Morrillo Beach Eco Resort — Hotel in Veraguas

Our visit to Morillo Beach Eco Resort began with a conversation. Friends who’d recently been there spoke of it with such enthusiasm that I knew I wanted to go. I’d never been to Panama, and in fact, it had never even been on my radar. I contacted Cari, and over the course of our communications was consistently impressed by her quick and thoughtful responses. My husband and I chose the 10 day package because every detail, including hotel and shuttle arrangements, from the moment we arrived in Panama until the time we left, was handled in a way that eased any concerns I had about being in an unfamiliar part of the world for the first time. Cari patiently answered dozens of questions over the next several months, and as she helped me to navigate their website, I realized that it provided all the information we needed to be prepared for a great adventure. Her blogs piqued my interest even further, and now, in retrospect, I truly appreciate the way they “primed” me for a rich and intimate experience. From the moment we arrived, Cari and Ryan welcomed us into their home and made us feel like family. The buildings, rooms and common areas are beautifully designed- spacious, artful, simple yet elegant. Whether I was in the mood for privacy, or hanging out with other guests (who quickly became friends) any place I chose provided immediate access to the jungle that surrounds. Thanks to Cari and Ryan’s guidelines, we learned how to behave as respectful guests in the home of the many varied creatures who live there, and were rewarded by their allowing us to observe them up close: the howler monkeys with their haunting calls, iguanas, butterflies, and birds of all colors, sizes and songs. The jungle teemed with plants I’d only seen in a botanical garden if at all, and everywhere there was fragrance and color: orchids, bougainvillea, torch ginger, bromeliads. The location is perfect: down steps to an estuary and mangroves, a long sandy beach, and an ocean with gentle waves for swimming and surfing, warm enough to play in for hours. That would have been enough, would have exceeded my expectations, but there was even more. We chose seven different adventures: releasing just-hatched turtles, surfing, hiking, swimming in waterfall pools, snorkeling, visiting a local soapmaking business, and spending a day with a Panamanian family high in the mountains on land they’d cleared from the jungle 70 years ago. Each activity was superb, and brought fresh understanding and connection to the Panamanian people and environment, both past and present. The quality and presentation of the food was equal to the rest of it, and that’s saying a LOT! Every meal was homemade and prepared with fresh, local fruits, vegetables, fish and meat. Much of the produce came from the organic garden. Cari is an artist in the kitchen- although many dishes have a clear Mexican theme- tacos, burritos, enchiladas- Cari’s well versed with other cuisines, including Thai, Carribean and Panamanian- there was a lot of fusion going on. I enjoyed new flavors and delicious variations on familiar favorites like pizza and pasta as well as delicious salads. I rarely eat dessert, but I ate Limon Cream Pie everyday. Cari and Ryan and their staff are highly skilled and professional, warm and engaging. Whether leading a hike, coaching a hope-to-be surfer, or stopping by during a meal time for casual conversation, everyone goes go above and beyond to meet the needs of guests in order to ensure maximum enjoyment, all the while maintaining a relaxed and easy presence. Cari and Ryan are gifted storytellers, teachers and hosts, eager to share their knowledge without being pushy or preachy. They care deeply for this extraordinary place and their commitment to restoring and preserving its integrity is exciting and inspiring. I’ve come away with far more than I ever imagined. We’re already planning...

Getting there: The drive starts from the A1 Panamericana in San Antonio, just before Santiago de Veraguas coming from Panama City. In total a little more than 80 kilometers. The first approx. 20 km super road which is in the further course in construction. Is then at some point a dirt road - see the road as a target. Take your time ;-)

Location: A really unique place in the nature. Completely away from the hustle and bustle. Wonderful, clean beaches with big waves at this time. We took long walks on the beach, jumped into the waves or just enjoyed the atmosphere. Don't forget sun protection - even indirect sun makes you sunburn. The access to the beach leads through a watercourse that can be up to 2 m deep depending on the tide... Means swimming if you need to... but was no problem even for me as a mildly motivated swimmer (max. 20 meters). This small river brings you, if desired, also in the direction of the river with the SUP directly into a moderate surf zone where you can also "play". Overall just a few people on the beach. Unique.

