Sofitel Baru - Cartagena

Located in a small island (peninsula), there are a few options to get there:

High-speed boat - Leaves from the Cartagena city are and is offered through the hotel at an extra cost Friday through Sunday. This is most definitely the recommended way to get there. It's a relaxing, beautiful 30- to 40-minute ride. 

Catamaran - Leaves from the Cartagena city are and is offered through the hotel at an extra cost Monday through Thursday. The catamaran makes for a longer ride (60 minutes), but it's a pleasant and scenic ride. 

Ground transportation - Could also be arranged through the hotel at an additional cost. The property is remote, so regular taxi/Ubers do not make it there. It's about an hour-and-a-half ride, with some bumpy local roads. Totally doable but something to set expectations around. 

The Hotel

Elegant, simple and understated. Upscale but relaxed beach vibe. The property is only about two years old and is in beautiful condition from the amenities to the grounds. 

Food: Terrific! We had lunch at the beach shack and dinner at Humo. Both meals were terrific and the service was excellent. The hotel has two other upscale restaurants open for lunch and dinner, plus a jaw-dropping rooftop bar with snacks. Breakfast was a full hot/cold buffet with a complete selection of items both local (arepas de huevo, arepas de queso, caldo de rez) and international (breakfast pastries, omelette bar, waffles). Overall, we were super impressed with the quality and level of the food. 

Drinks: Another beautiful part of our experience. From the welcome drink offered at check-in to the beach-side bar service, everything was terrific. La Pergola (rooftop bar) is a must for an epic sunset with great drinks and snacks. The lobby bar also offers a beautiful option for an afternoon cocktail or a night cap. 

Rooms: We stayed in a standard king room. It was beautiful and super comfortable. All rooms have a terrace or balcony. There was also a rain shower, L'Occitane products, a robe and slippers.

Pools: Five pools in total, some family and some adult only. Most overlook the beach, as the hotel sits cliffside. 

Beach: White sand and no sargazo. There were a few sea-weed patches and light waves, but overall it was super idyllic and enjoyable.   

Service: Absolutely excellent, from booking to check out. The Concierge was very responsive around booking arrival transportation and the front desk was very responsive. Our room was ready for an early check-in, and they also provided a late check-out. The staff on the ground were also outstanding at every moment. 

Spa/gym: The gym was fully equipped and had a beautiful view. We did not check out the spa services, but I do not doubt they are excellent. 

Recommend for...

Almost anyone visiting the Cartagena area looking for a relaxing beach/pool escape.  

Couples: It's a romantic place for couples looking to relax, bum around the beach/pool and enjoy some great food and drinks. 

Families: They offer a kids club, family suites and some family-friendly pools. While it's not necessarily a property geared toward families, it definitely welcomes and accommodates them.   

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to Cartagena. In need of further inspiration? Check out Diana Morales’s guide OR trip report, Three Days to Discover Cartagena.