Isla Barú is a plush Caribbean island about 45 minutes from one of Colombia’s largest cities, Cartagena. Upon arrival, it’s clear why Sofitel chose this spot to build its luxury Colombian resort. After flying into the city’s airport, I was brought to the resort’s boat for a beautiful 45-minute speedboat ride across the bay, where the boat captain told me the history of the city and the places we passed. I disembarked onto a dock on a natural white sand beach, where wild, brightly colored birds darted around the palm trees and little fish zipped through the ocean. It feels untouched and slightly magical.
Why stay at the Sofitel Barú?
It might seem odd to say the best place to stay to experience this Colombian island is a multimillion-dollar conglomerate hotel chain resort, but hear me out. Sofitel has set this resort up in a way that helps the community and local makers. The hotel was designed by Colombian architects, using all sustainable Colombian materials. The art that decorates the resort is all created by local artists, and the plates, mugs—everything—are made by Colombians. It’s also the only LEED platinum certified hotel in Colombia.
The Sofitel Barú gives you the five-star treatment you expect from the French hoteliers, with a distinct Colombian cultural infusion. The hotel doesn’t just celebrate Colombian culture through its decor, but through the activities offered at the resort as well. There are events and classes held around the property to teach guests about the cultural aspects Colombians are most proud of. I went to a coffee tasting and a rum and chocolate pairing class, both taught by locals who presented with so much pride for their culture and country’s offerings.
What are the rooms like at Sofitel Barú?
I stayed in a superior king ocean view room. Everything is done in light earth tones, with wicker lighting and beachwood details. The bed is huge, and there’s a spacious closet. The balcony has two lounge chairs, perfect for sitting and watching the sunset over the ocean with a coffee or tea—an activity I highly recommend.
The walk-in shower has both a waterfall showerhead and an adjustable handheld one. As a person who doesn’t wash her hair every time I shower, I appreciated that the waterfall option isn’t the only one.
The floor, though beautiful, is a shiny white marble that can get very slippery when wet, so make sure to take advantage of the slippers they offer.
The rooms themselves are calming and peaceful. What really makes it special, though, are the in-room offerings. Turn-down service includes Madeleine cookies, a lavender spray on your pillow and a tea station set up for you to pour yourself some sleepytime tea.
Upon arrival, you’ll find a basket of fresh-cut fruit in your room. After different excursions, you’ll also often arrive back to a little surprise. After our trip to the bird aviary, I arrived back to find a chocolate tart shaped like a bird’s nest. After our historic city tour, there were chocolates inspired by the city’s history.
It’s these little charming details that set the Sofitel Barú apart.
What’s the food like?
There are five restaurants at the resort, all with different offerings. The largest dining room, at Calablanca Restaurant, hosts breakfast daily—it’s the biggest buffet I’ve ever seen, with local dishes like arepas and arepa de huevo as well as all the usual breakfast buffet staples. There’s also, of course, an omelet bar.
I tried all the restaurants while I was there, and I can say confidently that every spot was great. There’s a mix of high-end and more beach-casual choices. The hotel is not all-inclusive, so the choice really comes down to your spending preferences and the vibe you want for the night.
I highly encourage finding a way to eat on the beach. There are two restaurants that offer beach dining at massively different price ranges, so there’s a way for everyone to experience it.
The first is El Manglito—a taco truck on the beach, surrounded by mangrove trees and fairy lights. It’s a bohemian enclave with offerings like tacos, nachos, and a gourmet hot dog that I still think about to this day.
The second option is a special occasion choice that’s truly incredible but does require pre-booking. The resort offers a tasting menu at a private table on the beach, separated from the rest of the resort with greenery and lit by hanging lights and candles. During the experience, called "The Mystic Dinner" You’ll be waited on by a dedicated staff as the sun sets over the beach behind you. It’s extremely romantic but costs around $250 per person.
So for those of us who are a bit more budget-conscious when traveling, a hot dog on the beach can be just as romantic? Maybe? The sunset over the water is free, after all.
What is the service like at Sofitel Barú?
The staff is lovely, and they all seem genuinely excited to share their city and culture with the guests. The hotel is run by a mostly Colombian staff, with only the Manager and Head Chef coming in from France. Sofitel is a French company, so it’s standard for the staff to greet you in French, though all the Colombian workers are native Spanish speakers, and most guests default to English as a universal language around the resort. Basically, be prepared for interactions in multiple languages.
What are the facilities like?
The resort has one beach and five swimming pools. One pool is adults-only, and one is a kids' pool—the rest are for everyone. There’s also a kids’ clubhouse where staff will watch your kids while you enjoy dinner, as well as run activities to help kids meet others and play.
The spa is small but impactful, offering facials, massages, a steam room and a shower. It’s connected to a small gym that has everything you need for a good workout. The gym looks out over the resort through giant window panels. Though the view is nice, it does feel a bit odd to be working out—sweaty and puffing—while other guests casually stroll by and can see you through the windows. If you’re a bit shy about that, like I am, I suggest going at a quieter time. The gym is open 24 hours, so there are options.
What’s the local area like?
There’s a ton to do on Isla Barú. My favorite activity was a visit to the Aviario Nacional de Colombia, a bird sanctuary with over 170 bird species, including flamingos, macaws, and peacocks. It’s a fun place to walk around, and your visit supports bird conservation and research in Colombia—the country with the most bird species in the world (I learned that at the Aviary.)
While visiting Sofitel, I highly suggest spending a day in Cartagena. The city is rich in history and, in the last 15 years, has invested heavily in tourism. If you have a chance to visit Celele, a Colombian-Caribbean restaurant recently voted the #6 best restaurant in South America, you should. It’s the kind of meal that sticks with you long after you leave, with innovative dishes like crab rice served in a crab shell and a cocktail featuring house-fermented plums.
The hotel offers the option to stay for a night in Cartagena at its sister hotel - The Sofitel Santa Clara. I didn’t get a chance to stay there, but if the city's history and nightlife scene interest you, it would definitely be worth adding on.
Why you should stay at Sofitel Barú:
Sofitel Barú offers a relaxing getaway nestled in nature without sacrificing luxury. It’s the best of both worlds, with access to one of Colombia’s largest cities as well, making it a resort with boundless possibilities for how you want to spend your time.
Address: KM 7 Sector Cartagena, Departamento Bolivar, Baru, 130017, Cartagena, Colombia
Price per Night: Prices start at $315 per night
Book Now: https://www.booking.com/Share-BqFWU2
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