Dec. 6 - 13, 2026
With four nights on the island of Tierra Bomba and three nights inside Cartagena’s walled city, this journey balances rest, exploration, and meaningful connection. Mornings unfold beside the Caribbean Sea, while the final days bring you into one of the most beautiful colonial cities in the Americas. Along the way you’ll sail by catamaran through the turquoise waters of the Rosario Islands and walk the ramparts and fortress that once protected Spain’s most important Caribbean port.
But this trip is also about discovering the Cartagena beyond the postcard—the people, traditions, and everyday rhythms that give the city its soul. You’ll ride on the back of a motorcycle through the village of Bocachica, share a meal in a family home, learn the rhythms of salsa and champeta, and discover the art and history of Afro-Caribbean hair braiding. Somewhere between the sea, the music, and the warmth of Colombian culture, you may just reconnect with a more colorful and soulful side of yourself.
After arriving in Cartagena (CTG), you will be greeted at the airport by your driver and transferred to the city center. From the docks at La Bodeguita, a short boat ride across the bay will bring you to the island of Tierra Bomba, where the pace of life slows and the Caribbean begins to set the rhythm of the journey.
Upon arrival in the quiet seaside village of Bocachica, the Alithea team will guide you to your beach hotel and you’ll settle into the first evening of the retreat. The rest of the day is yours to unwind after your travels—take a swim in the sea, relax by the pool, or simply enjoy the warm breeze and sunset over the water.
This morning we’ll venture from the hotel into the town of Bocachica. Historically neglected by the authorities in Cartagena, this Afro-Colombian seaside community is a powerful example of perseverance and resilience.
Travel through the village the local way—on the back of motorcycles—with guides who will introduce you to everyday life on the island. Along the way we’ll visit historic coastal fortifications that once guarded the entrance to Cartagena’s harbor from pirates and invading fleets.
The morning concludes with lunch in a local family’s home, an opportunity to share stories, conversation, and traditional Caribbean cooking.
Free afternoon to relax at the hotel.
Dinner at the hotel.
Today we explore two traditions deeply woven into the culture of Colombia’s Caribbean coast.
In the morning, we’ll learn about the history and symbolism of Afro-Colombian hair braiding (“trenzas”), a tradition that—according to oral history—once carried coded messages among enslaved Africans and remains an important cultural expression today.
Later in the day we’ll turn to another defining element of the coast: music and dance. Local instructors will introduce you to salsa and champeta, rhythms born from the Afro-Caribbean heritage of Cartagena.
Group dinner at the hotel.
After several active days, today offers time to simply enjoy the peaceful rhythms of Tierra Bomba.
Spend the morning at leisure—swimming in the sea, relaxing by the pool, or exploring the quiet village of Bocachica.
Optional Pilates or wellness sessions will be offered in the morning.
The afternoon remains free to enjoy the beach and hotel.
Dinner at the hotel.
Today is dedicated to exploring the waters of the Caribbean by catamaran.
After breakfast we’ll check out of the Blue Apple and board a catamaran to explore the turquoise waters of the Rosario Islands, a protected marine park made up of coral islands scattered across the sea. Your luggage will be transported to our city hotel.
Spend the day swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing while enjoying lunch on board.
In the late afternoon we return by boat to the docks at La Bodeguita in Cartagena. The evening is yours to settle in and enjoy the magical atmosphere of Cartagena at night.
Today we explore Cartagena’s historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with colonial architecture, shaded plazas, and vibrant streets.
Our guided walking tour includes the city’s famous ramparts and the impressive Castillo de San Felipe, the fortress that once protected Spain’s most important Caribbean port.
Free afternoon to explore galleries, cafés, and boutiques throughout the old city.
This morning we visit the bustling Bazurto Market, where fishermen, farmers, and cooks gather each day to supply the city with fresh ingredients and local specialties.
Later we explore the lively neighborhood of Getsemaní, known for its colorful murals, music, and vibrant street life.
Farewell dinner in the city.
After breakfast, our local host will arrange transfers to the airport or to your next destination in Colombia.
Andrea Kane has spent over three decades helping people reconnect to the intelligence of their bodies, reclaim their clarity, and trust their desire. At 52, she brings both deep life experience and professional expertise as a somatic educator and energy practitioner, guiding people to move from disconnection, anxiety, and old relational patterns into self-trust, presence, and embodied joy.
Andrea’s approach is simple but transformative: healing is not about fixing or striving; it’s about remembering who you are beneath the patterns of overthinking, people-pleasing, and self-doubt. Through movement, breath, energy awareness, and somatic exercises, she helps people release tension, restore nervous system safety, and reconnect to their sensual aliveness.
For further questions don't hesitate to reach out to us directly.
