Hotel Las Islas

In 2018, Hotel Las Islas began a partnership with the local Barú community and the National Natural Parks of Colombia to restore mangrove forests on Barú Island. Seeds are collected and nurtured in a nursery, then transplanted on the island. To date, more than 2,000 new trees thrive in the ecosystem, restoring critical marine habitat and protecting against coastal erosion.

Hotel Las Islas hires and trains 90 percent of its staff from the town of Barú and neighboring Santa Ana. A locally rooted team enriches every stay, offering genuine connections, insider perspectives, and experiences shaped by the destination itself. Local team members know the destination deeply and can recommend hidden gems, local restaurants, and experiences tailored to each guest.

The on-site handicrafts shop introduces guests to the local culture and creations of Colombian craftspeople, showcasing traditional ceramics, canes and arrows, loomed goods and baskets, and beautiful beach wraps handmade by local women. Artists of Fundación Aviatur in Barú supply many of these goods, which in turn supports the local economy.

Since 2020, Hotel Las Islas has conducted periodic mangrove and coastal clean-up drives in tandem with local communities. Each clean-up partners with about 30 residents to remove trash, promote education on waste management, and help educate the future generation of conservationists.