US Phone: 1-561-459-3689
Panama Phone: 011-507-700-0352
Cell Phone: 011-507-6487-4332
email: Gardenofbocas@aol.com
Way off the beaten path, you can enjoy an exclusive “adults only” retreat on a private island for the most amazing vacation of your dreams. There are three light and airy rooms with queen size beds, hot water baths and remarkable Caribbean balcony views. The light ocean breezes keep it just right, so they do not have, nor need AC.
Instead of sharing a resort room; think of renting your own island! Garden of Eden is a perfect base of operations for trips and tours, or for those who want to relax and enjoy what Solarte offers. Packages are available which include your lodging, meals and transportation to and from the Bocas Del Toro Airport, via taxi and small boat.
The Garden offers superbly fresh meals and snacks, and a full bar, all delights – served within a playful, relaxing lifestyle; while the secluded pool offers the most daring sun bathers privacy. As you paddle your kayak around the island, watching your last sunset in Boca Del Toro, you’ll be glad you visited paradise – lost along the Caribbean coast of Panama – no matter what the cost.
“On Contadora Island you’ll have a number of dining choices. The resorts such as the Punta Galeon and Villa Romantica have excellent food and incredible service. If its local flavor you’re looking for then Le Suiz, La Sagitoria, or Angelina’s all have good food at extremely reasonable prices,” said one traveler’s review. Do remember that the tap water is not safe to drink on Isla Contadora – most island residents won’t necessarily clue you in by offering or providing bottled water, because they can drink it safely.
Some visitors to Isla Contadora have become breathless from the multiple joys of a mealtime at Villa Romantica. One excited guest recorded: “The vista from its restaurant is breath-taking, we saw a humpback whale leaping out of the Pacific, while we were having our lunch at the restaurant.” “We liked the food, it was slightly expensive, but not too outrageous, lunch for 3 cost us $35, including the tip. Charlie and his staff are the epitome of customer service! For a change of pace, Villa Romantica’s restaurant guests are invited to cook for themselves on hot stones or in fondue pots.
Restaurant Gerald’s, on a hill above the Hotel Contadora, offers a memorable meal for two, with wine, for approximately $40.
A fifteen minute flight or a three hour ferry trip
from Panama City can land you on Contadora Island.
Hotel Contadora Resort has been the largest of the
inns on the island with 354 rooms in a number of three
story buildings for many years. The property offers:
two outdoor pools; three tennis courts; and a casino,
in addition to beach activities. But I recommend you
consider other lodging on Isla Contadora, as this
property is remodeled and upgraded.
The hotel promotional material says: “White sands,
clean beaches and a beautiful ocean, making it ideal
for relaxing or taking advantage of water sports and
beach activities.” Some traveler’s who’ve spoken out,
see the beaches on Contadora a little differently:
“There are plentiful stonefish (potentially lethal
sting) near Playa Ejertivo – be extremely careful of
wading in the rocky areas.” “There are occasional
Coneshells (also potentially lethal) scattered about.”
And when you’re in the water, watch for the remarkable
giant stingrays that live in the deeper waters off
Playa Larga. Do identify and avoid these beach
residents to keep your holiday happy.
There are a number of tough reviews on the hotel
management from previous guests. Some compliment the
spacious accommodations. Other guests aren’t so
complimentary, “We were directed to a building that
was like a SLUM, and that is being kind.
Air-conditioning was not working. Bathroom was dirty,
and had no hot water. Sliding glass doors did not have
locks and were kept closed by wooden sticks. Linens
were ancient, with only two small, grungy bath
towels.” Most of those things are maintenance issues,
but it doesn’t sound like my idea of paradise holiday
lodging. Is it yours?
One reviewer noted: “Service is very poor, rooms and
facilities are in bad condition, the food sucks and
noone warned us the water wasn’t safe for us-so we got
ill from it, AND the hotel charged in advance for the
whole trip.”
