Soy Local Islawa offers a private beach and gives you access to on-site snorkelling and kayaking. The outdoor pool provides a splash of fun, while guests in the mood for pampering can indulge in deep-tissue massages at the spa. The restaurant is a great spot for a bite to eat, and cold drinks are served at the bar/lounge.
Rosario and San Bernando Corals Natural National Park - 1 min walk - 0.0 km
Getting around
Cartagena (CTG-Rafael Núñez Intl.) - 23.5 miles/37.9 km
Ferry terminal shuttle (surcharge)
Restaurants
PAO PAO
Pa’ue Beach Lounge
Dharma Beach Club
Bayside Island
Sol Y Papaya
About this property
Soy Local Islawa
Soy Local Islawa offers a private beach and gives you access to on-site snorkelling and kayaking. The outdoor pool provides a splash of fun, while guests in the mood for pampering can indulge in deep-tissue massages at the spa. The restaurant is a great spot for a bite to eat, and cold drinks are served at the bar/lounge.
At a glance
Hotel size
14 rooms
Arriving/Leaving
Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; check-in end time: 10:00 PM
Check-out time is 11:00 AM
Special check-in instructions
This property offers transfers from the ferry terminal (surcharges may apply); to arrange pick-up, guests must contact the property 72 hours prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
The front desk is open daily from 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Front desk staffed during limited hours
This property doesn't offer after-hours check-in
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Required at check-in
Credit card, debit card or cash deposit required for incidental charges
Government-issued photo ID may be required
Children
Parents must have child's birth certificate and photo ID*
No cots (infant beds)
Pets
Pets not allowed
Internet
Free WiFi in public areas
Free Wi-Fi in rooms (speed: 250+ Mbps (good for 3–5 people or up to 10 devices))
Parking
No on-site parking
Transfers
Ferry terminal shuttle*
Other information
Designated smoking areas
Property amenities
Food and drink
Free cooked-to-order breakfast each morning 7:00 AM–9:00 AM
Restaurant
Bar/lounge
What to do
On a private beach
Kayaking
Snorkelling
Jet-skiing nearby
Waterskiing nearby
Services
Front desk (limited hours)
Luggage storage
Wedding services
Romance packages
Facilities
Garden
An outdoor pool
Full-service spa
Outdoor entertainment area
Outdoor furniture
Room amenities
Home comfort
Air conditioning
Ceiling fan
Minibar
Sleep well
Premium bedding
Freshen up
Shared bathroom
Shower only
Soap and shampoo
Hairdryer
Towels
Toilet paper
Stay connected
Laptop-friendly workspace
Complimentary wireless Internet access (speed of 250+ Mbps (good for 3–5 people or up to 10 devices))
More
Housekeeping on request
In-room safe
Special features
Spa
Guests can indulge in a pampering treatment at the hotel's full-service spa, SABAI. Services include deep-tissue massages and massages. The spa is open daily.
Fees & policies
Mandatory fees
You'll be asked to pay the following charges by the property at check-in or checkout. Fees may include applicable taxes:
You may be required to pay the following charge at the property: Colombia value-added tax (VAT) at 19%. A VAT exemption is available to travellers who present a valid passport and tourist visa showing that they are not a resident of Colombia and who pay using a foreign card or via a bank transfer from outside Colombia. This exemption only applies to tourist package bookings (accommodation plus other travel services).
Children & extra beds
If you are travelling with a child, your property may require you to present the following documents: parents travelling into Colombia with a child under 18 may be required to present the child's birth certificate and photo ID (passport for non-Colombian citizens) at check-in. If a relative or legal guardian is travelling into Colombia with the child, that relative or legal guardian may be required to present a notarised consent of travel signed by both parents and a copy of both parents' ID. If only one parent is travelling into Colombia with the child, that parent may be required to present a notarised consent of travel signed by the other parent. Visitors who plan to travel with children should consult with a Colombian consulate office prior to travel for further guidance.
Pool, spa, & gym (if applicable)
Reservations are required for massage services and can be made by contacting the property before arrival at the number on the booking confirmation
Policies
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy.
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children. If you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room.
Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms.
This property does not have lifts.
Guests can rest easy knowing that there's a fire extinguisher on-site.
This property welcomes guests of all sexual orientations and gender identities (LGBTQ+ friendly).
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards and cash.
Credit cards accepted: Visa, Mastercard, American Express
Property Registration Number 167793
Also known as
Soy Local Islawa Hotel
Soy Local Islawa Cartagena
Soy Local Islawa Hotel Cartagena
Frequently asked questions
Is there a pool at Soy Local Islawa?
