery and coffee plantations dotted high up upon the mountain sides.

Manizales is at the northern end of the Eje Cafetero. It lies on part of the Andes mountain range, with ridgelines and slopes in every direction. It is known for having an “abrupt topography”!

Nonetheless, in its fertile land, you’ll find coffee plantations galore. In fact, Manizales is currently the main centre for Colombian coffee production.

An Unlikely Turnoff Leads to Glorious Glamping

However, my accommodation is not in Manizales itself but some 15 minutes outside. As I veered off the main road and up an incredibly steep lane – Manizales is known for its very steep streets – I did begin to wonder where I’d booked. 

As I headed further out of town through very tiny, traditional type villages I couldn’t imagine this lodging was going to tick many of my boxes. 

Sat Nav Doubts Kick In

I’m sure you’ve all experienced these crushing doubts whilst driving the unknown.However, keeping the belief, I slowly squeezed the car along the narrowing road. My attentions drew to trying not to run over the inquisitive villagers. Seated outside their small terraced houses, they exchanged local gossip under the afternoon sun.

Zigzagging my way past, I manoeuvred through the kids playing street football, lone dogs and ‘gauchos’ casually trotting by on their handsome steeds. All extremely traditional and a delight to witness but
my prevailing thought at that moment was if i had to reverse back it was going to be painful!

Whoever Doubted Technology

At the top of this incline, the sign to Atardares de Cafe came into view. Yes, big shoutout to the Sat Nav! There, in front of me, were big black gates and an intercom. Still feeling somewhat apprehensive, I rang the intercom, stated my name and the gates slowly opened up.

Once through, the grassy pathway beyond led to nothing but mountains and valley. However, this was only just the taster.

Good Things Come to Those that Wait

As I parked the car in the small designated area I was immediately welcomed by a smiling member of staff. The open air reception area overlooking the valley below offered a further glimpse of this privileged setting.

Having completed the obligatory paperwork with a delicious cocktail in hand, it was time to be shown to my accomodation. The smiley señora led the way down a small path to what looked like the edge of the precipitous mountain.

Out of a choice of only 2 rooms, I had booked the higher bracket luxury room and this was set  proudly on its own behind private fencing. When the door was opened, a view so wonderful, completely took my breath away.

Glamping on Steroids

The accommodation sits on the ridge of the mountain with commanding vistas over the whole valley.  This private retreat spans some 260 metres, comprising 8 different areas such as a hot tub, fire pit, hammock, outdoor bbq/kitchen, catamaran hammock, sun beds, table and chairs. All this and we haven’t even been inside!

Inside, it is just perfect too. The stylish room furnished beautifully but the piece de resistance is the floor to ceiling window that almost fully encircles the entire accommodation. Privacy being afforded solely for the bathroom and small kitchenette/dressing area.

The standard of accommodation is excellent. The attention to detail spot on. The owners have thought of everything. From the indoor and outdoor showers, soft lighting , music system throughout, outdoor kitchen/bbq, different seating options, all the mod cons including good air conditioning inside.

Location, Location, Location

However, this lodging is all about the view. It is simply outstanding. The valley below is totally unobscured with no light pollution whatsoever. It was quite magical to go to sleep with the stars and wake with the dawn light flooding through the window. 

Atardeceres del Cafe is quiet, private and a great romantic getaway for couples.  Ultimately , it is the perfect place to disconnect with the world and connect with nature.

If you’re a “twitcher” , you’re in for a treat! Manizales is a popular place for bird watchers and given the height of Artadares del Cafe, its a great place to spot them swooping by.

If you’re not a bird enthusiast, do not worry, the accommodation kindly provides  binoculars and books to help you identify the different species as they sweep and glide over the valley. 

Failing that, savour the endless landscape through the eagle eyes of the binoculars. A view, you could never tire of. 

Food and Drink

BBQ a la Colombiano

You can call room service at any time like any hotel. Service is non-invasive here but there should you require it.

However, this is where the nod to glamping does come into play as it is all geared for self-catering. Included in your accommodation, comes your evening bbq meal which you cook yourself. You are provided with a meal kit for the evening which includes fresh meats, salad, potatoes, tortillas and fruit. Everything to create a delicious bbq.

The kitchen already has various spices and rubs there for your use. There is also a complimentary carafe of Sangria.

The meal kit for the evening was delicious and everything explained to create a delicious meal. Little fairly lights adorn the outdoor kitchen and dining table whilst soft, strategically placed lighting casts a gentle glow over the entire space.

Everything is arranged so very stylishly and completely in tune with the surroundings. Its all about the view and nothing detracts from that.  

Breakfast at your Service

In the morning, breakfast is delivered to you at the time of your choice. The juice is super fresh and the coffee delicious. Everything is prepared with care and attention.

Once over, just WhatsApp the reception and they will collect it. You are then left to enjoy the serenity and beauty of your luxurious surrounds.

In Summary

If you visit the coffee region of Colombia and I do hope you do, please spend a night, at least, in this little oasis. It was with a sad heart that I left this spot but I felt totally refreshed, reinvigorated and ready to face that road again!