Hotel Hacienda Baza — Hotel in Boyacá

First of all, Hacienda Baza is a good 2-3 hours from Villa de Leyva (the closest town, Tibana, is 4 km away). This 17th-century monastery (a retreat for Dominican friars) is located on a country road linking Tibana with the town of Turmaque (both traditional towns of the Boyaca region surrounding Bogota). In the mid-1800s, the church sold it to the great grandfather of Francisco Ordonez who converted it into a cattle ranch where vegetables and fruit were cultivated. In the 1960s, it fell into the hands of Francisco's great-granddaughter, Lucia, the current owner who also lives on the premises. ||||Lucia lives on the property and is a gracious and elegant hostess, who speaks English fluently. Before converting the monastery into a hotel, she spent long years carefully restoring both the original buildings and replanting the (sizable) surrounding property with native Andean species. The fruits of her labors can be enjoyed by following one of several well-marked trails that lead over creeks and through lush woods draped with canopies of brilliant orange "Ojo de Poeta" (Poet's Eye) blossoms (aka black-eyed Susans), a landscape that is lyrical and otherworldly (happily there are benches on which to sit and fields in which to sprawl - with a book - or a picnic lunch). ||||Other fruits (grown on the premises) - as well a wealth of delicious, nicely, priced local fare - can be savored in the dining room (formerly the chapel), where all three meals are served. Thankfully, the menu is extremely diverse (the produce all fresh and local and prepared on a wood-burning stove in the original kitchen) because it's not as if there are a slew of other eating options within close proximity. The kitchen is very amenable and willing to make soups or sandwiches for those who feel like eating a light meal in their room, while staring into a crackling fireplace (nights can get chilly in the Andes). ||||I say "room" but lodgings are akin to private villas with soaring ceilings and rustic, yet tasteful and warm furnishings. Most have stone patios that gaze out onto beautifully landscaped gardens whose visual allure is complemented by the sound of fresh water gurgling in stone fountains and flowing through narrow canals. ||||Additionally, there are various common rooms; a salon, a game's room, a library, a bar, all outfitted with fireplaces and regional antiques, all highly atmospheric and inviting. ||||All this to say that Hacienda Baza is idyllic, bucolic, remote, and even somewhat dreamlike (providing it's not raining; avoid the heavy rain season!). Although many people come for a day or a weekend, it makes for a wonderful getaway for those in need of respite, tranquility, and peace of mind. My mother and I (we're a pair of very well-traveled Torontonians - in our 40s and 70s) were pretty much swept away by this place. ||||We didn't have a car (which is useful for exploring surrounding towns and countryside - although Lucia can arrange guide trips and local transport) - but were perfectly content to wander off into the woods, read books in rocking chairs, play croquet against an Andean mountainscape, and just chill out in a rarefied setting that allows you to step out of the world...

It was our fourth stay in Baza after being absent for a couple of years (from Germany) but is has kept it's unique style you really need to look out for to find something so special like this place.||||This hotel is really unique. Founded in 1638 as a residence of Domenican monchs it has been converted into a very beautiful hotel where almost every detail is placed with harmony. Here you get to know what the sounds of silence means.||||Surrounded by extensive gardens it is the perfect place to find some rest and peaceful time and have conversations to interesting people who look for the same style of having some nice days without being disturbed by almost anything.||||Getting there in fact is a bit uncomfortable when leaving the road that connects Bogotá and Tunja but what you experience is really worth the journey. It took us 4 hours to get there by once you arrive you forget about the journey. Take extensive walks in the forests or climb a mountain nearby and get back to join a good meal. Or take a horse trip to the village and forget about hectic life, especially if you want to get rid of the heavy traffic in Bogotá. Especially on weekends meet interesting people and have conversations with other guests that do appreciate that style as well.||||The restaurant is good has a selection of wines. Enjoy reading or playing games in the bar or saloon. TV is only available in one salon but we haven't missed it at all. If you don't fear cold water, take a bath in the pool.||||Perfect site for relax. Medical massage is offered by pprofessionl living in Baza during several months of the year.||||All rooms are equipped with a chimney which during the night serves as heating for the room and gives it a very romantic touch.||||Enjoy this...

I have mixed feelings about this place. On the one hand, it is located on a spectacular property that includes a beautifully preserved 17th century hacienda and lovely gardens. Everything about this hotel makes you feel like you have been transported back a few centuries, from the adobe style house with high ceilings and wooden rafters, to the use of candles and lanterns to light the maze of passageways and rooms that comprise the hacienda and the lush vegetation, which grows mysteriously from the walls and extends to the adjoining courtyards. ||||Perhaps it is because this place has so much potential that I was disappointed by the service. Upon arrival, there was only one person in charge of receiving guests, carrying their luggage, showing them their rooms, setting up the dining room and serving their meals. It is not surprising then that service was very slow and that our wine was only served once we had completed our meal. The food itself was mediocre. I also did not like being reminded at every turn that we would be charged separately for everything beyond the actual room-- breakfast was not included in the rate and additional fees are also charged for re-lighting the fireplace or eating food purchased in the dining room on the terrace of your own room. ||||Finally, I agree with other guests who have noted that the guest rooms, in particular the bathrooms, are in need to renovation. ||||With a little bit of effort, all of these inconveniences could be overcome and the hotel would be...