7 Best Hotels in The Caribbean Coast, Colombia

Bungalows dot the beach between arching coco palms while the main house, open-air lounge, and restaurant perch on a hill taking in expansive views of the surrounding forest and wave-swept beach---this is the scene at Aité. The well-constructed bungalows maintain a cool atmosphere with ceiling fans that help keep the oppressive heat at bay and screened sliding doors that allow fresh air in, but keep invading insects out. The beds are welcoming yet firm and oversized pillows add luxury, while details like a shower with beach views and a deck hung with hammocks make the bungalows a perfect setting for a relaxing beach holiday. The hotel is enchanting at night, as starlike solar lights create pathways between the main house and the bungalows.

A working organic farm that stretches from the coast into the hills, La Jorará offers an unbeatable experience---picture a fresh mountain stream running down from the hills to the wild, deserted beach that's bordered by lush trees that hang heavy with fruit. Spread over three lodges, the accommodations have a farm-style rusticity that integrates with the lush surrounding gardens. There's plenty to do during the day: climb up to breathtaking lookout points; splash in the river's natural pools; or take a tour of the banana plantation. Come sunset, stretch out in a hammock and listen to the forest come alive, and then saunter down to the main house for dinner at large communal tables.

A block away from El Parque de los Novios, a focal point of Santa Marta's nightlife, this small boutique hotel has a cheerful design and plenty of greenery in the courtyard that adds a calming element to the space. After renovations in mid-2016, the hotel feels updated and renewed, notably in the well-decorated guests rooms, with dark, hand-carved furnishings, exposed ceiling beams, and touches of bright Caribbean color in cushions or wall hangings. Rooms are also equipped with free Wi-Fi and Apple TV. Another bonus: there's a pleasant terrace with a splash pool to take the edge off the heat.

The best of the midrange options in the old city, Casa La Fe has a much-loved location on the leafy Plaza Fernandez de Madrid and is comfortable and colorful throughout. The room's design and furnishings are somewhat dated, but they are well-sized and welcoming, and the pricier options with balconies overlooking the plaza are well worth the extra cost. Breakfast is served at charming wrought-iron tables in the green central courtyard, and the third floor offers a small splash pool and bar, where the barman whips up some tasty cocktails.

A handful of comfortable cabins scattered over a hillside just outside of town make up this attractive hotel that has been superbly integrated into the surrounding forest. Choices range from a room just above the restaurant to isolated cabins. The spacious cabins, constructed from natural local materials, have fantastic views and simple yet comfortable furnishings. The provided mosquito nets are functional, but be sure to bring plenty of repellent.

A sleek, modern boutique hotel, Casa Carolina combines a whitewashed interior with wood and exposed brick details and a plant-fringed pool in the central courtyard. A professional, bilingual staff can be relied on for excellent advice on restaurants, tours, and travel. Clean, contemporary rooms come equipped with all the modern conveniences, including fantastic showers that make you feel like you're outside with accents of stone and greenery. The rooftop terrace, with lounge, dining area, and daybeds is a highlight, providing a perfect spot to take in a balmy tropical sunset while enjoying the view of the town and the sea in the distance.

As long as you have realistic expectations for an isolated hotel that caters to day-trippers, you'll find Majagua to be the best, most well-priced hotel on Isla Grande. The tiny beaches are decent, but most guests spend their days out and about, snorkeling the reefs, kayaking through the mangrove forest, or visiting the nearby aquarium. Once the day-tour crowds and hawkers leave, overnight guests can rent a stand-up paddleboard and head out for sunset, or simply grab a hammock or a deck chair and a cold coconut cocktail—this, after all, is why you're here. Food options are limited to the on-site restaurant, which offers tasty, seafood-driven fare at surprisingly reasonable prices. The hotel boats—which are an additional charge—leave Cartagena at 9 am and return at 3 pm; the trip can be choppy. Snorkeling tours with Dive Planet including transportation.