Popa Paradise Beach Resort

The Visitor / El Visitante

2010-11-27T09:31:00.001-08:00

Big thanks to The Visitor/ El Visitante weekly newspaper, who wrote a feature article on Popa Paradise last week. There was a front page photo featuring our swim-up bar, and some happy guests. Inside were several more great pictures and the following article.

Popa's Paradise - Bocas Secret Getaway

A secret (and luxurious) refuge in Bocas del Toro

Bocas does indeed have something for everyone. If you are up for a "rumba" (Panamanian vernacular for party) there is great night life in Bocas Town. For adrenaline junkies Isla Bastimentos offers a spectacular canopy tour and great surf spots. [For] Those looking for a quiet refuge, there are various resorts on the remote surrounding islands. One of these hidden paradisal spots is Popa Paradise Beach Resort - a piece of Eden reached on a 30 minute boat ride from Isla Colon.

The boat ride itself is nothing less than spectacular. Speeding through crystalline Caribbean waters and a labyrinth of mangroves creates a feeling of being brought to some secret place. A perfect beach appears on Popa Island, the beginning of the 25 acre property of Popa Paradise Beach Resort, right in front of Islas Zapatillas.

The resort, which is just a couple of years old, is spread out over the well landscaped property with 'casitas' hidden among the lush tropical vegetation, far enough from each other to guarantee vacationers their privacy.

There are 8 casitas, one master suite and two junior suites. The suites are located in the house with its amazing views from the beautiful wrap-around balcony on the tip of the island, as well as a more economical option of lodge rooms facing the sea. The casitas and suites are fully equipped with hot water showers, little kitchenettes, flat screen TVs fans and AC and are beautifully furnished with tropical style furniture and king or queen size beds that face wooden porches overlooking the sea.

In the middle of the property there is a big clubhouse where guests can play pool, ping pong, read a book from the resort library, or just watch their favorite programs, or a movie from the DVD library, on the gigantic flat screen TV. Outside the club house the guests can have their meals, always fresh and always excellent, looking over the huge pool with a swim-up bar, where they can chill and order cocktails without having to get out of the water. And if you want to pamper yourself - there is a spa with massages, facials, manicures and pedicures.

For those who want to discover and be active there are enough options as well. The walk around the resort reveals diverse wildlife with regular sightings of toucans and sloths, and just 400 yards off the dock there is a great snorkeling spot with undisturbed corals and lots of colorful fish. Alternatively one can take a hike, or go by boat or sea kayak to the other side of the island that hosts indigenous villages of the Ngobes that will give you a warm welcome and show you their way of life and elaborate handicrafts. The resort also offers excursions to all of Bocas' most popular hot spots, including Red Frog Beach, the Zapatillas, Dos Tucanes beach, snorkeling at Coral Cay, Dolphin Bay, the Chocolate Farm and more.

A New Chef

Now Popa Paradise is about to receive it's newest member - the celebrated Chef Emily Cafazzo, who has worked in the award-winning restaurants in Portland and received national recognition in the US, including the New York Times and Gourmet Magazine. She will stay at Popa for four months, spoiling the guests with her culinary art and training the staff. The new General Managers Julie Colosso Broce and Hans Wilson are very excited about this much expected arrival.

Off Season Specials

Now in the low season, Popa Paradise Beach Resort has deals that are worth checking out in the coming weeks of continuous holidays. Whether you come alone to hide away from a busy world or with a group of good friends you are sure to spend the time of your life in this absolutely amazing place.

For more information about Popa Paradise Beach Resort and their special offers visit their web site: www.popaparadisebeachresort.com write a mail to info@popaparadisebeachresort.com or call 832.1498 or 6550.2505.

The Traveler's Compass

2010-11-17T09:26:00.000-08:00

Last weekend we were thrilled to host the cast and crew of Brujula del Viajero, television show from Travel Panama, Channel 45. Host Jorge Herrera and camera man Rogelio Thirwall were in Bocas del Toro filming for an episode airing soon. We'll keep you posted when to watch the show.

Not-So-Wild Life

2010-11-09T11:16:00.000-08:00

In the previous post we mentioned the abundance of wildlife here at Popa. Our most popular animal personalities are Minnie and Francis.

Minnie is an orange & white tabby cat that claimed Popa Paradise for her own. They say Minnie wandered out of the jungle one day about 4 years ago, and decided to stay. A trip to the vet caught her up on all necessary vaccinations, and she's been the unofficial groundskeeper ever since. She's tiny and cute with huge, beautiful eyes. You'd think she was a kitten, but she has seniority around these parts.

Francis is our 4 month old Weimaraner puppy. He is named after Sir Francis Drake, the pirate who was buried at sea off the Caribbean coast of Panama. He's growing by leaps and bounds, literally.

On any given day, you'll find Minnie and Francis playing in the clubhouse. No question about it, Minnie is the boss! A trip to Popa isn't complete without one photo of our furry, charming mascots.

Wildlife

2010-11-04T13:04:00.000-07:00

Everyday on Isla Popa we are reminded that we live in the jungle. Wildlife surrounds us! Once in a while we're lucky and come face-to-face with some amazing creatures. From the beautiful birds to the colorful tropical fish, you just have to take the time to stop and observe.

Today Cholo found a sloth literally hanging out by the laundry room where he or she made it's way out to the edge of the roof. Thanks to a little help from Cholo, it found a nice big shady tree.

Sloths are the most amazing, gentle creatures. Don't let their large 3 toed claws scare you. They just use those to climb and hang in the treetops.

Tours and Excursions

2010-11-02T17:41:00.000-07:00

There are many exciting places to visit in the Bocas archipelago.

We offer day trips to all of the favorite destinations, including Red Frog Beach, Dolphin Bay, Zapatillas, Coral Cay and more. We'll pack you a picnic lunch and fill a cooler with beverages, bring along the towels, beach chair and snorkel gear. Your only job is to have fun.

A new zip line tour recently opened on Bastimentos. Our first adventurers Mike, Anna and Gumercindo had a thrilling afternoon soaring through the tree tops for 2 hours.

