PLAYA DORMIDA
We’ve been fairly loyal to Airbnb over the years (we like the wide range of prices and options) but now and again, a chain does things right. More than right.
Marriott’s Playa Dormida Resort in Santa Marta, Colombia is everything we typically avoid—a large brand, a tall, white high-rise away from the city center. But when we embarked on our impromptu break from all things work, we knew exactly what we wanted: room service with a view, a killer bar, and Netflix. And Playa Dormida definitely delivered.
⛱️ 🍹 🌮
High points:
The staff is welcoming and polite.
The resort has two restaurants, 1525 and the more casual Cayeye, as well as offers a robust, all-hours room service menu.
There is both pool and beach-side drink service.
Marriott has their scent identity dialed in to a impressive degree. Something bergamot-y with hits of eucalyptus, rain, and sea air. Fresh, not floral. You know as soon as you step into the lobby that you are somewhere special. And that you will be emptying all the Pantene out of your travel bottles to raid the shampoo dispenser, so when you get home, you can still smell like you’re at the White Lotus.
The room design is sleek yet warm, with clean lines and nice touches like textured walls, live edge furniture, well-placed charging stations, ultra soft sheets, mood lighting, and a liberally-stocked mini bar.
This hotel is an amazing value for the price. One night at the Dormida is equal to or less than a stay at an unimaginative, “just okay” hotel in the Midwest.
✨ TIP: Always choose a King Room with Sofa over a Double Queen. The northwestern views are spectacular—you can idyll to the sound of ocean surf, and watch planes takeoff and land at the tiny Santa Marta airport, all while you sip your Piña Colada on the balcony.