Yes, there's an outdoor pool.
Are pets allowed at Soy Local Islawa?
Sorry, pets aren't allowed.
Is parking offered on site at Soy Local Islawa?
Sorry, there's no on-site parking at Soy Local Islawa.
What are the check-in and check-out times at Soy Local Islawa?
Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; check-in end time: 10:00 PM. Check-out time is 11:00 AM.
What is there to do at Soy Local Islawa and nearby?
Have fun with on-site activities such as kayaking and snorkelling. Indulge in a treatment at the spa and enjoy a swim in the outdoor pool. Soy Local Islawa also has a private beach and spa services, as well as a garden.
Are there restaurants at or near Soy Local Islawa?
Yes, there's an on-site restaurant.
What's the area around Soy Local Islawa like?
Soy Local Islawa is located a short 1-minute walk from Rosario and San Bernando Corals Natural National Park.
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Reviews
Soy Local Islawa Reviews
9.0
Wonderful
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.More informationOpens in a new window
9.4
Cleanliness
8.8
Amenities
9.2
Staff & service
9.2
Property conditions & facilities
Reviews
Verified review
10/10 Exceptional
7 Jan, 2026
Loved the peaceful, quiet vibe of the hotel - and the balcony overlooking the sea was wonderful
Verified review
10/10 Exceptional
22 Apr, 2025
The staff were amazing and the hotel was really quiet and relax.
Verified review
10/10 Exceptional
22 Mar, 2025
Beautiful property on the water with great service
Verified review
8/10 Very good
21 Apr, 2025
Beautiful, small island resort. Nice for a 1-2 day stay. Peaceful and relaxing. Staff was amazing. The rooms could be a little cooler from the heat, but overall a great experience
Verified review
10/10 Exceptional
25 Apr, 2025
Entire staff was excellent. Since it’s such a small boutique resort they really catered to us. Even remembering how we took our cafe con leche. Food was excellent as well. Loved our room and hearing the waves crash through the night
Verified review
10/10 Exceptional
9 Jan, 2025
Amazing small Hotel
The Stay in this new Hotel was amazing.
In the Hotel, there is not much to do but there are a lot of boats and Jetskis that pass the Hotel where you just can book something.
The Staff was amazing, they also organised me a pick up at the Cartagena Airport.
Verified review
10/10 Exceptional
4 May, 2025
We stayed for 7 nights and had the most relaxing of stays. The staff paid attention to all details. Jesus, Dana, Beatrice, Alberto and all the other lovely staff were friendly and went above and beyond to accommodate our requests.
If you are looking to disconnect and enjoy a relaxing time, this is the place to visit.
As a bonus, all of the food we had was delicious.
Verified review
10/10 Exceptional
2 Jan, 2025
5 stars
The Islawa site photos accurately reflect the spectacular setting and beautiful rooms. A tropical sanctuary. Impeccable service!
Make sure you get in touch with the hotel before arrival, you will definitely require short boat transportation which adds to the exclusivity
Verified review
10/10 Exceptional
6 Mar, 2025
Lovely secluded hotel in great condition. We loved our stay here! We missed more vegetarian options on the menu, but the staff were kind to adapt the dishes. The food sometimes took quite long to arrive. Furthermore, it would have been nice to offer some complementary water or larger bottles at a cheaper price than 10,000 pesos for 0,50 liters.
Verified review
10/10 Exceptional
20 Oct, 2025
I’d like to start by saying this was an amazing experience. - Expect Baru Island prices - you are also welcome to bring your own snacks and drinks there’s a fridge in every room!
Staff is incredible and welcoming - front desk both the lady and the man are incredible!
Bartenders… amazing.
Overall - everyone is nice and polite- definitely coming back!
As for the hotel itself I’ll say this: paradise.
Baru itself is far away from the city so expect open roads (if you can afford to pay oxen transportation take that - much cooler)
The hotel will handle your transportation!
Verified review
10/10 Exceptional
12 May, 2025
Romantic getaway
Great place and highly recommend it. The staff are wonderful and it is a peaceful place for the most part. The rooms are hot however and there is an AC but it has a hard time to keep up with temperatures and the fact that the rooms are not sealed. This is a plus for breezes which is amazing but hot otherwise. A beautiful getaway with my wife. Some of the staff speak some English and I could also try to practice my Spanish a bit.