Pool Party & Open House

2010-10-30T09:21:00.000-07:00

Earlier this month we hosted locals and friends for an afternoon of fun in the sun!
Everyone enjoyed the pool and swim-up bar well into the evening. Sous chef Edwin Machuca created a beautiful and tasty buffet.

Here at Popa we're always happy to welcome day guests who wish to drop in for lunch, a few
drinks and to enjoy all that our property has to offer. Please call ahead to let us know you're coming!

New Management at Popa

2010-10-28T11:03:00.000-07:00

Greetings from Julie Colosso Broce and Hans Wilson, new General Managers.

It has been a season of joyful transition here at Popa Paradise Beach Resort. First, we wish to thank Adam and Katie Della Rocca for welcoming us and being so helpful. Second we send them the very best wishes for a happy new life.

We are looking forward to the arrival of Chef Emily Cafazzo in a few weeks. Emily has worked for some of the best restarants in Portland, Oregon that have received numerous awards and had write ups in The New York Times, Gourmet Magazine. She most recently competed on Iron Chef America in September of this year.

Popa has a new Facebook page, and will be launching an improved website soon.

In other news, the renovation on the lodge rooms has been completed, and we're ready for high season. We also finished a new cement walkway to the far beach, which has white sand and a great view of the Zapatillas.

All is falling into place, so come out for a visit!

Carribean Vibes

2010-07-10T10:53:00.000-07:00

Bocas del Toro is a landscape of diverse cultures: Latino, Chinese, Ngobe, Afro-Caribe, and so much of the culture is indelibly linked to this woven fabric of backgrounds. It is so special to be witness to the dance, food and language of these wide variety of cultures.

Just the other day, we hosted the Bastimentos Cultural Dance Group for a private party we were hosting. Bastimentos is one of the islands of the archipelago and the only town o the island, apart from indigenous villages is Old Bank, which is the residence of Bocas’ Afro-Caribe population.

Much of the population of Old Bank can trace their lineage just a couple of generations back to Jamaica and other Carribean islands. Jamaicans came down to work the banana planations and brought culture and language with them.

The Bastimentos Cultural Dance Group showcases dance, music and rhythms of Bastimentos. About forty musicians and dancers sashayed their way from the dock up to the pool and danced and played for about a half hour. It was an amazing experience and one we hope to replicate again.

Isla Tigre Visit

2010-07-08T13:21:00.000-07:00

“No necesita botas, jefe.” You don’t need boots, boss. I lingered over these words of advice that Abel had given to me earlier in the day, as I yanked my leg out of the sucking muck of the swamp. Abel prodded along ahead of me with ease, in his rubber Wellington boots, showing me the path to his house, where I was going to spend the night.

I am fascinated with the indigenous culture of Bocas del Toro and Isla Popa. About half of our employees are Ngobe, the pre-Colombian culture that dominates the outer island of Bocas del Toro. In the past couple of years, Katie and I have learned so much from this local, unique culture. I’ve spent many conversations learning different Ngobe words and phrases. Starting with racy terms, to the amusement of our staff, then moving on to common greetings and comments on the weather and then to more useful phrases heard commonly now throughout the resort. Nan tore deka (Good Morning), as I pass Alfredo in the morning, Jekwa (careful), Chef Ben will call out to me as I walk into the kitchen on the slippery floor, Ti gwe! (Mine!), I yell during afternoon volleyball.

Katie and I have tried to respectfully exhibit the culture of the Ngobe around the resort, with artwork decorating the Clubhouse, local jewelry for sale, and having our waiters wear Ngobe shirts at night. The trail walk that Abel leads gives him a chance to espouse on his culture as much as his surroundings. We sell cacao that local Ngobe farmers raise, the kitchen uses coconut oil processed by Ngobe families, and some evenings a Ngobe villager plays guitar and sings folk songs. Our resort is intrinsically linked with the Ngobe culture and our Ngobe villagers.

It was this curiosity that led to my current muddy predicament, on my way to spend a night in Isla Tigre, a Ngobe village on the southeast corner of our island. Abel, our landscaper and Alfredo, our night watchman (brothers by marriage), invited me for dinner and the night in their village.

We made our way through a muddy band of thick grass clumps. Abel had paid some villagers to dig out two trenches to somewhat drain the land and provide a drier patch for his kids to walk back and forth to school on, but in the fading light, I had trouble seeing where to step and I kept sinking into the black muck. At the top of a small, thankfully drier rise, sat Abel’s house.

Abel is one of the few villagers who has a paying job. Many of them are either day laborers, clearing land of weeds and grass for real estate agents, cutting down wood in the forest when it is needed, or subsistence-based farmers and fishermen. He has used his savings to start building a sizable house for his large family. Abel and his wife have five children between the ages of eleven and three, and also takes care of his wife’s three children from a previous marriage, the youngest whom still lives with Abel and his wife. The house will be enormous when finished, about sixty feet by forty feet, with separate rooms, a rare privilege in the common-dwelling homes in the village. In the meantime, all eight of them sleep in the kitchen and living area of the old house.

We climbed a six foot notched log into the raised wood platform of his house and I said hello to all of the children, who I have met on a few occasions. They were sad that Katie couldn’t come and I explained that someone had to stay back at the resort. The girls were even wearing gifts that Katie had given them.

I took a seat on a wood bench and took in my surroundings, before the darkness robbed me of my sight. The whole lodge was only about 16’x25’ and space was occupied by a gas-powered stove, and a large cooking fire. Abel had engineered a sling for his old cayuco (wooden dugout canoe) that he had retired, and this ingeniously was used as a food prep area and dishwashing station. It hung over one of the outside walls, the holes that had relegated it to retirement, now useful as drainage. The roof was made of thatched palm, the walls were just large enough to keep children from accidentally falling out. Chakras, bags made of dried bark hung from the rafters, stuffed with clean clothes, accompanied by bed sheets and a spare mattress.

