Escape to Paradise: SANTUM NATURE Glamping in Villa de Leyva, Colombia
Escape to Paradise (Maybe?) - A Review of SANTUM NATURE Glamping, Villa de Leyva, Colombia - Because Real Life Ain't Always Insta-Perfect.
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the beans (or, you know, the arepas) on my recent glamping adventure at SANTUM NATURE in Villa de Leyva, Colombia. Forget the perfectly curated Instagram feeds; this is the real deal, flaws and all. Think less “idyllic escape” and more “slightly chaotic but ultimately charming adventure.”
TL;DR: SANTUM is a gorgeous spot, especially if you're craving a digital detox and some serious relaxation. But, and this is a BIG but, it ain't all rainbows and butterflies. Prepare for some logistical hiccups and the slight possibility you’ll end up feeling more like a pampered cockroach than a glamorous globetrotter. Still, the good outweighs the not-so-good, just remember to pack your sense of humor and a healthy dose of patience.
(Meta-Tag Time! Let’s get this review seen!)
- Keywords: SANTUM NATURE, Villa de Leyva, Glamping, Colombia, Accessible Glamping, Wheelchair Accessible, Spa, Sauna, Pool, Restaurant, Reviews, Travel, Accommodation, Eco-Tourism, Family Friendly, Pet-Friendly (sort of!), WiFi, Relaxing Getaway.
Accessibility (and the Reality Check)
Let’s be real: “accessible” in Colombia can sometimes be a generous interpretation. SANTUM says they have facilities for guests with disabilities. I didn't personally test this, BUT I did observe a few things. The pathways are mostly gravel, and while the reception area seems accessible, the individual glamping tents are, well, spread out… and up (hills!). This is glamping, after all, so expect a bit of rough terrain. Important Note: Call ahead and verify specifics. Don’t just trust the website! Maybe even request photos of the specific tent you're booking.
(Score: 3/5 – Potential, but needs clarification!)
On-Site Munchies & Libations (The Hunger Games Edition)
Okay, the food situation… it’s a mixed bag. There's an A la carte restaurant and a buffet restaurant, alongside the options for Asian, International, Vegetarian, and Western cuisine. Sounds amazing, right? Well, the reality reminded me of my college cafeteria, but with better views. Some days the food was spectacular; other days… let's just say I became intimately familiar with the salad bar. The coffee/tea in the restaurant was consistently good, though! The views from the Poolside bar were unbeatable during happy hour (and the drinks were strong, bless their hearts), and the snack bar came in clutch for those mid-afternoon hunger pangs. There's a coffee shop - pretty standard stuff, but sometimes that's exactly what you need. They also offer breakfast in room, which is always a win. The bottle of water provided was appreciated (hydration is KEY in those altitudes!).
(My Anecdote: The "Missing Sauce" Saga)
One evening at dinner, I ordered the supposed star dish from the "Western Cuisine" menu. The dish came beautifully presented but lacked any flavor. I asked the waiter for some sauce. He, bless his heart, went on what seemed like a 20-minute journey to the kitchen and back. Finally, he returned… with a tiny ramekin of ketchup. Ketchup! On a dish that clearly needed a richer, more complex sauce. Laugh or cry? I chose laughter. And I kept requesting the ketchup, because that's just me!
(Score: 3.5/5 – Good intentions, but needs consistency! And maybe more sauces.)
Relaxation Station: Pools, Saunas & Spa Days (The Blissful Bits)
This is where SANTUM shines! The Pool with view is stunning. The sauna, spa, and steamroom are top-notch. I might have spent an entire afternoon being a complete puddle of goo in the spa. My massage? Heaven. Pure, unadulterated heaven. I think I may have actually drooled… The body scrub and body wrap sessions were both incredibly relaxing. Seriously, if you need to de-stress, this is your happy place. They also have a Gym/fitness center if you're feeling energetic. I, however, was not. Priorities.
(Score: 5/5 – Pure bliss. Worth the price of admission alone!)
Safety & Cleanliness (COVID-19 Edition - Because, You Know)
Overall, SANTUM seemed to take Covid seriously. They offered hand sanitizer galore. Masks were mostly worn by staff. They had daily disinfection in common areas, and rooms sanitized between stays. They provided individually-wrapped food options. Physical distancing of at least 1 meter was generally adhered to (though sometimes it was a bit of a free-for-all in the buffet). Staff trained in safety protocol, which was reassuring. They even offered room sanitization opt-out available, which I appreciated. The sanitized kitchen and tableware items were visible. The safe dining setup gave peace of mind.
(Score: 4/5 – Pretty good, but vigilance is key, especially in the buffet!)
Rooms, Rooms, Glorious Rooms (The "Glamping" Experience)
The glamping tents are beautifully decorated and offer everything you need. Air conditioning, blackout curtains, and a reading light: all major wins. The bed was comfortable. The bathrobes and slippers were a luxurious touch. My tent had a private bathroom with a perfectly functional shower and towels. There was a desk where I could pretend to work, and a seating area for lounging. I loved the coffee/tea maker and the free bottled water. Wi-Fi was free (and fairly reliable!) and also Internet Access – wireless! The safe boxes were great to storing valuables. They offer in-room safe box, mini bar, desk, and complimentary tea & coffee.
