The Caribbean is filled with many sandy islands surrounded by clear blue water, and marked by tourists as a destination that they would love to add to their bucket lists. So with all of the islands out there to chose from, why would Isla Baru in Columbia be up for consideration? Can it compete with the other ones with great getaway experiences with a great hotel that allows you to relax at the same time? Does the fact that it is so close to the coast of the continent change the feel of it, so it no longer feels like you are on an island, but instead just an extension of Columbia itself?
Well, to start off, Isla Baru is close to the historic city of Cartegena, Columbia. From there, it is rather easy to get to. You can book a boat to take you out there in a matter of 45 minutes, or there is also a bridge from the mainland that takes a little longer but less expensive of a trip. There are people that have residents on the island, but the main focus like many Caribbean islands is tourism. There are a few hotels on the islands, but I elected to spend a few nights at the Sofitel with its own private beach, and enough amenities that I would never have to leave the grounds. The plan was to have a do nothing vacation, and this looked like the perfect place to do just that.
The place gives you everything you need for that relaxing vacation. There are three different restaurants with varying food choices, and a rooftop bar that also served limited selection of sushi. If that is not enough, during the day, there is a taco truck on the beach where you can get some food as well. They also have a good selection of drinks as well, so you never have to go far to get what you need.
Of course there is a beach to spread out on, but there are also numerous pools that you can use if you wish to avoid the sand and salt water. It is tempting to use, but the water is always a little cooler than what you would find in the Caribbean. They still have nice places to lounge out on, and you can dip into the cool water anytime you start to feel a little too hot in the sun. They also have a specific pool dedicated for adults if you do not wish to be inundated with the screams and laughter of little children. Also, no matter which pool you choose to go to, there is always a bar nearby with a server that comes around to see if they can get you something refreshing to drink.
Sofitel has also made sure that there is plenty of entertainment for you. On any given night, you can find a bonfire with traditional Columbian dancers, or a jazz band playing on the rooftop bar. They also have markets come in once in awhile to sell artwork and jewelry made from the locals. If none of this is your cup of tea, there are also many oversized and regular sized games to be found around the grounds. We sat on the patio from our room and watched many games of chess played out in front of us, but there is also checkers, Parcheesi, Battleship, and even an outdoor ping-pong table.
I know this is not the vacation where I spent my time touring old sights, going on long hikes through beautiful scenery, or experiencing the ins and outs of a new culture. Not all vacations need to be about that. Sometimes all you need is a sandy beach on a remote island where you can just unwind from your busy schedule and let the minutes tick away. Isla Baru in Columbia is exactly this place, and it was wonderful to decompress there for a couple of days.
