Sofitel Calablanca PasadíaSofitel Calablanca Pasadía in Barú is one of Cartagena’s best-kept secrets when it comes to beach clubs. This luxury hotel, part of the Sofitel chain, quietly opens its doors to day visitors. The experience gives you access to a 100% private beach with stunning crystal-clear waters, upscale dining, and a property that easily rivals any Caribbean resort.
It’s only 25 minutes away by speedboat (or 45 minutes by the hotel’s own catamaran, which is as beautiful as it is pricey) or about an hour by car via the Barú peninsula. This “beach club” experience combines untouched natural beauty with five-star luxury. The accommodations and grounds are immaculate, the beach is calm and exclusive, and the food is excellent. There’s also a dedicated play area and kids’ club, making it one of the few high-end beach day trip options that’s genuinely family-friendly.
While the service is friendly, we found the staff less familiar with some of the higher-end menu items, so you might not get the best recommendations if you’re exploring their top-tier offerings. It’s also one of the pricier option around, and you’ll need to coordinate your own transportation (private car, private boat, or the hotel’s catamaran). Still, for travelers looking for an exclusive, family-friendly, and luxurious day trip, Sofitel Barú is hard to beat.
