Santa Marta Marriott Resort Playa Dormida and Colombian fashion house Mario Hernández partnered to create the Butterfly Route, an exclusive experience bringing together Santa Marta’s gastronomy, natural beauty, personalized services and the best of its national design. Paying tribute to the more than 30 butterfly species endemic to the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, this collaboration allows guests to enjoy key destination highlights while also raising awareness about the protection of the species in the area.

© Santa Marta Marriott Resort Playa Dormida

Specifically inspired by the Rhodopteron Morpho, or the pearly blue butterfly, a butterfly only found in this region, the Butterfly Route creates exclusive experiences, from a special dining menu by the hotel’s executive chef Alirio Rodríguez to Ron Viejo de Caldas cocktails.

Guests participating in the Butterfly Route stay in a butterfly-themed room decorated by Mario Hernández, featuring butterflies on the walls, bedding, mirrors and balcony, as well as a blue morpho exhibition with a QR code leading to information about the species, surprise gifts and additional amenities.

© Santa Marta Marriott Resort Playa Dormida

Also within the room lies a box featuring a butterfly pupa with a sphere on natural fibers, allowing guests to view the metamorphosis of the species firsthand. The box also contains information about the soon-to-be-born butterfly, the legend of its release and care instructions. Guests must allow the butterfly to exit their room if it is born during their stay and will be asked to leave the pupa in the Duzano (a wooded area next to the hotel) if it is not.

“It is an honor for the Mario Hernández family to collaborate with Santa Marta Marriott Resort Playa Dormida on this Butterfly Route experience; it took several years to reach this moment. Our intention is to positively impact travelers in Colombia by offering this experience that defines our culture. This alliance between the hotel, Ron Viejo de Caldas and Mario Hernández is a collective effort to build a country and bet on creativity,” said Mario Hernández.

© Santa Marta Marriott Resort Playa Dormida

Other butterfly-themed services and experiences include spaces on the beach, pool, spa and restaurant. An exclusive set of tableware designed by Mario Hernández awaits guests during their dining experiences. Mario Hernández handbags will also be available for purchase in the lobby.

Currently offered as Santa Marta’s first Marriott Bonvoy Moment, the Butterfly Route will be available through March 2023.