Discover the perfect blend of luxury, romance, and elevated experiences at Sofitel Barú Calablanca Beach Resort for your destination wedding or honeymoon.
I'm not sure if I'm just terrible with geography, but I only recently learned just how short of a plane ride the South American country of Colombia was from NY — less than five hours! — and I instantly started kicking myself at not having already taken advantage of the easy trip. Luckily, I had the opportunity to go down and check out the recently opened Sofitel on the Isla Barú, an island just a short ferry ride south of the bustling city of Cartagena.
With safety and inclusivity being a prominent factor, particularly for LGBTQ+ couples, Colombia is a fantastic option, particularly since so much of the Caribbean, which is a primary option for opposite-sex couples, is a non-starter due to their homophobic stances. Colombia legalized same-sex marriage in 2016, and is rated 73 on the Equality Index (for comparison, the U.S. is rated 72). If this gorgeous, culture-filled country wasn't already on your radar for a destination wedding and/or honeymoon, now's the time to add it. The ease of travel from the States, warm-weather climate, and friendly locals checks all the boxes for picture-perfect wedding and honeymoon destination.
Now to dive specifically into Sofitel Barú Calablanca Beach Resort, because this little slice of paradise on Colombia's Caribbean coast is quickly becoming the go-to spot for U.S. couples looking for a perfect mix of luxury, romance, and exotic charm. And with the Sofitel stamp for style, customer service and attention to detail, this resort is the ultimate destination for tying the knot and starting your happily-ever-after.
A Picture-Perfect Wedding Destination
Getting married at Sofitel Barú Calablanca is like stepping into a dream. Imagine saying your vows with the turquoise Caribbean Sea as your backdrop, white sand beneath your feet, and lush tropical gardens all around. Sounds amazing, right? The resort offers a variety of wedding packages that you can tailor to fit your vision perfectly, and multiple venues so that you can have a fresh space for every event, from your welcome dinner to send-off brunch.
The Venues
La Pergola Rooftop: This outdoor terrace boasts a jaw-dropping 360º view of the turquoise sea, setting you up for that wow-factor success. Accommodate: 150 ceremony, 150 cocktail, 100 seated
Calablanca Beach: During our stay, we had the most enchanting meal on the beach and it will forever live rent-free in my head. The gorgeous setup perfectly showcased the sophisticated styling of Sofitel's event team. And honestly, is there anything better than dining with the added natural soundtrack of waves crashing into the shore? Accommodate: 400 ceremony, 430 cocktail, 350 seated
Pools & Water Mirrors: Whether it's poolside cocktails or a full-on pool party, the property's four pools each have their own distinct vibe. Accommodate: 200 ceremony, 230 cocktail, 230 seated
Kalamari Foyer: This gorgeous, expansive hallway is a perfect option for cocktail hour. Accommodate: 300 cocktail, 200 seated
Kalamari Salon: This versatile ballroom features cutting-edge technologies and it's 900 square meters can be divided and transformed to accommodate various-sized events. Accommodate: 230 ceremony, 250 cocktail, 180 seated
Carex Salon: This interior space is full of natural light, ideal for smaller and reserved events and
ceremonies. It also offers the option of terraces according to your expectations. Accommodate: 100 ceremony, 120 cocktail, 70 seated
Stress-Free Wedding Planning
Planning a wedding can be stressful, but the dedicated team at Sofitel Barú Calablanca makes it a breeze. From the moment you start planning until the big day, they take care of all the details. Need the perfect floral arrangements? Done. Want a custom menu? No problem. They're pros at coordinating with local vendors who understand modern aesthetics and have their thumbs on the pulse of the latest trends.
Gastronomy-Focused
Foodies rejoice because their culinary team can whip up anything from traditional Colombian dishes to international favorites, all made with top-notch ingredients. And let’s not forget the wedding cake – they can design one that’s as unique and special as your love story.
