Four Seasons Hotel and Residences Cartagena officially opened on April 2, 2026, marking the third property for the hospitality brand in Colombia. The project is a joint venture with San Francisco Investments, a subsidiary of the Valorem holding company. Located in the Getsemaní neighborhood, the hotel is situated near the UNESCO World Heritage Site Walled City and the Cartagena Convention Center.

The development involved the multi-year restoration of several historic buildings, including the 1920s-era former Club Cartagena. The architectural and interior design was led by the late François Catroux, with additional technical expertise provided by WATG and Wimberly Interiors. The food and beverage concepts were developed by SBM Interior Design and AvroKO. Landscape architecture for the rooftop and grounds was managed by Enea Garden Design, led by Carolina Jaimes.

“Welcoming a third Four Seasons to Colombia, joining our Bogotá and Casa Medina Bogotá properties, marks an important milestone in the continued expansion of our global portfolio,” said Rainer Stampfer, Four Seasons President of Global Operations, Hotels and Resorts.

The hotel features 131 guest rooms, 27 of which are colonial-style suites located within the heritage wing. These units include preserved architectural elements and custom furnishings designed by Poli Mallarino. The property also contains Private Residences designed by Rodriguez Valencia Arquitectos. The primary presidential suite, known as the Catroux Suite, features a private elevator and a terrace with a Moorish-inspired fountain by María Cecilia Franco Berón.

There are eight dining and drinking venues on the property. The Grand Grill and Bar Lelarge were conceptualized by Major Food Group, focusing on steakhouse traditions and seasonal cocktails. Additional venues include Café Rialto, Pizzeria Della Chiesa, El Aljibe, El Patio del Limonar, and the rooftop sunset lounge, El Palmar. Lighting for these venues was designed by Lang Lighting Design.

Wellness facilities include the Umari Spa, which offers six treatment rooms and uses botanical ingredients derived from the umari plant. For business events and social functions, the hotel provides several spaces, including the Ballroom de la Veracruz, which can host 300 guests and features a centuries-old fresco. The Ballroom Centenario provides views of the Walled City for smaller gatherings of up to 100 people.

Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts is a global hospitality company partially owned by Kingdom Holding Company (TADAWUL: 4280). The company currently operates 136 hotels and 61 residential properties across 47 countries, with more than 60 projects currently in its development pipeline. In Cartagena, the hotel operations are led by General Manager Annie Monnier.

Now Open: Four Seasons Hotel and Residences Cartagena (PRNewsfoto/Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts)

With modern infrastructure, warm hospitality, and diverse cities, Colombia offers plenty of options for hosting conferences, meetings, and conventions. From its interesting capital to its Caribbean coast, Colombia blends business with cultural richness and unique local experiences. You cannot go wrong scheduling your next event in Colombia. 

Here’s a closer look at the top four cities to consider when planning a conference in Colombia. 

Bogotá: Big City, Big Capability

Located at 8,660 feet above mean sea level, Colombia’s capital city is its main business and transportation hub. As the city with the best international flight connections, it’s the easiest entry point for most foreign visitors. Bogotá has the country’s largest and most advanced conference infrastructure, making it the go-to choice for large-scale international events. 

The Ágora Bogotá Convention Center has a capacity of 4000 people in its main hall and a total capacity of over 10,000 attendees spread across multiple spaces. Corferias offers space for 13,000 attendees across 23 halls. The location is equipped with high-tech facilities and flexible layouts. Hotels such as the Grand Hyatt and Hotel Tequendama also provide excellent options for mid-sized events and breakout sessions. 

The city’s strengths go beyond its infrastructure. Bogotá offers a wide range of hotels, dining, and cultural attractions, from world-class museums to lively nightlife.  

Above – principal entrance to Bogotá’s Corferias Convention Center (photo: Mano Chandra Dhas)

The high altitude can be a challenge for some visitors, and the capital city’s traffic congestion is a well-known issue. The weather tends to be cool and often rainy, so participants need to pack accordingly. 

Cartagena: Where Business Meets the Beach 

Cartagena is perhaps Colombia’s most picturesque destination. The city, a UNESCO World Heritage site, blends colonial charm with Caribbean flair. With its ocean views and cobblestone streets, Cartagena is perfect for conferences that aim to mix business with pleasure. 

