Sofitel Barú Calablanca in Barú, Colombia

Contemporary comfort meets Caribbean ease at this polished beachfront retreat.

Perfect for travelers who want a relaxed resort vibe within easy reach of Cartagena, whether you’re traveling with kids, friends, or just in need of a quiet escape.

After a scenic catamaran ride from Cartagena, we arrived at Sofitel Barú Calablanca and immediately felt the shift. The energy here is slower, softer, the kind of place where you’re barefoot by 9 a.m. and never quite sure what day it is (in the best way). The property is modern, clean-lined, and open to the sea, with thoughtful nods to Colombian nature woven throughout.

Rooms & Style

We stayed in a beautifully designed beachfront room with a Jacuzzi and sunset view, approved by all three of my sons. Rooms are spacious and bright, with crisp decor, comfy beds, and generous terraces. Some suites are ideal for families, and there are great connecting options too. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway or looking for a resort that can handle a multigenerational crew, this place delivers.

Personal Take

Sofitel Barú Calablanca is the kind of resort where you settle in quickly. Our days slipped into a happy rhythm: coffee class, beach ping pong, seafood lunches, boat trips. Evenings brought sunset swims, quiet walks, and one very fun bioluminescence tour. It’s not flashy, and it’s definitely not a party resort, some might even find it too quiet. But for us? It was just right. Elegant, easy, and done well.

What You’ll Find Here

  • Five pools, including an adults-only

  • Beach soccer, paddleboarding, ping pong, and more

  • Coffee tastings, fruit samplings, pizza-making classes and more

  • A wellness-focused spa and 24-hour fitness center

  • A beachside food truck and multiple dining venues

  • Easy access to the Rosario Islands, let me help you arrange a private boat tour

Dining Highlights

We loved the variety here: the breakfast buffet at Calablanca was exceptional, Bahía served up the freshest local seafood, and the food truck hit the spot after beach swims. Humo offered a more elevated dinner experience, and the rooftop bar was perfect for evening cocktails with a breeze.

Good to Know

Sofitel Barú Calablanca is best when you lean into the pace. It’s remote enough that once you arrive, you’ll likely stay put, so pack a good book and let the resort take over. The beach is golden rather than powder-white, but the setting is stunning. And yes, the bioluminescent plankton tour? Absolutely worth getting wet for.

When to go: Year-round. We visited in July and had perfect weather. High season falls in December–January, so plan ahead if you're aiming for the holidays.

Booking with Me

If this sounds like your kind of barefoot luxury, I’d love to help match you with the right room and perks. My clients receive:

  • Upgrade on arrival, when available

  • Daily full breakfast for two

  • $100 resort credit to use during your stay

  • Early check-in / late check-out, if available

Want to see how it pairs with Cartagena?
👉 Read about our Casa San Agustín stay
👉 Explore the full Cartagena & Barú travel story

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Casa San Agustín in Cartagena, Colombia