Colombia goes for gold

B.O.G Hotel only opened in February this year, but is fast becoming the city's go-to destination for style-savvy travellers. Interiors, created by award-winning designer Nini Andrade Silva, are lavish in comparison to the simple, concrete exterior. Elements of gold and emerald - some of Colombia's biggest exports - are apparent throughout the hotel, from shimmering dinner plates and honeycomb ceilings in the restaurant, to sumptuous gold quilted textiles, caramel-coloured wooden floors and barely-green tiles in the 55 rooms and suites.

Chef Leonor Espinosa heads up Restaurant La Leo, which prides itself on protecting traditional recipes - such as ajiaco, a chicken and corn soup served with rice and salad - and cooking styles while introducing flavours from the Caribbean and as far afield India.

The hotel's mixologists have also fused local ingredients with exotic flavours to create cocktails that are best enjoyed at the rooftop terrace bar, and beside the heated pool, which affords views over the north of the city. Coffee, as you might expect, will be of the highest standard.

Doubles from $1260 (approx £166). To book contact B.O.G Hotel, Carrera 11, 86 - 74, Bogotá Colombia (00 57 1 639 99 90; www.boghotel.com)

COLOMBIA IN LONDON

From 19 July to 16 August, Londoners can experience Colombia at the National Geographic Store. The shop will host exhibitions and workshops to get inspire the public to engage with Colombia, and learn about its culture and history. Would-be travellers can listen to book readings, taste coffee from various different plantations, listen to live music and watch dance performances, among many various events.

For more information contact The London National Geographic Store, 102 Brompton Road, Knightsbridge, London SW3 (020 7025 6960)

See more pictures of B.O.G Hotel here>>

By Hazel Lubbock