It appears the management company have taken the
messages from their guests to heart, and the
restaurant, pool and grounds are getting an urgent
update. This resort has great potential with right
management, better upkeep and TLC; with the “New
Contadora” flag on their new (Spanish only) website:
http://www.hotelcontadora.com – maybe…it’s happening
now.
Now firmly entrenched in the beautiful new architecturally designed premises, Don Chacho’s is more popular (and slightly more expensive) than ever.
Famed for his outdoor spit, turning chickens night and day, Chacho’s offers a very extensive menu in both Spanish and English. The choice is excellent, the quality good and the Corvina Marinara ($12) keep me returning for more. The ribs are also favorites for the locals, although a little tough for me.
Waitresses understand Spanish, pointing and mime, so Gringos will have no problems being understood. Enjoy!
Don Chaco’s is just off the Pan American highway on the left hand side of the Playa Coronado road.
As one who ‘lives to eat’ rather than vice versa, let me share with you a few of the choice eateries the Panamanian Pacific coast has to offer. One thing is for sure; you will not lack good food and fine wine in interesting yet varied locales, at incredibly low prices in Panama. Amazingly, standard tipping rate is just ten percent, and the serving staff are happy to receive it.
Are you dreaming of fancy Chinese food? Try eating at Restaurant Sam’s, authentic Chinese food at low Panamanian prices. I swear I ate the tastiest “Arroz Frito” or fried rice, I have ever had in my life. The large and spotlessly clean restaurant is situated just east of the Correos, in the little town of Chame, on the Pan American Highway (aka – Carreteria Interamericana), about 60 kms. west of Panama City.
I ordered two Atlas beers, which arrived pronto with glasses – 50 cents each. What a bargain. They cost more than that in the local El Rey supermarket. No sooner had I ordered the fried rice, than the waitress was flip-flopping her way back to our table with 2 plates piled high with steaming food. Was the woman psychic? I swear I only ordered 90 seconds before.
Ignore the flimsy tissue wrapping the cutlery(it is a local napkin), and tuck in. This is the best and tastiest fried rice anywhere – and I have lived in Malaysia and Hong Kong so I know my onions, sorry – fried rice. Every forkful was laden with prawns, pork, chicken, carrot, onion and ham. Be warned – do not be tempted to order a full portion. A half portion is “Hungry Man” size and costs just $3.20. You have to round the tip up to a dollar to save embarrassment, and that’s on a good meal and beers for 2 people!
A wonderfully tasty, cheap night out.
They Eat What! Latin America’s Most Exotic Foods – Part 1By Larry M. Lynch
They’re horrid, ghastly, gross, unthinkable, gut-wrenching, wonderful and delicious. These are but a few of the adjectives used to describe commonly eaten fare south of the border from Mexico to Peru. The expression, One man’s meat is another man’s poison has never seen more fruition than evidenced in these exotic foods found throughout Latin America. Just feast your eyes on these taste-tempting treats.
Iguana Starting off our list is a common delicacy from the Pacific Coast and Caribbean. Although protected in many countries, these green lizards, which can grow to more than 3 feet in length, are a prized stable in Aruba, Bonaire, Panama and Colombia. The eggs are also cooked and eaten even though they’re often taken illegally. A sizeable black market for them exists in Cartagena, on the Caribbean coast of Colombia. They’re not cheap, but they are good.
Armadillo From Texas to Ecuador, these nine-banded creatures have been coveted for decades. Their numbers are now greatly diminished due to years of heavy hunting; they?re still considered a delightful treat when they can be found. Usually cooked in stews to help tenderize their thick, dense meat, almost everyone who has eaten Armadillo really likes them. You?ve got to be fast to catch them though. They can burrow into the soil at alarming speeds.
Ants Technically known as Hormigas Culonas, these swollen abdomen ant species are a highly-prized food commodity in Colombia and Mexico. They’re gathered from seemingly innocuous places like cemeteries, parks and untended pastures, then roasted or fried until crisp. Only the enlarged abdomen is consumed, often with cheese or honey as an aperitif. Sold and exported by the pound, they?ve quickly become an international favorite among the insect-eating crowd. To b honest, I like them myself.
