Sofitel Barú Calablanca

Exceeded expectations and that’s saying a lot as the photos, reviews and price tag all set that bar pretty high to begin with. We felt the safest we’ve felt in Colombia here, in the huge secure compound/area. We never once felt remotely unsafe which in Colombia (especially Cartagena) is refreshing, with no vendors pestering. You can easily leave your things on the beach and do anything knowing all is well. The 5 sets of pools offer a plethora of different options based on what you want/vibe each with different views and experiences. The beach is fantastically beautiful and offers a relatively long walk to the jetty for more views. There was always free beds and chairs when we were there, perhaps as few as 20% were being used at any one time during our stay which really gave the feeling of having the beach to ourselves. There’s a bit of wildlife too, mostly in the form of iguanas around the site and vultures that perch on buildings and other birds. They also offer plenty of fun activities on offer from the hotel including surfing and efoiling. The 4 restaurants offer a diverse selection of cuisines and levels of formality. We ate at 3 of them and found all to be of excellent standard. The gym & the daily free classes were a highlight for us. We routinely did the circuits class before a run each day. The equipment is all new (or appeared so) and top of the line with all the amenities you’d expect. The machines are always cleaned, stocks with towels and fresh bottles of water by the staff and the only downside was just that there are only 2 treadmills. They also added nice touches, with the rooms cleaned twice a day the evening clean included treats, hand written notes and the most comfortable eye mask I have. Additionally, each day there are treats that go round in the afternoon, ours was mostly fresh fruits or small drinks. Overall, this is an amazing place to stay and reminded us a lot of the TV show “White Lotus” without the murder 😂

Amazing views and amenities

Calablanca is the perfect place to take some time off. The property has everything to ensure a pleasant stay. The amenities are spot on, and the beach and restaurant are simple yet charming.

I have spent a wonderful 4-day stay at Sofitel Calablanca and can’t recommend it enough. From the moment I arrived, the staff was incredibly attentive and kind, always willing to assist with a smile. The premises are beautifully maintained, and my room offered a breathtaking view of the pools and a pristine beach. My mornings were made special with early strolls along the beach, followed by delicious breakfasts at Cala Blanca restaurant. I must extend my heartfelt thanks to William and Juan for their impeccable service; they truly made me feel welcomed and at home. A special mention must go to Yuris Torreglosa from housekeeping, who ensured our lodging was neat and comfortable every day, she is no doubt a great asset for Sofitel. The thoughtful touch of red fruits tea each day was a delightful treat that added to the overall excellence of my stay. I leave Sofitel Calablanca with nothing but gratitude for their wonderful work. The warm hospitality and attention to detail made my journey a truly memorable one. Thank you to all the staff, and I look forward to my next visit.

Great location, not too crowded, excellent food, great facilities