Dear reader,
I would also like to recommend our Colombia travel guide, which provides a perfect overview of the tourist attractions in Colombia. Enjoy reading it!
Content
ToggleThe Best Beach Hotels in Colombia
With its two coasts, Colombia has a huge area for beach hotels. However, the Pacific coast is hardly populated and most of the area is pure wilderness.
Nevertheless, there are certain places in the Pacific where tourism is now possible and luckily there are some nice beach hotels.
The Atlantic coast is also incredibly long and extends from Panama to Venezuela. There are areas known to tourists, which are better developed and regions that are still very small on the map.
Only hotels that have a sandy beach directly in front of the hotel or within the hotel are listed below. The hotels must have a certain quality and an experience factor.
Beach Hotels on the Pacific
The Colombian Pacific is wild and there are few locations for tourism. However, these are the most spectacular.
El Cantil Ecolodge, Nuqui
CLICK HERE TO GET THE BEST RATES FOR HOTEL EL CANTIL ECOLODGE
Capacity: 7 rooms
Room types: Bungalows
Highlights: Rooms with sea views / Beach / Rainforest / Sport and ecotourism activities
Services: Restaurant / Complimentary breakfast / Airport transfer
There are currently no scheduled flights to Nuqui, only charter flights. You can take one from Medellin. It is also possible to sail up the coast from Buenaventura.
The El Cantil Ecolodge is about an hour outside of Nuqui on Guachalito Beach. You have to take a boat to get there. The 7 bungalows are not luxurious in terms of comfort but still are sufficient. The bungalows are built up hills. The restaurant is located at the highest point of the hotel and offers a great view.
El Cantil is also known for its excellent food and as far as I know, no guest has complained about it. When staying at the Hotel El Cantil you are really in nature and you will certainly not find any crowds. You will not get bored in this hotel, you are in the best environment for real deep relaxation.
You can either swim in the sea, surf, kayak, or opt for a round of stand-up paddling. Of course, you can also go out to sea and watch whales or snorkel during the whale-watching season.
There are also various hikes in the area. You can explore the jungle with a local guide and get to know the local treasures of nature. There are different hikes with different hiking times and levels of difficulty.
Electricity is only available in the evening and there is no internet connection. If necessary, you can ask for a hotspot in the kitchen, but the connection will be very slow.
There are also no towns or shops near the hotel. However, the beach is very long and there are various hotels along the coast, but all are built slightly back from the beach.
I visited El Cantil in 2018 and was not only impressed by the hotel but by the whole experience. If you are a nature lover and would like to completely relax for a few days, I strongly recommend a stay there.
El Almejal, Bahia Solano
CLICK HERE TO GET THE BEST RATES FOR HOTEL EL ALMEJAL
Capacity: 10 bungalows
Room types: Superior room with 2 bedrooms and deck
Highlights: Pool / Beach / Pet-friendly / Rooms with sea view / Clean energy / Vegetable garden
Services: Concierge / Airport transfer / Complimentary breakfast / Hiking / Ecotourism activities
Prizes: TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice 2020 / Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism – Sustainable Tourism Awards Winner 2014
El Almejal Lodge is located in Bahia Solano on the Pacific coast of Colombia. You can either arrive by plane from Medellin or Quibdo. You can also take a boat from Nuqui, but it only runs once a week.
Once at the airport, tuk-tuk taxis are waiting. However, there are also a handful of SUVs in the village that can be organized.
The hotel is not exactly in Bahia Solano, but in the opposite direction, in El Valle village. At the end of the beach is the hotel with 10 bungalows. The facility is beautifully designed and offers a lot of nature and wood. There is also a natural pool and waterfall.
You can also climb the hill from where there is a viewpoint. In any case, you should have non-slip shoes, perhaps even soccer shoes.
The sea on the beach in front is sometimes wild, but the water is perfect for swimming.
