Stay: Sofitel Baru Calablanca
A Colombian beach resort that caters to all.
Cartagena, Colombia
187 rooms, from 330 USD
Finding a beach resort that caters to children but isn’t built specifically for children sometimes feels like finding a unicorn, but we found that unicorn exists about 1 hour outside the charming Caribbean town of Cartagena at the Sofitel Calablanca. This expansive property is the epitome of upscale service with exceptional design, state of the art equipment, high-quality cuisine, and impeccable staff. Perhaps the feature we enjoyed the most was the kid's club: A large, clean, fully staffed playroom for kids to enjoy. Open all day, this space is welcoming and engaging. Children under 3 must be accompanied by an adult, which was actually a nice feature as most kid's club don’t allow the parent to stay in the space. For first-timers it’s a great way to provide playtime for your child without feeling like you’re just dropping them off and leaving them.
Apart from the kid's club, there are amenities throughout the resort that make kids feel at home: A small treat cart in the main restaurant with fun plates and snacks, a welcome gift (for us it was a stuffed toucan named Estefania), and kiddie daiquiris at the bars.
The road to get there is not smooth - it’s a newly developed area and not all roads are paved, but the hotel will arrange transportation upon request. Once you arrive, the waters are calm and clear, and the beach noise is non-existent. It’s a perfect escape for any age.
Photo Source: Syllogi, Hotel website
Every publication will feature one unique restaurant, hotel, activity, or other travel discovery that stood out in our research. Some of these are established institutions that deserve repeat merit, while others are hidden gems that are often off the radar of most.
