First up - because it is in 3 days! - Secret Garden Supper Club. We love them all, but this month’s Trinidadian and Jamaican connection with guest chefs The Rousseau Sisters makes it extra special to me. And having artist Jasmine Thomas Girvan in residence is the cherry on top of this delicious Caribbean cake. Yes, we changed the date to not clash with the Colombia-Portugal game, so grab one of the last few tickets and come feast all of your senses with us this Friday 26th June.
Big news. I’m back in Barú...
A lifetime ago, before there was Blue Apple, I worked on Barú island. I didn’t plan to find myself here again (long story, requires wine), but as my Trini mother always says, “Man plans, and God laughs”. And so, here I am again. Anyone who has been to the islands has lived the dilemma of where to get an easy lunch. We need look no further. Welcome to the family, Ancalá Waterfront. The incredibly talented Felix built us the sexiest BBQ grill I’ve ever seen. Pedro’s menu is to die for. This is what lunch in the islands was always meant to look like - simple, fresh dishes designed to be shared. And then there’s the incredible architecture. You’ll find us opposite Cholón. Open from 10am - 4pm. Text us to book.
... but still in love with the Walled City
With only six rooms, Casa de la Renta feels more like a private villa than a hotel. I’m in love with this property, impeccably restored and styled by the talented Diana Posen (and with some of her art collection as an extra bonus). My British roots took me in the direction of a London members’ club, but my Caribbean soul has kept it light and fun. In this home away from home, guests can expect a different breakfast every morning, a generous drinks cabinet, concierge and room service (!!) from our friends in Nuestra Cartagena and the friendliest house manager in the city (Laura will even walk you to dinner). My favourite room is Pimienta, but I’d say it’s worth six visits to try them all.
And did we mention it’s Blue Apple’s 10th birthday? (Well now I feel old.)
On a rainy Sunday in July 2016, Blue Apple opened its gates for the first time. I had no idea what I was expecting, but I knew one thing: I was doing this because I had been so impressed by the hospitality community here and I wanted to be a part of it. So as we celebrate 10 years, we pay our respects to the people who paved the way for us. Twenty portraits of my Cartagena Legends, painted by Diana Herrera Ordosgoitia (no, they’re not AI!) are currently on display at La Neverita (previously Demente, where I went for my first ever drink in Cartagena), and on Sunday 26th July we will transform Blue Apple into Cartagena of 2016. You’ll find food and drinks from Don Juan, Maria, El Baron, Malagana, Juan del Mar, Cocina de Pepina and music and entertainment from Bazurto All Stars and Ciudad Movil. Join us!
What do we want for our birthday?
It’s that time of year again, when we are up for the Conde Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards. Can we hold onto our spot at #4 in South America? We can if you vote for us! It takes less than a minute and would be the best gift of all. Voting closes this week. Thank you, thank you 🙏
There’s more, but this was a lot! So, I’ll sign off and wish you a very happy summer.
Love and coconuts from the Caribbean,
PH
I didn’t even know I was subscribed and saw this landed in my email- I wanted to tell you personally- the relationships made at the blue apple hotel exceed colombia- we met a couple that my husband drunkenly invited to meet us in New Orleans for jazz fest. I was mad at him- while I liked them- I wasn’t sure how it would go- their friends thought they were crazy- over 5 years later- they are some of our closest friends- we always reference the blue apple- and I’m sure you hear these stories years later- But wanted to make sure! 🙏