Award-winning Tcherassi Hotel + Spa in Cartagena, Colombia has expanded the Aquabar and Lounge, creating a perfect mix between Caribbean cool and Latin-American chic. Designed by Colombian fashion designer Silvia Tcherassi, the luxury boutique hotel is situated in a 250-year old colonial mansion in the heart of Cartegena. Adjacent to Chef Daniel Castano's critically acclaimed VERA Restaurant in the first floor garden, Aquabar and Lounge overlooks glass waterfalls and the signature two-story vertical garden featuring over 3000 local plants. Thirty seats spread across the second half of the mansion's first floor and outdoor tables float on a glass floor covering one of the properties four plunge pools. Guests can sit amongst flowing water while enjoying expertly created cocktails and listening to sounds of the city.
Mixologist and NYC Restaurateur Mayur Subbarao of Cienfuegos has created a specialty cocktail menu based on classic recipes which are inspired by, and made with Colombian ingredients. Mayur uses fresh exotic fruit juices, panela (whole cane sugar), and the Colombian national spirit, anise flavored aguardiente in place of staple American ingredients such as bitters or flavored liqueurs. The resulting 14-cocktail menu is fresh and inspiring. Here are a few of the choices, ranging from $10-$12:
"Silvia Royale" - a classic champagne cocktail with cognac and cinnamon
"Tcherassi" - gin, aguardiente, mine, and espuma of lime
"Frida" - tequila, tomato water, and basil
Hotel guests and visitors can also curb their hunger with a menu of light bites by Chef Daniel Castano, including an array of meats and cheeses, asparagus wrapped prosciutto, and marinated olives and vegetables.
For added relaxation, hookahs are available along with a selection of six different flavors of tobacco: Watermelon-Strawberry, Coconut, Mint, Citrus, Peach, and Yerbabuena. One hookah is $15 for the initial amount, and $15 for each additional refill.
Aquabar is open to the public seven days a week. Reservations are not required and guests are encouraged to dress appropriately. For more information, please visit www.tcherassihotels.com.