Colombia just got its first luxury river cruise

The itineraries

Guests joining the immersive river cruise will stay onboard the newly built AmaMagdalena – the portmanteau is a clever nod to both developer and destination – with two seven-night itineraries to choose from. The first – Magic of Colombia – begins in the bustling seaport of Barranquilla.

AmaWaterways' AmaMagdalena ship in Colombia, South America

AmaWaterways is bringing its luxury offerings to Colombia’s Magdalena River.

Along the way, guests will disembark in Nueva Venecia for a stilt-house village tour, join a jazz street performance in Mompox and go on a birdwatching tour through Magangue. Other towns on the itinerary include Santa Barbara de Pinto, El Banco and Calamar, before finishing up in colourful Cartagena.

The second offering is the Wonders of Colombia cruise, which follows the same itinerary – just backwards. Guests will begin their journey in Cartagena, stopping at the same places on their way to Barranquilla. The difference here is in the details; while both itineraries share many similarities, the latter stops in an additional town – Gambote (near Palenque) – on day two.

Whichever trip you pick, you’re in for a treat. The Magdalena River is known as a treasure trove of biodiversity, offering a number of diverse ecosystems along its route. Guests will witness everything from coastal rainforests to inland swamps, historic cities to traditional towns, endemic animals to endangered species.

Explore historic towns like Mompox along the way. (Image: Getty Images/jon Chica Parada)

But it isn’t just about what you’ll see – each itinerary is designed to be immersive and experience driven.

“The launch of AmaMagdalena is more than bringing our guests to a new destination," says AmaWaterways co-founder and chief brand ambassador, Kristin Karst. “It’s about creating lasting connections between cultures, celebrating the rich history and natural beauty of the Magdalena River, and offering new opportunities for local communities."

Whether it’s tasting Colombia’s unique coffee, dancing to Latin American music, meeting friendly residents, taking a tuk tuk ride or touring a historic landmark with a local guide, you’ll return home with more than just memories.

Life onboard

While the offboard experiences are a great selling point, guests have plenty to look forward to while onboard AmaMagdalena.

Both of the new Colombia itineraries stop in Cartagena. (Image: Getty Images/Starcevic)

Custom-designed by Colombian architect Camilo Restrepo in collaboration with Cartagena-based woodworking experts, Ocean Projects and local craftspeople, the ship, which carries 60 passengers, speaks to culture and place. Restrepo also worked alongside designer Mariana Schlegel Donado on the interiors, drawing inspiration from the region’s natural beauty to create an intimate and personalised experience.

There are five different staterooms onboard AmaMagdalena, ranging from a 237-square-metre Category A studio-style room to a 516-square-metre Grand Suite, which features two bathrooms and a private balcony, as well as Category B and C staterooms and a Luxury Suite. Between ports, guests can enjoy an onboard gym, the Sun Deck pool, an al fresco dining space and an exclusive main restaurant with a regionally inspired menu.

Bookings onboard AmaMagdalena for 2025, 2026 and 2027 are available now.

Bookings for both the Magic of Colombia and Wonders of Colombia itineraries onboard AmaMagdalena are available now for 2025 through to 2027. Prices start at AU $5956, with pre- and post-cruise add-ons available (such as three nights in Panama) at an additional cost.

AmaWaterways will also launch AmaMelodia later this year, the brand’s second ship on the Magdalena, further expanding its presence in Colombia.

Wellbeing means different things to different travellers. Here’s how to pick a hotel that gets it right for you.

The best wellness holidays aren’t necessarily spent wrapped in a spa robe. Sometimes they’re found around a dinner table in Cambodia, on a hiking trail in New Zealand or after finally beating jet lag on the other side of the world. The hotel you choose is what makes them happen.

1. Easy access to good food

meals from Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20 — Taste delicious meals at Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20.

One of the quickest ways to derail healthy habits on holiday is to spend half of it working out where to eat instead of digging into the culture around you. Thankfully, Novotel has done much of the hard work already, with chefs building menus that lean into the flavours, ingredients and traditions of each destination.

In Sihanoukville, Cambodia, Korkor soup – often dubbed ‘Cambodian ratatouille’ – sits alongside raw blue crab dressed with lime and chilli, best enjoyed with views across the Gulf of Thailand.

In the lovingly chaotic city of Bangkok, the presence of food cranks up the sociability. At Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20, you can settle in with mango sticky rice and stranger-turned-friends beside the pool at Sky on 20 rooftop bar, or bring them along to tackle river prawns and stir-fried crab with holy basil at the buzzing Crab Paradise Dinner Buffet.