Piranha Despite numerous movies to the contrary, they don’t always attack without mercy. Children in Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Guyana and Peru swim in Piranha-infested waters all the time without injury. Women are also known to do the family laundry in streams and pools teeming with razor-toothed schools of them. Many of the 35 known varies of Piranha, including the Cachama family, are not only edible, but delicious. Piranha head soup is used as a form of jungle Viagra. Tales abound of elderly Indian men with more than a dozen children and multiple wives.
Well if I didn’t get to you here in part one with treats from Colombia, Brazil and Mexico you’re gonna just love what you’ll get in part two of this three-part series. We’re going to travel into the jungles of Colombia and up into the high Andes mountain range in Ecuador to introduce you to some Eye-opening, high-flying specialties that’ll make partly-cooked greasy pork liver seem like Haute Cuisine?.
See you in part two of ?They Eat What! Latin America’s Most Exotic Foods?.
Bon Appetit!Prof. Larry M. Lynch is an expert author and photographer offering Web Content Writing Services for top-quality articles on: Education, Language learning, Salt and Fresh water fishing, exotic foods, South American travel and culture, Ethnic issues ? Blacks, Latinos, Indian native tribes, Health, Internet business resources and more ? His work has appeared in Transitions Abroad, South American Explorer, Escape From America, Mexico News, Brazil magazine and hundreds of sites online. For fr*e*e sample articles and available web content e-mail: lynchlarrym@gmail.comArticle Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Larry_M._Lynch
Casco Viejo is located at the mouth of the Panama Canal and it is the oldest city on the Pacific Coast of the America: it was there long before the Canal was built. In fairness to history, the original Panama City (now known as Old Panama or Panama La Vieja) was founded in 1519, about two miles from the center of Panama City as we know it today. From here, expeditions were mounted to conquer the Inca Empire of South America and all of the wealth pillaged from Peru, Chile and California flowed to Spain through Old Panama. It is no surprise that this booty attracted pirates like Henry Morgan, who looted the city in 1671.
During Morgan’s attack, this original Panama City was burned to the ground. Two years later, in 1673, the capital was moved two miles to the west and present-day Panama City was founded. This is the area now known as Casco Viejo. As the city was being rebuilt by the Spanish settlers, they decided to build a massive surrounding wall and a stronger fortress for its protection and to ensure that the enormous wealth in gold and silver that passed through it would never again be susceptible to the likes of Henry Morgan.
The new city boasted a cross-sectioned design of 38 blocks, with three main streets running from east to west and seven streets running from north to south. Unfortunately, this urban development was interrupted by various fires that devastated its streets. In 1737, the “big fire” destroyed two thirds of the city and the “small fire” of 1756 destroyed more than 90 houses. These and other catastrophic fires help explain why so few true examples of Spanish colonial architecture exist today.
The fortress still survives, though and today houses several important, cultural and historic buildings and monuments. But it is the architecture of Casco Viejo that makes it so special. The old Spanish colonial style is overlaid with French balconies and architecture, remnants of the French inhabitants who made the initial attempt to build the Panama Canal in 1881. Over the years, a Caribbean influence also took hold and, today, Casco Viejo is a melting pot of architectural inspiration and style, with some buildings dating as far back as 300 years.
Up until the early parts of this century, Casco Viejo remained a thriving cultural center. But as Panama City modernized and as the automotive age made transportation easier, it spread outward, leaving Casco Viejo behind. The old city’s narrow labyrinth streets were difficult for cars to maneuver and its buildings were obsolete in comparison to modern skyscrapers being built. By the mid 1900s, Casco Viejo had gone the way of most city centers of that century. No longer the center of Panama City, it was too oppressed for the upper class and quickly became a poor area of tenement-style housing.
