To create her collections, Silvia Tcherassi often draws inspiration from her native country. “[Gabriel] García Márquez taught us that the ordinary can become extraordinary, a concept I incorporate into my designs,” she told Women’s Wear Daily in September. “Similarly, Fernando Botero’s approach to volume, scale and color invites experimentation.”
Born in Barranquilla, on Colombia’s northern coast, Tcherassi frequently blends Latin culture with Caribbean history in her eclectic designs, characterized by bold prints and refined silhouettes. Since launching her eponymous label in 1987, she has achieved many firsts. In 2003, she became the first Latin American designer to participate in Milan Fashion Week, and in 2004, the first to present in Paris, following an invitation by the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode. Today, she has 11 stores worldwide, with her collections available everywhere from Saks Fifth Avenue to Moda Operandi. Here, the Colombian designer shares her favorite spots in the charming port city, where she opened the Tcherassi Hotel + Spa in 2009.
Candé Cocina 100% Cartagenera
This restaurant offers traditional Cartagena cuisine, showcasing the diverse influences that have shaped it. It’s worth noting that local cuisine has always been tied to remarkable women like Teresita Roman de Zurek, Rosita de Benedetti, and Doris Chalela. (restaurantecande.com)
CAFÉ HAVANA
For those who love a fun night out, this spot delivers an authentic Caribbean experience. (instagram.com)
LA VITROLA Restaurante
This timeless restaurant has remained a favorite amongst locals and tourists for decades. The food is wonderful, and at night, the ambiance and live music are fantastic. (lavitrola.precompro.com)
Restaurante Fuerte Del Pastelillo — Club de Pesca
A classic, unpretentious restaurant in the city, offering stunning views and authentic local fare. (restaurantefuertedelpastelillo.com)
HOTEL LAS ISLAS — BARÚ
This hotel is completely immersed in nature and features traditional architectural elements. (lasislas.com.co)
FOUR SEASONS HOTEL AND RESIDENCES CARTAGENA
After a meticulous restoration that spanned several years and involved a team of experts from various disciplines, this hotel’s opening has become one of the most anticipated in the city. (fourseasons.com)
SOFITEL LEGEND SANTA CLARA CARTAGENA
This lovely hotel was one of the first to be fully restored in the historic part of town. Once an old convent, it is the primary setting for Gabriel García Márquez’s Of Love and Other Demons. (sofitellegendsantaclara.com)
LAS BÓVEDAS
This vaulted structure dates back to the colonial era and is adjacent to the city walls. Inside, you’ll find a wonderful selection of locally handmade crafts—perfect for finding a souvenir. (colombia.travel)
NOHRA HAIME GALERÍA
Here, you can find artworks by two of Colombia’s greatest artists, Fernando Botero and Olga de Amaral. (nhgaleria.com)
PLAZA DE SANTA TERESA
This is one of the city’s most iconic and beautiful plazas. It’s surrounded by landmarks like the Charleston Santa Teresa Hotel, the Bastion Luxury Hotel, and the Naval Museum—yet it holds special significance to me as the home of the boutique I opened 23 years ago. (noticartagena.com)
TEATRO HEREDIA
An example of Italian architecture adapted to the Caribbean aesthetic. Its beautiful frescoes and drapery were created by Enrique Grau, one of the region’s most cherished artists. (ipcc.gov.co)
CITY TOURS
The best way to explore a city is with a local guide, and Cartagena offers a wealth of options—from Gabriel García Márquez-inspired tours based on his novels to those focused on architecture and religion, including visits to the Cathedral and the San Pedro Claver Church and Monastery.
ISLAS DEL ROSARIO
If you are looking for an escape, this archipelago a few miles off the coast is paradisiacal. It’s an ideal way to spend the day.
