A Superb Colombian Beach Resort—And You Can Get There by Yacht

Cartagena, Colombia, has long been a popular tourist destination due to its rich history, vibrant culture, delicious cuisine, and beautiful architecture. However, up until recently, there hasn't been a genuine luxury beach resort in the area where visitors could unwind on a beautiful white sand beach after exploring the old city's vibrant alleyways. The island of Barú, which is only a 25-minute boat trip from Cartagena, welcomed the Sofitel Barú Calablanca Beach Resort on December 1st. 

Upon reaching Barú, you will discover a paradisiacal tropical island. A mile of scenic shoreline teeming with wildlife is home to the resort. It was purpose-built to save the local ecosystem and makes excellent use of its location. With its on-site nursery that grows local plants, this hotel is the only one on the island to have achieved LEED certification. 

"We are pleased to announce our project as an eco-friendly hotel that will help establish and promote Barú in the international market for high-end tourism," stated David Mulin, general manager of the Sofitel Barú Calablanca Beach Resort. "This tropical paradise has it all: biodiversity, natural landscapes, and, most importantly, a cultural identity that makes it unique in the Caribbean." 

Every one of the 187 rooms and suites at the Sofitel Barú Calablanca Beach Resort overlooks the glistening Caribbean Sea. The resort's style, service, and cuisine are reminiscent of the French savoir-faire that Sofitel is known for, and they bring a touch of it to the Caribbean. The hotel features three eateries and seven bars created by renowned French chef Patrice Guaus: For farm-to-table Colombian and Mediterranean fare, head to Calablanca Restaurant and Bar; for a robata grill with Asian, French, and Peruvian influences, head to Humo; and for classic South American fare and fresh seafood, head to Bahia. Refreshing beverages can be found at any of the three poolside bars. 

There are a lot of things to do at the resort that will let you experience the local culture and the outdoors. When you get to land, you can ride bikes around the island or have a Colombian coffee sampling. Take a trip to the lake or river to paddleboard, kayak, or get a Hobie Cat sailing lesson. An ecologically minded aviary tour features 170 bird species, and there's even a special excursion to view the bioluminescent plankton. While you relax in the spa or practice yoga, the little ones can run around and play in the resort's Kids Club. We suggest beginning your Colombian adventure in the Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Cartagena, where you can tour the city, and ending it with a boat ride to Barú, where you can relax on the beach.