Abel’s wife and his older daughters took the chickens and rice that I had brought as gifts and started prepping the food over the stove and fire, while I was introduced to other visitors who came in and took seats on the floor. We all chatted away for the next couple of hours in the dark, while the women prepared food by flashlight. The village has a generator for electricity but Abel told me it was not very reliable, though they dutifully pay their $2.50 weekly electric bill. In the meantime, we sat in the dark, though I could tell this put me at a much larger disadvantage then it did those who were used to it. The only thing I could see clearly was the glow of the cooking fire which filled the room with smoke, yet at one point when I was smiling to myself, someone asked me why what I was laughing at. They could see me clearly across the room in the dark.

I spent the time conversing with each one of Abel’s five children, Daniel, Ydania, Melania, Kimberli, and Elvin. I asked Daniel about school, had him demonstrate his English counting skills and then asked him what he wanted to do when he grew up. I could barely hear his response, so I asked him to speak up.

“Chopear,” literally to chop, a word they use for clearing fields with a machete, he responded. His sole ambition in life was to do manual labor, and this was after he impressed me with his knowledge of a third language, at the age of eleven years old! Suddenly I realized the source of his ambition: he wanted to be like his father. Although I use the word “landscaper” to describe Abel’s job a the resort, he would describe it as “chopeador.” In other words, he spends all day, everyday around the hotel with a weed-whacker. It is a very necessary job, as the jungle, left untouched would reclaim the lands around our hotel in mere weeks, was it not for Abel and his diligent weed-whacking. I couldn’t decide whether this was incredibly endearing or sad, to hear such limited ambition yet with such noble reasoning.

The rest of the children had similar answers. Ydania told me she wanted to clean clothes. Melania said she wanted to be a dishwasher. Only William, Abel’s stepson wanted to be something that didn’t exist in the family: he wanted to be a sargento, to work in the police. Listening to their ambition, I wondered how to expand their horizons, to push their ambition. At the same time I couldn’t help but feel like my thoughts were patronizing to them at the same time. There is dignity in what Abel does at Popa, and he earns a great living and sustains and supports his family. Still, it was hard not to introduce the idea of maybe becoming a teacher or even a doctor.

Later on, I asked Abel how he wakes himself up in the morning without a watch or alarm clock. He paddles two hours to the hotel every morning, six days a week and is rarely ever more than fifteen minutes late. He explained that there is a rooster that crows at four in the morning five and again at six. I could not get my head around it and I kept arguing against it being so accurate. I looked forward to testing his alarm clock in the morning.

A few minutes later, Abel padded off with his wife into the darkness. Someone remarked that he was going to bathe. About twenty minutes later, I was startled by a gunshot. It wasn’t too frightening as it seemed to be the sound of small rifle, but we were sitting in darkness. I asked what the sound was and before anyone had a chance to answer, Abel was climbing back into the room. He explained he was trying to kill a bird that woke him up every night in the middle of the night! I joked that he was going to kill his alarm clock, yet he laughed that off as a foolish gringo assumption.

At about 10:30pm, dinner was passed out in assorted bowls. The chicken and rice, seasoned with powdered chicken stock powder was satisfying, and I ate it up to a chorus of burps and loud sounds of enjoyment.

When dinner was finished, the children who had to be wakened up to enjoy dinner, quickly fell back to sleep scattered around the floor and crowded in to the hammock with Abel. Digesting my meal in the dark, I listened to the fading conversation taking place in the Ngobe dialect. Then quietly, Abel’s older step-daughters left, Alfredo and his family left and that left Abel’s family, Eberto, another staff member who came with me and me alone in the dark house.

Taking my cue, I lay down on the bare floor and put my head back on my backpack, which I was using as a pillow. About five minutes later, Abel asked, “Va a dormir?” You going to sleep? “Conversamos.” Let’s chat.

So we did. And long after William walked around tenderly picking up his step-siblings and laying them down on a mattress he put out on the floor, covering them with blankets, and hopping into the hammock himself, Eberto, Abel and I talked. We talked about superstition, curses (apparently twins can cure you of one) and the resident bruja or witch that lives at Popa (they weren’t talking about Katie) and they both had stories of seeing her. We talked about Abel’s house, past experiences at Popa, our initial reactions to meeting one another. We talked endlessly into the wee hours of the dark morning, when without a word, during a pause, Abel moved silently to a spot on the floor next to his wife and said, “Nan tore dede,” Good night.

Sharing a small cushion with Eberto, I tried without success to find a comfortable position on the floor. Without being able to sleep I was happy to just listen to the quiet noises of the family sleeping around me. In the distance a massive thunderstorm was brewing, and through the open walls I could see stars and big bolts of lightening over the water, illuminating the house like daylight. Later on when the storm did hit, not one raindrop came in, yet the breeze kept us cool throughout the night and I suffered not one bug bite.

A little while later, I was startled from a dreamless, restless sleep by a rooster, who was perched feet away from me, directly under the floorboard I was sleeping on. No one else stirred, while I nearly levitated. Thinking back to our earlier conversation, I checked the time, and nearly burst out laughing when I read the hour: 4:03am. For about fifteen minutes the rooster crowed with such intensity, I pictured the veins popping out of its little chicken forehead. Then as soon as it started, it stopped. Until five, when it started all over again, and once more at six, just as Abel had told me.

At the six o’clock rooster crow, we got up quietly, whispered thanks to Abel’s wife and walked off down to the water. Pulling off in the boat back to Popa, with the sun rising over the water on our right, I felt happy to be returning to my modern comforts, yet also sad to leave a family who had “adopted” me for a night.

Ngobo rika mabe, Bichochi

2010-06-16T10:53:00.000-07:00

The title of the post read in the dialect of the indigenous islands, "God go with you, Jessica." It is our way of saluting Jessica "Bichocho" Porath, the outgoing Peace Corps Volunteer on her safe journey from Sandubidi back to the United States.

Many of our guests have had the opportunity to meet Jessica. Her bright smile and humble spirit greeted many visitors to the indigenous village of Sandubidi or Popa Dos. Whether teaching English to villagers, growing the tourism initiative or helping out the women's cooperative, Meri Ngobe, Jessica's willing nature carried her through with grace.

