Escape to Paradise: Your Own Private Island Oasis in Cartagena!
Escape to Paradise: Your Own Private Island Oasis in Cartagena!
Escape to Paradise: Cartagena's Island Oasis - Is it REALLY Paradise? (Spoiler Alert: Maybe!)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because I just escaped (yes, escaped, like a prisoner of…city life?) to Escape to Paradise: Your Own Private Island Oasis in Cartagena. And let me tell you, this ain't your grandma's all-inclusive, folks. This is… well, this is an adventure.
Let's be real, "private island" sets a high bar. And look, it almost clears it. The marketing folks aren't lying: it's damn beautiful. Think turquoise water lapping gently, palm trees whispering secrets, and the sun… well, the sun is just a glorious, merciless overlord of good times.
First Impressions & Accessibility: The Good, The Okay, and the… Well, Consider This Your Warning
Getting there? That's the first hurdle. The hotel does offer airport transfer, which is a lifesaver – especially because, let’s face it, navigating Colombian traffic after a red-eye is a special kind of torture. They also have taxi service, but I'd stick with their pre-arranged option. Car park [free of charge] and car park [on-site] are listed. Now, for the very important Accessibility piece. They do list Facilities for disabled guests, and an elevator, which is a good start. But the detailed specifics? Hard to say without actually being in a wheelchair there. I’d recommend calling ahead and getting brutally honest feedback.
Now, for the fun stuff, the things-I-actually-experienced:
Sinking into Bliss: Relaxation & Wellness – My Personal Paradise… Mostly.
Alright, so I'm a spa person. I'm serious. This is where my soul gets to recharge. And Escape to Paradise has a lot to offer, but its implementation is… well, let's just say it leans slightly more "rustic chic" than "luxury spa experience."
- Spa/sauna: They have a Sauna, Steamroom, and a proper Spa. And let me tell you, after the flight and the travel, I went straight there. My God, the Steamroom! The air thick with eucalyptus, the sweet smell of…well, probably not sterilizing equipment, but the ambiance was excellent nevertheless.
- Massage: This is where it gets interesting. My massage was… memorable. Let's just say the masseuse (I am not going to comment on her name) was a legend in her own mind. The massage itself was pretty good, but she was also… chatty. Very chatty. I learned about her entire family history, her opinions on Colombian politics, and the best places to buy empanadas in Cartagena. It was an experience. In the end, it was actually fantastic. It's those little imperfections that make the place so wonderfully unique.
- Swimming Pool & Pool with View: Yep. Gorgeous. Infintiy pool to boot. And… the bar is just right there. Do I need to say more? The Poolside bar is basically my second home.
- Fitness Center: They have one! (I didn't go. I was too busy… relaxing.)
- Body Scrub, Body Wrap: Tempting, but I passed this time. Next time.
- Foot bath: Oh, YES. This I did have. After an afternoon in the sun? Absolute heaven.
Food, Glorious Food (and the occasional adventure)
This is where Escape to Paradise really shines. The food is exceptional.
- Restaurants: They have multiple Restaurants offering a wide variety of options.
- A la carte in restaurant, Buffet in restaurant You can get it all.
- Asian cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant Yes to all!
- Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Western breakfast, Asian breakfast: The breakfast buffet? Legendary. The fresh fruit alone… worth the trip. The Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop is a nice touch.
- Bar, Poolside bar, Snack bar: Because you can never be too close to a margarita.
- Room service [24-hour]: Perfect for lazy days.
- Alternative meal arrangement, Bottle of water: They are very accommodating.
- Desserts in restaurant, Salad in restaurant, Soup in restaurant: All delicious!
I tried almost everything. The seafood was incredible (you’re right next to the ocean!), the international dishes were expertly prepared, and the local Colombian food? Heavenly. And the Happy hour? A godsend.
Cleanliness & Safety: Covid Era Concerns
Okay, let's talk about the elephant in the room: COVID. Do they do a good job with Cleanliness and safety? Mostly, yes.
- Hand sanitizer, Hygiene certification: They’ve clearly put in effort cleaning and sanitization.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: The staff wear masks and sanitise, which is reassuring.
- Daily disinfection in common areas, Rooms sanitized between stays, Room sanitization opt-out available: Which is all good.
- Individually-wrapped food options, Safe dining setup: Again, good.
