Plant Academy Escapes
Colombia
4th - 9th February 2025
Join us for our very first ‘Plant Academy Escape’ taking place in February 2025, in the food hub of Cartagena, Colombia in collaboration with Casa del Torno.
This exciting escape is for the plant-curious and passionate foodies ready for a culinary adventure. Get ready to be immersed in colourful Colombian culture through a curated week of market visits, tasting local delights, visiting the best restaurants, meeting chefs and of course Plant Academy feasting and inspiration.
Plant Academy Escapes are created for the food entrepreneurs seeking creatively enriching experiences, for the chefs seeking new inspiration, for the solo-preneurs calling in community and for our Plant 123 alumni craving new Plant Academy adventures.
We can’t wait to escape with you!
Peace and plants, Plant Academy
Why Cartagena?
Colombia has been a travel destination for decades with its white sand beaches, cultural walled city and some of the top restaurants in the world. Boasting out of this world arepa, eclectic empanadas, crispy patacón and fluffy buñuelos the food scene in this country has us hooked. Where Medellín and Botogá are a vibrant culinary hubs, Cartagena bursts with colour and creativity, offering fresh inspiration at every corner.
Cartagena’s cultural life is vibrant, with brightly coloured city walls skirting the sea. There’s hyper local coffee shops, unusual tropical fruits and decorative details all around the city.
We're venturing to Cartagena for a picturesque ‘escape’ themed around the land's finest ingredients—our all-time favourites: cacao, coffee, and exotic fruits. Each day will feature immersive workshops and experiences with local chefs, alongside Plant Academy masterclasses that draw inspiration from the rich, local bounty. This journey will leave you brimming with fresh ideas and energy to create in your kitchen.
Cartagena itself was named one of the top places to travel in 2024 by Travel + Leisure. Since the UK-originating Hay Festival began gracing its streets in 2006, this bustling and diverse city has gained new recognition as a vibrant cultural hub, blending its rich history with a fresh wave of artistic and intellectual energy. Our retreat will take place the Monday after the Hay Festival, so another excuse to come a few days early.
What’s Included?
Six days and five nights of feasting
Food is, of course, the centerpiece of this adventure. Each day will feature a delicious brunch crafted by the Plant Academy team or a local chef, afternoon snacks to keep you energised, and a lavish evening feast—either prepared by Plant Academy or enjoyed at one of Cartagena’s incredible local restaurants.
Daily culinary adventures
You can expect an array of exciting experiences, from trips to bustling local markets and tastings at coffee plantations, to visits to nearby islands and immersive mixology classes. Each activity is designed to connect you with the flavours and culture of Cartagena. For all the details, see the full program below!
Accommodation
At the luxury Casa del Torno or additional boutique residencies nearby. There are a selection of pricing options you can see below to give you a range of options on the accommodation.
Escape schedule
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Day One // Landing
Arrive from 3pm for welcome drinks and a Plant Academy evening feast.
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Day Two // Local Gastronomy
Starting with a local ingredient excursion followed by brunch made with our shopping trip ingredients.
With some free time to explore. Followed by afternoon snacking sessions at the gastronomic hotspots. Ending with Dinner at CDT by Sambal
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Day Four // Exotic Fruit
Today we will visit the beautiful Island of Baru experiencing exotic local fruits along the way. After a day of picturesque beaches we will return to our Casa to unwind before dinner at Celele.
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Day Five // Music, food + freedom
Starting the day with a Plant Academy breakfast and workshop followed by a visit to San Basilio de Palenque.
The evening will be spent ceremonially with fire and cacao absorbing all of the experiences of the week.
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Day Six // Departure
A final chance for morning yoga and a group brunch prepared by the team before heading home... or onto your next adventure...
Location
Our collaborator and host for this Colombia escape is Casa del Torno, where there are four stunning bedrooms for some of the guests and were all of our Plant Academy meals and main meeting point will be.
Casa del Torno is a luxurious temple to the culture and history of the heroic city that surrounds it. Located in the San Diego neighborhood, one of the oldest in the fortress city, Casa del Torno gives its name to the street that saw it rise, Calle Del Torno.
The story of Casa del Torno begins in the middle of the XVII century. Its construction begins immediately after the construction of the Santa Clara convent; a time in which Cartagena was rebuilding from the ruins of an invasion by the English pirate Sir Francis Drake. The house was designed following the strict canons of catholic architecture from this time: a square configuration, thick walls, central patio, semicircular arches, lattices, and a wooden “turn” to avoid being seen by curious eyes.
With a stunning kitchen, terracotta bar area and tranquil pool; we will be spending time cooking, eating, connecting and creating here at our retreat home.
Additional Accommodation
Casa Getsemani
As well as Casa del Torno we will be hosting guests in this nearby beautiful boutique villa.
This stunning house was originally built in the 17th century and has been carefully restored to preserve its original features while adding modern amenities.
The exterior of the house boasts a colonial-style façade Inside, the house features a central courtyard with a stunning pool. The terrace is a popular spot for guests to relax and take in the beauty of the old town.
This private villa is just down the road from Casa del Torno and we will be renting the whole space for the duration of the Escape.
Accommodation and Pricing
We offer a selection of beautiful accommodation options to suit your preferences. You can choose from solo rooms at Casa del Torno, shared rooms, or nearby stays at charming boutique hotels. Each room type comes with its own pricing options, allowing you to select the experience that best fits your needs.
