Corona Just Opened a Private Island Filled With Adventure and Beer. Here’s How to Visit.

Back in 2021, you had to be on an exclusive list to “la vida más fina” — live the fine life.

But as of March 18, now anyone can make a reservation to party at an island owned and themed after Corona beer, owned by Anheuser-Busch. The beer brand just opened its private island off the coast of Colombia, about 12 miles southwest of Cartagena. It’s accessible only by boat, and is billed as “a place where time stands still and all that surrounds you is crystal clear waters, white sand, and nature at its finest.”

The island has actually been open since 2021, but it was on an invite-only basis. But Clarissa Pantoja, global vice president of Corona, recently told The Drinks Business that the company had seen how successful the island was and was ready to scale it up and welcome members of the public. “Given its success, Corona now welcomes eco-conscious travellers from around the world to experience the island and truly disconnect to reconnect with nature,” she said.

What is Corona Island?

The point of Corona Island appears to be multifaceted, serving both as a brand extension and a unique experience for visitors. The brand’s marketing aligns the light, Mexican-style lager with beach vacations and warm weather, so it’s not a surprise to see it associated with a tropical island paradise. The private island is aimed at both day trippers and overnight guests, as both overnight and day passes include round-trip transportation from the mainland. The architecture, style, and layout appear to be reminiscent of a Tulum hotel, with eco-friendly materials, natural coloring, and lots of indoor-outdoor living.

Day trippers can book a pass to Corona Island starting at 672,269 Colombian Pesos (about $165), plus a 19 percent tax. Pickup is at 8:30 AM and return at 3 PM, giving buyers a morning and early afternoon on the island. Also included are a three-course lunch, access to sunbeds and loungers, and “Corona beer” (but no word on how many).

Travelers who want to stay for more than one night can book either a “King Bungalow,” with a private beachfront hot tub and minibar stocked with Corona, or a “Twin Bed Bungalow,” with similar features but a layout for travelers who don’t want to share a bed. Both rooms start around $614 per night plus tax and include transportation, your room, and all meals. For an extra undisclosed fee, guests can add on experiences like “mangrove reforestation,” snorkeling tours, spa services, or paddleboard and kayak rentals.

Both day visits and overnight stays are limited to adults only. Booking is currently available now, though there’s no word if the island is a permanent experience, or something that will be available for just a limited time. Interestingly, and perhaps tying in with the travel ethos of younger visitors, the island has a handful of sustainability initiatives. It was the world’s first “three-star Blue Seal”-awarded island from Oceanic Global, received for “eliminating single-use plastics and incorporating comprehensive sustainability measures throughout their operations and guest experience.”

The island is also run entirely with solar energy, relies on local and native drought-tolerant plants, and was built with local materials and techniques. Before it became “Corona Island,” it was used as a popular destination for boat rentals in the area, offering an undeveloped island and three large stretches of sandy beach. it’s part of the country’s Rosario Islands, and is still technically called “Isla Arena,” though it does come up on Google Maps as “Corona Island,” as well.