Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Guests can rent horses (US$10), surfboards (US$15 per day) or kayaks (US$25 to
US$35 per day) and do yoga. 'Eco' means that trash separation and recycling are prac-
ticed, as well as reforestation and a small footprint, with minimal roads and footpaths
that lead to the beach.
La Choza
HOSTEL $
(
www.playavenaohostel.com
;
campsite per person US$7, dm US$15, d with/without air-con US$55/
40; )
A skip to the waves, this new option is perfect for shoestringers. Somewhat
cramped dorms have polished cement floors, fans and comfortable beds with white lin-
ens. Hot showers are delivered via a bare spigot. Some private rooms feature bunks and
all rooms have shared bathrooms. There's kitchen use and a nearby mini- market for sup-
plies. Reserve via sister operation El Sitio Hotel.
El Sitio Hotel
HOTEL $$$
$$$
( 832-1010;
www.elsitiohotel.com
;
d US$109-193; )
New on the scene, El Sitio's
best feature is its location right on Venao beach. With ample, classic rooms, it's hard to
recognize that it's actually built from shipping containers. Service is attentive and profes-
sional. Activities include jungle tours and seasonal whale-watching (from US$35 per
person in groups). There's also massage, a good restaurant and a surf shop.
Villa Marina
HOTEL $$$
$$$
( 397-1058;
www.villamarinapanama.com
;
d incl breakfast US$198; )
Sharing Playa
Venao but with an earlier access (just past La Playita), Villa Marina is a stunner. Set amid
tranquil gardens, this regal resort exudes charm, from the spurting fountain to the wide
shady porch. Guest rooms are bright with ocean breezes, while the larger master bed-
room has French doors opening to the beach.
Guests can spend their days lounging around on hammocks, horseback riding on the
beach, snorkeling and surfing in the sea or on boating and fishing excursions.
Boboré
INTERNATIONAL $
( 6634-4550; at Eco Venao; mains US$4-10; 8am-9:30pm)
Located at Eco Venao but
open to the public, this relaxed thatched restaurant serves beachgoers with an appetite.
While surfers usually down the daily special (US$4), there are also Spanish- and Asian-
influenced dishes cooked up by Chef Aldo. The burgers are huge. There is occasionally
live music.
El Sitio Restaurant
INTERNATIONAL $$$
