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- Corona Island is an exclusive paradise off the coast of Colombia and the only way to gain entry is by invite.
- The island, which has eliminated single-use plastics, has sustainability at it's core, encouraging guests to disconnect from the world and reconnect with nature.
- With only a limited amount of people being allowed at a time, guests have access to a restaurant, sun club, chill zone and more.
- Activities involve hiking, mangrove planting, beach volleyball, and sunrise yoga.
It's an island so exclusive that you can only get to it by invite or winning a competition -- but what sets Corona Island apart from any other spot in the Caribbean Sea?
In case you have not heard, Corona Beer has its own island, and South Africans will be among the first to experience it.
Situated just off the coast of Colombia, the nature-focused Corona Island officially opens to the public in 2023. With its fragile ecosystem, the number of guests allowed will be limited as Corona tries to ensure they operate with a minimal environmental footprint.
Here's what you need to know about this private island and how you could score a trip there.
How big is it?
The island has a total area of 2 400 square meters. It can accomodate 840 people, but with sustainable tourism in mind, the Corona team will only accommodate 20 visitors at a time. This number does not include the island staff of 25 people.
Where would you stay?
The island has 10 bungalows for visitors. "They are all made with natural materials such as pine wood, teak, straw and matamba, and native techniques, and each one of them has its own en suite bathroom and jacuzzi," the team tells News24.
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How much did the island cost?
Instead of buying the island, Corona has actually leased the island from the Colombian government. "The island was not purchased, but rather it was leased. All insular territories in Colombia are property of the government; therefore, there is a tenant who leases the island from the government, and Corona has a contract with this individual, allowing the brand to serve in a sustainable tourism capacity with a low impact. Corona has a contract [with] Responsible and Ecological Tourism Services to lease the island through the tenant."
How does the island support sustainable tourism?
Aside from only allowing a limited amount of people to visit at a time, Corona Island further encourages sustainability by eliminating single-use plastics, and in so doing, has received Oceanic Global's three-star plastic-free Blue Seal.
"From construction to energy production, food sourcing and guest experiences on-site, sustainability is at the centre of every decision and touchpoint of Corona Island," a press statement explains.
The island also encourages visitors to disconnect from the world and be one with nature.
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What will you be able to do there?
It's not about partying into the night on a tropical paradise, but rather finding yourself by being in nature and, at the same time, learning what you can do to reverse the damage inflicted upon this planet.
Guests are encouraged to participate in mangrove tree planting, learn about sustainable living, and also find the time to just sit back and unwind without the constant buzzing of a phone.
Visitors will have access to a restaurant with a rooftop designed to be surrounded by treetops, a sun club to hang out at, a "chill zone" where you could have lunch, a deck where you can gaze longingly at the breathtaking surroundings, an experience zone where you have access to books, volleyball and board games, and of course, a beach where you can spend as much time as you like.
All facilities on the island were designed with the ecosystem in mind, with the bungalows, restaurant, deck, and more effortlessly melding into the natural look and feel of the land.
How can you get there?
For more details, and to learn about how to book a stay on Corona Island starting July 2023, visit the registration page here.
