Senda Watapuy — Hotel in Magdalena

This was my second visit to the Senda Hotels in El Zaino, the first was years ago at Senda Koguiwa a few years ago. These are two different hotels, both five star hotels from my perspective for different reasons. Senda Watapuy was perfect for just doing nothing. My mother and I stayed for four nights as a break from a month in Medellin working remotely, and visiting with my brother who moved there some years ago. We had a delightful time at Watapuy From the airport pick-up to the departure, the staff was truly amazing, and very forgiving of the little bit of Spanish I know. Upon arrival, after a one hour taxi ride from the airport we were greeted with a snack and a refreshing beverage. ||||Cabana:||Our cabana was great - spotless, cozy and equipped with a fridge stocked with a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and snacks. The patio outside provided enough space as well a privacy to lay in the sun, or dip into the cooling pool (this pool has jets, but only expels cold water because it gets very hot and allows you to cool down - it is not warm water jacuzzi). ||||Meals:||The meals and meal service was truly delightful. The dinner menu changed slightly each night. Everything was fresh and local. My favorite was the chicken caesar salad for lunch each day, and dinner was a different seafood pasta. ||||Spa:||My mother and I enjoyed the spa services a few days of our trip. The spa is located along a babbling river, and made the spa experience even more relaxing. Everything was peaceful and serene. It was the mini-vacation I needed after a month of work. I travel to Medellin at least twice each year now, and this place will be my vacation spot for at least one of my trips going forward. ||||Staff:||Our visit was at the end of rainy season, and there was one incredible storm that caused the power to go out for less than a minute during dinner. The back-up generator kicked in immediately, the staff didn't skip a beat, and everyone was able to continue enjoying dinner. A special shout out to some of the incredible staff - Nidian at reception, Lida and another young man's name who I'm so sorry I forgot, but he taught me some important phrases in Spanish, Humberto at the bar, who kept the pina coladas coming, and the two masseuses who were so amazing at the spa. I can't say enough great things about this place.||||Pro-Tips: ||1. As you depart, grab a bag or two of the divine locally grown coffee. I still have some and I can't wait to get back to purchase more. It's too expensive to export to the US.||||2. For those who do not speak Spanish - While some staff speak English, you are visiting a Spanish-speaking place, so no on is ever obliged to speak to you in English (or any other language). Learn some important Spanish phrases or use Google Translate. The staff is also eager to practice other languages so conversations with staff can be quite pleasant and meaningful if approached with an open mind and heart.||||3. This is a quiet place for rest and respite. Everything shuts down by 10am.||||4. Have a meal at the sister hotel on the property. This hotel also has a gift shop full of locally sourced products...

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A Magical Stay in the Heart of Nature

Our stay at Senda Watapuy was nothing short of magical. Nestled in the middle of breathtaking natural beauty, you’re completely surrounded by mountains, a pristine river, lush greenery, and the sounds of birds, lizards, and insects. It’s a nature lover’s paradise.

That said, you are very much in nature—so be mindful to keep your doors shut and lights off at night. Otherwise, the outside will come inside! As long as you do this, the rooms remain bug-free, peaceful, and comfortable.

The rooms themselves are beautiful and thoughtfully designed, with a very comfortable bed and reliable hot water for showers. The on-site spa service is excellent (you can even have treatments done in your room), but be sure to book ahead of time while you’re there.

The pool is another highlight—gorgeous, clean, and overlooking the mountains. It’s an ideal spot to relax with one of their fresh fruit juices or cocktails, which were all delicious.

The food at the hotel is Caribbean-inspired and very tasty, though not always traditional. If you’re craving something more traditional, their sister hotel right next door offers classic Colombian dishes—you just need to make a reservation to dine there.

Breakfast is complimentary and absolutely delicious. The laundry service is also fantastic (your clothes will come back smelling amazing!), though note they don’t wash underwear, socks, or undershirts—so plan accordingly.

The staff is warm, attentive, and always ready to help. We had a small issue with our bedsheets one night, and they immediately worked to resolve it with care. You can tip for all services at the end of your stay, which is very convenient.

The location is another huge plus: you’re just a short walk from the main entrance of Tayrona National Park, where you can connect with local guides who’ll help you plan hikes, beach visits, and other excursions, complete with transportation.

A few tips: • Arrange your transportation from the airport ahead of time to avoid overpaying with Uber, and bring Colombian pesos, as you’ll need to pay the driver in cash. • While some staff members do speak English, basic Spanish goes a long way and is appreciated. • Don’t miss the hike nearby and a refreshing dip in the river—it’s an unforgettable experience.

Overall, Senda Watapuy offers the perfect balance of comfort, adventure, and tranquility. We can’t...

I recently had the pleasure of visiting Senda Whatapuy, and I can confidently say it was an exceptional experience from start to finish. The combination of stunning natural surroundings, top-notch facilities, and outstanding service made my stay truly unforgettable.

Upon arrival, I was immediately struck by the breathtaking beauty of the location. Nestled amidst lush greenery and surrounded by majestic mountains, Senda Whatapuy offers a serene and picturesque setting that feels like a true escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

The accommodations were nothing short of spectacular. The attention to detail and the integration of nature-inspired elements into the design created a harmonious blend of comfort and elegance. My room was spacious, impeccably clean, and equipped with modern amenities that catered to my every need.

What truly sets Senda Whatapuy apart is the impeccable service provided by the staff. From the moment I stepped foot on the property, I was greeted with genuine warmth and hospitality. The staff members were attentive, knowledgeable, and went above and beyond to ensure my stay was as enjoyable as possible. Whether it was providing recommendations for local attractions or accommodating special requests, their dedication to customer satisfaction was truly commendable.

The dining experience at Senda Whatapuy was a culinary delight. The on-site restaurant served delectable dishes prepared with locally sourced ingredients, showcasing the flavors and traditions of the region. Each meal was a delightful journey of tastes and textures, accompanied by an extensive selection of fine wines.

The range of activities and amenities offered by the resort was also impressive. Whether I wanted to relax by the infinity pool, indulge in a rejuvenating spa treatment, or embark on a guided nature hike, there was always something to cater to my interests. The resort's commitment to sustainability and eco-conscious practices was evident throughout, adding to the overall appeal of the experience.

In conclusion, Senda Whatapuy exceeded my expectations in every way possible. It is a true gem that combines natural beauty, luxurious accommodations, exceptional service, and a commitment to sustainability. I wholeheartedly recommend Senda Whatapuy to anyone seeking a five-star retreat that will leave them with...