Sazagua

Lush, undulating countryside abounds in this part of Risaralda department, on the Northwestern edge of the Zona Cafetera. Boutique hotel Sazagua sits just to the West of the department’s capital city, Pereira.

The owner describes it as a country hotel surrounded by nature, but it is its relative close proximity to the main highway and to the airport in Pereira that is likely to make this location an ideal stopping point on a trip to the interior. Its plant rich gardens help to encourage small wildlife into the grounds, whilst it’s the aroma of coffee and the singing of a small proportion of Colombia’s renowned avifauna that should do just about enough to whisk your mind away from the drone of the passing lorries on the highway, just to the South.

All rooms have either a balcony, private garden or terrace overlooking the main garden. The original casa houses some of the rooms, whilst others have been added around the garden space, but are all attractively decorated. The hotel’s restaurant Tributo strives to source the best of Colombian produce from mountains, to valley, to sea and serves tasty breakfast, lunch and dinner.

The spa, Turukao, offers rituals, therapies, treatments and massages based on Quimbaya methods. The Quimbaya are the indigenous group that have traditionally inhabited this territory.