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Reviews of Islawa Soy Local - Isla Privada

Barú, Cartagena de Indias, Colombia

#94 of 304 hotels in Cartagena de Indias

Guests' Choice

Review Score

Based on 34 hotel reviews

8.9

Score breakdown

  • Cleanliness

    9.5

  • Comfort

    9.5

  • Location

    9.1

  • Facilities

    9.2

  • Staff

    9.2

  • Value for money

    8.7

  • Free Wifi

    8.9

Verified guest reviews from real Bookers

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Showing 1 - 25

  • Reviewed: March 31, 2025

    10
    Magical
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Superior Suite with Sea View
    • Stayed 2 nights

    Everything was PERFECT! Staff is incredible and the place is magic to relax.

    Stayed in March 2025

  • Reviewed: March 18, 2025

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Suite with Terrace
    • Stayed 2 nights

    We stayed in a beautiful room with terrace over the water and stunning views especially during sunset. The resort had everything we could have asked for in terms of comfort and the service was absolutely great. The friendly staff did everything they could to make us feel comfortable and have a great time. We will be back!

    Stayed in March 2025

  • Reviewed: March 10, 2025

    10
    Incredible gem in Baru
    • Leisure trip
    • Travelers with friends
    • Apartment with Sea View
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    There was nothing we didn’t like.

    Everything was amazing, the location, the peacefulnes, the facilities, the cleanliness, the safety, and definitely the friendly staff. It is a remote location, but not hard to get to. The hotel staff will help you organize the transportation, and the journey is worth it. It’s an unbelievable retreat away from tourists. It is a little hidden gem in Baru. It is a very aesthetic place, very comfortable and with high quality facilities.The staff was incredible, so helpful and kind. They are always there to greet you with a smile. Also, the food is just amazing. The chef has created an innovative menu and every dish was better than the previous one. Also, the breakfast that is included is very diverse, with many options to choose from. Lastly, I recommend getting a massage, not only is it so relaxing but the backdrop is insane. I would definitely come back.

    Stayed in March 2025

  • Reviewed: March 4, 2025

    9.0
    Wonderful
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Apartment with Sea View
    • Stayed 5 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Very friendly staff and room is amazing

    Stayed in February 2025

  • Reviewed: February 22, 2025

    9.0
    Perfect island stay for a relaxing time
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Apartment with Sea View
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    The menu could have more diversity but otherwise the food was very good and the service is considerate

    The location and setting on the water is an experience itself and the rooms are very comfortable and open to the natural elements.

    Stayed in February 2025

  • Reviewed: February 6, 2025

    9.0
    Incredible stay with lovely staff, beautiful views and delicious food
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Suite with Sea View
    • Stayed 3 nights

    Whilst our transfer was incredibly smooth I think it would be good for the booking page to note that the only way to access the hotel is via boat just for clarity! We also wished that we didn't have to pay for every bottle of water we needed (approximately £2 for 500ml) - would have been great to be able to access filtered water for free as it gets very hot!

    Incredible hotel with friendly and very accomodating staff, the room was incredible - nothing like we've ever stayed in before and it was very special to watch the sunrise from our cosy bed in the morning. It was the perfect hotel to switch off and enjoy slowing down for the weekend - we stayed for my birthday in the middle weekend of our holiday and it was perfect. The staff also made me a birthday cake which was very appreciated and enjoyed! Food was delicous and so were the drinks, our transfer from the airport was incredibly smooth (organised through the hotel) - we were picked up at arrivals in a taxi and then dropped at a nearby port where staff were waiting for us with a boat to finish the transfer. We also did a private tour of the Rosario Islands (organised by Diego) and had a massage on the jetty which was a fabulous experience - thank you for a lovely stay!

    Stayed in January 2025

  • Reviewed: February 2, 2025

    10
    Excellent and quiet stay not to far from bustling Cartagena.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Apartment with Sea View
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Nothing

    Location, quietness, most friendly staff.

