Escape to Paradise: Hotel Be La Sierra's Santa Marta Luxury Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're dive-bombing headfirst into a review of Escape to Paradise: Hotel Be La Sierra in Santa Marta. And let me tell you, luxury awaits? Honey, let's see if it's luxury actually delivers!
First Impressions (and My Own Darned Expectations)
Right, so, "Be La Sierra." Sounds fancy, right? Makes you think of… well, something sophisticated. I'm picturing crisp white linen, the subtle scent of fresh orchids, and maybe, just maybe, someone constantly replenishing my bottomless mimosa. Let's see if my champagne dreams align with reality…
Accessibility: The Nitty Gritty (and Kudos Where Due)
Okay, I'm going to be honest. My mobility is… passable. I can get around, but I'm not exactly Speedy Gonzales. So the accessibility stuff is HUGE for me. The hotel does boast "Facilities for disabled guests," and that’s a great start. It's also got an elevator, which, let's be real, is a godsend when you're lugging around a suitcase full of, ahem, essentials. Now, they didn't specifically list the detailed accessibility features like grab bars in the bathroom, or ramps everywhere, but it's a starting point. Wheelchair Accessible: wasn't specifically listed, so this is definitely something to double-check with the hotel directly, because you can't build a paradise without thinking of everyone.
The Internet Saga – A Love Story… or Maybe Just Annoyance?
Internet Access: Okay, here we go, the modern-day lifeline. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!! Woohoo! That's a good start. "Internet" (listed separately) suggests… something? Maybe it's a hint of desperation? Internet [LAN] – Alright, remember “Internet [LAN]” from the olden days? The fact that it's even an option is kinda cute. Internet services: Okay, I hope this means someone can fix it if the Wi-Fi craps out because I can't be cut off from the world. Finally, there's Wi-Fi in public areas. This is good, because if the room Wi-Fi is playing games, you can always try to work from a lobby couch, or, you know, actually socialise.
The actual experience? Well… I'd say it’s a mixed bag. In theory, the Wi-Fi coverage was fantastic. In practice? Oh dear. It’s the typical hotel Wi-Fi experience: perfect at 4 AM, patchy at 2 PM. Still, free is free, and maybe you can get a decent download while you're up for that midnight buffet run.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax (Or, More Accurately, How I Intend to Do Both)
Right, this is the good stuff. Spa/sauna, Pool with view, Steamroom, Swimming pool [outdoor], Body wrap, Body scrub, Gym/fitness, Massage, Foot bath… Okay, hold on, rewind. Body wrap? I'm in! I'm just picturing myself, swaddled like a burrito, sipping something fruity, and emerging… younger? They also got more. You got the sauna and Steamroom, Yes, I'm picturing my pasty self steaming away all the work stress. Then there's Swimming pool [outdoor]. Please tell me it is a good swimming pool. The list also goes on..Fitness center, Gym/fitness, are listed. Okay, I'll be honest. The gym is on the list, so I might consider using it once, just to say I did.
Let's not forget the other type of activities. This place boasts a Shrine, which could be fun, or weird. And what about Things to do? Oh, the anticipation. We need to get out and explore!
Cleanliness and Safety: Because, You Know, We're Still Living in a Pandemic (Ugh)
Okay, so they're trying to be safe: Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment. The problem is, like, everyone claims to be clean these days. It’s like one of those “gluten-free” restaurants: is it really? Or is it just marketing? I do appreciate that they've got Room sanitization opt-out available, because if you're anything like me, you might be skeptical by this point. And they’ve gone the extra mile, with Cashless payment service and Contactless check-in/out.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Because, Priorities!
Let's get down to the real stuff: food and booze. Here's where things get interesting, and, frankly, make or break the experience. A la carte in restaurant, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant.
Okay, whoa. That's a lot. A buffet? Yes, please! 24-hour room service? Sign me up! Now, I'm not a huge fan of Asian cuisine in a Western restaurant, it's always a struggle, and I'm a picky eater. But hey, variety is the spice of life, right? I'll be sure to report back on whether it's a spice of deliciousness.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Touches (or Lack Thereof)
This is where hotels really shine, or, y'know, fall flat. Concierge, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Luggage storage… The basics are covered, which is good. The Concierge is always helpful, especially after you've wandered a bit too far and need to flag down that taxi again. Daily housekeeping? Essential. Doorman? Makes you feel important, even when you're not.
The other thing that caught my eye was Business facilities, Meeting/banquet facilities. Oh, boy. I can only imagine the corporate retreats… the meetings themselves… That’s enough to make me reach for a stiff drink at the nearby Bar.
