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At expatgroup.co, we are the leading agency in legal and immigration services for foreigners in Colombia, dedicated to helping fulfill their dreams. This was the case of Thomas and Charles; an American and a Colombian who developed a beautiful boutique hotel on the Colombian Caribbean coast.
Casa Galú, located in Capurganá, Chocó, offers a blend of tranquility, eco-sustainability, and adventure. This small town is known for its crystal-clear waters and lush jungle. Managed by Thomas and Charles, the hotel focuses on preserving the environment while providing guests with a luxurious and meaningful experience.
Where it all started
This idea is a dream of a lifetime. It all started with Charles’ father, who moved to Colombia in the ’70s and fell in love with this magnificent country, its landscapes, jungles, and coasts. He transmitted this same love for nature to Charles, who always accompanied him in his adventures in the deep jungles of Chocó.
Upon his return to Colombia after studying Industrial Design in the United States, Charles started working on his dream in Capurganá and, together with Thomas, developed what today is a perfect balance between comfort, tranquility, and nature.
«Galú» means «sacred land» in the language of the native Kuna Yala people who inhabited the area. This terminology is very important to Casa Galú, as its vision is to build in harmony with the land, conserve its natural surroundings, and operate with minimal environmental impact.
To this end, Thomas Kalchik, with a degree from the U.S.’s first School of Sustainability, joined Casa Galú with a true passion for introducing sustainable and regenerative practices into the business’s daily operations. His professional experience in both sustainable food chains and the hospitality industry allows him to integrate his skills to help the natural environment thrive while still providing a memorable and meaningful experience for each guest.
An eco-sustainable place
Charles designed each building to optimize the connection with the jungle and privilege the view toward the sea, all without disturbing nature. Each building is elevated off the ground and appears integrated into the topography. Therefore, the main guest building and each cabin are projected from the mountain through the jungle. The contact elements between the hillside and the building – such as the wooden decks – were molded to respect the existing terrain, and the main structure touches the ground with only pillars.
Now, what can the creators of Casa Galú tell us?
Thomas tells us a little about the development of this Caribbean paradise and his relationship with expatgroup.co.
How did the Casa Galú project come about?
Charles grew up exploring the pristine jungles of Colombia, igniting his dream of sharing nature’s beauty. I hold a degree in Sustainability and have worked in hospitality with a focus on sustainable initiatives. Our combined passions for jungle conservation and sustainable tourism align perfectly.
Why did you choose Colombia and Capurganá?
Charles is a native Colombian, and the Caribbean has a spectacular coast with many untouched areas. Thomas became enthralled by Colombian culture, its immensely diverse landscapes, and its biodiverse settings. We sought a location on the sea with plenty of natural beauty and settled on Capurganá.
Capurganá and its surrounding areas have great potential for promoting sustainable tourism. Inspired by this, we aim to conserve our natural environment while encouraging guests to appreciate its beauty. At Casa Galú, we are dedicated to making a positive impact on our surroundings and providing guests with a meaningful experience at our hotel and within the destination.
Why should we go to Casa Galú?
Casa Galú offers unique accommodation unlike any other in Capurganá. Built harmoniously in the treetops overlooking the Caribbean Sea, we provide an unexpected level of luxury. We always strive to provide the top-notch service that each guest deserves, and we thrive on creating meaningful memories during your stay with us.
Casa Galú is your “home in the sacred land.” Here, you will find all the wildlife and greenery you could ask for! Monkeys, iguanas, toucans, dart frogs, and more. Endless amounts of plants, flowers, trees, etc., define the biodiverse Colombian jungle. Located on the quiet side of Capurganá, Casa Galú is just a few minutes walk to local beaches, town, and nature hikes and can offer suggested itineraries during your stay.
How did you hear about expatgroup.co?
Whenever I researched “how to get a Colombian visa,” expatgroup.co always appeared. Whether it was linked through Medellín Guru or through its sources, expatgroup.co always showed great promise in completing the visa process correctly and quickly. And that’s precisely what they did for me!
How was the visa process?
Smooth and simple. They were very willing to work with us. I had many questions throughout the process, and they were very attentive and timely with their answers. I also needed additional services beyond just the visa, and they saw me through that process quickly, going above and beyond what was expected of them.
Would you recommend expatgroup.co legal and immigration services?
I absolutely recommend expatgroup.co to anyone seeking the services they provide. They are a fantastic group of people who will help put you at ease during these tricky processes.
We know that with everything you read here, you will be eager to visit Casa Galú and enjoy this magical paradise, with relaxing experiences and in harmony with nature.
Just like Thomas, at expatgroup we have helped hundreds of expats to get their Colombian visas successfully processed and fulfill their dreams of living in Colombia, Contact us now and start living wonderful experiences.
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