Guests of Popa Paradise were always struck by her lasting optimism and her warm, friendly attitude towards visitors and locals alike. Living in a thatched hut, with holes in the floor, that she carefully took the time to fill, her residence was a stark contrast to that of the lush casitas of Popa Paradise. She was happy to show off her surroundings and besides the occasional request for a ride to Bocas town, her necessities reflected those of her fellow villagers: some rice and plantains for sustenance, fresh water in her rain catchment tank, and a phone card here and there, to stay in touch with the outside world.

After being introduced to Jessica, by our boat captain, who was smitten with the "girl who danced with indios!" we invited her back to the resort for an overnight. Every once in a while, when she could find the time and we had the space, we would have her over for a nourishing meal, some time to catch up on the Internet and a quiet place to recharge her batteries both the AA kind and her own personal store of energy.

Jessica is going to be missed not only by her gringo neighbors, but by many of our staff, indigenous, Latino, and Afro-Caribe. Most of all she will be missed by the people that she lived with, whom she earned respect and affection from, by living among them and as them.

Jatwaitai mare, Bichochi! Until later, Jessica...

Employee of the Month: May

2010-06-14T05:06:00.000-07:00

Persistence can be a great asset sometimes. Months ago, an indigenous local who lived next door to us came daily with his small catch of the day, which we dutifully bought off of him. Everyday, he would ask the same question,: "Hay Trabajo?" Is their work? Time after time we politely declined his request for work, saying we had all the staff we needed. One day though, his persistence won us over, as we had a special project we needed to have done.

Impressed with the vigor he went at his work, Chef Ben, dubbed him "Terminator," and he was invited back to help wash dishes the next night. Eberto Sam, or "Terminator" as we still call him today has never let the vigor die down. We soon contracted him to work here full-time and he rotates his position between dish-washer extraordinaire, pool cleaner, gardener or whatever else needs doing.

Terminator is constantly offering a hand and his small frame hides a strength and stamina that rivals men twice his size. His determination, effervescent nature, helpfulness, and yes, even his persistence, make him an excellent asset to the Popa Paradise Team, and worthy of the status of Employee of the Month. Congratulations Terminator!

Employee of the Month: March

2010-04-07T17:36:00.000-07:00

Sometimes an employee can go above and beyond their job duties without actually doing anything physically different day in and day out. Sometimes being an employee of the month is more about your attitude than anything. Employee of the Month is really about being a role model for the rest of the staff.

This month, I am proud to announce Armando Thompson, as Employee of the Month!

Thompson is a waiter and backup bartender at Popa Paradise. His warm, gentle nature, broad smile and positive attitude is a favorite of the guests. He is personable, eager-to-please, and though a bit on the timid side, happy to share a story or two with guests who approach him.

Thompson has been here longer than almost all of the staff. He started here when he was 16 years old. At that time, he was working the docks on the mainland, helping load boats. He saw the Popa Paradise boat come in daily for construction materials and cement and offered to help out. He has been here ever since.

When the hotel officially opened, his duties switched from laborer to pool maintenance and handyman. He seemed to know all the quirks about the resort, as he remembered where pipes and electric lines were buried, because he was the one that buried them.

Katie and I saw much more potential in him though and we wanted to showcase his great personality and warmth. Katie took on the difficult task of training Thompson to be a fine-dining waiter.

Thompson took right to his new position. He loved learning the intricacies of good service. He was an eager learner as he had absolutely no experience in this new role. I will never forget what he said to Katie during his first wine tasting (which she holds periodically, so the waiters can suggest wines). He turned to her after his first sip and said, "I didn't know wine had alcohol in it!"

These small bumps in the road have only made him a stronger server and his adaptability, his grace under fire ("Take it easy, take it light," he always says, when I offer help during busy service), and his warmth have helped him through many busy nights.

Thompson is also a great team player. He is the resident historian, regaling the newer employees with tales of how hard it used to be, like when they all slept in tents, during the early construction days. He is also quick with a compliment to other staff members, encouraging them to do their jobs well.

Congratulations Thompson, we could not be more proud!

Think Globally, Act Locally

2010-04-06T13:03:00.000-07:00

Recently, we were made aware of a mandatory moratorium on the fishing, buying and selling of the Caribbean Spiny Lobster. It seems that after years of overfishing, populations of spiny lobster are decreasing in coastal waters. The Panamanian Authority of Fishing and Wildlife instituted a moratorium to last from March until the end of June on the fishing of lobster, coinciding with a Pan-Central American moratorium. It was the first time that every Central American country would be participating.

Lobster had been on our menu and a few days each week, fisherman come walking up with lobster. These fishermen are local indigenous islanders, where fishing and diving for lobster is their only income.

In the past we have used our "buying power" in order to influence our environmental impact through these fisherman and other local, indigenous suppliers. Executive Chef Ben Jones has visited local farms on the island buying organic and local harvests, designing his menu around these foods, rather than imported vegetables. We have encouraged the fishing of only adult lobsters, refusing to buy undersized lobsters and even turning away repeat offenders. We blacklisted a local fishermen once, when we found a dead sea turtle in his cayuco. Through our efforts, fishermen realize the motives behind our reasoning and buy into sustainable practices as well.

So although we knew the livelihood of many of our fishermen was in jeopardy with this moratorium, we also knew that it would be temporary and this could help them out long-term.

At the same time that the moratorium was introduced, we were made aware of the recent lionfish invasion. Allene Baker, editor of the Bocas Breeze, a local newspaper, printed her second piece on the population explosion of this invasive species.

Summing up her comments: the lionfish is found naturally only in the Pacific. It was introduced to the Carribean by aquarium owners who dumped their fish into the ocean. The lionfish has no natural predators in the Atlantic, has a voracious appetite and reproduces often and productively. These three factors have led to the eradication of other species of reef fish throughout Caribbean waters. The lionfish was first positively identified in Bocas waters in 2009. Now they are being spotted with frequency.

