Unplugging in the Colombian Caribbean: truly resting on an island
Some vacations wear you out: tight itineraries, long transfers and a phone buzzing in your pocket.
Some vacations wear you out: tight itineraries, long transfers and a phone buzzing in your pocket. Others have a simple plan for the day, which is having no plan at all. For those, a small island in the Colombian Caribbean offers something hard to find in the city: a pace that makes you slow down.
If you are looking for an unplugged vacation in the Caribbean, this guide explains why an island works, how to get ready to put your phone down and what a truly restful day on Isla Múcura can look like.
Why an island helps you unplug
Unplugging is not just about willpower. It also depends on the place. An island in the San Bernardo archipelago makes it easy for several reasons:
- There is no traffic or city noise. The sounds of the day are the sea, the breeze and the birds.
- Nature sets the schedule. Boats arrive and leave at fixed times, the sea is calm in the morning and the day ends with the sunset.
- There is nowhere to rush to. Everything is a few steps away, and anything off the island takes a boat and a bit of planning.
- Nights are dark and quiet. At the hotel, quiet hours run from 10:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m., and without artificial light the sky fills with stars.
Unplugging without being cut off
Unplugging does not mean disappearing. The hotel’s rooms have wifi, and cell signal on the island can be weak depending on your carrier and where you are. Before you travel, check the services available on the island so you know what to expect.
With that settled, you can decide how connected you want to be. A few ideas that work:
- Let people know before you go, at home and at work, and set an out-of-office reply.
- Pick one or two moments a day to check messages, for example after breakfast and before dinner.
- Keep your phone in the room safe during beach hours.
- Download in advance books, music or podcasts, so you do not depend on a connection.
- Do not fill your schedule. Book one or two experiences and leave the rest of the time free.
A restful day on Isla Múcura
This is what an unhurried day can look like, using the hotel’s actual schedule:
| When | Plan |
|---|---|
| Sunrise | A swim while the water is at its calmest, or a walk along the shore |
| 7:00 to 9:30 a.m. | A slow breakfast at Las Palmas Restaurant |
| Mid-morning | A Balinese bed, a hammock and a book. If you feel like moving, kayaking or paddleboarding in calm water |
| 12:30 to 3:00 p.m. | Lunch by the sea |
| Afternoon | A spa massage, a nap or an eco walk around the island |
| Sunset | Watching the sun go down from the shore or from Brisas Bar |
| 7:00 to 9:30 p.m. | Dinner, followed by the starry sky |
If you book the meal plan, all three meals are taken care of and you no longer have to decide where or what to eat.
Wellness by the sea
An important part of unplugging is your body. On Isla Múcura there are several ways to take care of it without leaving the hotel:
- Spa by the sea: relaxing and deep-tissue massages, available in the morning and the afternoon. See the options at our spa by the sea.
- Yoga: ask at reception about the sessions available during your stay.
- Gym: open from 5:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., for those who rest better after moving.
Find all the options in the wellness on Isla Múcura section.
Slow experiences worth booking
Not everything has to be passive rest. Some experiences fit an unplugged trip well because they are best enjoyed without hurrying:
- Birdwatching at sunrise or late in the afternoon.
- The bioluminescent plankton night tour, to watch the water light up with every movement.
- The afternoon sailboat ride, with stops for a swim.
- Board games and garden games, to spend the afternoon without screens.
How many days you need to unplug
The first day is almost always spent traveling and adjusting to the new pace. For a real break, aim for at least three nights: one to arrive, one or two to truly let go and one to say goodbye without rushing.
Check the current promotions if you are planning a getaway in the coming weeks.
Frequently asked questions about an unplugged vacation on Isla Múcura
Is there wifi on Isla Múcura?
Yes. The hotel’s rooms have wifi. Cell signal on the island can be weak depending on your carrier, so it is a good idea to let your contacts know before you travel.
What massages does the hotel spa offer?
A relaxing massage with exfoliation and a deep-tissue massage, available in the morning and the afternoon. You can book them at reception or when you make your reservation.
How many days do you need to unplug on an island?
Ideally at least three nights. The first day goes to travel, and from the second day your body starts following the island’s rhythm.
Slow down by the sea
Unplugging does not require going far or switching off the world completely. It takes a place that invites you to slow down and a few days to let go. If you would like to plan your getaway, message us on WhatsApp and we will help you choose your room.