The hotel has the advantage of having a lot of privacy on the beach and in the hotel, but there is a small town nearby.
There are enough activities here. You can either go whale watching, and there is a young team of multilingual biologists in Bahia Solano who, in addition to active research, also organize excellent tours.
You can also go on tours, visit other beaches, watch birds, do yoga, canoe or search for sea turtles.
I visited the hotel in 2018 and can definitely recommend it. There is a lot to do in the area around Bahia Solano and there are few tourists. If you are looking for an authentic experience on the Pacific coast of Colombia and would like to drink a glass of wine in the evening, this is the perfect place.
Beach Hotels in the Caribbean
The Colombian Caribbean offers a lot in terms of tourism. However, there are still few offers for the absolute luxury kick. Anyway, this will surely develop in the next few years.
Hotel Las Islas, Barú
CLICK HERE TO GET THE BEST RATES FOR HOTEL LAS ISLAS
Capacity: Over 50 bungalows
Room types: Sea level bungalows (70-80 sq m – 753-861 sq ft) / Treetop bungalows (70-80 sq m – 753-861 sq ft)
Highlights: Private pools / Private beach / Private island / Restaurants & Bar / Spa / Fitness room / Solarium
Services: Concierge / Room service / Wi-Fi / Complimentary breakfast/ Bikes / Leisure Activities and guided tours / ATM / Business center
Prizes: World Luxury Hotel Awards – Luxury Eco-Green Hotel 2019 / World Travel Awards – South America’s Leading Green Hotel 2019 / TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice 2020 / Condé Nast Johansens Awards – Best for Sustainability 2020 / Traveller Made – 2nd Grand Hotel Champion 2021
The Hotel Las Islas in Baru is probably the most luxurious and expensive beach hotel in Colombia at the moment. It is located around 45 minutes outside of Cartagena on the Barú Peninsula. You can get there either by boat or by car. There is also a helipad.
The hotel offers over 50 bungalows, which are perfectly integrated into nature. There are sea-level bungalows and treetop bungalows. Various accommodations also have their own pool and you can enjoy a direct view of the sea.
There are several restaurants on the property, with breakfast served on a platform on the water. You can also swim at breakfast time.
There are 2 bicycles for each accommodation, but changing gears does not always work. However, one is sufficient. There is also a golf cart driver service.
In addition to the spa, fitness room, library, private beach with loungers, and restaurants, there is a floating island with chilled drinks at your disposal. Las Islas even offers a private island and a sailing house! The island is 5 minutes from the hotel by boat with a capacity of accommodating 14 people and holding events for up to 200 guests. The sailing house features 2 bedrooms, a living area, a kitchenette, and a deck with a pool.
Leisure activities are also provided. You can do various types of water sports, visit the Rosario Islands, admire various birds in the nearby aviary or swim in bioluminescent plankton in the evening.
I visited the hotel in 2019 and it is suitable not only for couples in love, but also for families. If you have enough money, I can recommend a stay.
Playa Scondida, Baru
CLICK HERE TO GET THE BEST RATES FOR HOTEL PLAYA SCONDIDA
Capacity: 4 rooms
Room types: Bungalows
Highlights: Restaurant / Massages / Private deck with loungers
Services: Free transfer to the beach / Plans & activities
45 minutes by boat from Cartagena is Playa Scondida Hotel, in Cholon Bay, in Baru. As part of Islas del Rosario National Natural Park, this place is surrounded by a striking mangrove ecosystem with crystal-clear waters.
You can get there either by land or by water. The first step is arriving in Cartagena, from there you can take a private car (2 hours) or a boat (45 minutes) towards Baru. The hotel will help you organize the transport.
The facilities are designed to blend in with the environment so that guests can have an experience with nature and a truly resting stay. From the tropical touch of the décor to the local Caribbean cuisine served, the hotel conveys the local culture in the best way while maintaining sustainable practices. Treating rainwater and optimizing natural lighting and ventilation are some examples.