After reading this, we performed an unofficial survey of local fishermen. They all confirmed the recent and prolific appearance of the lionfish. Something had to be done.

With the news of the lobster moratorium, we explained that we would not be buying lobster and discouraged them from fishing for lobster until the summer. We also printed off pictures of the lionfish, explained the problem and offered a small sum for any fish that they could spear. Although the fish doesn't fetch as high as a price (it is not something we can serve on our menu), it was a welcome source of income to our lobster divers. They have already begun their efforts and are successfully defending the invasion of the lionfish. It may be a small effort but I am sure of it's effectiveness as these guys spend all their time in the water.

This is a photo of one of our fishermen, with a whole bunch of lionfish that he speared.

From the Guests' Eye View

2010-03-24T08:06:00.001-07:00

This past month, we were honored to host the annual vacation of the Shane & Peter Group. Shane & Peter are a tech consulting firm, where the namesake owners, Shane Pearlman and Peter Chester, host a vacation for their core team and their families each year. During their vacation they took beautiful pictures and videos. I am pleased to present a different perspective of Popa Paradise. From the guests' eye view:

Enjoy.

A big thanks to Shane, Peter, Aaron, Kelsey, Reid, Matt, Dan and Nick and their families for sharing your memories with us.

Employee of the Month: February

2010-03-24T05:59:00.000-07:00

The newest edition to our staff due the greatest amount of praise for his efforts during the month of February. We were happy to announce Norberto "Tavo" Valencia as Employee of the Month for February 2010.

Tavo has been with us for about two months. With the increased amount of business we have been happy to receive at Popa, we went looking for another boat driver to take the pressure of Gumey and I and to be able to offer more trips and excursions every day. Finding a boat captain in Bocas del Toro, an archipelago, where the main transportation is boats was not as easy as you would think.

The first problem is competition. Many of the boat captains own their own boats and can make good money when there are lots of tourists in town. When the tour season goes flat though, they have to scramble for the few tourists there are in order to make money. We offer a salaried position, which may be less than the direct cash-in-pocket, that tours can offer, but the security and benefits that come with working at Popa are a good incentive to work here. This was not so easy to convince the boat captains.

When we finally did get a couple of boat captains out here for interviews, the fact that they had worked for themselves for so long did not help them blend into the team atmosphere that we encourage here, where everyone shares work duties and everyone lends a hand where it is needed.

And along came Tavo. Tavo lives in Isla Tigre, a Ngobe community where a couple of our staff live. He found out about the job through them. At the time, he was working freelance for a few private homes in the area, running tours for them when they were rented out. He came out for the interview with his wife (we were looking for a new housekeeper at the same time).

Two months later, Tavo has still not stopped impressing me with his professionalism in his work duties. He is a major team player and constantly chips in to offer a hand where it is needed. Today I caught him sweeping the clubhouse in the few minutes he had before a tour went out. He likes to keep busy and is a major asset to the Resort.

Congratulations Tavo!!!!

In the News: Pirates on the horizon

2010-02-26T07:31:00.000-08:00

Vanessa Woods, who visited with us last month, published an article about her stay in Bocas del Toro and Popa Paradise.

The piece was originally printed in the Weekender of the Sydney Morning Herald, one of Australia's largest newspapers (where Ms. Woods lives).

Click here to read the full article.
http://www.smh.com.au/travel/pirates-on-the-horizon-20100218-oh31.html

Service....

2010-02-21T05:29:00.000-08:00

The title of this post has nothing to do with the core value of our resort, yet everything to do with its other, more athletic connotation.

Volleyball.

Everyday between 4 and 6pm, weather permitting, you can find many of the staff playing volleyball. Starting with Chef Ben's insistence to have some kind of athletic pursuit (other than surfing), the staff constructed a volleyball court, on the grass behind the beach. Complete with sand lines and a service box, we now had no excuse not to play.

And so it began, and I tell you, it is one of the best staff morale boosters we have ever undertaken. The laughter and smiles that I witness when we play volleyball are something I will remember long after I leave this place. The staff just seem to let their guard down completely, and as many of the players are indigenous Ngobe indians, the dominant trash talk is in Guaymi, their native languafe, a spectacle in and of itself.

Volleyball is a popular sport among the Ngobe communities and many of the communities have their own volleyball court. Well, word must have got out that we have our own, because last week we had two "home" games. At 4:30 a boat load of Ngobes from another community on our island showed up to play us at volleyball. I'll only say it was evenly matched.

On your next trip to Popa, bring your skills and a healthy sense of humor, and remember this is Barefoot Luxury, so no shoes!

Employee of the Month: January

2010-02-21T05:15:00.000-08:00

Living on an island, with no roads mind you, your boat is the only connection to the outside world. By extension, your boat captain becomes your right hand man. It takes a lot to go above and beyond what our boat captain does daily: safely and comfortably navigating the mangroves, reef and islands to carry our guests to other islands, beaches and back and forth to the resort. Yet, Gumercindo Julian, our Head Boat Captain, did just that in January, he rose above and beyond his daily duties to deserve recognition as Employee of the Month.

Gumey, as he is affectionately called by staff and guests alike, has been with Popa Paradise from the beginning. He was born next door to the property and his uncle owned the land that now belongs to Popa Paradise. Gumey still takes up residence right next to us as well as his extended family, who live in a series of houses, many guests have seen when kayaking out in front of the resort.

Gumey started out as a day laborer and it can be said that he is Peter Winn's (owner) oldest friend. Gumey started out laying cement pathways and mixing concrete, then moved on up to manning the 55-foot cayuco (dugout canoe) that brought supplies to the island in its beginning stages. He graduated on to the 23 foot-panga that he can be seen driving today. His efforts of self-improvement, culminating with his receival of his boating license, recognizing his safe boating and navigational knowledge, make him a real asset to the resort.

Gumey is one of the most recognized of the staff, as he is the first face that usually greets people as he picks them up in town. He also takes guests on trips and his smiling, laid-back nature, always puts our guest at ease. He has an incredible knowledge of the reefs and channels that surround the archipelago, and is one helluva fisherman. If he says its not a good day to fish, I don't even think twice. If I see him walking out with his hand-line, I know I better get my rod.