- Cashless payment service: Convenient and safe.
- Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit: Always a plus.
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Good, I guess.
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter: Well, that’s hard to maintain in the pool, but otherwise, yes.
My biggest gripes?
- Internet: The Internet is… spotty. They have Internet [LAN], Internet access – wireless, Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!, but it’s not always strong. This is a private island for crying out loud! I wanted better Wi-Fi!
- The occasional lack of a consistent language barrier.
Rooms, Amenities & Everything Else – The Nitty-Gritty
Okay, let’s talk about the actual rooms.
- Rooms: The Non-smoking rooms are what you get. But there is a Smoking area.
- Air conditioning: Absolutely critical.
- Additional toilet, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens: They have everything. The rooms are well-appointed, clean, and comfortable. The beds are amazing.
- Facilities for disabled guests, Elevator
- Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center: Everything, basically.
Things to Do (Besides Lounging) – The Active Side
Okay, okay, I know you're thinking: what else did you do besides eat and get a massage? Well, I did venture out.
- Things to do, ways to relax: They have lots of things for sports and activities.
- Fitness center, Gym/fitness: If you care; I did not.
- Family/child friendly, Babysitting service, Kids facilities, Kids meal: Good for families.
- Couple's room, Proposal spot: A few things for romance.
- Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking: To get around.
The Verdict: Should You Escape?
Look, Escape to Paradise isn’t perfect. It's got some quirks. The Wi-Fi can be dodgy, and things weren't always luxurious. But the food is divine, the setting is truly breathtaking, and the staff, while sometimes a bit chaotic, are genuinely warm and welcoming.
Overall, YES, you should absolutely go. If you're looking for a truly unique experience, some
Jakarta Luxury: Grand Palace Kemayoran 3BR Oasis Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into the gloriously messy reality of a trip to "Stunning 4BR Island in Blue Sea with Pool KALUA★ Cartagena Colombia." Warning: May contain excessive sun exposure, questionable decisions, and the occasional existential crisis. Let's get this clown show on the road!
Day 1: Cartagena, Oh Cartagena! (And the Great Ferry Fail)
- Morning (6:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Wake up - Ugh, the dreaded alarm. Jet lag is a cruel mistress. Coffee, bless its caffeine-fueled heart, is the only thing standing between me and a full-blown meltdown. Pack! Did I remember the sunscreen? Probably not. Emotional check: Mildly panicked.
- Mid-morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Arrive at Cartagena airport. The humidity hits you like a warm, damp hug. Passport control? Smooth sailing (thank the heavens and the diligent passport photos). Taxi to the dock. And here's where the "adventure" truly begins. I'm talking about the ferry to the island. Picture it: We're all hyped, music pumping, sun shining, but… the ferry! IT'S NOT THERE! Apparently "Colombian time" is a thing. Emotional check: Starting to simmer.
- Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): Found a little spot for lunch. Arepa with cheese, the true taste of Colombia. My friend is having a total existential crisis. I have to talk her down. Emotional check: Feeling more like a mother hen than a traveler.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM): The actual ferry arrives (eventually). The sea air is a balm to the soul. The excitement builds. The island comes into view… it's even MORE stunning than the photos! The villa, the pool, the… sniff… the view! The Kalua! It's real! Emotional check: Euphoria. Pure unadulterated euphoria.
- Late Afternoon/Evening (4:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Unpack, swim, and generally revel in the fact that we're actually here. Cocktails by the pool. I discover that my Spanish is severely lacking. But hey, hand gestures and smiles go a long way, right? Maybe. We get lost, which is normal for me. Dinner at a beachfront restaurant. The seafood is divine. We end the day watching the stars. I feel completely at peace. Emotional check: Contentment mixed with a touch of "I could get used to this."
Day 2: Island Life – Sun, Sand, and the Search for the Perfect Mango
- Morning (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Wake up to the sound of… nothing. Bliss. Breakfast on the veranda, overlooking the turquoise sea. We decide to be adventurous. Rent a little boat and go for a trip.
- Mid-day (12:00 PM - 3:00 PM): A beach club. Time to relax and soak up the sun. My friend gets a little too much sun and turns lobster red. I feel terrible! The sand is blindingly white. I'm in heaven. We try to find the perfect mango juice, a quest that becomes surprisingly important. It is a serious task.
