The beach and Mountains have always been my escape. Whenever life feels overwhelming, I’ve learned to trust the road, to let it guide me somewhere new. That’s exactly what happened yesterday. Staring at my packed bag, I realized I needed more than just a break — I needed to breathe, to reconnect, to feel something deeper than the daily grind. My friend Jesse, ever the spontaneous adventurer, agreed. By noon, we were winding through Colombia’s lush countryside, heading for Casa Candela.
Well, sort of.
See, Jesse has this habit of… let’s just say “forgetting things.” She’d been blazing all morning, so naturally, the gas tank slipped her mind. Halfway into the trip, somewhere between Medellín and literally the middle of nowhere, I glanced at the dashboard and froze. The fuel gauge was one notch away from empty.
“Jessie… why is the tank almost empty?” I asked, trying to stay calm.
“Oh, shoot! I forgot to fill it up. My bad,” she said, giggling, clearly unbothered.
We were on a winding road surrounded by mountains, with no gas stations in sight. I could already see the headline: Two Travelers Stranded in Colombia Because of Munchies and Forgetfulness.
Luckily, the universe decided to cut us some slack. We coasted into a tiny gas station just in time. I swear, that fill-up felt like a miracle. Crisis averted, and now with a full tank, we were back on track. But of course, Jesse was already plotting her next snack stop.
Arrival: A Warm Welcome and a Private Oasis
By the time we reached Casa Candela, the earlier stress was long forgotten. The staff greeted us with cold welcome drinks — a thoughtful touch that immediately made us feel at ease. Jesse and I checked into our suite, which exceeded all expectations. It was more than a room; it was a sanctuary. With a private pool and jacuzzi overlooking the mountains, it felt like we’d found a hidden piece of heaven.
I stood on the terrace for a moment, watching the sunlight dance on the water. For the first time in weeks, I exhaled deeply, letting the calm of the moment sink in.
Poolside Bliss: Simple Food, Big Wins
As always, Jesse’s hunger hit first. “We need food, now,” she said, laughing, as we headed to the poolside restaurant. The menu wasn’t complicated — pizza, mini burgers, drinks — but sometimes simplicity wins. And wow, did it win.
The pizza was crisp, flavorful, and perfectly balanced. The mini burgers were juicy little bites of joy. Jesse had a rum punch, and I sipped on a mojito as we ate, laughed, and soaked in the views. Those little moments — the sun on my skin, the taste of fresh food, the easy companionship — were the highlights of the day.
Cabana Life and A Nap Worth Remembering
After lunch, we claimed a cabana by the pool. The setting was almost too perfect to believe: the mountains in the distance, the gentle ripple of water, the soft breeze that carried the scent of flowers. We laid down to relax and ended up falling asleep under the canopy. Sometimes, the best travel moments are the simplest ones — and this was pure bliss.
Dinner: A Lesson in Expectations
That evening, we dressed up and headed to Casa Candela’s fine-dining restaurant. I ordered steak and potatoes; Jesse went for a pork dish. Both were a miss. The flavors felt forced, and the dishes didn’t live up to the rest of the experience.
But then dessert arrived — a molten chocolate lava cake that silenced every complaint. It was rich, gooey, and decadent in all the best ways. It reminded me of the day itself: sweet, messy, and unexpectedly wonderful.
The Perfect Goodbye
Back in our suite, we ended the night with a soak in the jacuzzi. The stars were out, the air was cool, and the silence was comforting. Jesse laughed as she scrolled through photos from the day. “We’re definitely coming back,” she said. I couldn’t agree more.
Casa Candela isn’t just a place; it’s an experience. It’s where the road takes you when you need to be reminded of life’s beauty — both in the big, sweeping views and the small, tender moments. And maybe a little chaos along the way keeps things interesting.
Why You Should Visit Casa Candela
- Best food: Stick to the poolside pizza, mini burgers, and don’t skip the chocolate lava cake.
- Skip: The upscale dinner menu — it’s not worth the hype.
- Don’t miss: The private suites with their own pools and jacuzzis. Pure luxury.
- Pro tip: Make time to explore the surrounding countryside or simply soak in the views on your drive. And for the love of all things holy, make sure your gas tank is full before you hit the road.
Whether you’re seeking a quiet retreat or a quick day trip, Casa Candela offers a chance to pause, breathe, and remember what matters. Book your stay here, and let the mountains remind you why you fell in love with travel in the first place.