What really set apart Janaury from other months, was Gumey's incredible dedication. He worked 31 days straight, getting up early in the first week of January to finish the fishing season off with guests, and then working straight up until sometimes 6:30 at night. Twelve hour days were the norm, as we were extremely busy and down a second boat captain, so I was making trips alongside him on our other boat. Gumey never once complained and dutifully had the boat on the dock every time I asked him, five minutes early than requested.

His dedication, work ethic and ever-present positive attitude earned him his Employee of the Month status and every member of the staff thought he deserved it. Congratulations Gumey!

Fly With Paradise

2010-02-07T12:47:00.001-08:00

Paradise Air and Popa Paradise Beach Resort are teaming up for a great raffle and giveaway.

Coming soon, we will be giving away a free 3-day, 2 night stay at Popa Paradise Beach Resort, along with a free roundtrip charter flight from San Jose, Costa Rica.

Paradise Air is a high-end provider of comfortable and safe air charters from Costa Rica. Stay tuned to their website for more details.

Employee of the Month: December

2010-01-18T11:55:00.000-08:00

With the craziness of the holidays over and a little time to breathe and recuperate before the next wave of guests start arriving, I wanted to post (and boast) about our employee of the month!

A couple of weeks ago, when the resort was full of guests, I had many things running through my mind. I watched proudly as our staff handled the many and varied requests of our guests. I was supervising the logistics of handling 42 guests all wanting to go on excursions with our boats at the same time people were checking out and checking in. Katie was busy proofing menu orders for the kitchen and organizing the Bistro's seatings. Executive Chef Ben was slammed in the kitchen, busily breaking down lunch and simultaneously prepping for dinner.

As a couple hundred items scrolled through my head like a mechanical rolodex, my glance landed upon one of our four housekeepers, Floralba Bonilla. Flor, or Rosita, which many of us affectionately call her, was breaking down assignments for the other three housekeepers, taking care to appropriately assign the tasks based on seniority and skill. She then hustled her way off to her own assignment, with a small smile towards me as she passed. I stopped her and said, "Rosita, tengo menos estres cuando estas aqui." Rosita, I have less stress when you are here. She just laughed and hustled off with her basket of cleaning items, mop and broom.

I was serious though. Flor has been with us for a year and a half. She came on the invite of her boyfriend, Eduardo (Employee of the Month, October), whom she is now married to. They live together at the resort, saving money for the house they are buying in Changuinola.

Flor is a great housekeeper. At seven, she cleans the clubhouse and dining area with the other housekeepers, then is off to supervise the cleaning of the rooms while the guests are at breakfast. As people leave at different points throughout the day, she quietly organizes the cleaning of their rooms, so as not to disturb the guests. She always makes sure that there are plenty of pool towels laundered, as well as fresh linens for the dining room, and sheets ready for any guests checking in. At the drop of a hat, she can give you an up-to-the minute progress report on how everything is going.

During the month of December, she did all this and more. In realizing that the kitchen was busier than ever, she thoughtfully laundered the kitchen towels and the chef coats for the cooks. She also supervised the efficient and thorough cleaning of 16 rooms during our peak times. Most of all, she did it with a smile on her face and without ever lowering the standards of perfection we maintain here at Popa Paradise. I can't tell you how proud it makes me to hear when guests remark on the cleanliness of the resort, or the care that is shown in arranging our guests personal items, when cleaning the room. It is due in large part to the presence and hard work of Flor Bonilla, Employee of the Month for December.

Holiday Wrap-Up

2010-01-10T09:59:00.000-08:00

Christmas and New Year's Eve was a blast this year! We were fully-booked (which means, 42 people), yet the staff stepped up to the plate and made sure that every guest experienced the same level of attention people normally get here when it is not so busy. It was a challenge meeting so many different people's needs (including a family reunion of 14 people), but the great personalities that we shared our holidays with, made up for it.

Our staff lives with us on the island and we often refer to them as our extended family. So it was on Christmas Eve, the traditional celebratory day in Panama, that we had a second seating for dinner. The first was at 7:30 for the guests and then at 10:30, the staff came down to enjoy a roast pig, with all the trimmings with us. Then at 11:30, a tanned, younger Santa Claus made an appearance and handed out gifts to all of the staff. Following a big toast at midnight along with a few hearty guests who were enjoying some drinks at the bar, we continued with a Secret Santa. Each of the staff presented one other staff member with a small gift. It was so cool to see the creativity that went into their presents and brought us all closer on a day when we were all separated from our families.

During the busy period, we had a masseuse on-site who kept people relaxed (I am waiting for my massage, as soon as I get some down-time). Junito, is a Bocas del Toro local, who came out to give massages and on some of our busier nights, helped out by serving some killer cocktails. We are now happy to say, he works for us as our full-time bartender, still able to give incredibly relaxing massages on the side.

We rang in the New Year's with a delicious six course dinner provided by Executive Chef Ben Jones. My mouth still waters at what the guests and I enjoyed that night: King Crab salad, yucca gnochi with a pesto cream sauce, mushroom streudel with blue cheese fondue, filet mignon with fried shallots and yucca puree, a mango sorbet intermezzo, and a flourless chocolate torte with ice cream. Everything was made the day of, including the pasta, the chocolate itself (from cacao), the sorbet and the ice-cream!

We couldn't wait until midnight, as everyone had been busy island-hopping on day trips earlier and were tired, so at 10:38 we rang in the New Year with a 10-minute firework show and champagne toast! For an amateur show, we pulled off a pretty grand finale for 2009, in my humble opinion. Katie and I and a few of the staff rang in the real New Year at midnight, watching the ball drop in Times Square.

Throughout the whole time we had the large crowd, we had boats going back and forth to town to pick up and drop off guests, guests enjoying the beauty of Bocas on day tours to see dolphins, go snorkeling or hiking in the jungle. We also had some fishing enthusiasts who got up everyday at 6am to fish with Gumey and Martin, reeling in some delicious mackerel and barracuda that was brought out in creative dishes prepared by Chef Ben.

