Las Islas Baru: Cartagena’s Best Hotel On a Little-Known Private Island
Updated: May 26
In the Caribbean Sea, a short 45-minute boat ride away from Cartagena, Columbia, lies Las Islas Baru Hotel - an oasis where nature and luxury intertwine into their own jungle rhythm. Our sojourn here was a journey into the essence of eco friendly living, from waterfront bliss to treetop seclusion, all under the tropical sun of Baru. Come experience what we feel is one of the best hotels in Cartagena.
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Accommodations
Opting for the allure of a waterfront bungalow with a private pool that mirrored the endless horizon seemed like a no-brainer, and yet, this front-row seat to the ocean waves came at the cost of our privacy. The proximity to the restaurants and beaches meant occasional sounds and glimpses of the other guests. If instead, you venture into the treetop bungalows, this equation completely changes. Your privacy is heightened nestled into the dense canopy, and instead of a private pool, you can enjoy the jacuzzi hot tub on your rooftop deck.
We have seen many resorts in the world offering oceanfront rooms with plunge pools, this however, was the first time we encountered the novel amenity of a private hot tub above the jungle’s treetops. The downside of the treetop bungalows is the increased distance to the restaurants, beaches, or anywhere else you may want to visit on the property. Still, each room does come with a bicycle for each guest, to aid in your discovery of this giant property.
Beaches at Las Islas Baru
The resort had a small beach, split up on either side of their waterfront restaurant. This area, although small was a haven of tranquility. A floating raft out in the water became our stage for impromptu diving competitions and sunset reflections. Still, if this beach is not your favorite, fear not, as the property’s expansive grounds extend all the way to another private island. Here guests can visit by regular boat shuttle, and enjoy the restaurant, pool, and beach at their leisure.
Although the ocean was too rough for swimming during our visit, we reveled in the luxury of a different pool(the one at the main resort left much to be desired) where we sipped the resort’s signature cocktail: A pièce de résistance called the Coco Loco- an impossible-to-believe combination of vodka, rum, and tequila.
Cuisine
The dinners all took place at Las Guacas restaurant, which has the Las Islas bar located on the third floor above it. We suggest beginning your evening up here with the 360-degree view overhead of the property, where you can enjoy your cocktails as you watch the sun set into the water. Dinner itself was nothing spectacular, however, the breakfast at Tia Coco is not to be missed. Here we enjoyed a delightful array of pastries, fresh fruits, and made-to-order omelets complete with artisanal coffees.
Excursions
Our stay would not have been complete without exploring the wonders of the Rosario Islands. We opted for the private four-hour boat tour and were treated to breathtaking island views, snorkeling stops in vibrant reefs, and even zipped past an abandoned mansion once owned by Pablo Escobar.
Another memorable excursion was the nighttime bioluminescent plankton tour. The glow was not as strong as we had experienced elsewhere in the world, but the phenomenon is still incredible nonetheless.
Our stay at Las Islas was an immersive experience, weaving nature’s tapestry with an eco-friendly experience that still exudes luxury. From treetop solitude to seaside evenings, this haven in Baru is a composition of diverse notes, enriching and diversifying any Cartagena vacation itinerary.
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