Jon Pareles of "The New York Times" said that "La Isla Bonita" was one of Madonna's "friendlier" love songs. Don McLeese of the "Chicago Sun-Times" believed that the song was the best song on the album, as well as the most memorable. Meanwhile, Steve Morse of "The Boston Globe" believed that it was one of her "prettier" songs. Joey Guerra of the "Houston Chronicle," while reviewing Madonna's Sticky & Sweet Tour, called the song a true retro one. Marty Racine, from the same newspaper, believed that the song was one that stood out on the album. "Los Angeles Daily News", when discussing Madonna's style of music, believed that "La Isla Bonita" was a song that was "pointing in welcome direction."