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This evening, we officially launch our 'Where to Next? Series: travel stories by us & friends meant to inspire & inform. In this case, our good friend + travel photographer, Ernesto Román, traveled back home to Cartagena, Colombia for the holidays. A beautiful and natural backdrop for warm-weather-friendly Sabah styles, Ernesto captured the spirit of his city through its culture, history, and exceptional food scene, with a suitcase full of Sabahs, Babas and a pair of our Porto Sandals too, which are perhaps the best pair we offer for a trip like this. From exploring Old Town, where colonial architecture and sun-washed, colorful walls create a beautiful ambience, to sailing to the Rosario Islands just beyond the city and catching sunsets, Cartagena offers a rich range of moments that align seamlessly with Sabah’s travel-forward spirit. Read on for Ernesto's travel notes, and some really beautiful images from his trip. Enjoy! |
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Sometimes you can feel like a tourist in your own city. And every time I return to my hometown of Cartagena, I’m reminded of how much it continues to evolve—new places, restaurants, and hotels constantly emerging to meet the energy of the thousands of travelers who flock here year-round. This time, I felt the need to do things differently: to experience the city not only as a local, but as a slower, more intentional traveler.
Walking Cartagena in Sabah felt instinctive—designed for tropical heat, worn stone, and shifting light, echoing the city’s earth tones, sun-faded walls, and layered textures.
Cartagena offers a wide range of boutique hotels and accommodations, but visiting over New Year’s meant most were fully booked. Instead, I leaned into something more personal—unique private homes—and was rewarded with spaces full of character, warmth, and soul.
My favorite stay was at a private home known as Casa Real Cabrero, owned by a local architect currently restoring one of the city’s largest upcoming hotel projects. His home is layered with antiques, curious objects, and beautiful paintings by his sister. It felt lived-in, thoughtful, and deeply personal—the kind of place you don’t just stay in, but imagine yourself living in.
Over the years, I’ve watched Cartagena’s gastronomic scene become increasingly international, often catering to foreign palates. But what I always crave are the dishes I grew up eating—the most traditional, home-style meals. Few things feel more complete than a plate of fresh fried fish, coconut rice, patacones, and a simple salad, paired with tropical juices like corozo, lulo, or maracuyá.
Street food is everywhere here. Fruit vendors, small tiendas, and corner spots offer fresh juices, bread, and my personal favorite: cocktail de camarón—simple, nostalgic, perfect.
Cartagena sits on Colombia’s Caribbean coast. The weather is beautiful, but intense—the sun demands respect. One of the simplest pleasures is finding a coco frío to stay hydrated while moving through the heat.
I feel fortunate to have grown up here. My memories are filled with beaches, slow afternoon strolls, warm breezes, and sunsets that seem to stretch endlessly across the horizon.
One of my favorite rituals is sailing at sunset with friends—circling Cartagena Bay toward Tierra Bomba, practicing sailing techniques as the sky shifts from gold to deep blue. The day often ends anchored quietly, the city skyline glowing in the distance, rewarded with stillness, laughter, and perspective.
Cartagena continues to change, but it always knows how to welcome me back—slowly, warmly, and with just enough familiarity to feel like home.
Ernesto's Suitcase of Sabah.
