…and that’s just what it was. Hotel Isla del Encanto is the perfect island resort getaway and just what I needed for 36 hours with the girls. That’s right, we slipped away for some beach lounging, drink sipping, nap-taking enjoyment and it was perfection.
Just one hour by boat, and you can be sitting pretty just feet from the water on a tranquil Caribbean beach.
Hotel Isla del Encanto is a charming beachfront hotel and eco-resort located on Isla de Barú, part of the Rosario Islands region just off Cartagena, Colombia. Nestled on lush tropical grounds with palm trees, mangroves, and fruit trees, it offers guests a tranquil Caribbean escape about an hour by boat or land transfer from Cartagena.
The property features private beach access, two swimming pools (including a kids’ pool), a relaxing Spa, and restaurants serving local and international cuisine, plus bars for sunset drinks. Rooms often include views of the pool, garden, or sea, and many packages come with meals included and optional activities like snorkeling or diving nearby. Its serene setting, nature-rich environment, and amenities make Isla del Encanto a popular choice for travelers seeking relaxation and a seaside getaway outside the bustle of the historic city
We were greeted on the island with fresh juice cocktails and friendly staff ready to take our luggage make our vacation an extra special experience. It didn’t take long to locate our beach side loungers and get right to the important stuff. My kindle, an ice-cold margarita and lots of chatting with the ladies in between. A few dips in the temperate water, and that’s a perfect afternoon.
The grounds were gorgeous, with so many nooks where you could find a quiet space to enjoy the view. Nothing was too far away and yet everything felt very private and secluded.
We even took a little walk around the island and met some locals. Why are Colombian dogs just the best?! After dinner, the day pass crowds left the island and we had the place to ourselves. The restaurant serves a lovely beach side dinner complete with sunset and the sounds of waves in the background. The island takes on a quiet and serene vibe into the evening, and we laughed and played games until it was time to turn in.
Waking up the island might have been better than going to sleep. The property is quiet until the boat brings new guests around 10, so you get the beach and amenities to yourself for a glorious slow morning. And because no island getaway would be complete without a stunning sunrise and sunset, here are some photos of both. I am so very grateful for these experiences and for the excitement of traveling somewhere new with good friends.
I always come home from these trips ready to plan my next adventure. Seeing a place for the first time can be kind of addicting for me, I love the adventure of destination discovery and exploring new places, it never gets old. The Rosario Islands are plentiful and you can have many different types of experiences on the islands, form the party scene to a romantic getaways to wellness retreats, there really is something for anyone.
While this was a girls getaway, it could easily be an enjoyable experience for families as well. The pools and calm seas and attentive staff make for an enjoyable experience for all ages. As for Isla del Encanto, I will be back for sure.
If you liked reading about the tropical trip from Cartagena, I have written about our family trips to other parts of the Rosario Islands, you can read about it here:
exploring:
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