Escape to Paradise: Laguna Rosa Hotel, Covenas, Colombia - Your Dream Vacation Awaits!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups! Because I'm about to spill the beans, the coffee, and maybe even a little bit of my own personal chaos all over this review of the Laguna Rosa Hotel in Coveñas, Colombia. "Escape to Paradise," they say. Let's see if it lives up to the hype, shall we? Consider this your brutally honest, slightly manic, and totally unedited guide to whether or not you should blow your vacation budget here.
First Impressions (and a Near-Disaster with the Luggage – My Fault, Mostly)
Okay, so "Escape to Paradise" does sound promising. And the pictures? Gorgeous. Turquoise water, pristine beaches, the works. Getting there… well, that's a story for another time. But as soon as I stepped out of the car (shoutout to the Airport Transfer – clutch!), the air hit me. Not the air air, but the humid, salty, pure-Colombian-coast air. You know, the good stuff.
The Hotel itself? Clean, modern, and thankfully, the Elevator works. I'm a sucker for elevators, it's a small thing, but it speaks volumes. Now, about that luggage…Let's just say I may or may NOT have nearly face-planted when trying to wrestle my oversized suitcase past the Front Desk [24-hour]. (Big ups to the staff who offered me a hand, a smile, and didn't even judge my questionable packing choices).
Accessibility, I’M LOOKING AT YOU! (And My Bad Knee)
Okay, real talk for a sec. I'm not completely reliant on accessibility features, but I do have a bum knee that lets me know when things aren't quite up to snuff. The good news? Facilities for disabled guests are mentioned. The Wheelchair accessible, that is a big win for the hotel. From what I could see things seemed to be well designed. Everything feels pretty spacious, the building itself it modern, and most of the common areas seem easy enough to navigate, which is huge. Access is a big, big win for most places.
Rooms - Oh My, The Room! (And the Blackout Curtains, Bless Them!)
Right, the real test: my room. I am a sucker for a good hotel room, and this one had all the usual suspects, which is usually a great start. First off Air conditioning? Check. Thank God. The humidity is REAL.
- Air conditioning is key. It makes my world go 'round.
- Safe Box In Room: A place to stash my valuables.
- Blackout curtains: Thank god, because I’m a light sleeper, and there is nothing they can’t block out.
- Hair dryer: Essential, even if I’m not completely sure what I’m doing with it, it’s nice to have.
- Free Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! - huge.
- Complimentary tea: A nice touch.
- Wake-up service: Thank god for this, or I'd still be asleep.
The Bed??? Extra long bed. YES!!! I hate short beds. I am over 6 foot, and the last thing I want is my feet hanging off the edge… it is a BIG pet peeve of mine. The Seating area was lovely. I am writing this from it, to make this review! And the Mirror in the bathroom… well, let's just say I have a lot of moments of looking at myself in front of the mirror when I travel.
But (insert the but)
- There was a minor issue with the Shower. The water pressure wasn't the strongest. A minor gripe, really.
- And now, for the most brutal moment, some rooms… are not quite as they're advertised.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – A Culinary Adventure (Maybe?)
Let's face it, food is life. And Laguna Rosa offers a variety of options.
- Restaurants: Okay! I'm always here for a good restaurant.
- Bar: I am happy to hear there is a bar.
The Breakfast [buffet] was… well, it was a buffet. You know the drill. Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Salad in restaurant, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant.
I did dabble in the A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Room service [24-hour], Western cuisine in restaurant. Pretty standard fare. It was all good.
Things to Do (Besides Lounging by the Pool – Duh!)
Okay, so you could just laze by the Swimming pool (and the Pool with view), which, honestly, is a perfectly acceptable vacation strategy. But…
- Sauna and Steamroom. I love this.
- Gym/fitness the gym! (Even if, you know, you say you're going to work out and then mostly just drink water in there).
- Spa/sauna: This place sounds great! I have to go.
- Massage: I’m getting one of these!
Cleanliness, Safety, and All That Jazz (Because COVID, Sigh)
Look, traveling in the current climate is… different. Laguna Rosa, thankfully, seems to be taking things seriously.
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Check.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Good.
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: So you can rest easy.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: Always a good sign!
