Las Islas, Barú

Where sophisticated luxury is brought alongside an environmental conscience, Las Islas is the island escape we’ve all been searching for. A speckling of untouched shores lying just off the coast of Cartagena, drop your bags as you check into one of 55 treetop suites, overwater bungalows and private island idylls. Days here will pass by in a blur of unadulterated bliss with thalassotherapy inspired treatments at the beachfront spa, refined local cuisine at the restaurants and the wonder of the Parque Nacional Natural Corales del Rosario y de San Bernardo. Dive into Las Islas and leave your troubles far behind.

Location

Perfecting that much sought-after city to the coast combination, Las Islas lies just a 45-minute speedboat ride away from Cartagena. Just like that, you’ll be dancing the salsa at Café Havana one night and dining with the sand between your toes the next.

Your Room

Whether you’re perched 12-metres above the ground in the canopy, floating above the water on a catamaran or sunning it up on a private island, Las Islas has a room for each and every one of your wildest dreams. 55 to be exact. No matter where they are located, each of the rooms blends so seamlessly with the jungle environment and the islands they are named after to give you a sense of refined luxury balanced with rustic charm. King size beds, private jacuzzis and pools and a hammock strung up on the deck give you spaces you’ll never want to leave.

Why we like it

We love dining at Las Islas for so much more than just the fact that the fish here is some of the freshest we’ve tasted. During the day, you can’t beat a lunch of swim up ceviche at Tia Coco, washed down with an ice cream from Los Mangos. Then, come evening we head straight for Las Guacas where a relaxed atmosphere and local produce prove to be irresistible ingredients to a great meal.

Sustainability

Leading the way for eco-friendly hotels, Las Islas creates positive impact both socially and environmentally. Around 80% of the staff are employed locally from Barú, the hotel doctor also assists locals who don’t have access to healthcare, and the onsite treatment plant create access to safe, clean drinking water for the community. Over 11,000 trees have been planted on the island so far through the native trees plantation program, and coral nurseries have been introduced to protect the reef. There’s even an electric speedboat.