Where are we?
Columbia, just outside Cartagena in the lagoons near El Burros, Cesar.

How did you get here?
I flew in private on a BBJ direct from London and then took a Cigarette speed boat across the lagoons from Cartagena to El Burros.

Who are you sharing your room with?
I am in the suite alone waiting for friends who’ll be joining me.

Is there anything you would like waiting for you in your room on arrival?
Flowers, beautiful flowers, plus the fresh local fruit of slightly unripe mango served with lemon and salt. Plus a cola roman, the local answer to coca cola.

Who’s at the concierge desk?
Carlone Ng from Four Seasons Hong Kong, she is too efficient.

And the owner / manager?
Co-owned in a joint venture between me and Sol Kerzner.

Describe the hotel building, your room and the view...
The hotel is built like the most elite private homes, yet subtly holds over 90 bedrooms and 30 super suites all beach fronted. Each room has a duplex loft feel. The whole place is a combination of buildings in local dark woods built into the tropical local terrain, embracing the surroundings so built around trees.
Sophisticated honed palettes, Liaigre furniture, and hammocks are part of the details to bring an edgy sophisticated hippy look. Lounge and day bed areas are hidden everywhere. The indoor-outdoor feel is integral, with large scale space that takes interior to exterior unknowingly.

Who designed it?
Kenga Kuma. His attention to detail and embracing the natural surrounding, i.e. Great (Bamboo) Wall at the Great Wall of China sets him apart, he has style and indigenous appreciation. Christian Liaigre worked with him on interiors, and a body of art work is provided in collaboration with Jay Jopling of White Cube, London. Tadao Ando designed a spa and gym in the jungle.

What’sthe restaurant / bar like?
There are a number of areas to eat and drink, from the beach to sunken areas; different pockets of places are key. The main restaurant sits over huge terraces built amongst the trees with views out to the sea and lagoons. It’s very loyal to local materials, using woods and bamboos yet with a modern edge.

Who are you dining with this evening?
1. Daniel Craig
2. Steve Tyler
3. Johnny Depp
4. Oscar Wilde
5. Winston Churchill

Who’s manning the stoves?
Marco Pierre White – of course
 
And what’s on the menu?
Starter: Ceviche of local fish
Main: Fresh grilled lobster and array of local salads with different spices
Dessert: Something light
 
Would you like something to drink with that?
A local rum served with ice and lime on the rocks for a digestif.

What CDs would like in your room?
I’d like my iPod! With a very sophisticated iPod docking station for a mix of music from Jack Johnson to Aerosmith.

 What’s on the movie channel?
1. Scarface
2. Merchant Ivory – their classic films
3. Guy Ritchie – the collection of all his movies
4. Papillon and other Steve McQueen greats
5. The Tudors – the entire box set

And a book at bedtime?
A great library in the hotel is essential, as well as a feature area. Tonight ‘Escobar’ feels appropriate.

What’s in the mini-bar for a night cap?
Water – I’m being good tonight!

Would you like a newspaper or magazine in the morning?
Herald Tribune and Monocle

What toiletries would you like to freshen up with?
Aveda selection and Hermes