At Playa Scondida, there are only four rooms. Actually, in the two bungalows available, each floor is a spacious and illuminated room with different setups according to the guest’s wishes. For example, you could demand the rooms don’t have doors or windows, have garden or sea views. With antiallergic cotton linens, organic amenities, and ecological cleaning products, you for sure will experience the best comfort.
Guests can enjoy group plans such as cooking under the stars with a personal chef, practicing yoga on the beach paired with a guided diet, snorkeling, and receiving relaxing massages. Playa Scondida is also ideal for honeymoon trips.
Isla del Encanto, Baru
CLICK HERE TO GET THE BEST RATES FOR HOTEL ISLA DEL ENCANTO
Room types: Standard (20 sq m – 215 sq ft) / Bungalow (31-40 sq m – 333-430 sq ft) / Junior Suite (40 sq m – 430 sq ft) / Master Suite (41 sq m – 441 sq ft)
Highlights: Private beach / Spa / Restaurant / Bar / Pool
Services: Free transport to the hotel / Buffet breakfast / Hiking / Snorkeling / Tours
Prizes: TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence 2019
Arrival at the Isla del Encanto Hotel is either by land or sea, with exclusive departure from the dock in Cartagena. The hotel offers free transport service for guests’ comfort.
Whether it is for a day tour or a stay, Isla del Encanto is a fantastic hotel in the Baru peninsula in Cartagena. With the Caribbean Sea as the main character, the facility boasts a charming rustic style that blends with the lush vegetation.
The different kinds of rooms offer a repairing rest thanks to the comfortable double beds, air conditioning, and balconies with unique pool or sea views. Besides, the rooms can accommodate up to 5 people. The wooden – and sometimes stone- walls and ceilings definitely stand out among other lodgings.
The restaurant serves buffet and a-la-carte Caribbean dishes and the bar offers a variety of cocktails and drinks. Taking fruit or cocoa therapy in the spa is a great idea. Also, there are 300 meters of beach that are preferred for holding weddings and other events.
Enjoy additional activities such as hiking trips, tours to the mangroves, the oceanarium, or the national aviary. And what a better place to practice scuba diving or snorkeling than the Corales del Rosario natural park?
Groups and families will enjoy staying at Isla del Encanto hotel for all it has to offer. For couples in love retreating in the Caribbean, the master suite is recommended.
Hostal Isla Luna, Baru
CLICK HERE TO GET THE BEST RATES FOR HOSTEL ISLA LUNA
Capacity: 10 rooms
Room types: Double room (15 sq m – 161 sq ft) / Family bungalow (15 sq m – 161 sq ft)
Highlights: Private beach / Restaurant & Bar / Leisure areas / Pet friendly
Services: WiFi / Closed-circuit TV / Breakfast / Plans & activities
Media Luna Hostel is a company with 3 unique hostels in the Caribbean region of Colombia. Isla Luna is the hostel found in Corales del Rosario NNP, in Baru.
You only can get there by boat, either taking it in Cartagena (50 minutes) or in Baru – where you get by land from Cartagena in about 1 hour, in which case the boat trip takes around 8 minutes to the hostel. There is a private boat transfer with a minimum occupancy, or else a private taxi will be coordinated.
Isla Luna boasts a private beach zone in Playa Bobo, a coral reef beach that requires visitors to use sea shoes. Besides its warm waters, there are mangroves, water mirrors, and submarine gardens nearby.
Groups or couples stay in comfortable cabins with conditioned rooms that include fans, mosquito nets, and balconies with spectacular views. In the restaurant, vegetarians will enjoy delicious dishes with no issue, but meat, fish and seafood are also served.
Guests will not get bored because of all the activities offered there. Snorkeling, kayaking, paddle boarding, and swimming with bioluminescent plankton are just a few. There is also a game room, ping pong table, micro football and beach volleyball fields, music and karaoke.
