The hype
Travelers love the 'jungle meets ocean' aesthetic and the diving, but many are shocked by the lack of a pool and the high prices for food.
San Pedro De Majagua
$150-300/ night
Book this if You want a rustic-chic eco-escape on a Caribbean island where you can dive all morning and nap in a hammock all afternoon.
Why People Love It
- Direct access to two private beaches with crystal-clear water
- On-site PADI 5-Star dive center (Diving Planet)
- Lush, jungle-like grounds built on the site of a French painter's former studio
Quick Take: A beautiful, nature-first island retreat that feels like paradise until the day-trippers arrive at lunch or the hot water runs out.
Reviewed by @Pricelesspassport: I stayed here for a quick island escape and it was perfect. The boat ride was fun, but the bungalow was the real highlight. It felt so private, and having AC plus fancy toiletries made it super comfortable. I spent hours just chilling in the hammock.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The 'luxury' label sets high expectations that the rustic infrastructure (salty showers, spotty WiFi, hard masonry beds) doesn't always meet.
- You are a diver or snorkeler wanting immediate reef access
- You prefer natural, open-air bungalows over sealed concrete hotel rooms
- You can handle a 'rustic' shower situation in exchange for a hammock with a sea view
Cleanliness & Maintenance
9.2
- Housekeeping: Daily and thorough. Reviews consistently praise the staff for keeping sand at bay.
- Bathroom hygiene: Generally clean, though the open-air nature means you might find the occasional ant or gecko.
- Maintenance: Good condition for an island property, though salt air takes a toll on fixtures.
- Linens & towels: Egyptian cotton sheets are a nice touch, but towels can feel a bit worn from salt and sun.
- Odors & scents: Fresh sea breeze, occasionally marred by boat fumes at the dock or musty smells in garden rooms.
Sleepability™
8SILENT
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Wind rattling the thatched roofs during storms
- Early morning bird calls (nature's alarm clock)
Before you book
Good to know
- The hotel boat departs Cartagena (La Bodeguita pier) strictly between 8:30-9:00 AM; don't be late.
- You cannot bring alcohol or large coolers onto the hotel boat.
- Electricity is 24/7 (a luxury for the islands), but water is precious and often not hot.
What to pack
- High-strength bug spray (DEET is your friend against sand fleas)
- Water shoes (coral beaches can be rocky)
- Cash (COP) for the port tax, tips, and local vendors who don't take cards
Room Genie
Best picks
- Junior Suites with Sea View: Worth the upgrade for the direct ocean breeze and view.
- Freestanding Bungalows: Offer more privacy than the connecting rooms.
Rooms to avoid
- Garden View rooms near the main path: Can lack privacy and feel darker/damp.
- Connecting rooms: If you aren't booking both sides, sound transfer can be an issue.
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I would love a freestanding Junior Suite with a sea view, ideally away from the main restaurant path to avoid day-trip foot traffic.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is there a swimming pool?
No. There is absolutely no swimming pool. The ocean is your pool.
Is the boat transfer included in the room rate?
No. It costs approximately $35 USD per person roundtrip and must be booked in advance.
Is there hot water?
Technically yes (solar), but in reality, it's often lukewarm or cool. Don't expect a steaming hot shower.
Is the water drinkable?
No. Do not drink the tap water. The hotel provides bottled water or has dispensers.
Is there WiFi?
Yes, but it is slow and unreliable. Good for WhatsApp, bad for streaming Netflix.
Are there mosquitoes?
Yes, and sand fleas. Come prepared with repellent, especially for dawn and dusk.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Walk to 'Playa Libre' in the late afternoon after the day boats leave for a private sunset experience.
- ✨
The 'Enchanted Lagoon' tour is best done on a moonless night for maximum bioluminescence.
- ✨
Buy your return boat ticket when you check in to secure your spot, as it can fill up.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'masonry beds' are concrete platforms with mattresses on top—sturdy but immovable.
💡You will pay a 'port tax' (~30,000 COP) at the pier before you even get on the boat.
💡Lunch service is chaotic due to day-trippers; eat early (11:30 AM) or late (2:30 PM) to avoid the crush.
💡Vendors on the beach can be persistent; a firm but polite 'No, gracias' is essential.
💡The hotel is built on the site of French painter Pierre Daguet's home, giving it a unique artistic history.
Local Playbook
Map
See where San Pedro De Majagua is located and what's nearby.