These Private Islands Off the Coast of Cartagena Are Practically Made for Instagram
Cartagena, “the Jewel of the Indies,” is Colombia’s most charming and popular tourist city, and it’s no surprise why. La Ciudad Vieja, or the Old City, is colored with mochila-lined street vendors and bougainvillea flowers. The fruteras wear dresses in the colors of the Colombian flag while selling tropical fruits like lulo and mango biche. Guitars of the iconic Café Havana echo salsa music into the early morning. Cartagena seduces. But that much you already know.
What many don’t know about Cartagena is that there is a Caribbean oasis located in an archipelago just 20 miles from the city. (A respite you will be inclined to take after endless nights of dancing in the Cartagena heat.) While there are a plenty of organized day trips available to the the Islas del Rosario, they’re best experienced if navigated on your own. And what better way to experience Las Islas, as the locals call them, than to rent one for yourself?
In the Islas del Rosario, you can escape to a personal tropical paradise and still have enough money to afford your flight home—although who’s going home? Whether you're craving a nap under the Caribbean sun, a dip in the translucent, aquamarine water (conveniently located in your front yard), a lunch freshly caught before your eyes, or some high-quality content to up the Instagram ante, we’ve narrowed down the three best islands to rent for a dreamy escape in Las Islas.
Isla Rosa
It’s impossible to miss Isla Rosa’s pink house against the backdrop of the turquoise water as you begin your approach to the Rosario Islands. The house comes fully staffed so that all of your needs are met upon your stay, and the simplicity of the space makes it an idyllic retreat. Each corner of this open-air pink wonderland (stamped subtly with seashells throughout) is more breathtaking than the next. The living and dining space, where you’ll spend much of your day. is furnished with tropical, ikat block-prints. The blue water that surrounds the place functions as both your sustenance and playground, as Isla Rosa’s resident chef fuses Peruvian and Caribbean flavors (while the seafood is fresh and flavorful, the arroz con coco is not to be missed). If you choose to spend the night (okay, week…), you’ll wake up to sea breeze and vast views of the sea in any of the four (pink!) bedrooms.
Isla Pelicano
Pulling up to the modern, mediterranean-inspired home built on Isla Pelicano, you might forget where you are. Minimal and elegant, it’s hard to believe this house exists on its own private island in the middle of the Caribbean. The island, with its two docks, rooftop jacuzzi, various terraces, and open kitchen is the perfect place to unwind. Three staff members are at your service daily and will encourage you to use the home’s private boat to tour the neighboring islands. If you choose to stay overnight, the home has three bedrooms to accommodate six guests and a menu exclusively designed by renowned Colombian chef, Mila Vargas.
Isla Matamba
Isla Matamba is the charming brainchild of well-known Colombian restaurateur Juan del Mar,who owns several restaurants with the same name. It’s more of an island-village, ideal for larger groups since it sleeps 16 guests in its three rustic cabanas. With a restaurant, bar, jacuzzi, mini golf course, tennis court, and various water sport activities available on site, you’ll never run out of things to do. Hungry? The island’s private staff is available to prepare you traditional Colombian dishes all day long.