In 1997, UNESCO declared Casco Viejo a Patrimony of Humanity, a World Heritage site. Today, it is revered as the historic center of Panama City. Two- and three-story houses with flower-adorned balconies overlook narrow streets. At its tip is French Park, where you will find the French Embassy and a monument to the hardy French builders who began the Panama Canal. On one side is an historical Spanish building called Las Bovedas, now housing an art gallery and French restaurant.
Close by is the Museum of National History and across the way is the National Cathedral. Nearby is a small museum dedicated to religious art, found in the old Santo Domingo monastery. This is where you will find the famous Flat Arch, which reportedly helped convince engineers that Panama was earthquake-proof and a geologically stable area for building the Canal. A few blocks away is the old San Jose Cathedral, with gleaming spires inlaid with mother-of-pearl and its beautiful gold altar, intricately carved of wood and gilded with gold. This is a must-see when you visit Casco Viejo.
To finish off your day in Panama in style, make your way to The Bristol Hotel, just a short taxi journey from Casco Viejo. Dining at the Barandas Restaurant at The Bristol Hotel is an event to savor. The Panamanian-inspired gourmet cuisine, restful ambiance, stunning presentation, elegant settings and attentive service combine to create an unforgettable dining experience. Make sure to finish off the day with a drink in the elegant dark wood bar.Michael RussellYour Independent guide to TravelArticle Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russel
Chocolate And Walnuts: Good For The Health by Connie Limon
Chocolate has antioxidant-rich phytochemicals called flavanols. Although chocolate have some healthful antioxidants it is still considered a “treat” food by professional dietitians. It is not a health food. Walnuts on the other hand are loaded with nutritional benefits.
Some researchers think the cocoa bean may improve blood flow and reduce the formation of clots. The Kuna Indians of Panama are heavy consumers of cocoa. They boast an unusually low amount of hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Harvard researchers found that chocolate eaters lived a year longer than abstainers. Most believe chocolate causes acne; this is not true. A small study done recently suggests the appearance of the skin of chocolate-eating women showed improvement.
Not all chocolate is good for you. In general, darker chocolate is better because it contains more flavanols and less sugar than milk chocolate.
Use cocoa powder that has been dutched to make hot chocolate. The dutch treatment destroys phytochemicals.
And as for walnuts – well – walnuts are a whole different story. Walnuts offer substantial cardiovascular benefits. The FDA allows companies to say on their packaging that eating 1.5 ounces every day can reduce the risk of heart disease.
Walnuts are packed with omega-3 fatty acids, particularly alpha-linolenic acid, which helps to raise the good cholesterol. Researchers have also found that the alpha-linolenic found in walnuts helps keep your blood flowing smoothly through your arteries – even after you eat a lot of saturated fats, which can harden the arteries and potentially contribute to heart attack and stroke. Fat found in walnuts decrease inflammation in the arteries and helps keep them flexible.
Walnuts are rich in antioxidants that help rid the body of unstable molecules called free radicals, which can lead to cancer. Other benefits of walnuts may include:
Some protection against the bone-thinning disease osteoporosis Good for your teeth in that they help to fight cavities *Helps increase the feeling of fullness after a meal (try eating six walnuts twice a day, 30 minutes before lunch and 30 minutes before dinner)
Storing walnuts:
Store shelled walnuts in the refrigerator in an airtight container to keep them fresh for up to six months. Freeze them to last up to a year. *Store unshelled walnuts in the refrigerator. They will keep for up to six months in any cool, dark place.
Walnuts and chocolate seem to go good together and both are good for you. Walnuts and chocolate are both high in calories so moderation is the key when enjoying either of them. Walnuts seem to have the most scientific proof of being an excellent health food especially for the heart. Chocolate is still considered a “treat” food.
Disclaimer: *This article is not meant to diagnose, treat or cure any kind of a health problem. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Always consult with your health care provider about any kind of a health problem and especially before beginning any kind of an exercise routine.
