El Otro Lado - Private Retreat — Hotel in Colón

We loved our stay in the Spirit House, so beautiful, Private and peaceful. The decor is amazing featuring art everywhere by local artists and spacious rooms. As promised the house is right on the water, with comfortable chairs and lounges. |The staff are so helpful and cater to your every need. We opted for the all-inclusive which included all our meals, many activities, water and soft drinks. Our fridge was stocked with sodas, still/sparkling waters, beer, some wines. (Charge for all alcoholic beverages).|The infinity pool is beautiful, we enjoyed many lunches poolside.|Breakfast was always delicious, as were most meals. If there’s something you particularly like they are very accommodating to prepare it for you. The crevice was our favorite and we ordered it just about every day-Super fresh! They made a special lobster dinner for all guests for Thanksgiving, a nice treat.|One evening they brought the “Congo” Children to the island to entertain with drumming, singing and dancing.|We took the historical tour of Portobello which was very interesting and informative- Spanish forts from the 1600’s and tales of plundering pirates. We also went on the Mangrove sunset little boat trip with champagne, very beautiful. |Our “kids” did the deep board diving, which they loved! Richardo is a wonderful photographer and filmed them with his drone. (These excursions have a charge).|The rustic beach club is Very rustic...only went one afternoon. It’s not a private beach (alto the signs say it’s supposed to be)...no chairs or amenities except for a couple of shade structures (occupied by locals) and 1 tree swing with many children on it.|We loved the low/key vibe, there were a few other guests but most of the time we had the pool to ourselves (which we preferred to the beach).|We had some problems with hot water and water pressure, a few meals weren’t the best, some extras a bit “pricy” considering what we paid but otherwise it was an amazing experience in paradise.|We thank ALL the staff for being so warm, welcoming and catering to our every request and need - especially Jorge, Edwardo, Ricardo!! The general manager gave us a lovely carved hummingbird made by the artists on the island as a...

We spent 2 weeks in Panama staring with 6 nights in Casco Viejo, 4 nights in Boquete and then the final 3 nights at El Otro Lado . ||||Our travel planner recommended EOL as a place to unwind and relax as the third stop on our trip. I am glad we listed to his advice. Once you take the boat across the inlet to the hotel its like you are in your own private world. ||||Our first full day we took a morning cultural tour across the inlet in portobelo and then a sunset boat ride thru mangroves. The second day we just enjoyed the hotel grounds, ( saw the lake and workshops) and relaxed by the pool. It was a great way to wind down our vacation. If you are outside you can hear congo drums from across the inlet. ||||Our room the sea view was wonderful spacious cheerfully decorated and extreemly comfortable. The young staff always pleasant and accommodating and the kitchen was able to modify meals due to my wifes allergies. Note ask ahead perhaps at breakfast to give them time dinner is basically a fixed 3 course menu.||||Because we stayed midweek it seemed as we almost had the place to ourselves. However one evening we joined another couple at a dinner table and drinks after and it turned our to be a Michelin 3 star chef . I've noted similar comments in other reviews, this place attracts people who just want to unwind with peace and quiet and just enough to do. ||||The perfect end to a great two...

We had heard so many glowing reports from friends about El Otro Lado that we arrived with high expectations, and have still been blown away! We have already booked our next visit. Besides the lush Caribbean beauty of the spectacular setting with views across the historic Bahai Porto Bello, what sets this boutique hotel apart from anything else we have experienced in Panama is the service quality and overall flair. The decor is an eclectic homage to local creativity and culture, drawing together unique pieces created by local artists, including resident carpenter and sculptor, Señor Moro. The hotel offers an impressive range of activities to commune with nature (the mangrove cruise is a wonderfully lazy way to immerse in the natural beauty), and also connect with local culture. Two special experiences we had that I would highly recommend are crafting with esteemed local artist, Señor Ariel, and drumming with Victor J. Scuba diving with Panamá Scuba is well organized and well-equipped, with pickup directly from the hotel. All activities are brilliantly managed by Riccardo aka Batman. With everything on offer, one can while away many days, which is why we feel the need to return very soon to experience more of what is offer here - authentic and pretty unique experiences that celebrate the richness of this vibrant part of Panamá, the people and the place. Special mention of the charming Victor M and Eduardo, who are...