- Late Afternoon/Evening (3:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Back to the villa for a siesta and a dip in the pool. Dinner at a local restaurant in town. Trying to find a good restaurant. No luck yet. Emotional check: Frustration. Then…finally. We find the perfect restaurant. That evening, we take a long walk on the beach, under the starlit sky. My friend and I have a deep conversation, about life, and love, and the meaning of mangoes. Emotional check: Profound connection.
Day 3: Cartagena City – Culture, Colors, and Existential Queso
- Morning (6:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Back to the mainland, early start. We're feeling touristy today! Breakfast at a local cafe. Pastel de Gloria (sweet bread) is a must-try.
- Mid-morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Walking tour of the walled city. This is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The buildings are colorful. We wander through the narrow streets, marveling at the architecture. We get lost again, naturally. The heat is brutal. I start fantasizing about air conditioning. Emotional check: Overwhelmed by beauty and heat.
- Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): A charming restaurant in the heart of the old city. I order a cheese and it turns out to be, not the best cheese, but i don't let it ruin my mood. Emotional check: Mild disappointment and a burgeoning love for the city.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Explore the Getsemaní neighborhood, which is full of street art. We buy some souvenirs. I am so happy. I get my hair braided. My friend gets a tattoo. I'm not sure what to think.
- Late Afternoon/Evening (4:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Sunset cocktails on the city walls, a quintessential Cartagena experience. The view from up here is breathtaking. Dinner at a rooftop restaurant. The food is delicious, the company is even better. We laugh, we reminisce, we make plans for future adventures. Emotional check: Unadulterated happiness.
*Day 4: Island Time Again - The Full Splurge!
- Morning (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM): More relaxation. The truth is that all I want to do is be on the island. Breakfast. Swim. Sunbathe.
- Mid-day (12:00 PM - 3:00 PM): We splurge and we book a massage on the beach. Heaven. Pure bliss. I discover that my tan lines are going to be epic. Emotional check: Complete relaxation.
- Afternoon (3:00 PM - 9:00 PM): We decide to go on a cooking class and we learn about the local foods and how to prepare them. We try the local recipes. We try to make "arepas" or something similar. Let's just say, we're not winning any culinary awards. Emotional check: Giddy, silly, and enjoying every moment.
Day 5: Adios, Cartagena (And the Tears Flow)
- Morning (6:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Pack! Sob. The thought of leaving this paradise brings a lump to my throat. One last breakfast on the veranda. Emotional check: Anticipatory sadness.
- Mid-morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): The ferry to the mainland. The goodbyes. We say goodbye to those who made our stay special. Emotional check: The waterworks have begun.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 3:00 PM): Plane. Home. Time to say goodbye to paradise. Emotional check: A bittersweet mix of longing and gratitude.
Final Thoughts:
This trip was more than just a vacation. It was about the mangoes, the people, the laughter and the sun. It was about embracing the messiness of life, the imperfections, and the joy of being in the moment. If it ends with a slightly sunburnt nose and a heart full of memories, then it was a success. Now, where's that sunscreen…? And is it too early to start planning the next adventure?
Belfast's BEST Views? This 4-Person Apartment PROVES It!
Escape to Paradise: Your Own Private Island Oasis in Cartagena! - Seriously, Is It Actually Paradise? (And Other Burning Questions Nobody Asked... Yet)
Okay, So... Private Island? Is This Real Life, or Is This Just Fantasy? (Caught in a Landslide...)
Alright, let's be real. When you picture a "private island," you probably think of James Bond, right? Well, this isn't quite *that* level of super-villain lair, but YES, it's a freaking PRIVATE ISLAND. Like, actually. You. Your people. And a whole lotta turquoise water. The biggest pinch-me moment was on the tiny speedboat, zipping away from the mainland. It's a bumpy ride, so hold on tight! My wife, bless her heart, looked like she was about to lose her lunch, but even *she* perked up when we saw the place.
Just…manage your expectations. It’s not pristine, perfectly curated perfection like some Instagram influencer's feed. There’s a little… character. Let's call it "rustic charm" bordering on "slighty-less-than-perfect." Think Robinson Crusoe, but with a comfy bed and a chef who actually *does* know how to cook (thank God!).
What’s the Deal with the Water? Is It Really THAT Clear? (Because Photos Always Lie.)
