HOTEL FEATURE

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Hotel

Cala Mia

Perched on a point of Isla BocaBrava in the Archipelago of Chiriqui, a marine park consistingof some 20 uninhabited islands isthe Hotel Cala Mia. Cala Mia isan intimate, boutique hotelconsisting of 11 private cabins allwith a private terrace overlookingthe ocean. An eco-lodge in the truesense of the word, everything atCala Mia runs on solar energy, butthe experience is still one of utmost luxury. The hotel boasts 2pretty beaches and is perfectlylocated for embarking on excitingnearby marine adventures.

Isla Boca Brava, Chiriqui

Feel the need to kick back andunwind? Enjoy the hotel’s spa andyoga facilities, where qualifiedmassage therapists and yogainstructors await you. Relax in thedelightful infinity pool, staring outover the endless deep blue-greenwaters of the Golfo de Chiriqui. Inneed of a little more action? Take aboat trip to explore the nearbyislands, spend the afternoon on theperfect white beach of Isla Bolañosand snorkel among the marine life.Take a horseback ride around IslaBoca Brava, enjoying nature trails,spectacular views of the ocean,mainland Panama and the otherislands. Go sports fishing into thedeep waters in search of Wahoo,Snapper, Tuna and Grouper, to namea few or venture under the water toenjoy what was referred to as some of the best diving in the world by SylviaEarle, of National Geographic fame. Just like the oceans surrounding thisvirtually uninhabited island, the thick jungle here is home to an abundanceof wildlife, from the Howler Monkeyswith their unmistakable morning roarto the tropical birds which flyoverhead, swooping in and out of thethick vegetation and the less visiblewild cats and anteaters who roamdeep within the forest. For guestseager to spot these creatures, manytrails and paths meander from thehotel into the jungle.The hotel’s staff is charming andpersonable, going out of their way to

Take a boat trip to explore the nearbyislands, spend the afternoon on theperfect white beach of Isla Bolaños andsnorkel among the marine life.

HOTEL FEATURE

make sure you have everything youneed. The French chef cooks upwonderful feasts, from themouthwatering French toast servedwith dulce de leche and bacon andsmoked Gouda omelet for breakfast,to three course dinners featuringdishes such as oriental style beef andginger stir fry, fresh caught shrimpand grouper and a selection of delectable desserts. To complementthe meals, the restaurant carries agood selection of wines and a full bar.The kitchen also preparespicnic lunches for any trips youare going on.Cala Mia is one of those places thattake you down to a really slow pace. Arriving there somehow helps you tofully disconnect from life and forgetabout the rest of the world. It’s agreat place for lying in a hammockand reading that book you’ve beenmeaning to read, and the knowledgethat there are so many activities to getinvolved in, should you so desire, issomehow activity enough. Aside from luxury and adventurehowever, at the forefront of the hotel’smission is social awareness.Lounging around in the paradise thatis Cala Mia, it is easy to forget thetroubles of the world. Unfortunately,the areas close to Boca Chica are ruralareas with limited access to educationand healthcare. A short drive fromBoca Chica, is the indigenouspopulation of Soloy. Malnutritionand rudimentary illnesses rarely seenthese days in the first world arecommon in Soloy, and owners Maxand Vittoria are very committed tohelping these people in any way theycan. To this end, 5% of the hotelrates are donated to the people of Soloy. Together with a local priest,Max takes weekly visits to thecommunity, bringing donations of food and medicine. With this helpand an increase of tourism, andsubsequently jobs, in the area whichwill hopefully bring more caringpeople like Max and Vittoria, thepeople in these remote communitieswill finally be able to obtain thefinancial, educational and medicalresources they require.

Accommodations:

11 private bungalows

(twins, kings and suites available)

Oceanfront private decksHammocksCeiling fansHot water

Rates:

High season (December –April)$180 per night per roomLow season (May – November)$140 per night per roomRates include a full a la cartebreakfast

Facilities:

SpaGourmet restaurant and barBoat tours to islands in theArchipelagoVisits to local indigenouscommunities

Area Activities:

Big game fishingWorld class scuba divingWhale watching (August-October)Horseback riding

How to get there:

Boca Chica, the launching pointfor Hotel Cala Mia is locatedabout 5 hours from Panama Cityby road or just 90 minutesfrom David by road.