The Quirks, The Imperfections, The Stuff They Don't Tell You
Okay, here's where I get real. I did hear some whispers about the occasional power outage. (Bring a flashlight on your phone, just in case). And while the staff is lovely, there's a little bit of a language barrier. But honestly? That's part of the charm, right? It's an adventure!
"Escape to Paradise: Laguna Rosa Hotel, Covenas, Colombia - Your Dream Vacation Awaits!" - My Verdict?
Okay, the Laguna Rosa isn't perfect. There are little hiccups, and perhaps a little less polish in some areas than advertised. But the pros heavily outweigh the cons. It's clean, the staff is friendly, the beach is stunning, and you actually feel like you're escaping.
My Final, Slightly Manic, Highly Opinionated Recommendation
If you're looking for a relaxing getaway, a spot to unplug and recharge, or place to just lie on the beach, then book the Laguna Rosa.
My Offer: The "Unplug & De-Stress" Package – Because You NEED This!
Here's the deal: Book your stay at the Laguna Rosa Hotel today using code "COVENASRELAX" and get the following:
- A complimentary massage at the spa: Because you deserve to be pampered.
- Complimentary bottle of local rum: Because… Colombia.
- A free upgrade to a room with a beach view
- And my personal guarantee: You'll come back feeling significantly less stressed than when you arrived.
This offer is only valid for a limited time, so don't wait! Book your Escape to Paradise now – before I book all the good rooms!
Laguna Rosa Hotel: Get to Coveñas. Now.
Escape to Paradise: Nan Boutique Resort Awaits in Thailand
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your sanitized, perfectly-aligned travel itinerary. This is… my itinerary for Hotel Laguna Rosa, Covenas, Colombia. Prepare for the glorious mess that is me, and this trip.
The Unofficial, Slightly Unhinged, Laguna Rosa Adventure (And, You Know, Some Sort of Schedule Thing)
Day 1: Arrival & Beach Brain Freeze (aka: Why Did I Think Spanish Was a Good Idea?)
Morning (Whenever I Actually Wake Up): Arrive at Cartagena airport. Oh god, the humidity. It's like walking into a giant, warm hug… of sweat. Immediately regret the cute linen pants. Try to navigate the taxi chaos. My Spanglish consists of "Hola," "Dos cervezas por favor," and a frantic pointing at maps. Wish me luck.
- Anecdote: Nearly got scammed by a guy who swore he’d worked for the CIA (classic!). Thankfully, sheer dumb luck and a healthy dose of paranoia saved me.
Afternoon (Post-Taxi Survival): Check into Hotel Laguna Rosa. Sun-drenched lobby, breezy… sigh… Finally, a little bit of peace. Drop my stuff, and immediately head to the beach.
Beach Brain Freeze: Okay, the sand is perfect. The water, a mesmerizing shade of Caribbean turquoise. Plunge in. Bliss. Then… CRASH, the waves, they hit harder there, I wasn't prepared. The saltwater went up my nose. I was spitting and coughing the entire time. Decided, a margarita was needed. Immediately.
Evening: Sunset drinks. Sigh. Witnessing the sunset is the literal definition of "breathtaking". It was so beautiful, I had a genuine "wow" moment. Overpriced, lukewarm margarita (because apparently, I still can't order right), but the view made it worthwhile. Stumbling back to the hotel, I fell in love with everything… maybe too much.
Day 2: Exploring the "Real" Covenas & The Great Mosquito Massacre
Morning (Early-ish…ish): Try to muster the energy for a proper breakfast. Failed. Coffee and stale bread it is. Venture out to explore Covenas, beyond the resort bubble. The town is bursting with life! Loud music, friendly locals, and enough street food to put your arteries in retirement.
- Quirky Observation: Kids playing soccer in the streets, chickens wandering, the smell of the sea mixed with frying plantains… it’s sensory overload in the best way possible.
Afternoon: The Mosquito Massacre. My own private hell. I thought I was invincible. Turns out, the mosquitoes of Covenas have a vendetta against fair-skinned travelers. I'm talking, covered in bites, itchy, red… I'm pretty sure I look like I'm contagious. Tried every repellent known to humankind; nothing works. Found an old, lonely corner and started to scream out of frustration.
