Santa Marta was officially established on July 29th, 1525.
While the Colombian city of Cartagena has earned abundant acclaim in recent years for its thriving cocktail scene and historic walled downtown district, it’s far from the only place worth visiting during a trip to the country’s northern shores. Serving as the oldest city in all of Colombia, Santa Marta is a particularly underrated destination for international tourists—and for those hoping to discover the rich history and culinary culture of the city all in one fell swoop, few properties can compare to the Santa Marta Marriott Resort Playa Dormida.
Officially opened in 2019, this polished hotel rests on the tranquil shores of Colombia’s Magdalena Department, located less than ten minutes from Simón Bolívar International Airport. Equipped with a wealth of roomy accommodations, those in search of particularly lavish quarters should be sure to book a classic suite, a 68-square-meter space that includes a beachfront balcony complete with a whirlpool tub. After checking in, guests can drop off their bags and make full use of the property’s idyllic outdoor pool or stroll along the beach in search of wildlife—yet no visit is complete without exploring the hotel’s spectacular drinking and dining scene.
Santa Marta serves as the capital of Colombia's Magdalena Department.
Equipped with three on-site bars and restaurants, the Santa Marta Playa Dormida is perfect for immersing oneself in Colombia’s iconic food scene. For cocktail aficionados, the property is home to a polished bar just a few steps away from check-in, but for a particularly vibrant experience, Cayeye Restaurant is the perfect spot. Positioned in full view of the beach, this open-air venue is perfect for sampling local favorites like pescado frito, patacones, and—of course—cayeye, a type of savory banana dish that’s been a staple for Santa Marta residents for decades. Yet when it comes to true gastronomy, there’s no beating 1525.
Serving as the hotel’s culinary centerpiece, this lavish venue has mastered the art of Colombian cuisine, with a diverse array of flavorful dishes that showcase the rich culinary culture of the Caribbean coast. Options around here range from Cartagena-style beef arepas to creamy seafood rice, with no shortage of high-end wines and beloved craft beers to pair with your meal—and as an added bonus, 1525 has also hosted some incredible international talent over the years. In August 2023, the space opened its doors to Chef Edwin Rodríguez—owner of Madrid’s Michelin-starred Colombian restaurant QUIMBAYA—as Santa Marta’s first offering within the Marriott Bonvoy Moments program. Working in tandem with on-site Executive Chef Alirio Rodríguez, the pair crafted a multi-course meal carefully curated to showcase the splendor of Colombian cuisine, serving refined seafood dishes and artisanal aguardiente into the late hours of the night.
Santa Marta was the birthplace of acclaimed Colombian musician Carlos Vives.
Of course, no trip to Colombia’s oldest city is complete without spending some time exploring its top attractions. During a visit to the vibrant downtown district, visitors can discover a wealth of high-end restaurants ranging from Casa Magdalena to Guasimo—yet one of Magdalena’s most incredible tourist sites is located far beyond city limits. Measuring in at roughly 150 square kilometers, Tayrona National Natural Park is renowned across the nation for its spectacular scenery, with no shortage of pristine white-sand beaches to explore. Visitors can book a day excursion through the on-property concierge, while those who prefer to stick closer to Santa Marta can plan a visit to the Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino, a centuries-old estate that’s best known for hosting Latin American revolutionary Simón Bolívar during his final days.
Though not quite as well-known as neighboring Cartagena, Santa Marta provides visitors with just as many vibrant nightlife destinations and fascinating historic attractions to discover all along its shores. Whether you’re hoping to immerse yourself in the untouched beauty of Tayrona, uncover the storied past of Latin America, or just sip margaritas with your toes in the sand, Santa Marta is the perfect destination for a truly unforgettable foray into the Colombian Caribbean.
