Ecohotel Arte y Aventura

Carlos, el dueño del ecohotel, es un hombre muy amable con el que da gusto hablar, vive en el mismo hotel y te ofrece las mejores excursiones privadas a un precio muuuuy asequible y además dirigida por gente de la propia isla. Una experiencia más que recomendable si te gusta conocer lo que es vivir de verdad en una isla como esta.

Carlos était incroyable, toujours prêt à aider. Il est venu nous aider à trouver des endroits pour manger, répondait à toutes nos questions. Il a aussi appelé la compagnie de ferry pour nous pour savoir où et à quelle heure ils allaient venir nous chercher. Bref, il nous a accueilli avec une grande hospitalité.

Nous venons du canada, donc nous ne sommes pas habitués avec la chaleur. C'était donc plus difficile pour nous, mais sinon, tout était authentique et familiale.

Karlos est un hote très agreable et très investi par la conservation de l'île, la plage à 2 minutes est celle que nous avons le plus apprecié. L'endroit est au coeur de la nature et très tranquille

Nous avons reservé en sachant que la douche se résumait à un seau donc cela ne nous a pas dérangé. C'est toutefois à prendre en compte pour les visiteurs longue durée afin de ne pas le decouvrir en arrivant avec le risque d'être déçu. C'est aussi une manière de comprendre comment l'eau est précieuse et surtout rare sur une île.

La conexión con la naturaleza en estado puro, la compañía de Carlos y Pacifico, la calma, la playita paradisíaca al lado, etc.

Los animales son un poco anárquicos

Carlos è davvero una persona gentile e interessante, l’ecohotel ha molto potenziale e offre servizi e tour ottimi e ad un prezzo imbattibile. Non è un hotel 5 stelle quindi bisogna adattarsi però come esperienza mi é piaciuta molto. Attaccato alla spiaggia più bella dell’isola a mio parere (playa escondida).Abbiamo soggiornato 2 notti e consiglio molto anche l’opzione che offre i l’hotel per raggiungere l’isola

Très bon rapport qualité prix. Ambiance génial. Nous avons adoré le séjour

🚨Le service de taxi proposé pour le retour est une arnaque. Le taxi a demandé le double qui était annoncé et c'était beaucoup plus cher que les taxi jaune. .

It’s a very authentic stay on a budget. Carlos, the owner is very nice and the connection to nature is very important to him, he is planting new trees and really takes care. It feels more like a bed and breakfast at his home wich creates a really nice atmosphere. Although I would recommend you if you prefer a little more comfort like taking a shower or an electrical outlet in the room this might not be the best stay for you! The food is tasty but the portions are quite small.

Super Lage hinter den Mangroven nahe mehrerer Strände

Zu wenig Wasser um sich die Haare zu waschen. Keine Schließfächer im Mehrbettzimmer und auch dieses nicht abschließbar

the location is amazing, not for everyone since there’s no running water or light in the dorm, but i personally had an unforgettable stay. carols is so kind hearted and ready to share everything about him and his work, i had the pleasure to help him in the garden, planting mangroves and a lot more. i initially booked for 2 nights, but i ended up staying almost a week, that’s how great this place is. 100% recommend, 100% coming back.

L'accueil, la petite plage à l'arrière, l'esprit de communauté qui règne entre les voyageurs, Carlos et son staff.

Les draps en viscose, le petit ventilateur incroyablement bruyant pour si peu de vent.

Carlos è un ospite incredibile, che ama la sua terra e il suo lavoro. Il contatto con la natura ti regala giornate di completo relax. Maikel ti accompagna melle escursioni con un'attenzione encomiabile.

Orientarsi nell'isola non è immediato, ma con l'aiuto dei locali e un po' di punti di riferimento, diventa tutto più semplice.

Der Gastgeber ist sehr nett und freundlich, macht tolle Kunst und hat auf der Isla eine kleine Oase geschaffen. Danke für alles! 🙂

If you want to be disconnected and really just relax, it is the right place for you.

It is really a perfect place for those who want to have some days off in nature on a beautiful Caribbean island. The hotel is really basic (shower with bucket, no real walls between rooms), but it is very charming for those who look for an eco friendly and simple stay in the nature. The host Carlos is super friendly and will help you wherever he can!

