This was my first Christmas outside the U.S., and I spent it doing exactly what my nervous system needed… slowing all the way down.

I stayed in Tiny Village Cartagena, a Black-owned eco-resort located on Tierra Bomba, just across the water from Cartagena and part of the greater Rosario Islands experience.

The island is quiet, slow, and very local. From the resort, you can see Cartagena across the water, especially from higher points on the property. The boat ride over was only about 15 minutes, but energetically it felt like stepping into a different timeline.

Getting There + Check-In Experience

I booked my stay through Expedia for $130 USD for one night on Christmas Eve, which felt reasonable for a holiday stay and the experience itself..

Check-in, however, was the most challenging part.

Tiny Village uses WhatsApp as their primary form of communication, and you have to wait for them to message you with final instructions. The manager sent the WhatsApp message less than an hour before the shuttle time listed on their website, which understandably caused a little stress. Thank goodness I knew where to go because I had experienced Brunch there when I first arrived in Cartagena, after being invited by a Black Woman expat living there.

They offer two daily shuttle times from the city:

3:00 PM
6:30 PM

You meet at the beach behind the hospital in Bocagrande.

Another family was checking in with me, and they were visibly frustrated due to the lack of earlier communication. I mentioned this to the owner later as feedback, and he shared that they are actively updating their booking and communication process to make this clearer for future guests. That honesty and openness mattered to me, and I respected it as a fellow business owner.

Once we arrived on the island, the experience immediately softened. The property manager greeted us with drinks, and check-in itself was simple. They just needed my passport and the card used for booking.

The Location + Atmosphere

According to their website, Tiny Village is designed to blend eco-conscious living with community and cultural immersion. That description is accurate.

The atmosphere is peaceful, grounded, and community-based. Many of the staff live on the island, and everyone was warm and welcoming. Only the owner and property manager speak English, so knowing some Spanish or being comfortable navigating language differences helps. I was able to order my food, and give greetings respectfully.

The property itself is beautiful:

A central courtyard with a pool
An overlooking balcony with views toward Cartagena
Shared community spaces that encourage connection without pressure

It felt intentional, natural, cultural and far from touristy.

My Tiny House Stay

I chose the basic comfort tiny house because I did not want a loft or stairs. My unit had a back view of greenery and a small lake, which I loved.

One small thing to note: from the right side of my patio, I could see part of the walkway. I am private by nature, so I was a little conservative about how I used the space. Not a dealbreaker, just something to be aware of.

That said, my mornings were magic.

I sat outside early with coffee they prepared for me, journaling while butterflies and birds moved through the trees. It was quiet in a way that lets your thoughts breathe.

The bed was incredibly comfortable. One of the best sleeps I have had while traveling.

Now, let us be real. You are in nature.
There were ants on the floors and walls, which I expected. I did not see any bugs in the bed at all, but if you are someone who needs sterile environments, this may not be for you.

I am including a video of the room and property so you can see the full setup for yourself. WATCH HERE: https://substack.com/profile/221673444-doctress-monica-nicole/note/c-204585989?r=3nz8bo&utm_medium=ios&utm_source=notes-share-action

Food Experience 🍽️

Dinner was excellent.

I had:

Pescado
Arroz con coco
Ensalada

This is a traditional Colombian dish, and it was cooked with care. The flavors were rich without being heavy.

Important note: if you want specific items like lobster, you need to tell them in advance. Lobster is caught fresh in the morning and brought in from the city, so planning ahead matters.

Breakfast was included and was a traditional Colombian breakfast. All the fruit was fresh and flavorful. Honestly… good asf. Whew!

Christmas Day Surprise: Private Boat Tour 🚤

This part made my Christmas unforgettable.

During my stay, the owner had an old coworker and his family visiting. They invited me to join them on their private boat tour of the Rosario Islands on Christmas Day.

The full-day excursion was only $100, and it was absolutely worth it.

We were on an upgraded boat with only five people:

Me
The owner
His coworker
His coworker’s wife
Their daughter

It felt intimate, relaxed, and special. No crowds. No rush. Just water, sun, and presence.

Final Thoughts + Rating

Overall, my experience at Tiny Village Cartagena was beautiful and grounding.

Pros:

Peaceful island location
Black-owned and community-centered
Comfortable rooms
Incredible food
Warm staff
Unique cultural experience

Cons:

Communication before arrival needs improvement
Not ideal for long stays if you prefer variety or nightlife

I would not stay more than three nights. It is best enjoyed as an experience, not a long-term base… at least for me.

Final Rating: 8/10

My Christmas was amazing, slow, and intentional. Exactly what I needed.

If you are looking for rest, culture, and a reminder of how good simplicity can feel, this is a place worth experiencing at least once 🦋

Holiday in Cartagena, Colombia: A Quiet Island Escape to Tierra Bomba and the Rosario Islands