Want to escape to a tranquil island full of supple silky sand and crystalline Caribbean sea? A place that abounds with opportunities for fun in the sun and in the moonlight? If so, there’s no better place than Gente Del Mar, found on Isla Grande of the Rosario Islands. The best part? It’s just a short hour-long boat trip away from the bustling city center of Cartagena. With prime property in a secluded setting, it’s the best resort on the island for a daytrip, but it’s even better if you add in an overnight stay!
How To Get There
Gente De Mar has a private boat/shuttle that leaves from Muelle La Bodeguita in Caratagena at 9am. If you’re an overnight guest, the shuttle is complimentary. Day trips can be arranged for a fee via Gente De Mar and local tour operators.
The Beach
Gente De Mar is home to three ‘playas’. For those seeking solitude, just grab your loved one and stroll to one of the small beaches where the water is calm and silence is golden! Looking for a more lively experience? No problem! Join the day trippers from Cartagena on the larger stretch of coast where the beach bar offers up cocktails and lively music from 10am-3pm. If you stay overnight, you’ll have all three of the beaches to yourself after the day trips leave, making it the perfect place to rekindle the romance! The rooms are beach chic with spacious king sized beds, pristine bathrooms, and cool air conditioning to escape from the sun.
Wildlife
The resort is teeming with wildlife including a beautiful red and blue parrot that you only see in books, as well as playful kittens, and dogs. We even spotted a starfish one day! Speaking of nature, after the sun sets and the darkness of the island sets in, you can take a short walk to Laguna Encantada to see the phytoplankton light up the sea like stars in the night sky. With enough courage, you can even dive into the dark lagoon and have a snorkel, or just simply use a stick from the dock to stir the water below.
Activities
For the ultimate rest and relaxation day, schedule a seaside massage where you will hear the melodic sound of waves breaking as the knots in your muscles are soothed away. There’s also a hammock hut perfect for an afternoon snooze or a tranquil morning of reading. Sunrise is a beauty here too…just make sure you cover up or the sand flies might get ya! If being active on your getaway is a must, take one of the complimentary kayaks out for a spin! Katie still doesn’t believe me that I made it around the whole island. ? There is beach volleyball if you have a group, snorkels if you want to check out what action is happening under the water, and stand-up paddleboards for those who prefer to stay above the waves. Gente De Mar also offers daily snorkel tours around the island (for an extra charge) or you can hire a local boat to explore a sunken airplane and the remains of one of Pablo Escobar’s mansions. Feeling competitive? Near the main bar you’ll also find a ping pong and pool table!
Menu & More
As expected on an island, the menu is full of sea delicacies, but for those with more of a turf than surf palate, they have you covered with delicious steak and chicken options as well. The outdoor restaurant is set under the canopy of a large willow tree providing a welcomed retreat from the radiant sun during the day. As you gaze out from the table, images of swaying palm trees are perfectly paired with the turquoise hues of the sea. After dark, we loved watching the local, resident chef prepare dinner in the outside cabana bar. The cool ocean breeze always served as the perfect reminder that we were in paradise. This is just one more benefit to staying the night at this little slice of heaven known as Gente De Mar! If you don’t have much time, a daytrip will do the trick, but to capture the entire essence of this secluded oasis, definitely stay for a night….or more!
For more information and rates, you’ll find Gente De Mar’s website here
