Expert: Juan Carlos Valencia - 8/29/2009

Question
Hi Juan
I am Swiss and plan to stay for 5 to 10 days on the Caribbean coast of Colombia. I want to stay 2 to 3 nights in Cartagena to do sightseeing of the town and then I plan to stay at a nice vacation resort on the shore of the Carribean sea - and this is what my question is about: do you know a fine resort, which offers private cabins/houses or the like as part of a hotel complex. It should be a first class place but not truly luxury (as far as prices is concerned) - I think of not more than 200 USD per night for a couple. Most important aspect is privacy (protection from view of other hotel guests), beautiful natural environment and access to a un-crowded beach. It may be pretty far off the beaten track, but should be a safe place. - Sorry, this might be a bit a lot of requirements, but maybe you know of such a place???
Best regards and thanks
James

Answer
Hey James,

you're choosing a great place for your vacation. Cartagena has a lot to offer, although it has become more and more expensive in recent years.

I dont like to recommend specific businesses but as your question requires precisely that, I will suggest you 2 places where I have been myself, that may fit your conditions:

1-Hotel Isla del Pirata (Rosario Islands)

http://www.hotelislapirata.com/

A short distance from Cartagena, an island resort with different bungalows, very good rooms, small but beautiful beach...I was there some years ago so I'm not sure if it's still O.K or not. But it was such a relaxing, quiet place.

2-Irotama Resort (Santa Marta)

http://www.hotelislapirata.com/

This is a big resort with different types of accommodation, from a hotel tower to small cabins and houses. It has different restaurants and bars. Depending on the season, it can be very quiet and service used to be very good. It's not in Cartagena, but in Santa Marta, about 3 hours away by car. The Santa Marta area is very nice, more tropical and full of vegetation than Cartagena. I heard that the resort was going through some renovations, so make sure that you ask if the works are finished or not.

I've heard good comments (but have not been there myself) about the Agua Resort in Baru Island, just in front of Cartagena:

http://www.hotelagua.com.co/english/html_english/baru_english_alojamiento.htm

I hope that this helps !

JC