Evening: Desperate for relief, I had a swim in the pool. It helped a little bit. Then a strong dinner. I asked the people in the restaurant to bring my food as soon as possible so that I could lock myself inside my room and sleep.
Emotional Reaction: This is also when I got the most homesick feeling. I just wanted to go back home, where nothing bit me, and everything was clean.
Day 3: Boat Trip & The Pursuit of the Perfect Photo (Spoiler: It Doesn't Exist)
- Morning: Drag myself out of bed, still itching. Today: boat trip! Promises of secluded beaches and snorkeling bliss. Packed my sunscreen (again!), and hope.
- Boat Trip Chaos: The boat was more rickety than expected, the guy at the helm resembled a pirate who maybe had a few too many the night before. The waves were a bit bigger than I anticipated. Managed to hold it together for a few hours. Found a secluded beach at last.
- The Pursuit of the Perfect Photo (aka: My Instagram Fails): I became obsessed with getting the perfect photo. Golden light, turquoise water, me looking effortlessly cool. Failed miserably. My attempts were a mixture of awkward poses, squinting into the sun, and the inevitable accidental photobombing by some oblivious sealife.
- Evening: Back at the hotel, I vowed to ditch the camera tomorrow and simply be present. Maybe. Had a massive plate of grilled seafood. It tasted like the sea itself. Drank way too much wine.
Day 4: The Laguna Rosa Phenomenon & Existential Dread
Morning: Finally, the Laguna Rosa itself! A lagoon that changes color? Sign me up.
The Laguna Rosa Phenomenon: The hype is real! The water is a vibrant pink. It actually does shift colors with the light. Bathed in the pink waters of the lagoon. It was a weirdly spiritual experience. Suddenly, my mosquito bites, the slightly questionable food, everything faded away. I lay there, floating, staring at the sky.
- Emotional Reaction: Seriously, I think I may have actually teared up a bit. The beauty was just overwhelming. It was a moment of pure, unfiltered joy and that very real feeling that I had found something truly special in the world.
Afternoon: Stared at the Laguna from the hotel. I don't know how I did it but I stared at it for hours. Felt so grateful.
Evening: Final night. Big dinner, big smiles, maybe a few more tears (I blame the wine). Reflecting on the chaos, the beauty, the mosquitos… would I do it again? Absolutely. Even with the imperfections, the moments of frustration, and the occasional existential dread, this trip, this mess, was perfect.
Day 5: Departure & The Promise of a Future Return
- Morning: Up early, packing, fighting back the sadness of leaving. One last look at the beach, one last breath of the salty air. Take one last long breath, and remember everything I have been through during these past few days.
- Departure: Taxi back to Cartagena. The next chapter starts.
This, my friends, is the truth of travel: messy, beautiful, and gloriously human. And Laguna Rosa, you magnificent, mosquito-infested, pink-hued goddess, I'll be back. Eventually. Probably with a whole bottle of bug spray.
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Escape to Paradise: Laguna Rosa Hotel – Your Dream Vacation Awaits! (Probably. Mostly. You'll see...)
Okay, spill the beans – what's the *real* deal with Laguna Rosa Hotel? Is it actually paradise?
Alright, alright, settle down. Paradise? Well, it's complicated. Let's just say, your mileage may vary. Laguna Rosa Hotel in Coveñas, Colombia, is...an *experience*. It's not some sterile, manufactured paradise. Think more "rustic charm" with a side of "tropical unpredictability." Think beautiful beaches, yes. Think stunning sunsets, absolutely. Think...occasionally power outages and the persistent hum of the air conditioner that sounds like a dying robot goat. But hey, that's part of the adventure, right? (Or at least that's what I tell myself after the third mosquito bite.)
What kind of rooms are there? And are they clean? (Seriously, I'm a bit of a germaphobe...)