Verified review
4/10 Fair
5 Dec, 2025
When we got there the staff was attentive and courteous, but we had to wait like 20 minutes at the dock because the boat wasn’t there and people harrassed us for tips to take the bags out of the car. Then when we got to the hotel the check in was quick and easy, but the hotel didn’t put any clean towels to shower. And the bed sheets were dirty as well as the pillows, because the AC dripped dirty water on them. We asked for towels that same day but they didn’t have any clean, so we had to wait to the next day when the cleaning lady came by.
Verified review
10/10 Exceptional
2 Apr, 2025
We had a fantastic time of 2 nights at SOY Local Islawa. Prior to our arrival, the hotel contacted us via app to see how we had arranged our trip to the location and we were given a number of options. Accommodation is only accessible by boat, which was offered free of charge. Our room was really fantastic. Cool by the Arco, clean, lovely bed and a very large nice shower. Kayak is free to use. Menu card was played out for us after 2 days. Lunch and dinner the same. Drinks are delicious! Warm welcome with a welcome drink. We missed it very quickly. A real dream location. Marlon and his Colleagues served us perfectly.
Verified review
6/10 Good
7 Jan, 2026
The hotel itself is beautiful and staff was very nice and organized within their capacity. Bungalows over the water are truly amazing! Administration, though, is another story. Our two night trip was shortened to one by them on the day of our reservation. They sent me a message an hour before we were supposed to be picked up from our hotel in Cartagena to be taken to islawa. They arranged a home for us to stay in that night in Cartagena. Our group was large (10 people plus 10 suitcases which we were very clear about beforehand) and the provided transportation was for half that many people and no suitcases, which we were actually charged for! The boat they provided to the island was also for half that many people, but at least this one was not charged to us. I think they are very understaffed and cannot provide the service they promise. They mean well and try to correct but just aren't capable of delivery.
Verified review
10/10 Exceptional
30 Dec, 2025
I loved everything about Soy Local Islawa and can’t wait to return!!
Verified review
10/10 Exceptional
21 Feb, 2025
Quiet and seclusion
Verified review
10/10 Exceptional
23 Nov, 2024
I had the honor of being the first guest to stay here!! It was absolutely beautiful! The staff was amazing! I can’t wait to come back!
Verified review
10/10 Exceptional
28 Dec, 2024
We had an amazing stay at this hotel! The staff goes above and beyond to make you feel welcome and taken care of. It’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy the sun and water. The food made on the property was absolutely incredible. The rooms are beautiful, new, and spacious. The entire property is beautiful and feels like a hidden paradise. I would highly recommend staying at Soy Local Islawa for your time in Baru!
Verified review
10/10 Exceptional
27 Dec, 2024
Fantastic
Fantastic little hotel, brand new. Lovely personalized service. Everyone makes you feel welcomed and are warm hearted. I travel alone and I felt very at home. The room and the view is amazing! I highly recommend Islawa.
Verified review
8/10 Very good
23 Jul, 2025
The island itself is very beautiful and is a great escape. Lots of great food options at the restaurant.
However, on our first day the property lost power for the whole day. I would’ve assumed there was a backup generator. Also, I had to keep reminding the staff for towels each day, and they would give me 1 towel every time.
Verified review
4/10 Fair
31 Dec, 2024
Property with potential but with terrible service from food to amenities. No Kayaks or Paddle… you have water access but the sand is not clean from construction debris. Also you are going to need to hire services that are expensive to actually do something fun.
Verified review
6/10 Good
29 Dec, 2025
This is a beautiful, somehow new property surrounded by peace and quiet. I traveled with my family (5 adults) and we rented 2 rooms. My room initially had some odor issues with the sewer and hot water, but staff resolved it quickly once reported. Be aware that the property is very isolated—there’s nothing nearby—so you’ll need to adjust expectations. Management support and additional staff would be helpful, especially during peak season. The kitchen operates on a limited schedule, with dinner service closing by 8:30 pm, and some drinks or items were unavailable. While the staff are kind, the lack of management and resources was noticeable. We even shortened our stay by a day as options ran out. Although no credit was given (per policy), I understand. Future travelers should know: the views are amazing, but there are limitations.
Thkyconsfeedbintacte?
Verified review
8/10 Very good
26 Aug, 2026
La habitación es muy bonita y las vistas al mar espectaculares. Estuvimos muy relajados. Lo único que echamos en falta fue aislamiento ya que por la noche se oyen los ruidos del exterior y entra luz.
Verified review
10/10 Exceptional
4 Jan, 2026
Habitación grande y super cómoda; personal super amable, buen menú de comida, todo muy bien!