We warmly welcome solo travelers on this trip! Some of the rooms feature double beds, so if you're comfortable sharing, it could be a great option. However, we also have rooms with twin beds for those who prefer more space. If you'd like, we’re happy to pair you with another solo traveler to accommodate your needs and budget. It's a great way to meet like-minded people and enjoy the experience together!
Whichever suits you we require a 50% deposit upon booking and the final payment to be made by January 31st 2025.
For all the details on the schedule and a detailed PDF please email plantacademylondon@gmail.com
payment plans available
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payment plans available 〰️
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Casa del Torno // Single Occupancy
Stay in one of the 4 stunning rooms and have the whole thing to yourself.
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Casa del Torno // Double Occupancy
Stay in one of the 4 stunning rooms and share with a friend or partner. Or we could pair you up with another solo traveller in a twin room.
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Casa Getsemani // Single Occupancy
Stay in one of the 4 beautiful rooms at the nearby Casa Getsemani and have the whole thing to yourself.
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Casa Getsemani // Double Occupancy
Stay in one of the 4 beautiful rooms at the nearby Casa Getsemani. Share with a friend or partner. Or we could pair you up with another solo traveller in a twin room.
FAQs
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Plant Academy Escapes are created for the food entrepreneurs seeking more enriching experiences, for the chefs seeking new inspiration, for the solo-preneurs calling in community and for our Plant 123 alumni craving new Plant Academy adventures.
If you are looking to expand your culinary horizons with a rich cultural immersion alongside other plant passionate people this experience is for you.
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six days and five nights of full board feasting and adventures.
Brunch, afternoon snacks and dinners are included each day.
Transport and tickets for culinary excursions are all included in the price.
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Flights to and from Columbia are not included within the price. We will support guests in making their travel plans and expect guests to tag on a few days of additional time in the country.
As soon as the retreat starts all transportation will be covered.
Alcoholic drinks will not be included in the price, apart from within the mixology workshop.
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All Plant academy experiences are completely plant based. On this trip there will be gluten free options provided as well as the ability to adapt to your requests.
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The best way to fly into Cartagena, Colombia depends on where you're traveling from, but here are some key tips to consider:
1. Direct International Flights
Many major cities offer direct flights to Rafael Núñez International Airport (CTG), Cartagena’s main airport. This is the most convenient option if available.
From the U.S.:
Direct flights are available from major hubs such as Miami (MIA), Fort Lauderdale (FLL), New York City (JFK), and Houston (IAH). Airlines like American Airlines, JetBlue, Spirit, and Avianca offer direct services.
From Europe:
There are usually no direct flights from Europe to Cartagena. The best options are to fly via a major hub like Bogotá (El Dorado International Airport) and then connect to Cartagena.
2. Connecting Flights via Bogotá
If direct flights aren't available, flying into Bogotá (BOG), Colombia's largest airport, and then taking a domestic flight to Cartagena is often the best option. Avianca, LATAM, and Viva Air operate frequent flights between Bogotá and Cartagena. The flight takes about 1.5 hours.
Airlines offering frequent Bogotá to Cartagena connections:
Avianca
LATAM
Viva Air
3. Other Major Colombian Cities
You can also fly into Cartagena from other Colombian cities such as:
Medellín (MDE) - Domestic flights to Cartagena from Medellín's José María Córdova International Airport take about 1 hour.
Cali (CLO) - A short flight of around 1.5 hours.
4. Airlines Offering Direct International Flights to Cartagena
United States: American Airlines, JetBlue, Spirit Airlines
Europe: Some flights connect via Madrid with Iberia (via Bogotá) or KLM (via Amsterdam with connections).
Canada: Air Canada and Air Transat offer direct flights from Toronto or Montreal, often during peak travel season.
5. Timing Your Arrival
Aim to fly during daytime for better transfer options and more flexibility in case of delays. Cartagena’s airport is only about 15-20 minutes from the historic city center, so you can easily reach your hotel or accommodation.
Booking early, especially during peak travel seasons like December-February, ensures you get the best flight times and prices.
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February is typically one of the best months to visit Cartagena, Colombia, due to its dry and warm climate. Here’s what you can generally expect for February:
Temperature: The average daily temperature usually ranges from 25°C to 31°C (77°F to 88°F), with hot days and warm, comfortable nights.
Humidity: Humidity levels are relatively high but not as intense as during the rainy season. Expect around 75-85% humidity.
Rainfall: February is part of Cartagena's dry season, so you can expect very little rainfall, if any. It’s one of the driest months of the year, making it ideal for outdoor activities and beach time.
Sunshine: The city enjoys abundant sunshine, with around 8-9 hours of sunlight per day.
Sea temperature: The Caribbean Sea around Cartagena is warm year-round, averaging 26-28°C (79-82°F), perfect for swimming.
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We are on hand to help and inspire you throughout your booking process and can recommend a few additional days before and/or after the escape. Daniella who owns Casa del toro is born and raised in Columbia and has a lot of wisdom to share on travelling around the country. os do get in touch is you want any further assistance.
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If you need to cancel your booking with more than six weeks until the escape date, you will receive back 50% of your deposit.
If you need to cancel between six to two weeks before the escape you will forfeit your deposit.
For cancellation requests made within two weeks of the escape date, it will not be possible for us to process any refund.
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We warmly welcome solo travelers on this trip! Some of the rooms feature double beds, so if you're comfortable sharing, it could be a great option. However, we also have rooms with twin beds for those who prefer more space. If you'd like, we’re happy to pair you with another solo traveler to accommodate your needs and budget. It's a great way to meet like-minded people and enjoy the experience together!
Contact us for even more information on this ‘Escape’
plantacademylondon@gmail.com
