7-Day Mother Daughter Getaway: Cartagena/Baru Colombia

It has three main areas I would stick to visiting.

El Centro, the classic architecture tends to be a bit touristy, but the romantic cobblestone streets and the flower-filled iron balconies are a must-see and it is full of little boutiques and tourist shops.

Getsemani, a cool hip neighborhood filled with young travelers, artists and musicians. Colorful umbrellas line across the tops of buildings, next to graffiti-painted walls, tons of little shops, restaurants and bars. I stuck to this during the day and early evening because it can get to a party scene at night and I was with my 17-year-old daughter. Castillo Grande, a smaller neighborhood of 16 blocks with a more relaxed beach vibe than Boca Grande and could be a good place to look for apartment rentals. Castillo De San Felipe de Barajas is worth seeing (we did not get a guide) and go early. We took a car service provided by the hotel, which made it seamless. Baru has amazing beaches, snorkeling, scuba diving and swimming in a bioluminescent lagoon. It's magical. The local fresh fruit and seafood is fantastic. You can take a boat to the Rosario Islands or Isla De Tierra Bomba.

There is a more social party scene at some of the beach clubs. We did not have to go to them since we had our own beach at our hotel. We rented a boat for a day and did a private tour of the Rosario Islands, and it was one of the best days ever!

Day trips

Go to the Rosario Islands. I would recommend a private charter if you do not want to be with a lot of other people. There are some beach clubs that have a full-on-party vibe if that is what you are looking for. If you want more of a party scene, you can take boats for day passes to Isla Tierra Bomba. During the week, it's a mellow scene and weekends are a party scene. I did not go to the beach clubs because my hotel had a private beach.

• Bora Bora Beach Club Rosario Island

• Bomba Beach Club

• Swim in bioluminescent Baru. (Concierge at the Sofitel Baru or Hotel Las Islas)

• Rent a boat and take a private tour of the Rosario Islands can be booked through the Sofitel Baru. Have lunch and swim and snorkel or take a guided bike tour (bring your swimsuit).

• Visit the Bird Sanctuary Baru.

Carmen Cartagena is a must! You can order a price-fixed tasting menu or if a la carte, you have to make reservations. Open for lunch or dinner (we ate dinner and ate outside).

Alma Restaurant: Another Cartagena must for lunch or dinner.

Jardin Santa Clara: Have breakfast outside in the beautiful garden.

Alquimico: A lively bar of end-of-the-day cocktails.

Cafe Del Mar: Make a reservation or get there early and wait in line to watch the sunset or head over there and watch the sunset on the walls of the city and you can buy your beverages from a vendor.

Eat Al fresco at Restaurant Bahia (Sofitel Baru.)