Article written 3-2007.About the Author
Author: Connie Limon, Trilogy Field Representative. Visit http://nutritionandhealthhub.com and sign up for a weekly nutrition and health tip. The article collection is available as FREE reprints for your newsletters, websites or blog. Visit http://www.healthylife27.com to purchase an array of superior quality, safe and effective products inspired by nature, informed by science and created to improve the health of people, pets and the planet.
SOURCE: panama-travel-bureau.com
Panama City, Panama, March 23, 2006 – La Cresta de Oro, Panama Cities newest Luxury Bed and Breakfast will open its doors on April 1st, 2006, not only to discriminating travelers but to their canine and feline companions as well. This will help fill the need for pet friendly accommodations brought on by the influx of foreigners and retirees moving to Panama with their pets. Located in a quiet neighborhood, La Cresta de Oro is in the heart of Panama City only 25 minuets from Tocumen International Airport and only blocks from Via Espana, Calle 50 and Ave. Balboa, the citys’ main thoroughfares. The Spanish colonial mansion was built in the 1960’s and features a expansive covered patio, swimming pool and sun deck, fenced grounds with mature fruit trees and beautiful city views. “We have an oasis in the city” says Chef and Proprietor Jennifer King, “you would never guess this beautiful mansion is in the city, it is so quiet here, yet you can grab a taxi and be anywhere within minutes!”.
“I have always worked in the hospitality industry in some fashion and it is nice to be able to combine everything into a project I am passionate about.” Jennifer adds, who after years of working as a Chef in the US and Caribbean has taken on the roll of Chef and Proprietor at La Cresta de Oro and will oversee the day to day operations. Ms. King and her mother relocated to Panama in 2005 in a search for a year round warm climate and new adventures.
La Cresta de Oro will offer four (4) pet friendly, air conditioned, luxury guest rooms ranging in price from $75 to $99 USD. Included in the price of the rooms are: separate pet accommodations, free calls to the US and Canada, local phone access, high speed internet, daily made to order breakfast, daily wine & appetizers, use of pool, yard/garden access, and secure parking. Laundry and ironing service will be available for an extra charge. Traditional forms of payment will be accepted (cash & credit cards), as well as non-traditional forms such as E-bullion (www.e-bullion.com) and Liberty Dollars (www.libertydollar.org).
La Cresta de Oro was designed to provide guests with hotel quality accommodations and added value services not found in hotels, like pet friendliness and free calls to the US and Canada and alternative payment methods. For more information please visit www.lacrestadeoro.com.
SOURCE: Don Winner @ Panama-guide.com
The Panamá Rey Hotel, under the same ownership for the past twenty-six (26) years, is presently in the midst of an amazing million dollar-remodeling project. With a history of solid successful business management behind it, and because the hotel is in David’s center of commerce, it is in an ideal location, and now is the perfect time to prepare the Panamá Rey Hotel as the premier hospitality center for the western highlands of Chiriqui. This modern renovation and major design improvement will give the hotel a highly contemporary, 21st century appearance. The renovations will involve a total revamping of the exterior and interior of the hotel from Accommodations, Guest Services, Restaurants Services, making it a hub for eco-tourism and attractive all-inclusive travel packages.
Panamá Rey Hotel is the tallest building in the city of David where you can experience the view from atop the hotel in the ‘mirador’ viewing area, which offers a superb, 360-degree view of the surrounding areas: Baru Volcano, the mountain ranges of Panama’s western highlands, and the Pacific Ocean. Well that is, after the two state-of-the-art “on top of the world” modern restaurants are completed. The entire eighth level will blossom into two magnificent restaurants: Mandalay Bistro, with Eurasian style cuisine, and Sky Pub and Grill, offering American style food which, when completed, will accommodate seating for 250 guests.
A View From the Top
The Panamá Rey Hotel began its renovations of its 100-room hotel in 2002 with an initial investment of $300,000 to upgrade part of the ground level of the hotel. A number of the interior rooms have already been completed. The Café Don Sui a small café was the first to be completely renovated and is adjacent to the hotel, with a new colorful oriental look, carried out using rich warm red color and wood interior. The café accommodates 25 diners.
