Hidden among the intense tropical vegetation mantling the hills that skirt Portobelo Bay, in a remote spot just two hour’s drive from Panama City, this unusual, high quality resort is a haven of peace and wellbeing.
The drive to historic Portobello from Panama City is along a highway that runs parallel to the Canal. On the outskirts of Colon the road becomes single lane with a backdrop of primary forest to your right and views of the Caribbean Sea, interspersed with small villages. This is one of the most scenic drives in Panama.
The property consists of just 4 remarkable houses, virtually knitted into the landscape, so you are really enveloped in the natural world. Each of these is furnished and decorated in funky style with lots of bright primary colours and artistic details and ornaments inspired by traditional Panamanian crafts. Rooms have state of the art amenities. The restaurant serves a menu of Caribbean / international fusion food.
You can relax by the pool and drink in the vivid sunsets or visit a deserted beach just a short boat ride away. There are many activities on offer including fishing, boating in the mangroves, hiking, bird-watching, picnicking on the beach, diving over the coral reefs and shipwrecks, racing canoes and conga dancing! To get a feel for the area’s history, take an excursion to the fortifications at Portobelo, a UNESCO protected colonial city.
Our Comment
This is a contemporary boutique property in the true sense of the word. It was only finished in 2011 after 15 years of planning. The architect has used the skills of local carpenters and crafts people to combine their highly colourful style of work with retro, art deco pieces and Mexican tiling. I defy anyone not to be wowed!
Rafe Stone, Product Manager
| |  The cheerful ambience of El Otrro Lado
 A deserted beach close to El Otro Lado
 El Otro Lado - al fesco eating
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