Adventurous groups, couples, and solo travelers will have the best experience at this hostel.
Baru Playa Eco Beach Resort, Baru
CLICK HERE TO GET THE BEST RATES FOR HOTEL BARU PLAYA
Capacity: 9 rooms
Room types: Superior Room (20 sq m – 215 sq ft) / King Suites (55 sq m – 592 sq ft)
Highlights: Private beach / Restaurant & Bar
Services: Transport (van and speedboat) / Day tour / Massages / Leisure activities / Tours
Prizes: TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice 2020
This hotel is nestled in the National Park Corales del Rosario in Baru. As you may have learned by now, you can get to Baru by boat or by car. It takes about 75 minutes to arrive by car from Cartagena’s old town.
Barú Playa Eco Beach Resort is one of the beach hotels that have jumped on the green lodging bandwagon. With only 9 rooms and 200 meters of white-sanded beach free of crowds and sellers, guests will definitely enjoy an exclusive vacation. Plus, the beachfront features loungers, hammocks, and a swing!
The rooms are distributed in two hut-styled houses only 20 steps away from the beach. Of course, all rooms feature a private bathroom and are conditioned with A/C and fan, Wi-Fi, DirecTV, closet, among other amenities. You will see how the light palette of the superior rooms contrasts with the ethnic details of pillows and other accessories. Meanwhile, the king suites are ideal for families of up to 4 members and boast balconies.
You can enjoy the Caribbean-Peruvian fusion cuisine of the restaurant on-site, in the mangrove zone, or at your room terrace. Go fishing like locals, practice kayaking, snorkeling or diving, and visit the best-known tourist attractions nearby. It is also possible to visit the hotel for a day with included transportation, lunch, and activities.
We recommend this hotel for couples, groups, or families looking for a private retreat in this exclusive Caribbean sector.
Aura Hotel, Baru
CLICK HERE TO GET THE BEST RATES FOR HOTEL AURA
Capacity: 16 rooms
Room types: Standard Double (13 sq m – 140 sq ft) / Superior Double (24 sq m – 258 sq ft) / Bungalow Superior (28 sq m – 301 sq ft) / Junior Suite
Highlights: Beach zone /Restaurant / Bar / Spa
Services: Transfer to the beach / Transportation / Day tour / Water sports and games
Prizes: TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice 2018
Aura Hotel is in Baru, boarding the Ciénaga de Cholón. The most efficient way to get there is by sea and the hotel offers a private boat for transfers at an additional cost. It is 45 minutes away from Cartagena and 20 minutes from the Rosario islands.
Two sea access and beach zones fitted with loungers and beds are at guests’ disposal. The landscape is unbelievable, and the charm of the hotel was achieved by an Italian immigrant who found the place 30 years ago and left the business to the next family generation.
For free, guests can use the beach volleyball court and the ping pong table, and practice exciting sports such as paddle boarding and kayaking. The rooms boast modern décor and can accommodate from 1 to 5 people -in the bungalows. They feature air conditioning, minibar, and other amenities, and the bungalows offer a terrace, while the junior suite a balcony with a hammock.
The hotel has a spa where you can order a massage or a complete relaxation ritual. In the restaurant, Caribbean and Mediterranean food is served with a wine menu, and the front beach bar has a variety of cocktails to start the fun at sunset.
Aura Hotel is preferred by travelers interested in privacy and tranquility in a customized ambiance. Many couples decide to have their wedding or honeymoon there.
Gente de Mar Resort, Rosario Islands
CLICK HERE TO GET THE BEST RATES FOR HOTEL GENTE DE MAR
Room types: Double (25 sq m – 269 sq ft) / Suite with sea views (32 sq m – 344 sq ft) / Family room (32 sq m – 344 sq ft) / Bungalow (50 sq m – 538 sq ft)
Highlights: Beach access / Hammock zone / Restaurant & Bar / Garden / Terrace
Services: Wi-Fi / Tour desk with bilingual guides / Massages / Water sports / Day trips
Prizes: Go Hotels – Outstanding Service Award 2017
We move on to the Rosario Islands, an archipelago and national park made up of 27 islands located 45 minutes by speedboat from Cartagena. It has the most important coral reef in the country. This hotel is on Isla Grande, in the southeastern extreme of the park Corales del Rosario.