Service: The entire team is very attentive and friendly. The food was great and nicely prepared. The rooms are decorated very attractively, clean... everything is harmoniously embedded in the landscape. The American operator couple has also been exceptionally friendly. There is a very pleasant and collegial relationship between operator and staff.... Very pleasant.

For surfers and kiters: Just ask Ryan in advance about the spots and possibilities. He undertakes trips to other beaches that are also great for water sports... he is a passionate kiter and surfer himself and has in my eyes a lot of fun organizing such trips and is of course important as a local. SUP's and bodyboards are available... probably for a small fee... . Kite equipment has to be brought by yourself of course. But these are definitely spots where you don't have to squeeze in with other Europeans at the launch site. You rather have the feeling to be one of the first who have ever ridden there. Just ask and they will surely help you. Do this.

For nature lovers: Cari organized, in November/December when we were there, small excursions to beaches where the water turtles are hatching. Will do that next time (we didn't do it because of a bunch of badly mannered kids who we knew would take part). Was really great according to other, normal participants and a great experience - except from the screaming critters and their helpless owners. We also had howler monkeys (were much quieter than the kids mentioned) right in the property during the stay. They climbed around the buildings in the trees for a couple of hours. Very beautiful moments.

Other: Also have their own beer - full bodied and strong in a variety of flavors. In any case, no headaches - with limited consumption. Very Good.

Conclusion: A clear recommendation for people who are looking for a place that feels absolutely off the grid, nestled in beautiful nature and without tons of garbage dumped in the back of the hotel. We consider their overall sustainable approach to be very good... They have their own small farm on the premises, their own water and projects for the future. The price is a bit higher, but this sustainable concept is completely worth to be supported from our point of view and also an enrichment of every trip. Absolute...

My husband and I were planning on celebrating our 24-years-postponed honeymoon/surfing vacation in Costa Rica when a friend suggested we consider the Morrillo Beach Eco Resort in Panama instead. After looking at the website and chatting with Cari over email, our minds were made up that this was the perfect place for our getaway.

We just returned home after an 11-day stay at the resort, and our experience was so much better than we could have ever imagined it would be. Even before we arrived, our hosts - Cari and Ryan - made us feel more like beloved friends than clients. You can tell that this resort is their passion project, and that they have poured every little bit of love, pride, and FUN into creating this cozy little paradise. From the Panamanian adventures they offer, to the home-cooked meals, to the stories they share about the local animals – it is all done with pure excitement, joy, and love. Did I mention the home-cooked meals??? I really can’t say enough about how plentiful and delicious the food and drinks were! Cari and the rest of the talented kitchen staff created the most amazing dishes. On our last day, they secretly gathered over 30 coconuts just so that they could surprise us with some delicious coconut curry for dinner – and it was fabulous!!

Every morning, we woke up to nature’s alarm clock – the sounds of the Howler Monkeys, geckos, tree frogs, toucans, and more. Then we had coffee and breakfast, and fueled up for a day of surfing, hiking, waterfall jumping, kayaking, SUP-ing, getting massages, fishing, taking photographs, or just being lazy for the day. Then we would be treated to the most amazing lunches, snacks, dinners, desserts, and drinks, and would be ready to collapse into our comfy bed in our spacious air-conditioned room by 8pm each night.

The resort is a bit of a drive from the international airport, but it is so worth the seclusion that this oasis provides. And the drivers Cari and Ryan arranged to take us from the airport to the resort and back again were absolutely fantastic! They spoiled us from the moment we left the airport until the moment we returned again. We wouldn’t have changed a thing! If you are looking for a crowded, over-commercialized resort with a hotel-vibe, this probably isn’t the place for you. If you are looking for a place to unplug for a while, be immersed in nature, and get a little wet crossing the path over to the most stunning beach ever, then look no further - this is definitely the perfect place for you!

At the end of our trip, we didn’t say goodbye, but rather an emotional “see you later” – because we are already looking forward to our next visit. We want to bring some of our loved ones along next time, because this trip was so life-changing for us and we want others to be able to experience it as well.

Thank you Cari, Ryan, Tila, Remo, Carlos, and the rest of the Morrillo Beach Eco Resort family. We love you all and are more thankful than we have the...