It is not suited if you are looking for any kind of comfort or privacy. Also be aware there is no wifi and electricity might not work during the night.

Die Einfachheit, die Freundlichkeit und Hilfsbereitschaft unseres Gastgebers Carlos, die freilaufenden Hühner, der friedliche und ruhige Ort

Un accueil chaleureux de la part de Carlos, on s’y sent très bien. Carlos est une personne bienveillante, engagée, qui est soucieux de préserver l’île, son environnement, sa culture. Une belle rencontre et un séjour apaisant.

Tout était ok

La filosofía del dueño

El dueño es un ambientalista y artista que trabaja en la recuperación de manglares y bosque tropical seco.Una persona sumamente interesante y sabia que logra hacer convirtiendo lo que piensa con lo que hace.

El lugar es muy rústico si uno va con otras expectativas, te bañas con un balde y un tarro porque cuida el agua.No es para todos.

Accueil tres sympathique et cadre super, calme et plage à 2 pas

Un peu rustique. Activité nocturne pour voir plancton à eviter

La ubicación

Wiffi

Viviana and Carlos are wonderful hosts, and their hotel is set right in the midst of nature, making the stay a true experience in itself!

Le personnel était parfait Son emplacement à 5 min à pied d'une petite plage de sable blanc Sa tranquilité et sa simplicité Ses équipements simples et de qualité La vraie Robinson Cruzoé!

Vibe is awesome. Staff was very helpful and kind. Hardworking people with love for the island, nature and animals. For sure the only real "eco" place on the island. Very nice place to stay and relax

No mirror or chargingpoint in the cabin.

Carlos muy amable y atento

El gato estaba por todas partes y en la cocina, encima de las mesadas y sobre la comida.

Everything! This place is rustic, adventurous and authentic! Carlos the owner is the loveliest person, speaks English well (which is really helpful as a non Espanol speaking person). The room is comfortable if you understand that there is no luxury here! Showers were with a bucket, this was an experience that reminded us how much water we waste, and it was oddly satisfying and refreshing! The property is super interesting with lots of the owners art making the place a happy and fun place to stay! The hammocks out the front of the rooms and in the common area provides an amazing place to relax and unwind. The property is remote (but close to everything as the island is very small) making this a very peaceful place to stay. The owner also offers breakfast and dinner for an added cost and this was amazing, he made us vegetarian burritos in a handmade egg pancake, delish! Cannot recommend this enough for an authentic experience giving back to the community! Muchias gracias Carlos and Mango!

Nothing!

After reading all the positive reviews here we were really underwhelmed. Carlos is a lovely host but it was too expensive for what it is, and the day trips/meals were extremely costly. The place itself is basic, which isn't bad in itself, but a bit grubby and not in a particularly nice setting. What we wish we had known beforehand is that almost all the coastal areas and beaches are owned by private hotels and cut off which means there is only one small strip of beach you can actually go to. This gets packed during the day with day trippers and plays thumping music. It feels quite claustrophobic.

Nada

Las fotos de hace 30 años y que no corresponden a las habitaciones ni a las instalaciones. La ducha un cubo de agua sucia, los ventiladores rotos y llenos de mierda. Sin mosquiteras en las ventanas y con agujeros en los de las camas (Al lado de una laguna de agua estancada) Ni me quedé a dormir. Cambiamos de alojamiento.

Il proprietario Carlos è una persona squisita. Ci ha accolto con calore facendoci sentite subito a casa. Ho dimenticato lì il portafoglio dopo il check out, Carlos è venuto a cercarmi per tutta l'isola per riconsegnarmelo, con tutti i documenti e i soldi dentro.

Sehr netter Gastgeber, super Essen und schöne Anlage. Echtes Ecohotel!