For the Kids: (Or, How to Pretend You Don't Have Any)
Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal…Okay, I'm not exactly the target demographic here, but great for those with families.
My Room: The Sanctuary (Or Maybe Just a Room)
Available in all rooms, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Non-smoking, Private bathroom, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens…
Okay, so, the room. Let me tell you, the sheer volume of amenities is a tiny bit daunting. A desk, a safe, and a refrigerator! Okay, I'm in.
Other Notes (and My Honest Opinions):
- Stuff I Loved: The pool view. That was a win.
- Stuff that Needs Work: The Wi-Fi. Please, hotel, please fix.
- The Vibe: It's… aiming for luxury.
The Big Question: Would I Recommend Escape to Paradise: Hotel Be La Sierra?
Okay, so it’s not perfect. It's got some kinks. But you know what? It was a pretty good escape.
Compelling Offer for Escape to Paradise: Hotel Be La Sierra's Santa Marta Luxury Awaits!
Tired of the everyday grind? Crave a slice of paradise? Then ditch the drama and dive headfirst into Escape to Paradise: Hotel Be La Sierra in Santa Marta!
Here's the scoop, folks: you're not just booking a hotel room; you're buying an experience. Picture this: you, sprawled out by a stunning infinity pool, sipping something delicious and watching the sun sink into the ocean. Or maybe you're getting pampered in the spa with a body scrub, and then get massaged.
Why Escape to Paradise: Hotel Be La Sierra?
- Unbeatable Comfort: Rooms designed for ultimate relaxation with air conditioning, private balconies, and all the essentials.
- Culinary Delights: A culinary adventure with multiple restaurants and a bar
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your airbrushed, perfectly-curated Instagram travel itinerary. This is real life, in a hotel, in Santa Marta, Colombia. And it's gonna be… messy.
Hotel Be La Sierra: My Love-Hate Affair (and the Mosquitoes)
Day 1: Arrival, Altitude, and a Whole Lot of Confusion
Morning (ish): Touchdown in Santa Marta! Ugh, the humidity hit me like a brick wall. I actually forgot how sweltering it can be, even though I should have known better. The airport, let's just say it's "rustic." Found my pre-booked transfer, a beat-up but functional minivan that smelled faintly of mango and… well, let's leave that to your imagination. The drive to Be La Sierra was a chaotic ballet of motorbikes, potholes, and vibrant street art. Already feeling the jetlag and the altitude, which, let me tell you, is NO JOKE.
Afternoon: Arrived at Be La Sierra. The reception area is charming, all open-air and breezy, but also… where are all the staff? Finally flagged down a harried-looking woman. Turns out, my Spanish is worse than I thought and her English was…well, let's say we communicated through a series of frantic hand gestures and the universal language of confused smiles. Checked into my room. Okay, the view? Stunning. Overlooking the sea. The room itself? Basic. But that view… I think I'll forgive a lot of things for that view. Namely, the rogue mosquito that buzzed around my head all night. (More on those tiny vampires later)
Late Afternoon/Evening: Explored the hotel. The pool is pretty, though slightly crowded with chatty families and the occasional Instagram influencer doing their thing. Dinner at the hotel restaurant. The food was, shall we say… inconsistent. One dish was divine, the next… not so much. My first Colombian beer was cold and refreshing, which helped. Tried to navigate the hotel's Wi-Fi, which was an exercise in frustration. Seriously, it's like they're actively trying to disconnect you from the world. Mission accomplished, I guess. Bedtime: EARLY. Altitude + humidity = Zzzzzzzzz.
Day 2: Tayrona Park: Jungle Fever and Turtle Tears
Morning: THE ALARM! Ugh, why do I do this to myself? Up early for a day trip to Tayrona National Park. Breakfast at the hotel offered a standard mix of fruit, Colombian coffee (thank GOD for the coffee), and surprisingly delicious arepas. Caught the local bus to Tayrona – which was a WILD ride, filled with locals, bags of groceries, and the general chaos that I'm slowly coming to appreciate.
Mid-Day: Arrived at Tayrona. The hike through the jungle was brutal. The humidity, the uneven trails, my out-of-shape legs. But the scenery was unreal. Lush green, the sounds of exotic birds, and the promise of pristine beaches. I was practically melting but also in awe. I swear, I saw a monkey steal someone's sandwich, which was hilarious and also slightly concerning.