The way to arrive is a boat that departs every morning from the Cartagena dock at an additional cost. You have to pay a tax at the dock to set sail, money which is used for the preservation of the national park.
Gente de Mar is a quality resort surrounded by a crystalline sea, white sand beaches and beautiful coral reefs. It welcomes tourists and locals for a day of relaxation and fun at the beaches. The package includes roundtrip transportation, a welcome cocktail, lunch, and access to the resort facilities.
There, it is possible to do snorkeling and diving or go visit the oceanarium. The outdoor spa offers massage services and the restaurant an a-la-carte menu. All rooms have air conditioning and a private bathroom, some have satellite TV.
Also, the hotel can hold events for up to 200 people, whether they are social celebrations or business or academic meetings.
Families and couples will enjoy best what Gente de Mar Resort offers.
Isla del Pirata, Rosario Islands
Capacity: 12 rooms
Room types: Suites / Bungalows
Highlights: Private beach / Restaurant / Garden / Game room / Spa
Services: 24h front desk / Wi-Fi / Transport / Water activities
Hotel Isla del Pirata is nestled on the island of the same name, 18.6 miles (30 km) from Cartagena by boat. The landscape of the park Corales del Rosario is perfect for enjoying calm holidays surrounded by tropical settings.
Just a few steps from the hotel, you can find bathing areas in the sea, a dock, and a garden with hammocks. The on-site restaurant serves authentic seafood and has direct access to the beach at various points. And the bar is open to enjoy some drinks.
The suites and bungalows boast traditional thatched ceilings and are equipped with fans, a closet, and a private bathroom with a shower. Some feature sea views and the suite has an exclusive terrace.
Among the activities that can be enjoyed at Isla del Pirata are water sports such as snorkeling and diving. And if you wish, you can take the boat that sails to Cartagena each morning to tour the walled city and be back by the afternoon. Visiting nearby islands is also possible.
This is considered a romantic beach hotel, so couples should bear in mind Isla del Pirata when traveling to Cartagena.
Isla del Sol, Rosario Islands
CLICK HERE TO GET THE BEST RATES FOR HOTEL ISLA DEL SOL
Capacity: 9 rooms
Room types: Standard Bungalow (20 sq m – 215 sq ft) / Classic Bungalow / Deluxe Bungalow (48 sq m – 516 sq ft)
Highlights: Private beach / Pool / Restaurant / Spa / Water activities / Hiking / Tours
Services: Wi-Fi / Transport / Day trips / Events
Hotel Isla del Sol is on Isla Grande, part of the Rosario Islands archipelago. It is exclusively managed by a local travel agency and offers accommodation, events, and day trips. It is located 55 minutes from Cartagena by speedboat, transport which you can take in La Bodeguita dock.
There is a private beach with turquoise waters and nice social areas distributed throughout the facilities. With only 9 bungalow-style rooms, quality service is guaranteed. There are three types of rooms that vary in capacity (3 to 5 guests) but all feature air conditioning, Wi-Fi, satellite TV, and balconies with a hammock.
During the day, you can scuba dive, snorkel, go hiking and tour around the mangroves or visit the nearby aquarium. Relaxing massages are also offered. Pick among the 30 dishes of Caribbean cuisine available at the restaurant.
If you are in Cartagena and want to enjoy Isla del Sol facilities, there are packages including transport, a bilingual guide, a welcome fruit plate, access to the facilities, and a typical lunch.
Because of the rooms’ capacities, this hotel is recommended for families and friend groups looking for an island adventure.
