Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
contemporary feel, and include all the comforts (a/c, satellite TV, minibar) and some even
have a private outdoor hot tub. The pleasant open-air restaurant is set round an infinity pool
and there are a variety of inland or water-based activities to choose from. Breakfast included.
High-se
ason
rack rates are pricey but promotional prices and low season offer good dis-
counts.
$370
Cala Mia
Isla Boca Brava 851 0059,
boutiquehotelcalamia.com
.
A sophisticated yet
rustic retreat comprising eleven a/c bungalows, each with a gorgeous private
rancho
looking
out to sea. The lovely bar-restaurant deck serves gourmet Mediterranean cuisine - the three-
course dinners ($32) draw on organic garden produce. Boat rides and
hor
seriding can be ar-
ranged and there's a small spa. Breakfast and use of kayaks included.
$195
Hotel Boca Brava
Isla Boca Brava 851 0017,
hotelbocabrava.com
.
Possessing a range
of accommodation from backpacker mattress and hammock space - bring a mosquito net - in
a dorm to predominantly simple, tiled rooms with fans and shared or private bathroom, this
long-standing retreat offers an affordable rub with nature. The vibey cliff-top bar-restaurant
(daily 7.30am-11pm) serves excellent food and lethal cocktails, attracting outsider visitors
at weekends. Snorkelling trips on offer at reasonable rates; alternativel
y flu
sh out th
e ho
wler
monkeys on the trails or chill on the modest beach. Mattress/hammock
$13
, doubles
$55
Isla Paridita
6464 2510,
expeditionpanama.com
.
Tranquil eco-getaway on a gorgeous
private island with beaches, rainforest trails and freshwater lagoons, offering simple open-
sided bamboo and thatch
cabañas
(fans, solar energy) alongside communal gourmet dining.
Rates include all meals, use of kayaks and snorkel gear plus one boat tour and guide
d hik
e;
scuba diving and sport fishing can be arranged. Return transfer from Boca Chica $60.
$290
Pacific Bay Resort
Punta Bejuco 6695 1651,
pacificbayresort.net
.
There's an un-
equalled panorama of the bay from the hilltop bar-dining area, though you'll earn your food
(which is of variable quality) hiking there from the four well-spaced, solar-powered, wood-
furnished duplex cabins. Set in an extensive forested headland with three beaches, and coves
to explore by kayak, it's wonderfully relaxing. Meals are included; horseriding an
d mo
der-
ately priced boat excursions are also on offer. Return transfer from Boca Chica $60.
$120
Playa Las Lajas and around
The impressive broad belt of flat tan-coloured sand of
Playa Las Lajas
is by far the most
popular weekend beach destination for urbanites from David (81km) and even Santiago
(124km) in need of sand, sea and surf. However, since the beach, backed by wafting palms,
stretches for kilometres both ways, there's plenty of space to escape the crowds. The be-
nign waves are more suited to body surfing and playing around in than serious surfing. Many
people just roll up to breathe in the sea air, tuck into some seafood and chill at the beachside