Afternoon: Beaches and Tears: Reached the beaches! The water was crystal clear, the sand white, the waves crashing… and oh, the sheer beauty of it all! Spent hours swimming, sunbathing, and just… being. Witnessed the turtle nesting grounds; I was so moved; I actually cried. (Don't judge, I'm a softie.) Then, the mosquitoes arrived. They devoured me alive. Seriously, they’re little flying tormentors and they were having a feast on my exposed ankles. Back to reality..
Evening: Tired. Sunburnt. Bitten. Back to the hotel. Dinner was a pizza that tasted like cardboard. I'm starting to suspect the kitchen has a hit-or-miss policy. Ordered another beer though, and stared at the star-filled sky over the ocean. Thinking of home a little, but really feeling like I need to lean into the chaos. Bedtime: Early again. Need a good night's sleep to recover from the mosquito massacre.
Day 3: Santa Marta City Adventures (and a Lost Hair Tie)
Morning: Woke up feeling like a new person, even my mosquito bites are itching less. Another delicious breakfast and a strong coffee. I swear, that coffee justifies the trip's existence. Set out for Santa Marta city. I was determined to find more than the immediate area.
Mid-Day: Explored the historic center. The architecture is gorgeous, all colorful colonial buildings and cobblestone streets. Got totally sidetracked by street vendors. One of the many vendors sold me a delicious mango, some weirdly amazing fried arepas, and a beautiful handmade bracelet. I had to haggle a little but that is the fun.
Afternoon: Visited the Gold Museum. Interesting, but I'm not particularly a museum person. I prefer wandering and getting lost. That I accomplished easily. Lost my favorite hair tie, which is a tragedy of epic proportions. Also, got stuck in a sudden downpour. The rain was warm, which was great. I felt like a fool, running for cover, but laughed about it later.
Evening: Dinner at a restaurant. Found a place that serves delicious seafood, and the service was great. I even tried learning a few basic Spanish phrases, which, of course, failed miserably. Back to the hotel for a late night swim. That view, the infinity pool, the lights… it’s really something. Bedtime: Feeling full and happy and exhausted.
Day 4: Be La Sierra Chill, and Departure Day Blues.
Morning: Slept in… finally! The sun is shining and I feel rested. Another lovely breakfast at the hotel. Took some time to just relax by the pool. Read a book, soaked up the sun, and (mostly) ignored the mosquitoes.
Afternoon: Found a massage at the hotel spa. It was amazing. I was so relaxed I could barely stand up straight afterward. Packed my bags, which always makes me a little sad. This trip has been a rollercoaster of emotions, from the jungle to the ocean and my own mental state.
Evening: Ate a farewell dinner at the hotel restaurant. This time the food was actually pretty good. I looked over the ocean one last time. This time with a view of a few tears and a few mosquito bites.
Departure: Left early, but was glad that I had this experience; it made my life more beautiful. The flight felt like forever, but I know I miss this trip; I miss Colombia; I miss Be La Sierra. The memory however, I will cherish forever.
Final Thoughts:
Be La Sierra? It's not perfect. The service can be patchy, the food can be hit or miss, and those mosquitoes are relentless. But… that view. That stunning view. And the whole experience. The chaos, the beauty, the unexpected moments. It's what I will remember. It's honest human; I cherish it.
So, yeah, go to Colombia. Go to Santa Marta. Go to Be La Sierra. Just be prepared to embrace the mess. You just might love it. Or, you know, at least survive it. And for the love of all that is holy, bring bug spray.
Escape to Paradise: Rezydencja Bielik, Międzyzdroje's Hidden Gem
Okay, so... Santa Marta, Hotel Be La Sierra... Is it *really* paradise? Like, Instagram-worthy paradise?
Alright, buckle up. Paradise? Well, let's just say you *can* get some killer Instagram shots. Seriously, the infinity pool overlooking the Caribbean? Chef's kiss. But here's the *real* deal: Paradise is subjective, right? For me, it was... mostly. Think: sun-drenched skin, the smell of the ocean (and sometimes, a *hint* of less-than-stellar drainage... let's be honest, it's the tropics!), and the constant hum of cicadas. It's less "flawless filtered perfection" and more "gloriously imperfect, utterly enchanting chaos." One day, the water was crystal clear, other days, a bit of seaweed made an appearance.
My photo album is proof of both. So yeah, it's paradise-adjacent. Good enough to get you hooked. Just don't expect angels playing harps the *entire* time.
Tell me about the rooms! Luxurious, right? Spill the tea!