Isla Lizamar, Rosario Islands
Room types: Cabins
Highlights: Pools / Waterslide / Hammock shack / Playground / Game room
Services: Free breakfast / Restaurant & Bar / Transport
The Hotel Isla Lizamar is located on the island of the same name, part of Isla Grande. It is about 50 minutes from Cartagena and accessible by boat.
The hotel offers a quaint ambiance, with colorful, tropical décor. It offers various social areas for rest and fun such as two outdoor pools – one for children with a waterfall, loungers, a hammock area, a playground, a playroom, and a direct slide to the sea.
The rooms have air conditioning, a private bathroom, cable TV, and basic hotel amenities.
In the restaurant, visitors have a buffet lunch with typical coastal food. There are optional activities including snorkeling, a visit to the oceanarium, and a panoramic tour of Corales del Rosario National Park – 27 islands, with a local guide.
The standard rate includes breakfast, but you can add services such as a bilingual guide, speedboat transport, a tour around the islands, Baru or Cholon beach, and a-la-carte food.
Isla Lizamar is a more standard-quality accommodation with options for a fun trip to Isla del Rosario. So, families with kids on a short budget especially will be satisfied with the service.
Eco Hotel Islabela, Rosario Islands
CLICK HERE TO GET THE BEST RATES FOR HOTEL ISLABELA
Capacity: 4 cabins
Room types: Double (28 sq m – 301 sq ft) / Triple (38 sq m – 409 sq ft) / Glamping (16 sq m – 172 sq ft)
Highlights: Private beach/ Restaurant / Bar / Terrace
Services: Transport / Complimentary breakfast / Day trip / Water sports / Tours & activities
Islabela is another hotel on the Rosario Islands, meaning the only way to arrive is by boat. Fortunately, the hotel offers a speedboat exclusively for clients that departs at 8 am from the #1 gate of La Bodeguita dock in Cartagena.
In this spot on the island, the environment is fresher and calmer, with white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters. Interestingly, this eco-hotel is a project that arose thanks to an alliance between the local community and the private sector. Its philosophy is about providing guests comfort and privacy while preserving nature and positively impacting the community.
There are 4 cabins let’s say “in the woods” that allow sea views, three with double accommodation and one with triple accommodation. Equipped with a private bathroom, shower, fan and closet, these rooms are powered 24 hours a day with solar energy.
There is a restaurant that serves Caribbean food – a bit pricey- and offers a liquor menu. Guests can enjoy paddleboard and pay for other activities such as snorkel, kayaking, a visit to the oceanarium, swimming with plankton, and so on. The beachfront has comfortable loungers and the architecture is glamorously rustic.
Islabela Hotel is perfect for solo travelers, couples, or friends with a medium budget expecting quality service and a private stay.
San Pedro de Majagua, Rosario Islands
CLICK HERE TO GET THE BEST RATES FOR HOTEL SAN PEDRO DE MAJAGUA
Capacity: 17 rooms
Room types: Superior (31 sq m – 333 sq ft) / Junior Suite (37 sq m – 398 sq ft) / Suite (47 sq m – 506 sq ft)
Highlights: Private beach / Restaurant & bar / PADI diving center / Spa
Services: Transport / Day trips / Water sports / Tours & ecotourism activities / Boat-yacht rental
Prizes: TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice 2020
On the northeastern side of Isla Grande lies this hotel that was French painter Pierre Daguet’s home studio around 1955. The facility was restored and now maintains the ‘tropical and comfortable’ concept, being respectful with the environment.
You can take a shared boat offered by the hotel at Muelle La Bodeguita at 8:30 every day. The trip takes about 1 hour. Also, you could rent a private boat or yacht.
What sets San Pedro de Majagua apart from other lodgings in Rosario Islands is that it has a PADI diving center so that you can take a full or a mini-course and have an amazing submarine experience. There are other activities such as snorkeling, kayaks, hikes, canoe tours in the mangroves, and visits to nearby attractions.
