Originally built on a series of islands, Cartagena’s relationship with the sea stretches back almost 500 years. The winning combination of history, colonial charm and idyllic Caribbean beaches is what makes this former Caribbean fortress such a compelling place to visit.
The scintillating combination of aquamarine waters and a sophisticated historical setting is hard to beat.
After indulging on the culinary and architectural delights of Cartagena’s old town, there’s nothing more exhilarating than stepping onto your private yacht and speeding heading off to your own private Caribbean paradise.
Renting your own private island in the Rosario Islands or slipping away to one of the top private island retreats is not only an experience that shouldn’t be missed it’s surprisingly affordable.
This Is Cartagena’s guide to the best private island rentals, Caribbean hideaways is a must for romantics, families and groups looking for some serious vitamin C and some luxury living without having to break the bank.
Cartagena’s best islands can be found in the Rosario Islands national park, 45 minutes sail from Cartagena and the more remote archipelago of San Bernardo almost two hours in a speedboat from the city.
In total there are almost 50 islands to choose from and This Is Cartagena’s guide to the best private island rentals and Caribbean hideaways is a must for romantics, families and groups looking for some serious vitamin sea and some luxury living.
Some are tiny islets that have been colonized by Colombia’s richest families, other larger islands are home to old and new luxury retreats being developed by some of Cartagena’s most successful hotel operators.
So if you’re looking to rent your own private tropical paradise for a spectacular destination wedding, a secluded sun-soaked family trip or for some quality time with your better half on a luxury Colombian honeymoon, reach out to one of This Is Cartagena’s talented travel team for assistance selecting the perfect island escape for you and your loved ones.
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Cashew Island
A heavenly house perched on a privileged spot in one of the most exclusive stretches of beautiful Baru, this Caribbean gem has been the go-to beach retreat for one of Colombia's most influential families for nearly two decades.
You may have seen it on Instagram - Will Smith got jiggy here while he was shooting his film, Gemini Man.
Perfect for families or small groups of friends, the stylish house sleeps up to ten lucky guests. There's a wonderful deck for lazy days soaking up the sun and staring into the Caribbean horizon. Bliss.
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Pistachio Island
A heavenly private island at the outer edge of the exclusive Rosario Islands archipelago, this Caribbean retreat is a pretty playground for families looking for some one-up seaside fun or a group of friends looking for a petite island hideaway.
Recharge your batteries and indulge yourself with 3,700 sq m of peace, tranquility and wellbeing.
With no less than five beaches to choose from and some great deck action to be had to boot, there's plenty of options to dip your toe, or dive headlong, into the crystalline waters of the Colombian Caribbean.
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Las Islas Baru
Why rent a tiny, little island when you can rent the biggest island in Cartagena? With 54 luxury tree houses and sea-level bungalows and a luxurious presidential suite, Las Islas is the perfect place for for a destination wedding or a deluxe Caribbean off-site weekend for your team.
Built sensitively with an environmentally conscious approach, this simply stunning island retreat is a special setting for any occasion.
When you include the owner's other island property and a floating hotel, Las Islas has space to handle up to 127 people overnight.
It operates as a hotel for most of the year so booking it out in its entirety requires some forward planning.
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Almond Island
Almond Island is a little piece of heaven on earth. There are some special beach spots in Cartagena’s island archipelago but only a handful offer the chance to experience your own private Caribbean island escape in such salubrious style as this islet in the Cholon lagoon.
Sleeping up to 10 people, the island doesn't have its own beach but it with your own private boat docked alongside there's plenty of opportunities to explore the Rosario Islands or simply live large as the king of your own Caribbean paradise.
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Coconut Island
Let the Cartagena private island good life wash over you like a glug of fresh coconut water, with a delicious stay in Coconut Island, a luxurious under-the-radar beach retreat in Baru.
With three stylish cabins, a swimming pool and your own private beach, this low-key retreat is perfect for groups of up to 20 people or a destination wedding of up to 120 people. Each of the three pastel colored cabañas sleeps up to seven in four bedrooms. The cabañas come with their own kitchen and living room.
It's a peachy beach retreat that doesn't cost the earth.
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Blue Apple Beach House
Sometimes a day trip to Cartagena's most happening beach club isn't enough so extend your beach bliss with a stay at Blue Apple Beach House, a boutique retreat that has featured on The Sunday Times hottest hotel discoveries list.
Great for couples that want a little romance, this tasty beach retreat on Tierrabomba has five cabañas and five guest rooms for an idyllic escape.
The cabañas with their own private plunge pools are popular with honeymooners. Having extra time to work your way through the island retreat's sophisticated menu is a big part of Blue Apple's allure.
You can expect a crowd to turn up during the day so plan a day's diving or island hopping in the Rosario islands.
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Cartagena + Rosario Islands
Persuade even the moodiest of teenagers to drop their phone and reach for their passport with an action-packed, culturally-enriching escape that combines three nights in Colombia’s idyllic Rosario Islands with a luxury three-night stay in Cartagena.
If you're looking to do more than just sit on a beach then this tailor-made trip is a perfect blend of blissful Caribbean sands and seas, inspirational history and invigorating encounters with Colombia's impressive natural riches.
If you're looking for islands and culture on your next vacation then check out this scintillating Cartagena Plus+ itinerary for all the family.
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Island Hopping
Getting to and from your Cartagena island retreat will requires a little love and logistics. While most of the private islands listed here will have some form of transport to help get you to your own Caribbean hideaway not all of the boats they offer do justice to the experience of having your own private Caribbean domain.
To ensure the experience more than lives up to your lofty expectations it's a good idea to rent the perfect boat, or boats, something that will get you and your crew there in style.
It's also a good idea have a boat on hand during your stay so you can go island hopping and take in the full beauty of Cartagena's Rosario Islands.
Why visit just one island when you can visit them all?
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So, whether you're a high roller used to landing your helicopter on your own private fiefdom for the weekend or an island rental newbie that's dreamed of renting your own private island since day dot, here's your chance to reserve the very best Colombian Caribbean islands for hire.
Feel free to browse through our special selection of personal private island playgrounds or reach out to one of our talented team of travel advisors, who can help you pick the perfect piece of paradise for you and your family.
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