(My Anecdote: The Great Mosquito Massacre)
Okay, so the first night I was plagued by… mosquitos. Like, a swarm. Despite having smoke detectors and insect repellent, I spent most of the night swatting and cursing. I realized the window that opens had been, well, open, letting in all the little bloodsuckers! Thankfully, a quick call to reception (using the telephone in the room, thank goodness!) got me some extra mosquito coils, and the rest of the stay was much improved. The non-smoking rooms were a bonus because I could breath fine inside!
(Score: 4.5/5 – Mostly excellent, with the minor caveat of potential mosquito encounters.)
Services & Conveniences (The "Stuff You Need")
They offer a host of services, including daily housekeeping, laundry service, and dry cleaning, all very useful. Cash withdrawal, currency exchange, and safety deposit boxes are available. Other facilities available: Concierge, elevator, gift/souvenir shop, on-site event hosting, terrace, and Luggage storage. They even had a Convenience store which came in handy! Meeting/banquet facilities and meetings are hosted. You can get some food delivery and also a breakfast takeaway service.
(Score: 4/5 – Well-equipped, making life easier!)
For the Kids (Gotta Keep 'Em Happy!)
SANTUM is advertised as family/child-friendly. There are kids facilities, and babysitting service. I didn’t travel with children, so take this with a grain of salt, but I did see kids around, and they seemed to be enjoying themselves.
(Score: 4/5 – Seems good if you're traveling with the small humans!)
Getting Around (The Logistics of Life)
They offer airport transfer (highly recommended!), taxi service, and valet parking. There’s car park [free of charge] and car park [on-site] if you have your own set of wheels. Bicycle parking is also available.
(Score: 4.5/5 – Makes getting around a breeze!)
Dining, Drinking & Snacking (More Eating Adventures)
Beyond the restaurant, expect options from a bar by the pool, the poolside bar and the snack bar. The coffee shop will have coffee and tea, and the desserts in restaurant are pretty good for after the meal!
(Score: 4/5 – Lots of opportunities to fill your face!)
The Imperfect Perfection
Look, SANTUM Nature is a beautiful place. It’s a fantastic base for exploring Villa de Leyva. But it's not perfect. It doesn't feel like a perfectly designed, flawless resort. It’s got character. It’s got quirks. It’s got the potential to be incredibly relaxing (and incredibly frustrating, at times). But, if you go with a good attitude, you’
Escape to Paradise: Hotel Gajeta, Gaeta, Italy - Your Dream Getaway Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups! Because we're heading to SANTUM NATURE Glamping near Villa de Leyva, Colombia, and trust me, this ain't gonna be your perfectly-crafted, Instagram-filtered itinerary. This is the real, sweat-soaked, mosquito-bitten deal.
Day 1: Arrival - Or, How I Almost Died of Altitude Sickness Before Even Seeing a Tent
- Morning (Bogotá to Villa de Leyva): Okay, so the flight from Bogotá was fine. Actually, the flight was a nightmare. Turbulence so bad I swear I saw the pilot's face white as a ghost. But hey, we landed! Right? Wrong. The car ride. Ah, the car ride. Picture this: winding mountain roads, me clinging to the seat for dear life, and the "friendly" driver who clearly thinks a hairpin turn is a suggestion, not a commandment. I swear, I think I saw a flock of condors eyeing me like a potential snack. The altitude, though. Good LORD. I felt like I was breathing through a soggy sock. By the time we hit Villa de Leyva, I had a pounding headache and a distinct feeling I was about to hurl.
- Around 12:00 PM: Arrival at Santum - Tent City, Here We Come (Maybe): Check-in. Smooth, surprisingly! The staff is super chill, and the views? Stunning, even through my throbbing brain. We're talking rolling hills, the crisp mountain air (that's also making me dizzy), and these seriously cool, glamping tents. I'm ready for a luxurious escape. Nope. My head starts swimming again. I'm pretty sure I've developed a sudden fear of heights, a crippling fear of air, and, uh, a fear of… everything. I pop a couple of ibuprofen, desperately chug water, and force myself to breathe.
- Afternoon: The Tent vs. Me - A Love/Hate Affair: The tent is gorgeous; the "glam" part of glamping, which I initially thought was a joke, is actually true. We're talking a real bed, fluffy pillows, and a private little deck. This is my salvation. I manage to stumble onto the deck, prop myself up with a pillow, and try to actually enjoy the view. I pass out for a few hours.
- Late Afternoon: Dinner - Or, Pizza and Altitude are Not Friends: I rally for dinner at the Santum restaurant. Wood-fired pizza sounds amazing, but my stomach disagrees. The pizza itself is delicious, truly fantastic, but I can barely eat a slice. I think I end up eating half, and then I crawl back to the tent.
Night: Stargazing - and the Cosmic Question of "Have I Packed Enough Toilet Paper?"