The weather was unusually cooperative and we are still in the middle of a three-week long dry spell. While I fret about the level of water in our storage, the guests are thoroughly enjoying the three-weeks of sunshine!

From all of us here at Popa Paradise. we wish you a Happy and Healthy New Year. Feliz Ano Nuevo!!

And the winner is....

2010-01-10T06:15:00.001-08:00

We are pleased to announce the winner of the first Annual Popa Paradise Beach Resort Photo Contest! First of all, thank you to all those who participated. The theme of the photo contest was "A Day In Paradise," which was very subjective. So we asked participants to send photos of what they considered a "Day in Paradise." Many of the submissions were sent along with little stories of why this photo meant so much to the person who took it. Although it was hard to choose, we had to pick one winner! The winner of the first Annual Popa Paradise Beach Resort is...Riley Poff, from Carlsbad, California! Riley and her mom and Dad all sent photos in, but Riley's was the standout. Her picture of Playa Guiones, in Costa Rica, where she spent enjoyable days looking for shells, was a beautiful shot, especially considering the fact that Riley is only 10 years old!
Riley and her family won a free room night in our Executive Suites. Congratulations!!!

The first runner-up is Emily Metcalf, from West Yorkshire, England. This picture of the early morning sun, shining down on her English garden, where she likes to take tea in the mornings, earned her a free trip to the Zapatillas, on her upcoming visit to Popa Paradise Beach Resort.

The second runner-up is Cassidy Faulkner, from West Albany, New York, with her submission from her travels from India, where everyday was "day in paradise." She also will enjoy a trip to Zapatillas on her upcoming trip to Popa Paradise Beach Resort.

Once again, thanks to all those who participated. It was very hard to choose the winners. Congratulations to those who won, and we look forward to seeing you soon!!

Christmas Greetings

2009-12-23T10:15:00.000-08:00

If it weren't for the Spanish Christmas Carols and the colored lights hanging around the resort, it would be hard to remember it is Christmas. Aside from the increasing amounts of people checking in everyday, ready to celebrate with the staff and us, everything here is the same as normal. The sun is shining brightly and the sky and ocean is blue. As those on the East Coast are shoveling the drive-ways, I was shoveling the sand off the pathways by the beach.

We want to wish all of our friends, relatives, vendors, employees, and most importantly our guests. Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! We will share pictures of the celebrations next week as well as announce the winner to our 2009 photo competition. Keep sending in your pictures, we will have a hard time choosing.

Merry Christmas!!

When it's raining...

2009-11-23T08:18:00.000-08:00

“I guess it is called a rainforest for a reason,” responded one of the guests, when I gave an ambiguous answer to whether the rain would indeed let up that day, the fourth day of her so-far rained out honeymoon. Had this honeymoon couple let it get to them? Not at all. And although, we had provided them with as many activities you could do rain or shine, it was mostly their positive attitude that made their vacation.

Managing Popa Paradise Beach Resort, in Bocas del Toro Panama, is a dream job. Except when it is raining, which can be often. Unlike other parts of Central America, Bocas del Toro does not have strict dry and wet seasons. We think of it this way: sometimes it rains a little less than other times. We are lucky to say, most days the sun does have a starring role and many times, when it rains it is at night or in the mornings, but rain is definitely part of the whole truth. So what do you do when your guests are drenched every time they dare to venture outside their casita without an umbrella? Have a positive attitude and hope they follow along. That, and provide as many activities you can to keep your guests satisfied.

“Yoga, massages, matinee movies with popcorn, ping pong tournaments, billiards, board games, spa services. These are the type of things I am offering to guests when it is raining,” says Katie, my wife and co-manager of Popa Paradise Beach Resort.

“If they are particularly active and it is just a rain shower and not a storm, we take them hiking in the rainforest, snorkeling, kayaking, or they swim in the pool,” she says. “It’s a completely unique experience to be snorkeling in the rain. It is so peaceful and serene under the water, compared to the loud slapping of rain against the surface of the ocean.”

Encountering the same problem in my last career as a Tour Director, where an entire week of leaf-peeping in the New England states could be ruined by inclement weather, I have honed my foul-weather smile to perfection. I learned that if you don’t let the rain bother you and do everything as planned, everyone else follows suit. I have carried that same attitude into managing the resort with the same results.

“People just need reassurance that they can enjoy themselves regardless of the weather,” says Ben Jones, executive chef at Popa Paradise Beach Resort, who has been know to conduct cooking classes or have kids in the kitchen to bake chocolate chip cookies to occupy a period of inclement weather.

So if you do find yourself in Paradise and the weather turns sour. Throw on your fair-weather smile and sign up for a massage.

Off-site Excursion: Comarca Ngobe Bugle & Playa de Uva

2009-11-20T11:12:00.000-08:00

Peninsula Valiente loomed in the distance, growing higher, as we bounced from wave-top to wave-top, on the one-hour ride from Popa Paradise to the mainland of Panama and the indigenous reserve, Comarca Ngobe Bugle. Gumercindo "Gumey", our Ngobe boat captain, steered the boat and it's seven passengers, two couples from Texas and a young couple from Manhattan and me, effortlessly until we reached the grandeur of the edge of the Peninsula, that juts out into the Carribean, looking like an island from afar.

The first sign of a village, was the blue roof of an elementary school, that juts out of the hillside of Punta Valiente, one of the many villages in the Comarca. The wood and thatch houses clung to the steep hillside, as if planted their by giants. A small clearing around the village was the only thing that separated it from the dense jungle surrounding it.

The Comarca Ngobe Bugle is an indigenous reserve created by the Panamanian government in 1997. It stretches from the middle of this part of Panama right to the coast, bordering the islands of Bocas del Toro. The Ngobe Bugle who live there are some of the earliest inhabitants of this part of the world. Many of our employees, including our boat captain, are Ngobe, and still speak a dialect called Guyami. Their traditions, culture and way of life have been preserved for generations and this is what we had come to experience.

