Vibrant Streets, Caribbean Getaways, and Top Local Designers: An Insider’s Guide to Cartagena

      Welcome to Locals Only. In this series, we're reaching out to prominent locals within the style community to provide a concise list of their top recommendations for sights, dining, and shopping in their hometown. They will share lesser-known suggestions that you won’t find in typical guidebooks, creating easy-to-follow mini guides showing where the most fashionable locals genuinely hang out.

      If anyone knows how to enjoy Cartagena with flair, it’s Catalina Álvarez and Mariana Hinestroza, the women behind Agua Bendita and Agua by Agua Bendita. The founders of this Colombian brand have spent years drawing from their country's vibrant landscapes, craftsmanship, and Caribbean essence. Among all the places they frequent, Cartagena stands out as a significant favorite. While they call Medellín home, the duo has spent numerous summers, holidays, and work trips in Cartagena, returning repeatedly to its colorful historic streets, artisan shops, idyllic islands, and burgeoning culinary scene. In this virtual tour of Cartagena, Álvarez and Hinestroza are sharing their go-to spots whenever they visit, from boutiques showcasing Colombia’s emerging designers to restaurants offering creative Caribbean cuisine. Consider this your insider's guide to Cartagena: where to explore, shop, dine, drink, and unwind when you want to experience the city beyond the usual tourist attractions. Be sure to save this!

      (Image credit: Courtesy of Agua Bendita) Where do you both hail from, and how has Cartagena become part of your lives? We are both originally from Medellín, where we have spent our entire lives. Medellín is our home; it's where Agua Bendita originated, and where our families, team, and daily lives are based. However, Cartagena has always held a unique place in our hearts. We have spent numerous summers, holidays, and work trips here over the years, so even though we don’t reside here permanently, it feels like our second home and remains a major source of inspiration. The city’s vibrant colors, rich history, craftsmanship, and Caribbean spirit have influenced our collections from the beginning.

      What do you find yourself doing most in Cartagena? In Cartagena, you can typically find us strolling through the Historic Center. We enjoy exploring boutiques of local designers, visiting artisan workshops, uncovering hidden courtyards, and dining at our favorite restaurants. We also love spending time in the Rosario Islands and occasionally exploring neighborhoods like Bocagrande, which has cultivated a fantastic culinary scene.

      What do people wear in Cartagena? The style in Cartagena is effortlessly tropical yet always refined. You’ll notice vibrant colors, artisanal accessories, handcrafted details, and plenty of crisp white outfits. Lightweight fabrics like linen, cotton, and broderie anglaise are essentials, and resortwear seamlessly transitions from beach clubs and boat days to dining in the Historic Center. There’s an ease to how people dress here, paired with a confidence that feels distinctly Caribbean.

      How would you sum up Cartagena style in three words? Timeless. Caribbean. Vibrant.

      If you had to plan the perfect afternoon for a visitor to the city, what would it include? We would guide them directly to Cartagena's Historic Center. They should start with a leisurely lunch at one of the city’s iconic restaurants, followed by an afternoon meandering through colorful bougainvillea-lined streets while discovering local designers, artisan treasures, and beautiful colonial architecture. Take a break for coffee and a traditional pastry before wandering through hidden plazas and courtyards. As the day draws to a close, head to the city walls to watch the sunset. Witnessing the golden light illuminate the centuries-old buildings while the Caribbean breeze sets in is among Cartagena's most enchanting experiences.

      (Image credit: Courtesy of Agua Bendita) "In Cartagena, you can usually find us exploring the Historic Center. We enjoy visiting local designer boutiques, artisan workshops, uncovering hidden courtyards, and dining at our favorite restaurants."

      (Image credit: Courtesy of Agua Bendita) "We also love visiting our own Agua Bendita boutique in the Historic Center and the soon-to-open Agua by Agua Bendita boutique, not just for showcasing our collections but because they embody Cartagena's spirit through color, artistry, handmade details, and a celebration of Colombian heritage. Each visit feels like discovering something special, whether it’s a timeless piece, an artisan-created accessory, or one of our signature embroidered treasures. Here’s a sneak peek at the new store."

      (Image credit: Courtesy of Celele) Cartagena's culinary scene is a must-see, and Celele is one of our go-to spots. This restaurant is celebrated for its innovative approach to Caribbean cuisine, making it an ideal stop to experience a more exhilarating aspect of the city's food offerings. "They provide one of the most inventive interpretations of Caribbean cuisine in Colombia."

      "Whenever we wish to unwind, we escape to the islands around Cartagena, particularly Barú. The contrast between the city’s lively atmosphere and the more relaxed rhythm of island life is something we always cherish. One of our favorite spots is Las Is