Four Seasons Cartagena Named Among World’s 50 Best Luxury Hotels

Luxury Hospitality · Colombia

The Four Seasons Cartagena, housed in restored heritage buildings in the Getsemaní district, has been named the only Colombian hotel on Robb Report’s 2026 list of the world’s 50 best luxury hotels, cementing the city’s rise as a top-tier global destination.

A Global Nod for a Newcomer

The Robb Report, a leading voice in global luxury, placed the Four Seasons Hotel and Residences Cartagena among its 50 best luxury hotels worldwide for 2026. The recognition arrived just months after the property opened its doors in April 2025.

Colombian daily El Tiempo confirmed the selection, noting the hotel stands alone as the country’s sole representative on the prestigious list. The speed of the accolade signals strong international confidence in Cartagena’s luxury hospitality market.

Getsemaní: The New Centre of Gravity

The Four Seasons chose Getsemaní, a neighbourhood known for its street art, salsa bars, and colonial charm, rather than the more established walled city. The area sits directly adjacent to Cartagena’s historic centre, offering a grittier, more authentic cultural experience.

This location strategy reflects a broader shift in high-end travel toward culturally immersive stays. Getsemaní has transformed over the past decade from a backpacker enclave into a magnet for boutique hotels and creative businesses.

Heritage Meets High-End Hospitality

The property is not a new-build tower but a careful restoration of several heritage buildings. Four Seasons describes the result as a blend of historic architecture with contemporary luxury services, preserving the district’s character while adding world-class amenities.

The residences component adds a long-stay and ownership dimension, targeting wealthy Colombians and international buyers seeking a pied-à-terre in the Caribbean. This mixed-use model has proven resilient in other Latin American luxury markets like Mexico City and São Paulo.

What the Four Seasons Cartagena Means for Investors

The arrival of a global luxury flag like Four Seasons validates Cartagena’s decades-long push upmarket. It signals to other international operators that the city can support top-tier room rates and service expectations.

For real estate investors, the Getsemaní location is particularly telling. Property values in the neighbourhood have risen steadily, and a brand of this calibre anchoring the area is likely to accelerate that trend and attract further hospitality investment.

Colombia’s Luxury Travel Moment

Colombia’s tourism sector has rebounded strongly, with Cartagena leading as the country’s premier leisure destination. International visitor numbers continue to climb, drawn by the city’s history, climate, and improving connectivity.

The Robb Report recognition places Cartagena alongside perennial luxury heavyweights in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. It is a milestone for Colombian hospitality and a signal that the country can compete at the very highest level of global travel.

What to Watch Next

Industry watchers will track whether other luxury brands follow Four Seasons into Cartagena’s emerging neighbourhoods. The success of this heritage-restoration model could reshape development strategies across Latin America’s colonial cities.

For expats and long-term visitors, the residences component offers a new tier of serviced living in the city. The project’s performance will be a key indicator of Cartagena’s capacity to absorb ultra-luxury supply without diluting the cultural fabric that makes Getsemaní attractive in the first place.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Colombian hotel made the world’s 50 best luxury hotels list?

The Four Seasons Hotel and Residences Cartagena is the only Colombian property on Robb Report’s 2026 list of the world’s 50 best luxury hotels. It opened in April 2025 in the Getsemaní neighbourhood, just outside Cartagena’s historic walled city.

Where exactly is the Four Seasons Cartagena located?

The hotel is in Getsemaní, a vibrant district known for its street art, local music, and colonial architecture. It sits on the doorstep of Cartagena’s walled city, offering a more culturally immersive alternative to the historic centre.

What makes this Four Seasons property unique in Cartagena?

The hotel is a restoration of several heritage buildings rather than a new construction, blending historic architecture with contemporary luxury. It also includes a residences component, marking Four Seasons’ debut in Cartagena and offering both short stays and ownership opportunities.