THE FOUR Seasons may have two properties in Colombia’s capital city, but they couldn’t be more opposite, catering to different types of travellers. Believe me, I would know.
I’m a little embarrassed to admit that I’ve been to Bogotá more times this last year than I’ve gone home to see my own mother. But it’s not my fault—this city is enormous, so there’s always something new to see.
Modest but beautiful architecture, gentle yet vibrant public spaces, a new restaurant that opened last weekend, a rooftop bar I couldn’t get a reservation at that one time, or the drag queen stage in one of Theatron’s 13 maze-like themed spaces that I still haven’t managed to stumble into (maybe next month?).
Four Seasons Bogota
As much as I enjoy exploring Bogota’s many-many-many corners, I’m a Capricorn, a creature of habit. And I know myself well enough to understand that my favorite bubble—my happy place among the 7-million inhabitants that live in this 1,636 square-kilometre capital city—is and probably always will be Zona Rosa.
The food, shopping, nightlife, and friendliness of the Chapinero neighborhood make its Zona Rosa one of Latin America’s most upscale locales. So if there’s any place in Colombia where a Four Seasons would make sense, it’s here in this discreet 5-storey brick building, at Carrera 13, a 2-minute walk from Zona T’s restaurants, and a 5-minute walk from Andino, its prime shopping venue.
Four Seasons Bogota offers a contemporary twist on the inside
Leather, wood, and marble in the lobby
Noticeable only because of its arched canopy entrance, it’s likely you’ll walk past the property. But once inside, you’ll definitely know you’re at the Four Seasons. The thing is, the Four Seasons Bogotá isn’t looking to catch everyone’s attention, nor does it need to.
It’s exterior architecture respects its local context, embracing the traditional brick you’ll find in so many other buildings in the area, while giving its guest a singularly modern experience where luxury is quiet, curated, and edited.
Clean lines and contrasting colors inside a suite
Glass windows outlined in black frames perfectly frame the exterior brickwork
The bathroom at one of the bedrooms
Its spacious rooms are designed in clean, crisp lines that carry from the wood furniture, to the marble in the bathroom, and from the sinuous chairs, all the way to the glass, arched windows outlined in black metal frames.
Playing with light and dark colors, as well as delicately balancing soft and hard, a dark brown leather headboard that goes all the way to the top of the room perfectly frames the puffiest bed you’ve ever seen in your life. You’ll sleep on Egyptian cotton-sheets and awaken to Colombian coffee right downstairs at La Biblioteca, its restaurant.
Breakfast is served at La Biblioteca
Homemade jams and butters for your pan de yuca and almojábanas, or fresh fruit and granola for your yogurt parfait before your spa session? It’s your call.
Colombian calentado (white rice, beans, grilled chorizo, shredded beef, plantains, and an egg) or or fire-roasted avocado on a toasted country loaf with two poached eggs to get you through your workout?
Also your call. You really can’t go wrong; at the Four Seasons Bogotá everything smells, tastes, and feels as good as it looks.
by Regner Ramos