Luxury? Yep. They throw that word around a lot. The rooms? Pretty darn nice, I won't lie. Huge beds, fluffy pillows you could *drown* in (in a good way!), and balconies with views that'll make you forget your troubles. I actually had one moment where, on the balcony, I was sipping a coffee and that's when I realized I was probably as close to heaven on Earth as I'll ever get.
The bathrooms though… they were… *interesting*. Beautiful but maybe a little… *too* open? Like, one time I spent half my time trying to avoid my husband's gaze while I was getting ready in the shower. Minor hiccup, but hey, adds character, right? Also, the air conditioning wasn't *always* up to par. One night, it died and I felt like I was living in a sauna, and I couldn't get anyone to fix it! Not the best. But the view sure made up for it!
Food! Is the food as dreamy as the photos suggest? Give it to me straight.
Okay, the food. *Deep breath.* Some of it was divine. Seriously, the seafood! Fresh, flavorful, melt-in-your-mouth stuff. I'm still dreaming of that grilled mahi-mahi. But here's the kicker: inconsistency. One night it was a culinary masterpiece, the next? Well, let's just say my husband had a moment where he thought the risotto tasted suspiciously like cardboard.
Breakfast? Hit or miss. Sometimes magical with freshly squeezed juices and tropical fruit. Other times? Dried-out scrambled eggs and lukewarm coffee. Again, maybe my expectations were too high, the chef's on vacation that week. So, if you’re a foodie, prepare for a little rollercoaster of flavors. Pack some emergency protein bars, just in case. Because you'll want a snack somewhere, and those prices aren't always worth it.
What's the deal with the service? I need to know if I'll be pampered!
Pampered? Possibly. It's a mixed bag, honestly. Some staff members are absolutely lovely, bending over backwards to help you. They remember your name, offer helpful suggestions, and seem genuinely happy to see you. Others... well, let's just say they might be having a rough day. You'll catch glimpses of weary smiles, slow response times, and a slight lack of the "magical touch."
I once waited *an hour* for a drink at the pool bar. An HOUR. In the hot sun! I was ready to walk into the ocean and become sea foam. Then, the bartender, bless his heart, was super apologetic and gave me an extra shot of rum. Problem solved... sort of. It's the tropics. Patience is a virtue, especially when you're waiting for a cocktail. Don't expect robot-like efficiency. Embrace the laid-back vibe (and maybe pack your own drinks for emergencies). And tip well! Because who knows when your next martini is coming.
Santa Marta itself! Anything to do *outside* the hotel?
Oh, absolutely! Don't just hole up in the hotel, even though it's tempting. Santa Marta has so much to offer! The Tayrona National Park is a must-see. Breathtaking beaches, amazing hiking… just be prepared for... well, let's say "rustic" facilities. There's also the town of Taganga for some more laid-back vibes and great seafood restaurants.
But again, *prepare*. The driving can be… interesting. The traffic is chaotic, the roads are bumpy, and you might want to brush up on your Spanish. I got completely lost one day and found myself wandering down a dirt road with stray dogs that were not exactly thrilled to see me. Terrifying! But you live and learn, right? Hire a reputable driver, or be ready to embrace the adventure... and maybe pack some tissues. For both the sweat and the occasional tears. The heat, the culture shock… it’s a lot, but that’s part of the fun, really. It's messy, it's real, it's Santa Marta.
Final verdict: Would you go back?
Hmm... That's the million-dollar question, isn’t it? Honestly? Probably. Despite the hiccups, the occasional frustration, and the questionable risotto, there's something about Be La Sierra that kept me smiling. The sunsets alone are worth it.
The beauty of the place is undeniable. You just need to go with the flow, be prepared for the unexpected, and embrace the chaos. Lower your expectations a bit, and you might just find a real gem. So yes, I would. But this time, I'm packing my own snacks and a *very* detailed plan for the Tayrona Park. And tissues. Lots and lots of tissues.
Spa services! Are they a highlight? A necessary indulgence?
Alright, the spa. Here's where I get a little... *heated*. Because, dear reader, the spa was a letdown. Big time. The treatments were overpriced, the atmosphere was a little sterile (not the relaxing kind of sterile!), and my massage therapist, bless her heart, seemed to be more interested in chatting with her friend than kneading my tense muscles. Yes, I felt a pinch of disappointment because I wanted to enjoy it but no...
I was looking forward to a lovely massage, and the whole experience was… forgettable. If good massages are a non-negotiable for you, steer clear of the hotel’s spa. Get one off-site. Or better yet, bring a friend and trade backHotel Safari