Rooms! Okay, so there are various types. You've got your standard rooms, some bungalows, and then...the "deluxe" options. I'm not going to lie, the 'deluxe' felt slightly nicer than the others, but still… rustic. I’d say, keep your expectations *slightly* below a five-star hotel. Think more along the lines of a nice beach shack, but with AC. Cleanliness? They try. They really do. I'm not gonna lie, I brought my own Clorox wipes. Just in case. Because you know...life. There might be a little sand. It's the beach, duh! But it's generally acceptable. They do their best, and the staff are super friendly, which definitely helps you overlook the minor imperfections. Like that one slightly rusty shower head... But honestly? You'll be spending most of your time outside anyway.
The food! Tell me about the food! Is it...edible? And what's the deal with the included meals?
Okay, the food. Alright, deep breaths. The included meals are… well, let's call them "traditional Colombian cuisine, prepared with love and… whatever's available." Breakfast is usually eggs, arepas (delicious!), fruit, and coffee. Lunch and dinner are a bit more varied, but expect lots of rice, beans, and fish. The fish is usually fresh, sometimes a little overcooked (but hey, you're on vacation - it's all good, right?). And you absolutely *must* try the fresh juices. They're a lifesaver in the heat. They have this one juice with mango and papaya and... ooh, it makes my mouth water just thinking about it! There's a little something for everyone, but sometimes it might feel a bit repetitive. I might suggest packing some snacks, just in case you get a craving for something more specific (like, say, a late-night bag of chips). But honestly? The food is simple, filling, and you won't starve. And the staff are so incredibly sweet that you’ll want to eat whatever they put in front of you.
The beach! Is the beach as amazing as the pictures make it look?
The beach… oh, the BEACH. Yes. YES. The pictures don't lie. The beach is gorgeous. Soft, white sand. Turquoise water. Palm trees swaying in the breeze. I spent a good portion of my vacation just...staring at it. It's the kind of beach that makes you just want to plop yourself down and forget about all your worries. The water is warm, perfect for swimming. The sunsets? Forget about it. Absolutely breathtaking. One evening, I saw the entire sky turn shades of orange and pink. I'm telling you, it was almost religious. Almost. And then a little kid ran screaming across the beach, and I was snapped back to reality. But still… amazing. Just… amazing. The only downside? Sometimes the waves get a bit rough. But hey, that just adds to the fun, doesn't it? (Except maybe not for the tiny children who don’t know how to stop crying.)
What's there to *do* besides lie on the beach all day (tempting as that is)?
Okay, okay, beyond beach bumming. There are things to do! You can go snorkeling or diving (there are some cool reefs nearby, apparently). You can take boat trips to nearby islands (highly recommended). You can explore the local town of Coveñas (it's small, but charming). You can rent a kayak or a paddleboard. You can RELAX. Seriously. There's a definite "island time" vibe, which is awesome if you're trying to escape the real world. One day, I just sat in a hammock with a book and a cold drink and did absolutely *nothing*. It was glorious. Best part of the trip. Well, the best part *besides* the beach and… okay, I’m bad at making choices here. It's all good. But don't expect a hectic schedule. This is a place to unwind. And if you *really* need excitement, you can try to find some adventure on your own, like trying a weird fruit from a street vendor. Risks, rewards, and all that. (And maybe diarrhea. Just saying.)
Are there any hidden expenses I should be aware of?
Yes, there are always hidden expenses! Plan for them! Besides the obvious (drinks, souvenirs – which you WILL buy, trust me), the main one is likely transportation. Getting there can be a bit of a journey. You can take a bus or fly into a nearby airport. Taxis will get you to the hotel. And excursions. They're usually not included in the package. Then, of course, there's the tips. Tip the staff! They work hard and deserve it. They will treat you like royalty. I always tip more when the staff is good to the kids. They always have the best stories. And… oh yes. Don't be surprised if you end up buying a few extra beers or ice creams. Because, you know…vacation. (And the temptation is REAL.)
What's the vibe like? Is it rowdy? Family-friendly? Romantic?
The vibe? It's pretty chill. Definitely family-friendly. Lots of kids running around, playing in the sand. Romantic? Absolutely. Perfect for couples looking for a getaway. Or maybe just a quiet place to read a book. Mostly peaceful, honestly. Not a party place. No thumping music at 3 AM. Just the sound of the waves, the rustling of palm trees, and the occasional, surprisingly loud, frog. It’s a place where you can actually *hear* yourself think. Which, let’s be honestHotel Finder Reviews
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