Staying at the Sazagua Hotel in Pereira, Colombia, feels like slipping into the heart of a rainforest—and then deciding you never want to leave the region. Nestled in the famed Zona Cafetera (Coffee region), this boutique property wraps you in greenery, birdsong, and just enough creature comforts to make you feel you are at a well-designed retreat.
Patio & Jacuzzi of the Luxury Suite in the Sazagua Hotel – Photo Credit: M. Ibbott
The experience largely depends on which room you choose, but whether you’re in a simple standard room or a spacious villa, Sazagua turns an ordinary hotel stay into a small, self-contained adventure in the Colombian Western Cordillera of the Andes.
Location
Located in the coveted Zona Cafetera (Coffee Zone), Pereira is one of many destination cities you may want to visit in Colombia, including Manizales, Armenia, and Salento. As you approach the city, you fly over the Western Cordillera of the Andes, and that view alone will take your breath away. There is much to see and do in this area of the country, but more on that later.
Fire Pit & Main House—Sazagua Hotel—Credit: M. Ibbott
Rooms
This boutique hotel has a wide variety of room types, from simple standard rooms to luxurious villas with private hot tubs and sitting areas. My room was a standard with a private garden in the main house. It had a large bed, a generous bathroom with a walk-in shower (what I would have done for a deep soaking tub), and a very small sitting area. It’s located off of the lobby but felt quiet and removed from the main floor (though the public bathroom for the restaurant was across from my room).
Standard Room Sazagua Hotel – Credit M. Ibbott
What you really wanted—because I certainly pined for it– was the Master Villa, a large villa with a private Jacuzzi tub, a dipping pool, and a fire pit. The weather didn’t warrant a hot fire, but in the coolness of winter, I am sure it would be very enjoyable. My good friend, who scored this beautiful room, was kind enough to share the hot tub experience with us one evening—it was wonderful. This suite is spacious and can accommodate up to 3 people.
Luxury Villa Sazagua Hotel – Credit M. Ibbott
There are also several room categories in between, with larger floor plans, more expansive gardens, and bigger sitting areas. This boutique hotel is surrounded by greenery; beautiful trees and the sound of birds are plentiful. Even the cicadas add to the welcoming sounds of the tropics.
Amenities
Blue Pool – Sazagua Hotel – Credit M. Ibbott
There were some pleasant surprises: the Sazagua Hotel had a fire pit and sitting area to enjoy in the evening, a secluded pool with stunning blue tile surrounded by beautiful fruit trees, and a spa that is hidden away.
La Masinga Spa Massage – Sazagua Hotel – Credit M. Ibbott
I enjoyed a wonderful, relaxing massage at the La Masinga Spa, courtesy of the hotel, with only the sounds of the birds and surrounding nature—no ethereal spa music. It was wonderful. They offer a variety of treatments, including volcanic stone and coffee therapies. There is also a Turkish steam bath and a small hot tub for you to enjoy. Located in one corner of the property, it is close to the family lodge (another building for guests to share, away from the main house).
Dining
Tributo Restaurant is located adjacent to the lobby and overlooks the open green space, making it the perfect perch to observe the squirrels and tropical birds feeding. The hotel staff puts out fresh fruit in the morning, and the animals and aviary flock in to eat it. This was a delightful way to share our breakfast with them.
Although the setting was beautiful, the menu and dinner offerings fell a bit short, in my honest opinion. I did enjoy the hamburger on our second night, so I would recommend that (bonus: Here’s a video from the hotel on how to cook a Colombian hamburger over coals).
What would appeal to me the most is a Colombian cooking class using traditional ingredients and Chamba pottery. When we were there, we participated in the Colombian Rum experience, and our whole group loved it! The chef and GM, Juan Pablo Vasquez, provides an entertaining and educational evening for us to enjoy rum and food pairings. It was a unique experience! When we arrived, there was a fruit tasting experience on one of the patios. It all looked very delicious!
Suggestions for Activities while in Pereira
Pereira also works well as a base for visitors who want to add a few local experiences to their stay, with exotic fruit, coffee, cacao, and rum tasting all easy options nearby. If you are seeking a bit more adventure, there are also horseback riding excursions in the beautiful Andes. I personally opted for a ‘spa’ day at the hotel.
Hacienda Maracay Cacao Farm – Credit M. Ibbott
These workshops were in-depth, educational, and very enjoyable. We learned how both coffee and cacao are grown, processed, and ultimately enjoyed through the tasting experience. We ended the day with a charcuterie board to complement the curated Colombian rum tasting back at the hotel. Overall, the hotel offered a very enjoyable experience.
Overall Recommendation
There’s no question our stay at the Sazagua Hotel in Pereira was enjoyable. My room was comfortable, but guests who appreciate design and extra space may want to consider upgrading to one of the larger accommodations. If your budget is more modest, the deluxe rooms with small patios are also very nice. The space and additional features are worth the splurge. Another standout feature is the on-site guest experiences– each one is a delicious way to discover more of what Colombia has to offer.
Check rates for Sazagua Hotel Boutique online at Expedia, Booking.com, Agoda.com, or Hotels.com.
Approaching Pereira, the Andes—Credit M. Ibbott
Disclosure: I was a guest of PROColombia, BnB Colombia Tours, and the Sazagua Hotel as part of a FAM trip to Pereira, Colombia. All opinions are my own and genuine.
