Gitana del Mar is where you go when life has been going by so fast you can’t remember what day of the week it is. This charming property in Buritaca features rustic bungalow accommodations, delightful organic cuisine, and a spa full of unique treatments in the midst of it all. When I saw cuisine, that’s not an exaggeration. This place is all about delicately planned menus, soulful bites for all kinds of diets, and locally sourced ingredients.
Details You’ll Love
Gitana del Mar is an eco-friendly, culturally aware property that makes sure guests interact with their surroundings harmoniously. You’ll find no excessive waste or noise onsite. That sense of tranquility has made Gitana a top choice for Yogis at every level, to the point where there’s a dedicated shala (house or studio) and regular yoga classes on the premises.
Did I mention food? Okay, because it deserves a second, third, fourth, and as many mentions as it can get. This is a true highlight of Gitana del Mar. All guest plans include room & board, so you’ll never have to worry about getting fed. Getting fed well? That’s also handled.
Interior décor is on point at Gitana. There’s a perfect combination of Nordic simplicity, hygge, and organic materials everywhere you look. While globally inspired, the property does have a strong local influence from the indigenous tribes that inhabit the Sierra Nevada. You’ll find handwoven details in cushions and linens, as well as botanical illustrations around the site.
A chic, photogenic property in the middle of it all. Hotel Croydon is a recently renovated boutique hotel with fun art deco details, a premium location, and unique free perks. For a rate that starts at ~ $130 you get a complimentary shuttle service to the airport, access to a gym, and free drinks between 7-8pm at The Tavern — Croydon’s onsite bar.
About South Beach Group
This was my third time staying at a South Beach Group hotel in Miami, with the first two being at Riviera . This independent hotel group has more than 10 properties in the area, ranging from hostels to 4-star hotels. Two features that immediately stand out are their famous complimentary happy hours for guests (from 7-8pm) and their unique approach to interior design.
Details You’ll Love
Hotel Croydon is full of subtle mid-century design details that are not only photogenic but inspiring if you’re in Miami for a combination of work and play, as is usually my case. As a unique bonus, you can also borrow specialized design books at the lobby. There’s a balanced combination of monochrome details, interesting textures, and stunning palms everywhere you look.
The chic monochrome theme in tables, umbrellas, and interior décor
The charming outdoor pool surrounded by tropical plants
Croydon´s 24-hr bar featuring complimentary drinks for guests from 7-8pm
The breathtaking views of art deco Miami Beach from the rooftop
Tile. Enough said.
The stunning mid-century Sputnik chandelier waiting for you at the lobby
What makes these Sputnik chandeliers so special is that they are iconic interior design pieces from an era known as the Atomic Age. This period in design history spans from 1940 to 1960, and gets its name from society’s concerns about a nuclear war. Architecture, industrial design, advertising, interior design, and fine arts were all influenced by atomic science. Sputnik was the world’s first artificial satellite, and it was launched by the Soviet Union in 1957.
42 rooms, 2 restaurants, one rooftop pool lounge, and a complete romantic dream from start to finish. That is my best description of the Tcherassi Hotel + Spa.
Fashion Designer Silvia Tcherassi’s Hotel
Silvia Tcherassi is a Colombian fashion designer that has artfully combined tropical prints, loose fabrics, and resort luxury in collections that go from bridal wear to casual espadrilles. Without a doubt, Tcherassi is one of the most versatile Latin American designers in the global fashion stage. Back in 2009, Silvia had launched Tcherassi Mansion: an exclusive boutique hotel with seven rooms, four pools, and a lush spa. With this second property, she is effectively transitioning from fashion to lifestyle brand. 42 new rooms join what is now a majestic duo: one of the largest hotels in Cartagena’s Walled City, and the largest boutique hotel in town.
Details You’ll Love
Tcherassi Hotel & Spa feels very much like the headquarters of Silvia’s impeccable aesthetic, sense of comfort, and passion for details. That passion shows in everything from the linens to the carefully styled balconies that feel extracted from a Gabriel García Márquez novel. Wildlife and fabrics coexist in suites, pool areas, and dining spaces. Here are some of the details that I fell in love with:
Mansión Tcherassi’s jungalow-inspired pool on the first floor
The grand mirror gallery wall in the lobby
Romantic, pristine white balconies
Boho industrial decor details in Tuc Tuc, one of the hotel’s dining areas
Carefully-curated appetizers featuring fusions between Latin American and other cuisines
The breathtaking view from the rooftop lounge
Gorgeous vertical (floating) garden with over 3,000 tropical plants
Delicate amenities featuring natural scents and ingredients
