Escaping the cold and travelling to the Caribbean is one of the best ways to break away from the winter routine. Swapping coats for swimwear, walking under the sun and letting the day unfold without tight schedules is all part of the experience. Cartagena de Indias and San Andrés offer the perfect balance of warm weather, nearby sea and activities suited both to those seeking culture and to those who simply want to relax by the ocean.
On this side of the map, these two destinations become ideal refuges for anyone looking for a Caribbean escape away from winter. Different from each other, yet united by the same gentle climate, closeness to the sea and the feeling of being somewhere where the sun sets the pace. And if the trip coincides with the weeks leading up to Carnival in Colombia’s Caribbean region, the atmosphere becomes even more vibrant, with music in the streets, local celebrations and an infectious festive energy.
In both destinations, Sirenis Hotels & Resorts enhances the travel experience with hotels designed for relaxing by the sea and easy access to the main points of interest.
Cartagena de Indias: Living History by the Caribbean Sea
Cartagena is not a city to rush through; it is meant to be explored slowly. Its walled city, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, invites visitors to wander through cobbled streets, balconies overflowing with bougainvillaea and squares where time seems to stand still. It is an ideal destination for those who want to travel to the Caribbean without giving up culture, history and local life.
The climate is warm all year round, with temperatures ranging between 27°C and 31°C, perfect for unhurried walks, sitting on a terrace at sunset or soaking up the Caribbean atmosphere of the historic centre. At this time of year, the proximity of Carnival is felt in the air: rehearsals by dance troupes, music echoing through neighbourhoods and a festive spirit that blends with the usual calm of the walled city.
Beyond the historic centre, the experience expands with plans that combine sea and heritage. The Rosario Islands are a must for enjoying peaceful beaches and clear waters among coral reefs. For those wishing to go further afield, an excursion to Tayrona National Natural Park reveals beaches and trails between jungle and sea. Back in the city, places such as La Serrezuela blend historic architecture with leisure and gastronomy, while the Muelle de los Pegasos invites an evening stroll along the harbour. Staying at Grand Sirenis Cartagena allows easy access to the historic centre, the coast and the city’s main landmarks, combining relaxation with urban exploration.
San Andrés: The Caribbean at Its Bluest
San Andrés is instantly recognisable for the colour of its sea. The famous “sea of seven colours” surrounds the island with shades of blue and turquoise that seem almost unreal. It is a destination designed for those who dream of postcard-perfect beaches, crystal-clear waters and days that flow at the rhythm of the sun.
Beaches set the pace of the trip. Spratt Bight, right in the centre, is ideal for enjoying the sea with all services close at hand; San Luis Beach offers a quieter experience with a local feel and calm waters; and Charquitos surprises visitors with natural pools that form among the rocks at low tide.
Here, escaping the cold feels almost immediate: the climate is warm and consistent all year round, perfect for swimming, snorkelling over coral reefs, exploring the island by motorbike or simply lying by the sea and letting time pass without watching the clock.
Beyond the beaches, the island offers leisure and cultural activities that complete the Caribbean experience: the Island House Museum provides insight into local history and traditions; Morgan’s Cave adds a touch of legend to the journey; and the White Night catamaran tour offers a different way to see the island at dusk, with music and a relaxed atmosphere on the water. Natural highlights not to be missed include Hoyo Soplador, where water bursts powerfully through the rocks, and West View, an ideal spot for swimming and jumping into crystal-clear waters.
At Grand Sirenis San Andrés, the proximity to the sea and the island’s relaxed surroundings enhance the experience of those seeking a few days of genuine rest in the heart of the Colombian Caribbean.
Two Ways to Experience the Caribbean, One Shared Plan: Escape the Cold
Cartagena de Indias and San Andrés offer two different ways to escape the cold and travel to the Caribbean. Cartagena captivates with its blend of history, culture and an atmosphere that becomes livelier as Carnival approaches; San Andrés charms with its simplicity, slow pace and an ocean that looks hand-painted.
Choosing one or the other — or combining both in the same trip — means opting for warm days, constant light and that distinctly Caribbean feeling that everything is lived at a slightly slower pace. And when relaxation comes by the sea, in hotels designed to help you unwind and explore at your own rhythm, the change of scenery is felt from day one.