The Skypub Bar and Lounge (Under Construction)
Next to be completed was the hotel lobby, revamping and opening it up to the street, then enhancing the look by adding a real teakwood reception welcome center. The renovation process does not stop here, with plans for the installation of a second hotel elevator, and of course, the hotel’s upper level with the two restaurants, as well as the new façade of the building and many other modifications.
Hotel Lobby and Reception Area
The Panamá Rey Hotel, ideally situated in the heart of David, the capital of Chiriqui with a population of approximately 124,500 (est. 2005), is the third largest city in Panamá. David offers all the modern services one might expect for its size. A sojourn at the Panamá Rey Hotel will keep you from wasting valuable vacation time with unnecessary packing and hauling of your luggage all over Panamá. The hotel is conveniently located so you may enjoy your vacation activities in the beautiful province of Chiriqui. The hotel is a mere 10-minute drive from the Enrique Malek airport, which serves the western highlands of Chiriqui with daily flights to Panama City, Costa Rica, and the Bocas Del Toro archipelago, a popular group of islands on the Caribbean side of the province. If your pleasure is mountains, then the Volcán Barú National Park, with the highest elevation in Panamá at 3,478 meters above sea level is your destination. And quaint little Boquete, filled with beautiful tropical vegetation, which can be found on the eastern flanks of the Baru Volcano in the pleasantly cool highlands of the province, is a perfect coffee growing paradise, with temperatures between 70° and 80° F. Furthermore, if you are interested in looking for real estate, you can arrange for a personal tour provided by the hotel’s owner Mr. Wee-Mingh Fung. Moreover, if you are an investor looking for that perfect opportunity to get in on the ground floor of Panama’s tourism boom, then you will be glad to know the Panama Rey Hotel is currently looking for investors.
Café Don Sui
After a fun-filled day of activities, make a quick stop to your room to freshen up then come join us at the Café Don Sui, which is annexed to the hotel and offers Chinese and International cuisine. The café also provides room service for the Hotel Panamá Rey, so you may dine-in or order to go. Take pleasure in the charming atmosphere of the café and enjoy an exquisite meal at reasonable rates. The Café Don Sui was newly remodeled in 2002. Visitors will want to say hello to Señora Fung the matriarch of the hotel and café. Señora Fung offers everyone a warm welcome and makes sure the food is prepared to his or her complete satisfaction. So, for excellent food at affordable cost the Café Don Sui is difficult to surpass.
The Panamá Rey Hotel provides excellent hospitality at affordable prices. Some of the hotel’s hallmark services include: bilingual receptionists, private meeting rooms, Chinese and international restaurants, security boxes, on-site parking, laundry services, shoeshine services, messenger services, plus corporate programs for its frequent clients. You may select from three room combinations including: basic, junior suite, or mini suite with Jacuzzi. All rooms have television and cable connection, hot water, room service and extras depending on your room selection. The Hotel Panamá Rey offers options for romantic getaways, eco-tourism and real-estate tours, and attractive corporate packages. Plan your daily outings, then relax and enjoy your vacation, letting the Hotel Panamá Rey take care of everything for you.
Mini Suite
Testimonials: We have a growing base of regular customers who go out of their way to stop by and visit every time they are in the area. You can see on of these testimonials on Don Ray’s Chiriqui Chatter blog.
To sum things up, this venerable, family owned hotel is committed to becoming a state-of-the-art, 21st Century hotel. It is in an optimal location to serve as a major hub for eco-tourism in the western highland of the Chiriqui province. The Panamá Rey Hotel’s complete revamping of its entire guest services will make it the most attractive, full-service venue available in David.
Contact Information:
* Location: 3rd Ave in David, Chiriqui, in the Republic of Panama
* Telephone: For information and reservations please call +011 (507) 775-0253
* Email: hotelpmarey@cwpanama.net
http://www.hotelpanamarey.com/
SOURCE: Don Winner @ Panama-guide.com