Conference organizers will find good infrastructure in the city. The Cartagena Convention Center is the largest venue and can accommodate over 6,000 people. Several beachfront hotels, including the Hilton, Las Américas, and Hyatt Regency, also offer high-quality meeting spaces. 

The tropical climate, historic ambiance, and beachfront setting make Cartagena a favorite for incentive trips, leadership retreats, and mid-sized international events. That said, costs tend to be higher than in other Colombian cities, and the climate, hot and humid year-round, may not suit everyone. Even though direct international flights link the City to some parts of the world, access is more limited than in Bogotá. 

Medellín: The Eternal Spring and Innovation 

Once known for its troubled past, Medellín has transformed into a symbol of innovation and urban renewal. Located in a mountain valley, the city enjoys spring-like weather throughout the year, which is ideal for hosting events any time. 

Medellín’s main venue, the Plaza Mayor Convention Center, can host up to 18,000 people across multiple halls. Other options include the Palacio de Exposiciones and several upscale hotels such as the Intercontinental and Dann Carlton. 

What sets Medellín apart is its emphasis on creativity and technology. The city has a growing reputation as a tech and innovation hub, making it especially appealing to industries focused on entrepreneurship, digital services, and design. Public transportation is efficient and well-organized, but Medellín has fewer luxury hotels and direct international flights than Bogotá or Cartagena. 

Cali: Colombia’s Cultural Beat 

Cali is Colombia’s salsa capital—a lively city where music, dance, and joy are part of daily life. While it may not be as internationally known for conferences as Bogotá or Cartagena, its event facilities are growing rapidly. 

The main venue, the Centro de Eventos Valle del Pacífico, can host large-scale gatherings of up to 12,000 people. Hotels like Spiwak and the Intercontinental offer smaller, high-quality meeting spaces. 

Cali’s weather is warm and pleasant throughout the year, and the city’s cultural scene makes for memorable off-agenda experiences. It’s more affordable than many of Colombia’s larger cities. However, international connectivity is more limited, and while safety has improved significantly, some areas still require extra caution and planning. Incidentally, Cali is also known for its birding offerings. 

Planning the Event in Colombia 

While Colombia offers a wide range of choices, a few key factors will help you pick the right location. 

First, consider the time of year. Colombia is the rainiest country in the world. While the rainy seasons usually fall in April–May and October–November, in some cities like Bogotá, it can rain right around the year. If your event includes outdoor activities, scheduling the event will be important. Travel logistics also matter. While Bogotá offers the best connectivity, moving between cities often involves short internal flights. 

Ensure your chosen venue can provide needed services like translation, A/V support, and planning assistance. Many also offer optional cultural programming: from traditional dance performances to local cuisine tastings that can elevate the event experience. For security and logistics, it’s always smart to work with a local destination management company familiar with the area. 

MICE in Colombia 

When it comes to MICE, Colombia offers something for everyone. Bogotá provides scale and connectivity. Cartagena delivers beauty and history. Medellín brings innovation and ideal weather. Cali adds rhythm and culture. Each city offers its unique flavor. What they all share is a warm welcome and the chance to turn a business trip into an unforgettable experience. 

Corferias. Photo credit: Mano Chandra Dhas.

The country’s breathtaking landscapes, captivating culture, and rich heritage offer the perfect
counterbalance to intensive meetings and networking events. Adding just 3-4 extra days to your trip can
deliver value and experiences that simply cannot be squeezed into a regular business schedule.

The Case For Corporate Leisure

You may have heard the term corporate leisure. Several Travel Management Companies (TMCs) take
a more proactive approach to business travel and offer to extend a business trip. It is something that
many business travelers are beginning to take seriously. Why not extend your business trip to get an in-depth view of the land and business cultures or just a few days of rest?

Stay at a traditional hacienda, tour coffee plantations to understand the bean-to-cup process, and
explore picturesque small towns like Salento

Unique cultural experiences indeed broaden perspectives and rejuvenate the mind. Colombia offers a
handsome return on your time investment with its accessibility, diversity, and value. Rather than rushing
back to familiar surroundings, consider the benefits of extending your Colombian journey beyond
Bogotá’s corporate corridors.

