Luxury Beach Resort in Colombia: Arrive by Yacht at Sofitel Baru Calablanca

Travelers have long flocked to Cartagena, Colombia, for its art, culture, food, and history. However, until now, there hasn’t been a true luxury beach resort where you could relax on a gorgeous white-sand beach after you’ve had your fill of wandering the ancient city’s colorful streets. On Dec. 1, Sofitel Barú Calablanca Beach Resort opened its doors on the island of Barú, just a 25-minute yacht ride from Cartagena.

1. Unique Features and Environmental Commitment

Once you arrive on Barú, you’ll find a tropical island paradise. The resort occupies a mile stretch of beautiful coastline with plenty of biodiversity. It truly makes the most of its surroundings and was built to protect the local environment. Moreover, it is the only hotel on the island with LEED certification and has an on-site nursery that cultivates native plants from the region.

“We are very happy to present our project as an environmentally conscious hotel that will contribute to positioning and promoting Barú in the global segment of luxury tourism,” said David Mulin, general manager of Sofitel Barú Calablanca Beach Resort. “This tropical paradise has it all: biodiversity, natural landscapes, and most importantly, a cultural identity that makes it unique in the Caribbean.”

2. Accommodation and Dining Experiences

Sofitel Barú Calablanca Beach Resort features 187 rooms and suites, each one offering stunning views of the sparkling Caribbean Sea. Furthermore, the resort brings a touch of Sofitel’s French savoir-faire to the Caribbean through its design, attentive service, and exceptional culinary offerings. There are three restaurants and seven bars curated by French chef Patrice Guaus: Calablanca Restaurant and Bar, Humo, and Bahia, each providing unique dining experiences with farm-to-table ethics and diverse culinary influences.

3. Activities and Local Culture

The resort promotes many activities that immerse guests in the local culture and environment. For instance, you can engage in a Colombian coffee tasting, bike around the island, or enjoy water activities such as paddleboarding, kayaking, or sailing a Hobie Cat. Furthermore, nature enthusiasts will appreciate the chance to see over 170 species of birds on an eco-focused aviary tour or embark on a special excursion to experience bioluminescent plankton. Consequently, children will enjoy the resort’s Kids Club, which offers numerous activities to keep them entertained while adults unwind at the spa or participate in a yoga class.

4. Recommendations for Exploring Colombia

To truly appreciate the essence of Colombia, we recommend starting your vacation at Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Cartagena to explore the city, then moving on to Barú via yacht for relaxation on the beach.

Rooms begin at $325 per night. For more information, please visit the hotel’s website.