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.
-
-
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.
Read More Send Inquiry
-
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.
Read More Send Inquiry
-
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.
Read More Send Inquiry
-
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.
Read More Send Inquiry
-
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.
Read More Send Inquiry
-
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.
Read More Send Inquiry
-
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!
Rent a Boat Send Inquiry
City Guides Cartagena
Guides to Cartagena
-
A Perfect New Year in Cartagena
Cartagena is where it’s at to see in 2020 in style. Better start planning though, it’s going to be p…
-
Cartagena Beach Life
Comb through our hand-picked selection of alluring Caribbean swathes with the ultimate beach bum gui…
-
Yacht and Boat Rental Made Easy
If you and your crew want to make the most of your stay in Cartagena, you need to spend at least one…
-
Cartagena’s Cultural Calendar
Cartagena is so much more than its rich colonial history and stunning Caribbean beaches. This vibran…
-
Top Tours in Cartagena
When it comes to truly authentic experiences in Cartagena it’s time to take the tour out of tourist …
-
Romance in Cartagena
You’re going to love this guide to Cartagena. Long before Cartagena became a celebrated destination …
-
The Gourmand Guide to Cartagena
Cartagena celebrates food gluttony. The last time we checked, there were just over 400 restaurants i…
-
Luxury Vacation Rentals in Cartagena
Colombia's Spanish conquerors certainly knew how to build beautiful and the 16th century colonial ar…
-
Nightlife Guide to Cartagena
If your New Year resolution was to get out more, Cartagena's booming party scene will help you clock…
-
Happy Kids Happy Holidays
Keeping the kids happy in Cartagena can be hassle-free, especially with a little help from This is C…
-
Cartagena's Hottest Hoods
This is the low-down on the neighbourhoods, or barrios to use the local expression, that make up Car…
-
The Happy Hour Guide
Cocktail hour is a happy hour anywhere in the world, but if your budget is on the backpacker side in…
-
Cartagena’s Top New Years Eve Feasts
There are some wonderful gourmet spreads being planned by the best chefs in town. Our favourite rest…
-
Cartagena's Top New Years Eve Parties
If you're looking for an incredible way to celebrate New Year in Cartagena? Follow the birds south f…
-
Private Islands in Cartagena
Originally built on a series of islands, Cartagena’s relationship with the sea stretches back almost…