Nuestra estancia en Ecohotel Arte y Aventura fue inmejorable. Carlos es maravilloso. Pudimos compartir historias, deliciosas comidas y nos llevamos un pedadizo del lugar en forma de lienzo. El lugar es un rincon escondido de la isla con una playa preciosa a menos de 3 minutos caminando. Un paraiso Al que nos gustaria volver

Hay que tener en cuenta los recursos con los que cuenta la isla. Si uno va con eso en mente, es una experiencia increíble También es excelente la ubicación, medio de la isla, apartado de los otros alojamientos con la música puesta

Such a lovely place, with incredibly kind and helpful people. Hammocks are perfect for naps, the food was great, the dogs were adorable, it is quiet and close to the beaches, and to Orika. Keep it simple and stay for a few days.

Hosts will remind you, and believe them: you will need a flashlight and mosquito repellent.

Gosh, where to begin… all the food was homemade by the Wonderful Carlos who has been running the hostel for the past 40 years! ~ he takes such great care of his guests and takes a genuine interest in each soul who passes through this place, also the food tastes of love & all the activities with Michael were just so serene

I say this for many of the ecohostels I’ve stayed in along my travels ~ I feel like some warm coloured solar panelled lights at night when it got dark would’ve added another level of cosiness to this magical place!

Peace and tranquillity. Most of the islands have noisy places. Carlos and Mario are very nice people. It's simple but adequate. Enough to eat in or around the area. We came for a mindfulness relax area. We found it!

Nothing, but don't expect many luxurious rooms. It's back to basics. Just as it should be.

It was authentic. Carlos really cares about the island. If you're after luxury, don't come here. If you want to see something real, contribute to sustainable tourism, and enjoy a near private Caribbean beach, this is the place. The unexpected tours were snorkelling, mangrove canoe and walking tour. Loved the mangroves, felt so far away from anything I'd experienced before. Carlos cooked for us on the first night, and also made breakfast. There was a nearby restaurant we ate at the following day. Would recommend with a friend or partner - you will meet other travellers but most are in pairs. It was nice for us to share the room together; we both got double beds! Amazing value for money on a beautiful island. Would recommend good level of Spanish, or travelling with someone who does. Definitely bring a power bank and cash; we could pay by card for the stay and activities, but if you want a pina colada on the beach it's cash.

As mentioned it isn't luxury, so instead of a shower there's a bucket. No electric points. But again, this is all part of it. It suited us fine for 2 nights.

We were doing a scuba diving course in a diving center on the island. The nearest dock is only 2 minutes away and therefore very well located. The accomodation is very basic but if you don't need much and love nature you will most probably enjoy it. The host is very friendly and cooks delicious meals!

The place is charming and the owner is super nice. The hostel is very close to the most beautiful beach. It's very basic but I didn't expect luxury so for me it was good.

This tiny island is not safe, even here you can't relax and trust people. I was robbed in this hostel by locals.

Location on the island.

Too expensive for what it is.

We had a fantastic time at Arte y Aventura. Carlos is a fantastic host, and he taught us about his work in conserving the mangroves around the island. It was super easy to book activites with him and there are quite a few options ie. Snorkelling, kayaking, bioluminescent plankton and others. He cooks lovely dinners and breakfasts also. The location is only a short walk to a lovely beach where you can watch beautful sunrise/sunset. Would definitely recommend to stay here for a peaceful and welcoming stay on Isla Grande.

(Not a fault of the eco-hotel itself) but make sure you come equipped with plenty of mosquito repellent!

located in a very cool spot in the forest so is all shaded which is important. it is very very close to a lovely quiet tranquil beach and next to some beautiful mangroves. the facilities are basic but that is what you pay for. A small fan above the bed was provided however it was not sufficient enough for the very hot weather. Very kind owner (Carlos), housekeeper (María) and dog (Mango). María cleaned our room every day and Mango joined us on most our adventures. The place is located on the other side of the island to the town however it is still only a 15 minute walk and there is a shop and a few restaurants only a 5 minute walk away. Right outside our room lived blue lizards. The island is abundant with wildlife; we saw every kind butterfly and bird and we saw an iguana. Carlos also offers and sorts tours in which we did multiple. Carlos also cooked us breakfast and dinner which was yummy.

Too hot in the room

I enjoyed how rustic and disconnected it was. It is definitely for those who want to connect with nature and are trying to be as ecologically conscious as possible. I enjoyed the breakfast and the scenery.

