Hotel Las Islas
A secluded getaway within easy reach of Cartagena, perfect for unwinding at the end of your trip.
Isla Barú lies just south of Cartagena on Colombia’s Caribbean coast and can be reached in 45 minutes by boat. Blanketed in mangroves and tropical dry forest, the low lying island is fringed with small white sand beaches and surrounded by calm turquoise waters.
Hotel Las Islas blends seamlessly into this landscape, with 55 rondavel style thatched bungalows scattered across the expansive property. Some sit along the coastline – one even offering direct access to the sea – while others perch above the forest canopy, where endemic cotton top tamarins can occasionally be spotted swinging through the trees.
Sleek and finished with polished wood, the bungalows combine refined rustic charm with modern comforts, including air conditioning, plus balconies equipped with a hammock and Jacuzzi. Because the property is quite spread out, each bungalow comes with a pair of bikes, and guests can also request a golf buggy. Please note: treetop bungalows involve climbing many stairs and may not be suitable for guests with mobility issues.
The hotel offers an extensive range of facilities, including three restaurants, a rooftop bar reached via a striking spiral staircase with 360 degree views, a gym, spa, and freshwater pool. Although the main beach is fairly narrow, guests have access to complimentary kayaks and paddleboards, and activities such as snorkelling, bioluminescence excursions, and mangrove tours can be arranged at an additional cost. The property also features a solarium, and guests are invited to enjoy stargazing through the hotel’s telescope.
From the very beginning, conservation and sustainability have been at the heart of Hotel Las Islas, with a particular focus on mangrove planting and coral restoration. Beyond creating employment opportunities for the local community, the hotel has also collaborated on projects that strengthen local infrastructure, including improvements to the water supply system through desalination.
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Tell us where you want to go, and we’ll take it from there. No obligation, no sales pitch – just a conversation with someone who knows the region inside out.
Why choose Journey Latin America for your holiday
We’ve been planning trips to Central and South America for over 45 years, longer than any other UK specialist. Every holiday is built around you by a Travel Expert who has been to the places they recommend, with support from your first enquiry to the day you fly home.
Rosie embarked on a year-long backpacking trip across Latin America. She is excited to share her knowledge and experiences with others.
Finn discovered his passion for travel on an extensive 18-month trip to Latin America, experiencing the vibrant Carnaval in Rio, the end-of-the-world city of Ushuaia, trekking the Andes and volunteering on the Galápagos Islands.
Maggie visited Latin America on her first backpacking trip when she was 19. Since then, she has taken every opportunity to travel, and has managed to explore a lot of the region in subsequent trips.
Gary discovered what he had been missing with his first foray into the wilds of Latin America. In his role as Product Manager, he combines this personal obsession with years of industry experience to help ensure that travellers will fall for the region every bit as much as he has.