Oh, the water. The water... Okay, so the photos, they're not *entirely* lying. Cartagena's got killer water. It's blue. Like, a deep, hypnotic, 'I could stare at this all day' blue. And yes, when the sun's hitting it right, it's incredibly see-through. Coral, fish, everything. And the temperature? Bliss. Like a warm hug from the Caribbean itself.
BUT! Look, there are slight imperfections. There might be *a little* bit of seaweed on some days, depending on the tide. (My wife, bless her heart, *hates* seaweed. She calls it "sea-snot." Charming.). And sometimes, the breeze kicks up and the water gets a *tiny* bit choppy. But honestly? Even at its "worst," it's still a million times better than any beach I've ever been on.
Food! Tell Me About the Food! (Because I’m a Foodie, and This Is Important.)
Listen, the food was… an experience. And by experience, I mean, like, a rollercoaster. The chef? Bless him, he tried. He *really* did. There were some knockout dishes. Fresh grilled snapper, cooked to absolute perfection. Lobster, which I devoured with shameful speed. Amazing plantain chips. Seriously! I could have eaten a mountain of them.
BUT there were… *moments*. One night, the chicken was… shall we say, *well-done*. (My wife, bless her heart, politely pushed it around her plate with a fork.) Another day, I had this weird, overly-complicated dish that I'm *pretty* sure involved a fruit I’d never heard of. It wasn't disastrous, but it wasn't exactly a culinary masterpiece, either. Stick to the local seafood. That’s your best bet. And tip the chef well. Poor guy worked his butt off!
Activities? Because I Can Only Lounge Around for So Long Before I Go Crazy. (Or Is That Just Me?)
Oh, the activities. Okay, so there's a bit of a... *lack* of them. Which, honestly, is kind of the point. This is ultimate chill-out time. But yeah, after a couple days of sunbathing and swimming, even I, the resident sloth of the group, needed something to *do*.
They have snorkeling gear. Use it! The coral is beautiful (when you can see it through the sometimes slightly murky water). Kayaking? Fun. Just be prepared to get a little wet. There was a paddleboard, but I fell off. Multiple times. (My wife, bless her heart, laughed hysterically.) But honestly, mostly, it was about relaxing. Reading a book. Taking a nap. Staring at the ocean. It was glorious.
Oh, and the sunset. The sunset. You HAVE to watch the sunset. It’s like, a full-blown production every evening. Colors you didn’t even know existed. Worth it. Completely worth it. I'm getting weirdly emotional just thinking about it.
What About Bugs? (Shudder) Do I Need to Bring Hazmat Suit?
Bugs. Ah, yes. The things that can potentially ruin a perfectly good paradise. Okay, so it's an island, so, yes, there are bugs. Mosquitoes, mostly. And they *will* find you, especially at dusk. I'm talking itchy, annoying, "I haven't slept properly in three days" levels of annoying. The island provides bug spray (thank God!), and the rooms have mosquito nets. USE THEM. Seriously, don't be like me and think "I'll be fine." You won't be. Trust me.
My wife, bless her heart, is a mosquito magnet. She got bitten within minutes of arriving. I spent half the trip scratching her back. We went through an entire bottle of after-bite. Learn from our mistakes: pack extra bug spray (and after-bite, and maybe a hazmat suit...just kidding...mostly.)
Is it Romantic? (Because I'm Trying to Impress Someone...or Myself!)
Romantic? Oh, yeah. Seriously. It's *incredibly* romantic. Picture this: You. Your sweetheart. A private beach. Candlelit dinner. The sound of the waves. The stars... OMG, the stars! Away from all the city lights, they're just… mind-blowing. We spent a whole night just lying on the sand, staring up at them. I even, got a little… dare I say…*romantic*. (My wife, bless her heart, cried. Happy tears, thankfully.)
Yes, it's romantic. Just…make sure you pack a decent bottle of wine and maybe a few extra candles (they often blow out in the breeze). And maybe, just maybe, rehearse a *little* speech. You know, just in case. But seriously, the setting does most of the work for you. It practically *forces* you to be romantic. And that, my friends, is worth the price of admission.
Okay, Spill the Tea: Any Biggest Drawbacks or Things You Didn't Expect?
Alright, let's be honest. TheEasy Hotel Hunt
Post a Comment for "Escape to Paradise: Your Own Private Island Oasis in Cartagena!"