The Star Diamond Standard

The number six is the highest number of stars that a property, restaurant, product, or brand may receive from the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences. For a long time, five stars was the Academy’s top honor; however, in 2009, we discovered that there were just a handful of entities that went above and beyond even our highest five-star expectations. In recognition of such an extraordinary display of extra effort, we created the coveted extra star.

In this issue, I am breaking the mold—with good cause—and only presenting four locations: two luxury resorts and two restaurants. The reason for this is to honor the country of Colombia as one of the best kept secrets in the world of luxury travel. The Academy received several tips on some of the country’s luxe locales, and after several trips to vet these properties, we decided which to award Star Diamond status to. Visit our website for a full listing of recipients of our award: www.stardiamondaward.com.

Habitel Hotel Bogota

This hotel in Bogota was the first locale in the entire country to receive a Star Diamond Award, in the category of Best Business Hotel. While many of our award-winners are luxury resorts in the truest sense, designed to cater to those on vacation, Habitel operates with the executive VIP in mind. The architecture is made up of a medley of brick, wood, steel, and marble, and the minimalistic attributes demonstrate how the city of Bogota is pushing its way full force into the future.

While some of the in-room amenities may not be as plush as what we have seen in other destinations (the phrase “simple elegance” comes to mind), Habitel has embraced the 21st century and offers 32-inch LCD TVs, iPod docks, 330-threadcount linens, and Wi-Fi in every room.

Of course, we couldn’t begin to consider a hotel property for the Star Diamond award without also understanding its culinary philosophy and standards. At Habitel, Chef Juan Pablo Mayorga saw to our stomachs’ every desire at his restaurant Manduka, where he incorporates locally grown, organic ingredients into his dishes. When we weren’t being tended to by Chef Mayorga, The Steakhouse was where we chose to satiate our appetites. This hotel restaurant is a favorite with the business execs who roll through town as well as with the local VIPs. Its variety of aged cuts of Colombian beef are absolutely unbeatable and worth the trip alone.

While I did not have the opportunity to take up a game of golf during my visit, I highly recommend you make the time. Guests of the hotel have access to the links at the prestigious Bogota Country Club, where there is also an on-site spa worthy of a visit.

Avenida del Dorado 100-97
Bogotá, Colombia
57.1.419.9999
www.hotelhabitel.com

Criterión

French classics in Colombia? Oui oui. This was the sentiment of the Rausch brothers when they opened their French epicurean center in Bogota in 2003. While staying in the country, I had the opportunity to spend some time with Jorge, the executive chef, and I could not have had a better time or been more impressed with the operation. A native of the city, Jorge is well traveled, having spent time in award-winning kitchens in Israel and London. His brother and partner Mark, the pastry chef, perfected his talents in Canada. They are the only Colombian chefs to host their own cooking program on the Gourmet channel, and they have built up quite the reputation for themselves. Their guests are some of the most sophisticated in the country, in part because of their location in the chic Zona G, but mostly because of the incredible job they have done with the menu and the wine list. (They are currently aiming to having the best wine list in the country.) The Rausch brothers have been compared to the Thomas Kellers and Michael Minas of the North American culinary world. When you go, I absolutely insist that you try the kobe beef steak.

Calle 69A Street 5-75
Bogota, Colombia
57.1.310.1377
www.criterion.com.co

101 Park House Hotel

While amenities and luxury décor are certainly considerations when naming and honoring a hotel, one of the biggest indicators that a property is Star Diamond worthy is the service and attention to detail offered by the staff. At 101 Park House Hotel, the service set it apart from its competitors. While considered a boutique hotel, each suite includes a fully equipped kitchen, two baths, dining and living rooms with fireplaces, 32-inch LCD digital HD TVs, iHome docking system, home theater systems, and a list of other perks, such as the Heavenly bed and pillow menu.

In terms of dining, the international gourmet restaurant serves worldwide traditional cuisine with new fusion flavors, as well as traditional Colombian dishes. Feel free to take in a few extra calories here, because guests have access to Body Tech, a facility that is considered the best gym in Colombia. My personal recommendation is to burn off some energy in the 80-foot lap pool. After working out, I couldn’t resist taking advantage of the spa, which offers traditional massage treatments as well as a Turkish bath and sauna.

Carrera 21 No. 101-10
Bogota, Colombia
57.1.600.0101
www.101parkhouse.com

La Cafetiere de Anita

Another giant in the world of French cuisine in Colombia is La Cafetiere de Anita in the city of Medellín, the first fine dining restaurant in the region to claim the Five Star Diamond award. Chef Anita Botero studied in London and has become a respected master for incorporating traditional Colombian flavors with a spark of international fusion. We took advantage of the private VIP salon, which I highly recommend. The wine cellar is superb, and as elegant as the contemporary décor.

Calle 6 sur 43a 92
Medellín, Colombia
57.1.311.3103
www.lacafetieredeanita.com