The Ideal Extension: 3–4 Days of Colombian Exploration

For business travelers with limited flexibility, a three to four-day extension strikes the perfect balance
between experiencing Colombia’s highlights and maintaining a reasonable absence from the office. This
timeframe allows for either an exploration of Bogotá’s surroundings or a quick domestic flight to
experience another facet of this diverse country.

Day 1: Immerse Yourself in Bogotá’s Cultural Heart

Begin your extended stay by exploring Bogotá beyond its business districts. The historic La Candelaria
neighborhood offers cobblestone streets lined with colonial architecture, interesting street art, and world
class museums. The Gold Museum (Museo del Oro) houses the world’s largest collection of pre
Hispanic gold artifacts, while the Botero Museum showcases the distinctive works of Colombia’s most
famous artist, Fernando Botero.

For unparalleled views of the city, take the cable car to Monserrate, a mountain peak that rises 10,341
feet above mean sea level. From this vantage point, you’ll be able to view Bogotá’s sprawling urban
landscape against the backdrop of the Andes — an ideal setting to reflect on business opportunities in
this emerging market while enjoying panoramic views.

Day 2-3: Choose Your Colombian Extension

Colombia’s geographical diversity means business travelers face a pleasant dilemma: Which direction
to explore? The country offers a wide choice of holidays. Here are just a few compelling options:

• Option A: Stay in Bogotá, but take excursions to nearby towns and cities. Recommended are either a
  full-day trip to Zipaquirá to visit the underground Salt Cathedral or a 2-day trip to Villa de Leyva — a
  16th-century colonial town where time stands still. Better still, do both!

Zipaquirá Plaza Mayor. Photo credit: Mano Chandra Dhas.

• Option B: Take a flight to Medellín, the “City of Eternal Spring,” to enjoy Colombia’s second-largest city.
  The people of the region, the Paisa, with their warm hospitality, are renowned throughout Latin America.
• Option C: A one-hour flight from Bogotá will take you to Colombia’s famed Eje Cafetero (Coffee
  Triangle). This UNESCO World Heritage region offers lush landscapes where some of the world’s finest
  coffee is produced.

Stay at a traditional hacienda, tour coffee plantations to understand the bean-to-cup process, and
explore picturesque small towns like Salento. The Cocora Valley, with its towering wax palms
(Colombia’s national tree), offers hiking opportunities through cloud forests and breathtaking vistas that
clear the mind after days of intensive meetings.

Day 4: Return to Bogotá with Fresh Perspectives

Whether you’ve explored coffee plantations or colonial streets, your final day offers time to return to
Bogotá, perhaps pick up some final souvenirs like Colombian emeralds, artisanal coffee, and
handwoven textiles. They make thoughtful gifts for colleagues or family that carry more meaning than
standard airport purchases.

Financial Considerations for the Business Traveler

Extending your stay offers surprising value. Colombia’s favorable exchange rate means luxury
accommodations, exceptional dining, and unique experiences come at a fraction of their cost in major
European or North American cities. Many international hotels offer extended stay rates, and domestic
flights between major Colombian cities typically cost between $50 USD and $150 USD—less than many airports
transfers in global financial centers.

Safety and Logistics: The Modern Colombian Reality

Colombia has transformed dramatically over the past two decades. Major tourist destinations maintain
security standards comparable to other global business centers. Hotels catering to business travelers
can arrange trusted transportation and guides, while digital transportation services operate efficiently in
major cities. Mobile telecommunications connectivity is good throughout tourist areas, allowing
executives to stay connected as needed.

Why This Trip Extension Matters

In our increasingly virtual business environment, genuine cultural understanding creates competitive
advantages. A Colombian extension provides context and cultural insights that are impossible to gain from
conference rooms alone. For financial professionals especially, experiencing Colombia’s economic
renaissance firsthand offers valuable perspectives on emerging market opportunities.

When colleagues ask about your Colombian conference, you’ll share not just meeting outcomes but
stories of breathtaking landscapes, world-class cuisine, and cultural experiences that transformed a
business obligation into a meaningful journey. In a career filled with similar hotel rooms and conference
centers across the globe, it’s these distinctive extensions that remain in your memory and enrich your
professional narrative. Extend your trip.

All photos: Mano Chandra Dhas.