B is for… Best Beach Stays in Baru

The Best Beach Stays in Baru

If you’re looking for the best beach stays in Cartagena, you’ve hit gold.

A short hop by boat the world's largest trove of sunken treasure you'll find, the ultimate collection of luxury beach front real estate on the breath-takingly beautiful island of Barú.

Cartagena’s own tropical paradise, a veritable Caribbean playground for the richest families in Colombia has everything from affordable vacation rentals to luxurious beach villas perfect for romantic getaways and the most special of occasions.

Baru has become so much more than Playa Blanca in the last 10 years, boasting what are without question the best beaches in Cartagena.

Cashew Island

If the who’s who of Cartagena’s social elite have been choosing this island as their private getaway for years, you know you can’t go wrong.

Cashew Island was the island retreat of choice for Will Smith when the Hollywood A-lister was in town filming Gemini Man.

With its chic interiors styled around Moorish architecture, hammocks hanging over soft white sand and an infinity pool spilling out onto your own private Caribbean horizon.

Bliss! Cashew Island can comfortably accommodate up to 10 people across four bedrooms, and friendly staff are on hand to ensure you have all your favourite food and drink stocked up when you arrive.

Keep in mind that you’ll need to rent a boat to reach the island (more on that below), but that also means you have your own floating hub for nautical adventures and convenient transport to explore the nearby splendour of the Rosario Islands.

Almond Island

Were Coldplay singing about Almond Island in their 2011 hit single “Paradise”? Probably not, but we like to think so.

A veritable heaven on earth, Almond Island is often considered the darling of the pick when it comes to choosing where to stay on Cartagena’s archipelago.

Like Cashew Island, the rates seem almost too good to be true. No need to pinch yourself, though – this exquisite private island is within easy reach. The house is wonderfully private, with thick mangrove trees giving you both shade and a secluded place to play.

A wooden deck snakes around the entire length of the island, giving you gorgeous panoramic views of the lagoon and Rosario Island National Park.

Laze like a lazy lizard on a waterside lounger before slinking into the sparkling aquamarine waters below to cool off. Gather your mates and take a jaunt on your own canoes, or go bigger and take your own luxury yacht around the islands, stopping to snorkel, dive and fish at your leisure.

This island paradise sleeps 10 people comfortably and you’ll also be able to call ahead to arrange full catering during your stay.

Las Islas - Full House

Sometimes size really does matter and they don’t come much bigger than Hotel Las Islas, with 54 luxurious tree houses and seaside bungalows spread out across arguably one of Cartagena’s most desirable properties.

Imagine the look on your daughter’s face when you surprise her with a Caribbean island as the wedding venue, or the immense employee morale you’ll muster when your colleagues find out where their year-end function is being held.

Sumptuous beach views are made all the sweeter knowing your accommodation is both beautiful and eco-friendly. Who knew this much indulgence could be guilt-free?

Keep in mind that the island operates as a hotel throughout the year, so you’ll have to plan and book well in advance to secure your grand stay. And if you’re traveling with more than 109 people, the owner has two additional properties nearby that can house 18 extras. Now that’s Caribbean hospitality!

Las Islas – Beachfront Bungalow

If you can’t rent a whole island, that certainly doesn’t mean you can’t have your own slice of heaven. This is the perfect romantic retreat, with idyllic ocean views that will make you fall in love all over again.

Each bungalow comes with its own bicycle to help you and your significant other explore every magical nook and cranny of the island at your leisure. Golf carts are also on hand to zip you over to the spa for a relaxing massage, or to the panoramic bar for moreish cocktails.

These island-style cabañas also come fully-equipped with two sun loungers, king-size bed, Wi-Fi, air-conditioning and a flat-screen TV for late-night movies or lazy days.

Swim to the floating breakfast restaurant in the morning; spend the day wandering through the island’s tropical forest and exploring its secluded amenities before retreating to your private beachfront paradise, cooling off with drinks while watching the sun sink into a fiery Caribbean sea.

Las Islas – Tree House Bungalow

Gaze across the majesty of Barú from your own private perch in one of 32 luxurious tree house bungalows, where intimacy is definitely the name of the game. Tucked away amidst the mangrove forest in the second-most biodiverse country in the world, enjoy unspoilt sea views, personalised service and all the modern amenities you could need.

Each cabin accommodates two, but staff are more than happy to make a plan if you need it. Spend your days relaxing in a treetop Jacuzzi with drink in hand, snorkelling in warm Caribbean waters or taking a romantic ride across the island with your own bicycle.

It’s no wonder that guests’ expectations are often exceeded; with environmentally conscious spaces, warm atmosphere and the ever-present Caribbean charm, this “privileged perch with a sea view” is a must.

Breakfasts are included with your stay, and full board can be arranged at an additional fee. Get in touch with our talented team and we’ll tailor a bespoke itinerary just for you.

Coconut Island

The best diamonds are hard to find, and Coconut Island is no exception. Off the radar in terms of popularity, that doesn’t stop this beautiful hidden paradise from being nothing short of exceptional. Coconut Island is perfect for those who don’t want the ambience of a resort, but rather something more personal and unique.

Each of the three simple yet stylish houses sleeps up to seven people, with your own private beach shared between them. But if you really want to feel like island royalty, grab your mates and rent out all three. Your own perfectly private resort – what could be better?

Spend your days snorkelling or diving in your own stretch of sun-kissed Caribbean sea and enjoy drinks around a roaring beach fire in the evenings – it’s a stereotype of the best kind. Though the units are self-catering, if you want to free up more time for your island dream then full board is available with prior arrangement and at additional cost.

No need to rub shoulders with any other holiday goers here. In this tropical secret, your days can be whatever you make of them.

Getting there – Rent a Boat with This Is Cartagena

Each island in Cartagena is a true gem, but being able to take them all in would be the crown. Play Pirates of the Caribbean with your very own vessel to carry you across the sparkling waters of Cartagena’s island chain – it’s the only way to go (sometimes quite literally if you’re staying on Barú). We’ll deal with the hassle and admin; all you need to do is choose your destination and the type of boat to get you there.

We’ve got yachts, sailboats and speedboats, accommodating between eight to 150 passengers. Our concierge will collect you from your hotel, whisk you off to the pier in an air-conditioned ride and introduce you to your captain for the day. His job: ensure you have a hassle-free trip to your island and a memorable time exploring the archipelago.

At the end of day, the choice is yours. You decide the destinations, eating spots and activities. The full package price on all boats includes fuel, taxes and insurance. Now that’s piece of mind.

And don’t forget, while you’re welcome to bring your own drinks, the first round is always on us…

Curate your own perfect vacation

Our team have “been there, done that” in the best way possible, giving us the perfect insight into what makes an unforgettable holiday in Cartagena. This package allows you to combine the best of both worlds – a city adventure amidst the colonial splendour of Cartagena and an island-hopping adventure across the incredible Rosario Islands. It’s seven days and six nights of pure Caribbean heaven.

We’ve suggested a popular itinerary, but it’s by no means set in stone. Like the turquoise Caribbean waves, we’re fluid! Let us know what floats your boat – avoid the crowds and become one with nature? No problem. Explore the heart of Colombian culture in Cartagena and connect with the locals? You’ve got it.

Just talk to us and we’ll take care of the rest. But if you’re looking for inspiration, follow the link to see what our perfect week in Cartagena looks like…