Luxurious Stays
Your wedding guests will be treated to luxurious, LEED-certified accommodations that blend comfort and elegance, with each room having an ocean view. Each of the 187 rooms is beautifully decorated with accents of stone and exotic wood, using natural materials that give nod to the country's landscape. You're instantly transported to a state of bliss when you walk in, and your guests will jump at the chance at staying in such a stunning locale.
Honeymoon Bliss
After the wedding, it’s time to unwind and enjoy your honeymoon and honestly, there's no reason to leave the resort (though the hotel can certainly help you plan off-property excursions!). Sofitel Barú Calablanca is perfect for honeymooners, offering a serene ambiance and plenty of romantic experiences.
Romantic Suites
The honeymoon suites are designed with romance in mind. Picture spacious living areas, private plunge pools, and breathtaking views of the Caribbean. It’s the perfect setting for some newlywed time together.
Spa and Wellness
After planning a wedding, you definitely deserve some R&R! The Sofitel SPA with L'Occitane is a haven of relaxation. You and your spouse can enjoy a variety of treatments and massages that will leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. The serene environment, complete with tropical gardens and tranquil water features, enhances the overall sense of well-being. Special honeymoon packages include couples’ massages and private wellness sessions – pure bliss!
Dining Delights
The resort’s restaurants offer a culinary journey that’s second to none, from lowkey to high-end. Sneak a snack while your lounging on the beach at their El Manglito food truck featuring a Caribbean- and Mexican-inspired menu (tbh, I'm still dreaming of their mouthwatering tacos). Enjoy the daily buffet offerings — always beautifully presented — at Calablanca restaurant, and be sure to reserve at least one dinner for Humo, the dinner-only robata grill that creates elevated dishes drawing from Asian, Colombian and Peruvian cuisines with French techniques. For an extra touch of romance, the hotel can create a private candlelit dinner experience on the beach — swoon!
Cultural Experiences
If you’re up for some adventure, Sofitel Barú Calablanca has plenty to offer. Go snorkeling or scuba diving in the crystal-clear waters, kayak through mangroves, explore the nearby National Aviary, or take a private boat trip to nearby islands. On-property, immerse yourself in the beautiful Colombian culture through their experiential offerings, ranging from Colombian fritters and ceviche cooking classes, turban and braid workshops to mixology classes and coffee tastings. (Note: they can also work with you for your wedding weekend to set up an experience itinerary for guests to enjoy during their stay!)
Travel Convenience
I know I've waxed poetic about this already, but it bears repeating, especially when a guest list is involved. Getting to Sofitel Barú Calablanca from the U.S. is a breeze. There are direct flights from New York, Atlanta and Miami to Cartagena’s Rafael Núñez International Airport, and from there, it’s a short ferry ride or drive to the resort (though I recommend timing it so that you can transport via ferry, which stops running at 4pm. The drive can be quite bumpy!)
The resort’s location on the Barú Peninsula offers a perfect balance of seclusion and accessibility. You get the tranquil, private paradise feel while still being close to the cultural and historical attractions of Cartagena. It’s the best of both worlds!
Wrap-Up
Sofitel Barú Calablanca Beach Resort is the ultimate destination for U.S. travelers seeking an enchanting and luxurious setting for their weddings and honeymoons. With its stunning natural beauty, world-class amenities, and exceptional service, this resort offers an idyllic retreat where romance and adventure seamlessly intertwine.
Whether you’re exchanging vows on the pristine beach, indulging in a couple’s massage at the spa, or exploring the vibrant culture of Cartagena, you’re guaranteed an unforgettable experience at Sofitel Barú Calablanca. This tropical paradise not only provides the perfect backdrop for the most important day of your life but also ensures that the beginning of your journey together is filled with love, joy, and cherished memories. So, pack your bags and get ready to create the wedding and honeymoon of your dreams at Sofitel Barú Calablanca Beach Resort!
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