I did not mind, but my friend did have to get accustomed to the lack of electricity for charging devices and hot shower. Your bathing option is by bucket.

No breakfast, location was amazing.

Don’t even get me started with the staff - we absolutely loved Carlos and the intern. Felt so welcome and the trip they arranged were super nice and cost efficient. Can’t wait to go back. All the best to Carlos and the team there ❤️

Loved the location and the vibe. The food was good and the staff was awesome. Very helpful and kind. It's like camping but with a rood and a bed!

I would change nothing. We came with very little expectations and it was perfect.

The staff was great! Enjoyed my time there. It's only 1 minute walk to in my opinion the best beach on the island. It's a bit primitive like most places on the island. Limited water (all water to Isla Grande has to be transported from Cartagena) Limited electricity (they use only solar power) but with advantage of not having any noisy generator.

It would have been nice to be able to charge the phones in the room.

I really enjoyed the chill atmosphere ! Quiet place ! No obnoxious reagae-tone music ! Good value for food ! Well prepared with love and care. Owners Vivianna and Carlos areexceptionally good human beings ! Felt a genuineness with them. I stayed there 10 nights... And plan to return for a longer period. A great quiet place to think, to read, to write and to meet other good people - travelers Gracias Eco-Arte ! Ciao, Guz'zo 🫂😁

A fan in the dorm room.

The hosts Carlos and Viviana are super nice and very friendly. They also speak very good English which is so helpful since I still struggle with Spanish. We could easily upgrade to a lovely cabana which had no shower but the big bucket gets refilled every day. The eco hotel relies on solar which makes it quiet: no noisy generator!

Ideal location in the island, next to a beautiful beach and a 20 minute walk from the town, very friendly staff, lots of animals, calm

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Close to boat stops And best beach on island. Simple accomodations. Dorm just 3 beds but no light. Bring headlamp. Also bring drinking water and snacks. Meals about $30milCOP for basics. Enjoy exploring the trails all over. Has hammocks And couches in lit area at night. Host helps arrange boats and can recharge your phone.

Maybe could use more than one toilet that everyone shares And install composting toilets so water is not needed, just sawdust or wood chips.

The location is perfect, we were away from the overly crowded party areas and got to see many birds and iguanas as a result. The staff were lovely and super helpful. The swimming dock next to the property was a highlight. The snorkeling tour was outstanding, a once in a lifetime experience. They offered meals at the property and the food was delicious, such a treat after hiking and swimming all day. A place like this restores anyone’s faith in what sustainable tourism can be like.

Loved the location, so close to the sea with a private jetty- from walking around the island we think this is the best spot! Carlos and Viviana were incredibly inviting, hospitable and helpful. They even cooked us a Christmas dinner! Really back to basics but so relaxing, we loved our stay here

Nothing!

The owner Viviana was sooo nice! The facility itself is nice and quaint.

It was confusing that the shower was actually a bucket - it didn’t say that anywhere on the booking page. There was no running water. It was super loud there was construction literally right next to my room and they started around 6am. The room had no glass windows and no outlets. Just one little light. Overall I enjoyed my stay but the place needs some love and care.

Carlos the host. Is very relaxed, the place is very peaceful away from all the hustle and bustle. The cat Francois is the best and super chill aswell.

The property is in a charming and quiet part of the island close to the public beach and boat landing. There is also access to a private feeling pier not far from the property where you can swim and relax. The room was clean with fans but on the rustic side.

Beautiful quiet location near the water and rustic, artsy facilities. Great food, kind hosts and peaceful place for splendid isolation and relaxing. They nicely upgraded my room so I'd have more space and privacy, and rooms are spacious and comfortable, with a light and fan at night. Water facilities are very simple but thoughtfully arranged, and made me appreciate the simple basics all the more.

Be prepared to use up a lot of mosquito and bug repellent. Hostel could be a bit more helpful with organising and communicating. Relied on hostel to organise snorkelling and help book boat on the way back but was told at the last minute they weren't able to and I needed to organise it myself. It all worked out, but was improvised rather than planned ahead of time, adding a bit of unnecessary stress.