    Stayed in February 2025

  • Reviewed: February 1, 2025

    10
    Exquisite understated luxury for the discerning traveller, who likes to experience nature in peace
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Apartment with Sea View
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    The pillows are a bit too plump and the shutters don’t all open and close easily. Don’t know what TV channels there are as we didn’t use it.

    This hotel is an exquisite gem of luxury for the discerning traveller, who doesn’t want the ubiquitous noisy, party vibe. The rooms are gorgeous, the staff are friendly, helpful and welcoming, the food is great and the cocktails were delicious. The excursions are well worth it - we swam in the mangroves to see the phosphorescent plankton and did the private snorkelling and beach trip with Diego. We booked for one night, and loved it so much, we stayed for 3. We’ve travelled all over the world staying in all sorts of accommodation, including luxury hotels, and this stay will be one of our highlights.

    Stayed in January 2025

  • Reviewed: January 24, 2025

    8.0
    Lovey location, clean and pleasant - however I got a good deal. And if it had been any more expensive then I wouldn’t sa
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Superior Suite with Sea View
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Very poor communication and awful food

    Location - simple setup

    Stayed in January 2025

  • Reviewed: January 19, 2025

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Suite with Terrace
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Staff really nice and accommodating!

    Stayed in January 2025

  • Reviewed: January 17, 2025

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Superior Suite with Sea View
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    The beauty and the peace have a this island is it unbelievable. All this stuff is very special gentle and professional everybody with this smile . When you stay there you feel like a dream come true .

    Stayed in January 2025

  • Reviewed: January 8, 2025

    9.0
    Luxury, you pay for quality and this delivers
    • Leisure trip
    • Group
    • Suite with Terrace
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    I felt like it was slightly unorganised, it’s understandable in a remote location like this. When we arrived at Baru it took a bit of time to get the boat across, I was travelling all day and didn’t have enough food and there was not snacks or food available after dinner. I think these are small things that could easily be fixed, the staff were great though.

    The property was sensational, the location was amazing and very relaxing. I would go back 100%

    Stayed in January 2025

  • Reviewed: January 7, 2025

    8.0
    Lots of potential on a gorgeous property
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • One-Bedroom Apartment with Sea View and Terrace
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    They are brand new and need to make some improvements. Getting there is a bit complicated and not clearly communicated at all. You need to take a car to a very small dock where they will send someone to pick you up. This isn’t an issue in itself but needs to be clearly communicated prior to arrival. Second - the food is not great. Orders take a while but they will come and ask what time you want your meal for lunch to help with that. There isn’t much to do there - so if you are looking for a very laid back, calming stop then you’ll enjoy!

    This hotel has so much potential! Location is stunning, property is new and well designed. Rooms are spacious and have gorgeous views. Staff is really really nice. I had an amazing massage on the water and we really relaxed here and enjoyed the amazing views.

    Stayed in January 2025

  • Reviewed: January 7, 2025

    9.0
    Wonderful
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Suite with Terrace
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    While the stay was really lovely overall, it was apparent that the hotel is still quite new. Eg the advertised watersports (eg kayaks) were not available yet and when we arrived our rooms didn’t have towels until the evening. I’m sure over time these topics will quickly improve though.

    Lovely hotel location for a quiet getaway. Staff was friendly, the restaurant was nice and the rooms with large balconies overlooking the ocean were absolutely fantastic.

    Stayed in January 2025

  • Reviewed: January 5, 2025

    8.0
    Very relaxing
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Apartment with Sea View
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    The sofá cama is good for one person not two.

    Beautiful views of the ocean from every window and balcony.

    Stayed in January 2025

  • Reviewed: December 25, 2024

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Suite with Terrace
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    The staff was wonderful! Very helpful and friendly. The hotel was quiet and relaxing, a nice romantic getaway.

    Stayed in December 2024

  • Reviewed: December 24, 2024

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Suite with Terrace
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    It was an amazing experience. Very nice hotel, very good service and very friendly people. Highly recommended.

