Hotel Las Islas

Location: Cartagena, Caribbean Coast and Islands | Colombia

Price guide: £££££ £200-£350 per person per night

Hotel Las Islas is a gorgeous island retreat off the coast of Cartagena. Staying in bungalows which sit on the private beach or in the jungle canopy, you can swim and sunbathe, dive and snorkel in the pristine Caribbean waters, and enjoy fresh seafood. If you can tear yourself away, colourful Cartagena is just a boat ride away.

Perfect forCouples looking for a tropical Caribbean island paradise across the ocean from Cartagena, where you can combine city and island life in style.

In the knowStaff at the hotel come from nearby villages, meaning your stay is helping the local community - and it will also be infused with genuine local hospitality.

Recommended for...

Beach
Peace & Quiet
Setting & Views
Water activities

Hotel Overview

Sense of place

Nestled on Isla Barú off Cartagena’s Caribbean coast, the eco-friendly Hotel Las Islas has a simply idyllic setting. Its bungalows rise through thick jungle, which suddenly drops off into white sand and pristine blue ocean.

Rooms at Hotel Las Islas

The traditional-style treetop and beachfront bungalows are constructed in wood and thatch, including distinctive conical roofs, with thatched umbrellas and hammocks on the private decks. The Treetop Bungalows sit perched in the forest canopy, where you can relax on your deck - complete with a Jacuzzi - and take in the views over the trees, while the Sea View Bungalows overlook the ocean and feature private pools.

Food & drink

There are several bars and restaurants to choose from, which are open throughout the day. Tia Coco serves up ocean-fresh Caribbean dishes, from ceviche to grilled seafood and more - and you can even swim up to the restaurant. Kiosko Choco is a casual space offering sandwiches, meat skewers and wood-fired pizzas alongside fresh juices and colourful cocktails, while Los Mangos is the perfect place for an ice cream and excellent Colombian coffee. For breakfast, try the delicious homemade arepas.

Have a tropical cocktail while enjoying the 360-degree views over the island at the Las Islas bar, which is open 24 hours a day, while at sunset, the beachfront Monaprieta bar is a great setting for a nightcap. Watch the sun go down over the beach to a soundtrack of live jazz.

Facilities

In keeping with the rest of the hotel’s laid-back island vibe, the spa is a supremely relaxing space: thalassotherapy, aromatherapy, massages and body scrubs are all on offer to help you wind down, as well as meditation and yoga. There’s also a freshwater pool overlooking the sea, a Jacuzzi, a steam room and a sauna.

Activities at Hotel Las Islas

It’s very tempting to do nothing more than relax in a hammock on your deck or on the sands of the private beach, but if you’re feeling energetic, go snorkelling or diving around the coral reefs and come face to face with the local marine life.

Meanwhile, a 45-minute boat trip will take you to Cartagena, a beautifully-preserved colonial jewel which you can’t fail to fall in love with - stroll around its streets, lined with impressive architecture in vibrant yellows and reds, and refuel with a cup of rich Colombian coffee in a café on one of the pretty squares.