Welcome to Mariven, your seaside sanctuary nestled along one of America’s most beloved coastal stretches. If it’s your first time staying with us, you’re in for a restorative and refreshing experience. But to truly soak in the magic, we’ve gathered a few insider tips from our returning guests and in-house staff that will help you settle in, slow down, and enjoy every wave-kissed moment.

1. Choose the Right Suite for Your Mood
Mariven offers a range of room types, each designed for a different kind of traveler. Looking for ultimate relaxation? The Coastal Garden Suite offers a peaceful retreat with a private patio and morning meditation space. Craving sunsets and luxury? Our Penthouse Suite with its wraparound ocean view balcony and hot tub is a guest favorite. Not sure which is right for you? Our concierge is happy to help.

2. Arrive Early and Explore the Grounds
While check-in starts at 3 PM, we recommend arriving a little earlier. Leave your bags with us and take a stroll around the property, grab a complimentary herbal iced tea from the lounge, peek into the ocean-view library, or head down the private path to the beach. Early guests often get the first pick of activity slots and spa appointments.

3. Book Experiences in Advance
Sunset yoga, beach bonfires, and our popular garden-side brunch fill up quickly, especially during weekends. We suggest booking these experiences a few days before your stay, either online or by calling us directly. Want something truly memorable? Ask about private beach dinners or sunrise paddle boarding excursions.

4. Don’t Miss the Local Favorites Map
Located in the lobby and available via our guest app, the Local Favorites Map features handpicked recommendations from Mariven staff, from secret picnic spots along the cliffs to the best fresh coconut gelato nearby. It’s a great way to explore the area like a local.

5. Unplug, Just a Little
Yes, we have fast Wi-Fi and Smart TVs, but part of the Mariven experience is letting the ocean lull you into a slower rhythm. Try starting your day without screens: take a barefoot walk at sunrise, journal with your toes in the sand, or sip coffee on your balcony in silence. You’ll leave more grounded than you arrived.

Whether you’re staying two nights or two weeks, these little touches make a big difference. At Mariven, we believe luxury is less about excess and more about ease. So take a deep breath, settle into your suite, and let the tide set your pace.

Where Colombia Meets the Caribbean

San Andrés sits 775 kilometres from the Colombian mainland, closer to Nicaragua than to Bogotá, in a sea so transparently turquoise it has been named the Sea of Seven Colours. The island is small enough to cross in forty minutes and varied enough to spend a week without repeating a meal, a beach or a conversation.

Private Access on the Water

ALMAR arranges private catamaran access to the cays — Johnny Cay, Haynes Cay, Rose Cay — before the day-trippers arrive. Snorkelling the barrier reef at dawn with a marine biologist guide is an entirely different experience from the afternoon crowds. We also arrange private boat access to Providencia, the smaller island forty minutes north, where resorts are few and the reef is among the healthiest in the Caribbean.

The Island at Its Own Pace

San Andrés has a Raizal culture — Afro-Caribbean, English-speaking, with a cuisine and music tradition distinct from mainland Colombia. ALMAR itineraries build in time to understand it: a private cooking session with a Raizal family, an evening of live reggae in a beach bar that does not appear in any travel guide, a sunset at the Cove that the island’s own residents consider the best view it has to offer.