    Stayed in December 2024

  • Reviewed: December 20, 2024

    10
    A little piece of paradise in the Parque Natural Corales del Rosario y San Bernardo
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Apartment with Sea View
    • Stayed 2 nights

    Everything was perfect

    What else can be said about this magical place. The new and spotless hotel is located in a remote location easily accessible by boat from the main pier in Barù. Our suite had three balconies, each facing the ocean from a different direction, sunrise from one, open ocean and shade from the other and sunset from the third one. The staff, including Oscar and Antonio, were great as well as the front desk manager, Jairo, who went the extra mile to made sure our stay was perfect. We highly recommend this place for its charm and relaxing surrounding.

    Stayed in December 2024

  • Reviewed: December 10, 2024

    10
    Great food, stunning location, beautiful landscape, comfortable facilities to have the perfect holidays!
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Suite with Terrace
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    I liked everything.

    The installations, the location was fantastic and isolated thus private, the staff. Perfect place for relaxing, disconnecting and have a perfect time.

    Stayed in December 2024

  • Reviewed: December 6, 2024

    8.0
    It's good but needs to improve.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Suite with Terrace
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Getting there should be a bit more obvious. The property management should send a message saying that the only way to get to the property is by boat and that they can provide it for you. We didn't ask and thought that it would be possible to get there by car and then walking, but it isn't, we found a guy that called the hotel and they were nice enough to pick us up by boat (2 minutes away). Our first room was next door to the generator, I know it's necessary, but it should not be right next to our accommodation, we couldn't be outside because it was super loud. When you come to this type of property you expect peacefulness not a huge generator next to your accommodation. Luckily we had a problem with our AC unit and they changed us to another room. Not having closed windows might be a bit uncomfortable for some people. You can feel the humidity on the linens, not the most pleasant experience. Food was ok, but there was a lack of variety. Small details, for example, at breakfast the plate arrives with some small croissant or bread, but they heat up on the microwave so that when it gets to the table they are so hard that they are impossible to eat.

    Location, access to water for swimming, spacious rooms, beautiful environment and the hotel itself. Oscar was super nice and friendly and made amazing cocktails.

    Stayed in December 2024

  • Reviewed: February 10, 2025

    7.0
    Incredible hotel but with quite a few flaws
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Suite with Terrace
    • Stayed 1 night

    The only way to get drinking water is to buy 500ml bottles for 10,000 COP each. There was a well-stocked minibar but with no prices. Also no list of activities with prices. At breakfast the orange juice was artificial. Room 13 had no privacy - luckily we were able to move to a different room. The only way to get to the hotel is by boat which cost 50,000 COP per person from Barú (this was not stated when we booked) - it is not possible to walk to any alternative shops or restaurants.

    All of the staff were very friendly and helpful. The room with a balcony looking over the sea was incredible - one of the most beautiful rooms I have ever stayed in. Food was good and they were able to cater to vegetarians. Breakfast (eggs, arepa, fruit) was good except for the juice. The hotel is beautiful and very relaxing. We loved eating by the sea, feeling the sea breeze in the hotel room, and seeing the stars at night.

    Stayed in February 2025

  • Reviewed: January 23, 2025

    4.0
    We chose the wrong resort.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Suite with Terrace
    • Stayed 4 nights

    Hot water was very sketchy Not enough to do Too far from anything

    The menu selection was limited and the serving time was very long. Nothing was printed in English and the staff especially in the morning spoke very little English if any. The staff were friendly and tried to help but need more training. The resort was new and clean, the bed was great

    Stayed in January 2025

  • Reviewed: January 3, 2025

    4.0
    Beautiful hotel with poor service. Won’t go back.
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • One-Bedroom Apartment with Sea View and Terrace
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    No activities or amenities. Nothing is included except accommodation and everything is over priced. Very slow service and all food is very salty. Did not enjoy dining experience. You would need to take their boat to get to the hotel which nowhere being stated. They charge $5 per person each way. Port is in very sketchy area.

    Facility was beautiful. New, clean and quiet.

    Stayed in December 2024

  • Reviewed: March 26, 2025

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Apartment with Sea View
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    There are no comments available for this review

    Stayed in March 2025

Showing 1 - 25

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