- Evening: Stargazing - A Glimmer of Hope (and Constipation): Holy crap. This is why we came. The views! The stars! The sheer, unadulterated darkness that allows you to actually see everything. We're miles from any city lights, so the Milky Way? Absolutely breathtaking. I stumble outside with a blanket, find a rock, and just sit there staring, completely mesmerized. A cosmic awe. I'm so happy I can't cry.
- Night: The Toilet Situation - A Glamping Reality Check: Let's be honest. Nature calls. And when nature calls at 2 AM, in a tent in the middle of nowhere? Well, that's when you realize glamping still involves…nature. The bathroom is a little ways away. I stumble over uneven ground in the darkness, clinging to a flashlight. The eco-toilet is cool, but I have a million questions. And I’m seriously wondering whether I should have brought more toilet paper.
Day 2: Exploring Villa de Leyva - Culture, Cobblestones, and Cacao Bliss
- Morning: Villa de Leyva: Charming But… Steep: After a decent night of sleep (thank the altitude gods), the headache is mostly gone, and the world feels a little less shaky. We head into Villa de Leyva, a town straight out of a fairytale—cobblestone streets, whitewashed buildings, and the biggest town square I've ever seen. It is absolutely amazing, even if walking around gives my legs a decent workout.
- Mid-Morning: Plaza Mayor: The Sun, The Cobbles, and the Quest for Shade: We wander around the Plaza Mayor, which is HUGE. I mean, seriously, you could probably land a small plane in there. I get a sense of history while wondering how they paved this place. I appreciate it, but my pale skin is instantly burning. I desperately search for shade, which is a highly sought-after commodity.
- Lunch: The Local Food Dilemma: Okay, lunch. I'm a foodie, but let's be real, sometimes local cuisine is a gamble when you're not feeling 100%. We try the arepas (savory corn cakes) and some local soup. The taste is good, but my stomach starts threatening mutiny again. I eat slowly, cautiously, hoping for the best.
- Afternoon: Cacao Therapy and Serendipitous Encounters: We stumble upon a cacao farm. A true gem. The workshop is informative, but the real highlight? The cacao! This is pure heaven. We learn how they grow the cacao, how they harvest it, and how they turn it into this incredible, rich chocolate. We sample some, and I’m in heaven.
- We meet a woman in the workshop. She's a Colombian artist who grew up in the area, and after our workshop, she offers to give us a tour of her studio. It's in a small room, filled with paintings. Her enthusiasm is infectious, and I feel so much more connected to this place, especially after my encounter with her unique style and her passion. It's moments like these that remind me that a travel plan is a good thing to have, but it is the spontaneous encounters that are worth every travel pain.
- Late Afternoon: The Return to Santum - And the Promise of Relaxation: Back to Santum. I head straight for my hammock, and my blood pressure lowers.
Night: The Real Glamping - Bonfire, Wine, and Conversations Under the Stars
- Evening: Bonfire and Wine – The Perfect Ending: The staff at Santum organizes a bonfire. We sit around the flames, drinking local wine, and chatting with the other guests. The conversation flows easily, and the whole scene is magical. I realize that this is the true essence of glamping: embracing the beauty of nature, surrounded by comfort, and sharing the experience with others. I'm happy. I'm actually, genuinely, happy.
Day 3: Farewell - And the Lingering Allure of Altitude
- Morning: Breakfast Under the Clouds and a Little Bit of Regret: Breakfast at Santum. The view is beautiful, but that altitude is still there. I'm a little sad to leave.
- Late Morning (Villa de Leyva to Bogotá): This time I'm ready, or I hope I am. The drive is still a bit nerve-wracking, but the memories are starting to form, and the beauty of Santum and Villa de Leyva is going to stick with me for a long time.
- Overall: Conclusion - Would I do it again? Absolutely. Even with the altitude, the questionable stomach, and the minor moments of panic. I am not sure I would do this trip again. I'd be back in a heartbeat. It was a messy, imperfect, and unforgettable adventure, just the way life (and travel) should be.
P.S.: Pack more toilet paper. Seriously. You'll thank me later. Also, listen to your body. Don't be afraid to slow down, rest, and breathe. And always, always, look up at the stars. Because those stars? They're worth every bit of discomfort.
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1. Okay, fine, WHAT IS IT We're Even TALKING About?
2. Is This... Pointless? I Mean, Seriously, Are We Just Spinning Our Wheels Here? Aren't There Better Ways to Spend My Time?
3. Okay, Fine, Let's Go Deeper. What's the WORST Thing That Could Happen? Seriously, Lay it On Me. I Want the Cold, Hard Truth.
4. Speaking of Nightmares, What About Relationships? How Do We Even *DO* That? (I'm Terrified.)
5. Okay, Real Talk: What About *Money*? Because, You Know... Survival.
6. What's the Deal with *Art*? Like, Why Do We Even Bother?
7. Okay, Let's Talk *Health*. Ugh.
8. Is There a Secret to Happiness? Spill the Beans! (Please.)
