I am sipping Corona beer and looking out over the water as I remember being the first person to step foot on this piece of land.
Corona Island, a beer-based island that was created in Corona, will be open to the public next year. I was among the few who were able to see it first.
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It was just 45 minutes away from Cartegena (a popular tourist destination in Columbia), and I wasn’t sure what to expect.
It was a quick start when I was greeted with a complimentary beer right away after my toes had sunk into warm sand.
I realized quickly that I didn’t always have to say yes, and found myself rarely without a beer. This quickly turned into unlimited tequila shots as the sun set.
This was the island’s ethos: party hard, but leave no footprint.
Corona is working with Ocean Global, a non-profit organization, to make this island Blue Verified.
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This means that single-use plastics are not allowed, and solar panels will charge 70% of the island.
Only one restaurant is on-site that does exactly that. It uses leftover food or whatever was sent to island that day. I didn’t mind when it ended in leftover croissant bread pudding.
I also indulged in a huge amount of local fried fish, and paella made by Christopher Carpienter, a Chilean chef and Colombian Masterchef judge.
Do not worry about feeling bored while you cook your meal – I spent most time trying to protect the island’s birds and monkeys, who all remain in their natural habitat to avoid disruption to their lives.
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Parques Nacionales Naturales offers a sea turtle restoration program that releases turtles back into their natural habitat.
There is also a chill zone for tech-free relaxation with beanbags and cushions. WiFi can be found on the island if you are lucky.
The island is all about outdoor adventure. There are guided yoga and meditation, kayaking, volleyball, and other activities.
It’s all possible, so I often found myself in a hammock with a cocktail in my hand.
You can easily stay over on the island because there are 10 bungalows.
Every double room offers views over the ocean. The ensuite bathrooms include an open-air bath and, the highlight, a private hot tub with fresh water.
There is air conditioning, which is great because the nights can get very hot. However, they recommend that you only use it when absolutely necessary.
Global Vice President for Corona Felipe ambra stated that they wanted to celebrate the outdoors in relation to the creation and maintenance of the island. “getting guests engaged in protecting paradise”.
He added: “We look forward to welcoming visitors, rekindling their relationship with nature and hopefully creating more advocates to protect our natural world.”
Although I have been to over 40 countries, this trip was definitely the highlight of my life. I will always remember the lime tattoo that I got with new friends on the island.
A new spa is being built on the island, which will be open to the public in summer 2023.
Prices and official dates have yet to be announced. You can register here Here.
These are other private islands owned and occupied by celebrities.
I was also able to visit Disney’s private island that is only available to cruise passengers. Here are the details.
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