The rooms are like stone cabins with thatched roofs and wood details, air-conditioned, and offer basic amenities. Hot water is available. The junior suites feature a porch with a seating area, hammock included, as well as the suites, which can accommodate up to 4 guests.
Corporate incentive trips are well received here, the hotel can host up to 300 people a day and provides team-building activities. There is also a meeting room for 50 people used for any kind of event. So, San Pedro de Majagua is suitable for business groups and families, but also couples.
EcoHabs Tayrona, Tayrona Park
CLICK HERE TO GET THE BEST RATES FOR HOTEL ECOHABS TAYRONA
Capacity: 14 ecohabs
Room types: Two-story bungalows
Highlights: Spa / Restaurant / Jacuzzi
Services: Wi-Fi / Souvenir store
The Ecohabs are located within the Tayrona Park near Santa Marta. The Tayrona National Park is probably the most important and touristic park in Colombia. The hotel can be easily reached by car, around an hour’s drive from Santa Marta.
The EcoHabs are probably the most luxurious accommodations in Tayrona Park. The 14 bungalows all offer a wonderful view, are well equipped, and have two floors. There is also a spa and jacuzzi.
There are various tours within the park, either with or without a guide. You can also visit different beaches, but be careful because some beaches have dangerous currents.
In this way, I would like to remind interested travelers that the EcoHabs are in absolute nature. Accordingly, there are insects and animals. So don’t be surprised if you see a snake or if you are stung by a mosquito.
Casa Tayrona Los Naranjos
CLICK HERE TO GET THE BEST RATES FOR HOTEL CASA TAYRONA
Capacity: 7 rooms
Room types: Double / Triple
Highlights: Sea views / Pool with loungers / Terrace
Services: Complimentary breakfast / Guided tours / Wi-Fi / Transport
The Hotel Casa Tayrona Los Naranjos is located just outside the Tayrona National Park and is easy to reach in less than an hour from Santa Marta. The boutique hotel is right on the beach and also offers a pool with great views.
There is also an estuary right next to the hotel. The hotel is not isolated, but there are various other hotels in the neighborhood. However, there is no feeling that there are many tourists.
The house combines modern architecture with traditional décor, has three common areas – a dining and living area, an outdoor pool with loungers and hammocks, and a furnished covered terrace.
Enterprising travelers can also take tours of the Tayrona National Park from the hotel or drive to the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta.
Taken from: https://www.casatayronalosnaranjos.com/en/
Aite Eco Resort Hotel, Palomino
CLICK HERE TO GET THE BEST RATES FOR HOTEL AITE ECO RESORT
Capacity: 6 rooms – 11 cabins
Room types: Garden view rooms (25 sq m – sq ft) / Sea view rooms (25 sq m – sq ft) / Standard cabins (35 sq m – sq ft) / Beach cabins / Superior cabins (45 sq m – sq ft) / Deluxe cabins (50 sq m – sq ft)
Highlights: Private beach /Pool / Restaurant / Birdwatching / Sports / Forest conservation
Services: Ecotourism / Tourist guides / Events
Prizes: World Luxury Hotel Awards Winner 2015 / TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice 2019 / Travel & Hospitality Award Winner – Beach front hotel of the year 2019
The Aite Eco Hotel is a beach hotel between Santa Marta and Palomino. It is probably the best hotel around Palomino and has good facilities. The area of the hotel is very spacious and in the middle of the beach palms.
There are 17 rooms and bungalows as well as a central swimming pool. Some have a terrace with a seating table and a hammock, and hot water is available thanks to solar energy. If you are thinking of having a romantic couple trip, the deluxe cabins are the ideal choice.
You can do birdwatching on the property, a chance to see several beautiful and exotic birds. Sports lovers can play football, volleyball, kayaking, or hike through different trails. The hotel connects you with local tour guides. Social events can be held here too.
