I is for… Idyllic Islands in Cartagena

Tropical paradises in Cartagena

Originally built on two 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.

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 get 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.

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 with a sophisticated, 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. Contact one of our talented team of travel advisors to do so.

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.

Coconut Island

Let the Cartagena private island goodlife 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 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.

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 Tierra Bomba has five cabañas and five guest rooms. 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.

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.

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.

Island Hopping

Getting to and from your Cartagena island retreat, requires a little 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!

All This Is Cartagena's boat and island rentals come with a bilingual concierge included in the rental to help you adjust to the hardship of island life. We wouldn't want you to suffer too much after all.