Then Novotel Dubai Al Barsha welcomes you with a laidback twist on the level of indulgence the Middle Eastern city is best known for up on Deck Se7en. Looking towards Burj Al Arab, the rooftop lounge has everything from Mediterranean-style dishes like seabass ceviche to Italian prosecco sundowners.

At the other end of the scale, in the hills that surround the Novotel Bali Ubud Resort, calm comes from nature. At Siralada restaurant, Balinese traditions shape the menu while thunder rumbles over the surrounding jungle – proving the setting is as nourishing as the food itself.

While at Novotel Nha Trang, chef Kieu Thi My Hanh and her team showcase Vietnam’s knack for balancing freshness, texture and fragrant herbs. Pho remains a favourite, while seafood salad with pomelo and mango brings those flavours together in one bright dish.

It’s all an approach backed by partnerships with expert food creators such as Alfie Steiner, whose plant-forward recipes prove healthy food should never taste plain.

2. Better sleep options

Novotel Bali Ubud Resort room — Sleep deeply with Novotel.

There are few travel experiences more disappointing than arriving in a new country, determined to seize the day, only to fall asleep fully clothed by 3pm.

For Australian travellers, jet lag is often an unavoidable part of the journey. That’s one reason Novotel runs sleep-focused initiatives that help guests adjust quickly without compromising on health. We’re talking partnerships with Sydney-based sleep specialist Olivia Arezzolo, known for her advice on everything from better sleep habits to beating jet lag, alongside features like pillow menus, in-room yoga content and tailored sleep guidance.

The sooner you’re operating on local time, the sooner you can get back to more pressing matters – like deciding which spa treatment to book.

3. More ways to move

woman hiking around queenstown new zealand — Stay at Novotel Queenstown Lakeside and explore local hiking trails. (Credit: GettyI mages/ naruedom)

Every place in the world has its own way of getting you moving: whether that’s hiking up ice-bitten mountains before a sauna or gentle stretching by the pool before a facial. From fitness centres to spas, Novotel recognises that wellbeing rarely looks the same.

At Novotel Queenstown Lakeside, activity is inescapable. Here, hiking trails, ski fields, bungee jumps, and white-water rafting have made the region famous. The hotel’s location on the shores of Lake Wakatipu means less time spent organising yourself and more time out there experiencing them. To top it all off, you can book a private hot tub for the evening before heading back into the wilderness tomorrow.

Bali, of course, takes a softer approach. At Novotel Bali Ubud Resort or Novotel Bali Nusa Dua, movement is less about conquering a mountain and more about a dance class between the tropical gardens and lagoon pools. Afterwards, the spa takes over, with traditional treatments like a Lulur body scrub: a combination of rice, turmeric, sandalwood, ginger and jasmine that’ll soothe muscles already relaxed by the Balinese heat.

4. Better connections

Kids will love a stay at Novotel Sharm El Sheikh.

One of the best things about travel is that it gives your family stories you’ll be telling for years. Novotel helps create them with activities that bring everyone together, whether that’s trying something new, learning a local skill, or simply spending more time together.

Go for a distinctly Thai twist at Novotel Phuket Vintage Park, where many of the family activities draw on local culture. Kids can try everything from beginner Thai boxing and language lessons to umbrella painting and – a pastime beloved by children the world over – pool foam parties. Everyone is welcome to join in, whether that’s getting splashed, covered in paint, or simply watching their children discover a new side of Thailand during the dedicated Family & Kids Day.

A different adventure awaits at Novotel Sharm El Sheikh. Kids could be perfectly content with discos, drawing classes and new holiday friends, but the Red Sea has other ideas. Sitting on the edge of Naama Bay, days here might involve snorkelling colourful reefs, taking a boat trip to Ras Mohammed National Park or heading into the desert by quad bike or camel for a Bedouin-style dinner beneath the stars.

5. Location is everything

Surin Beach, Choeng Thale, Thalang District, Phuket, Thaiföld — Explore Phuket’s gorgeous beaches. (Credit: Bence Biczo)

Everyone’s idea of wellness looks a little different. With more than 600 hotels across 65 countries, Novotel gives guests the freedom to choose the destination that suits them best. Whether that’s a beachside escape in Phuket, an alpine expedition in Queenstown or a city break in Bangkok, there’s a good chance a Novotel isn’t far away.

All that’s left? Choosing your version of wellbeing.

Discover stays to inspire your everyday at novotel.accor.com.

Colombia just got its first-ever luxury river cruise

Experience Colombia like never before, luxurious trimmings included.

The itineraries

Life onboard

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