The beach is good, but the sea around Palomino is not ideal for a beach holiday. The waves are sometimes strong and strong currents can occur.
Since Aite is committed to sustainable practices, travelers with environmental and socio-cultural consciousness will have a pleasant and adventurous but peaceful stay.
Taken from: https://aite.com.co/en/
Rancheria Utta, Cabo de La Vela
CLICK HERE TO GET THE BEST RATES FOR HOTEL RANCHERIA UTTA
Capacity: 11 cabins (44 people) / 7 enramadas with hammocks (40 people)
Room types: Private cabins / Hammocks / Chinchorros
Highlights: 100% indigenous owned / Private beach / Restaurant
Services: Packages / Meeting room for cultural events / Craft store / Airport shuttle
Rancheria Utta is located in Cabo de la Vela, in the La Guajira desert. The hotel offers bungalows made from local materials, with a private bathroom and fan. The rooms are spacious and of course, you can also get a hammock on the small balcony. The latter accommodation provides lockers and shared bathrooms.
In Cabo de La Vela, actually, all accommodations have beach access, as the village is a small fishing village with a street. Rancheria Utta is located just outside and is probably the best place to stay, although one cannot speak of luxury.
There is electricity at least all day and the fridge in the kitchen runs all day. In the restaurant, you get to taste typical dishes and the meeting room in a traditional cabin holds from Wayuu forum cinema to reading clubs and conferences.
The destination is still known among backpackers, but if you don’t need a boutique hotel feather bed and want to see an incredible landscape, you should consider this destination.
Cabo de la Vela is also an excellent kitesurf destination.
Taken from: http://rancheriautta.com
Sirius Hotel & Dive Center, Providencia Islands
Room types: Double (25 sq m – 269 sq ft) / Double economy (9 sq m – 96 sq ft) / Triple (25 sq m – 269 sq ft) / Quadruple (50 sq m – 538 sq ft)
Highlights: Diving school / Kitchen / Terrace / Pet friendly
Services: Wi-Fi / Parking / Massages / Car rental
Providencia is the absolute dream island in the Caribbean. Although the Hotel Sirius has an urgent need for investment, it is listed here. The best hotel on the island, the Deep Blue, unfortunately has no beach.
As already explained, the Hotel Sirius does not shine with luxurious rooms or an incredible design. However, there is a diving school on the premises and is located right next to the south-west beach. This is probably the most beautiful beach on the island, a perfect dream.
Therefore, you can go out of the hotel and plunge directly into the shallow, crystal-clear water and take a swim before breakfast. And if this isn’t enough spectacle for you, you should order the fish platter on the beach for lunch.
Travelers looking for a superb diving experience in Providencia – above luxury accommodation, should consider Hotel Sirius.
Taken from: https://hotelycentrodebuceosirius.com-hotel.com
Why are some places missing from the list?
Cartagena
The beaches directly in Cartagena unfortunately do not offer a nice experience for discerning travelers. The only beach in town that would barely meet this standard would be La Boquilla. However, dozens of hotels are lined up there and therefore do not provide a special experience.
Islas Rosarios & Baru
Of course, I don’t know all of the hotels personally, but I have visited some in the region and I always speak to travelers to hear their experiences. There are generally a few good hotels with good concepts and beautiful beaches, but apparently, there are always quality problems. This is in connection with food, electricity, or cleanliness. So only one hotel found my way onto my list.
Santa Marta
In Santa Marta, there are many hotels on the beach in Rodadero up to the airport. Firstly, most hotels are geared towards the masses, and the beach is not clean and is also partly flooded with masses of cheap tourism.
San Andres
The island lies in the middle of the Caribbean and would actually be a dream destination, but is now an ecological disaster. Not only was the local culture lost, but mass tourism also was and is still destroying natural beauty more and more.
More Accommodations in Colombia
Do you want to get to know more accommodations in Colombia? We make recommendations in all of our travel guides or read the following blogs!