Carlos’ place is in a great location and is well run. Carlos and his crew are very friendly. The property is rustic, but clean. be prepared for heat and bugs. The dock and beach right by the property are outstanding!

Decent,Carlos is a good cook

Facilities poor, organized excursions disorganized, stayed in multiple eco hotels - disappointing in comparison.

Exceptional nice hosts very clean facility. Great access to wonderful water/ beach . Food very tasty , no running facility is using Solar for energy

For a location with no access to running water the place was wonderful

Great food. Nice location with a little beach and dock good for swimming right around the corner. They cleaned the rooms and filled up the bathroom water barrels everyday. It's a nice calm place to base yourself at while exploring Isla Grande.

There were a lot of mosquitoes and other biting insects, mostly in the bathroom. The owner said it gets worse around the full moon, so that might not always be a problem, but I got a ton of bites. I didn't really notice any bugs out in the communal areas, which was nice.

location was nice, in the middle of the nature

High price for what you get

A real little piece of paradise. As soon as I arrived I knew I should have booked more than two nights! I loved the vibe - so peaceful and nourishing, and the only thing you hear all day are the sounds of birds and the chickens roaming around the garden. Viviana and the volunteer Brigitte were super friendly, and cooked delicious vegetarian food for us. I did all three excursions they offered and really enjoyed all of them.

Keep in mind this is an eco lodge and not a hotel, i.e. there's no shower or wifi and only limited electricity.

The activities that we did were rewarding, especially the canoe trip through the mangroves and lagoons. We enjoyed the snorkeling trip as well. Visiting the nearby village was interesting and an easy hike away. The food at the hostel was very good and of great value, and you can also find some really good eats in the center of the village.

Be sure to bring a water filter if possible, due to the lack of stores with fresh water in the area. The mosquitoes weren't terribly aggressive but it's still smart to have bug repellent on hand. The boat ride to and from the island was a bit rough, but that all depends on the driver, weather, etc. Be prepared for a wild ride!

Real meeting with nature. Relaxing environment.

Very chill and rustic location. Very minimal style of habitation. A great host and nice vibe. Met some very nice travellers there as well. absolutely stunning natural beauty in any direction

The island is a beautiful relaxing spot. It's not crowded with tourists. We spent 2 nights there and it was the perfect time to explore the island.

The staff was very polite and friendly. Just make sure to communicate with the host because sometimes they don't give you the information you need, unless you ask. Other than that, it was an awesome relaxing experience.

it was laid back and offered both good food and fun excursions.

bathroom didn’t have any toiletries at all

Just a warning that this is a truly Eco Hotel. You will get two big buckets of water a day, one for showering and one for toilet flush and facilities are simple. If you don't have a problem with that, you will have an amazing time :) We also had a bungalow so can't comment on other rooms. -the hosts are really great. Friendly and helpful. -both the popular beach and the private beach ate really close. We loved the private beach. -the bungalow is gorgeous, really gives off that relaxing beach atmosphere with hammocks for chilling and napping. -it is very clean and it is cleaned everyday -we had no issues with any noise, slept like babies -two friendly dogs always up for cuddles (but also won't bother you if you don't like dogs) -just a great atmosphere.

-it would be nice to get towels as we had use our quick towels both for beach and showering. However, it is an Eco hostel so we understand that it might not be possible.

quiet peaceful friendly

mosquitos sometimes smelt like sewer

Very clean and well maintained for a basic eco hotel

They could provide wifi at the same price as phone internet works there also charging schedule is a bit tight. But may be it's for the experience.

It was just what we needed, thank you so much. Viviana and Carlos were lovely hosts. They helped us out getting around the island, and Carlos makes amazing food! Animals walking freely and peacefully and you really feel like you are in a dream island away from the busy tourism. The rooms are clean, and cleaned daily. I wish we could stay longer.

Nothing, we liked everything.

Nice quiet location, very kind and welcoming, nice moments with Carlos biking and planting mangles, good meals and hot chocolate!

Maybe improve the signalisation to reach the place. We needed help from a local to show us the entrance.

A very natural environment with no stress.

the owner and the place

nothing