Gumey expertly navigated the boat around the point and we passed hillsides dripping with foliage. It seems every inch of land was densely covered with forest, the trees in particular, looking Seussian in nature, as they vied for the attention of the sun.

Soon we were at the mouth of Bahia Azul, with small, houses lining both sides of the bay and Gumey pointed the boat towards a small viallge called Punta Alegre. Greeting the boat at the dock were about twenty school-children, who had run out of the classroom at the foot of the dock. They eagerly grabbed the boats lines to secure us to the dock, while Gumey's small son and two daughters jumped into the boat to greet him. Gumey's wife is from Punta Alegre, and it is here that Gumey calls home on his vacations and days off.

After apologizing to the school teacher for disrupting class, we followed Gumey and his young daughters to their home. Constructed out of the native hardwood in the area, Gumey proudly gave us a tour of his environs, complete with kitchen, dining area and shaded patio. Built on stilts to keep it dry from the surrounding marshy land, it picked up the breeze coming off the ocean. Although simple, considering the surroundings, this truly was a dream home.

Gumey walked us further to show off a cooperative project in the village, run by an aunt of his wife. With funding from philantropic donors, she was trained by experts on how to increase the agriculture of their village, increasing their self-sufficiency.

She led us to the chicken coop, showing off the healthy chicks, while Gumey's daughter exhibited the proper way to hold a chick in her little hands. We also witnessed a growing garden, full of taro, plantains, bananas and other vegetables. They were most proud of the aquaculture project that had been started and we were impressed to see tilapia swimming through the man-made ponds.

As Gumey caught up with his wife and checked on some work being done to his house, we ambled slowly through the village, with Gumey's daughter and niece pointing out animals along the way.

Gumey caught up with us at the end of the road, bringing the boat up alongside a dock, so we wouldn't have to double back on ourselves.

We pulled off, with two extra ship-mates, our tour guides, Gumey's daughter and niece, who babbled on and on, their enthusiasm needing no translation.

Pulling into Ensenada, another village, about five minutes further south, we again readied ourselves to apologize to the teacher as another classroom emptied itself onto the dock, the classmates eager to greet the newcomers.

We were met by a local village leader and the American Peace Corps Volunteer who lives there, who collected and explained the reason for collecting admission to their village ($3 per person). The small fee goes to bettering the infrastructure of the village and they led us to the path that goes through their village and across the penisula to the open beach.

With cooler, surfboard and towels in hand, we crossed the trail that goes through the peninsula at its narrowest point to the beach on the other side. Traipsing through incredible jungle vistas with not a worry of a turned ankle or muddy shoes, it felt like we had walked straight into a Disney World theme-park.

The illusion was shattered the moment we crossed the apex of the trail and saw an amazing sight: Crystal clear waters breaking on golden sand at our destination for the afternoon, Playa de Uva. This was no theme park, this was nature at its best.

Playa de Uva is about a half-mile long, with wide sections of soft sand, with blue, clear waters washing up on the beach. We spent the rest of the afternoon shelling, surfing, picnicing and enjoying this unspoilt wilderness.

We had to tear ourselves away from the beach when the sun started sinking into the horizon. We made our way back to Ensenada and were greeted this time by the sounds of musica tipica. The traditional Panamanian music was being pumped out of speakers inside one of the classrooms, which was attracting many of the elders of the village to poke their heads in the windows and watch the spectacle inside. When we made our way to the front of the crowd, we could see the little boys and girls being encouraged to dance together ballroom style. The children needed no coercing and after each song ended they would race to pair up with a new partner.

At the suggestion of the Peace Corps Volunteer we made our way to the little artesania, where they were selling bags and purses made out of natural materials and decorated traditionally. We were treated to a fresh cup of..... made with boiled bananas and coconut milk, a refreshing treat after a long day in the sun, while the PCV regaled us with tales of being so far removed from her past life.

Feeling the breeze pick up, Gumey lead us back to the boat and after a short stop to drop off our little tour guides, we motored home, quietly reflecting on the day we had all just experienced (and for me at least, planning my next day back in the Comarca.)

(For more pictures of the trip, click here.)

Photo Contest: A Day in Paradise

2009-11-18T05:30:00.001-08:00

We are pleased to announce our first exclusive Popa Paradise Blog Contest!

The theme of the contest is "A Day in Paradise." We will be accepting photos of what your version of a Day in Paradise is. It can be a cup of coffee and the newspaper on an unusually warm winter morning. It can be a day at the park with your grandchildren. It can be a walk on the beach at sunrise, an experience many of our guests start their day off with at Popa Paradise.

Obviously the theme is quite subjective, so we will be judging the photos on their creativity as well as their quality. The winner will be announced on January 1st, 2010 here at Popa Paradise and soon after on the blog.

What's in it for you! For the winner of our first photo contest, we will be offering a free room night in one of our Executive Suites!* For the two runner's up, we will be offering a free Day Trip to the Zapatillas, during your stay.

All submissions** can be emailed to popaparadisebeachresort@yahoo.com, with Photo Contest in the subject line. Please send photos in the .jpeg format and note that the winner and runner-up will have their photos (with credit) published on our blog. All submissions must be sent by December 20th, 2009.

Good luck to all!

*Some (very few) black-out dates apply
**One submission per person.

Sunset Ride to Popa Paradise Beach Resort

2009-11-13T09:46:00.001-08:00

There are few things in life that put you in such a tranquil mood as a boat ride at sunset. Fortunately, this is the view that many of our guests enjoy on their way to Popa Paradise Beach Resort. Enjoy the video!

Employee(s) of the Month - October

2009-11-13T04:42:00.000-08:00

Katie and I, the General Managers of Popa Paradise Beach Resort took a long awaited two-week vacation to New York, where my family and friends live, for a wedding and to meet the newest member of my family, a niece born to my brother and his wife. It was the first time since Popa Paradise has been in operation that we have left the staff without a manager for more than three days!

Upon our return, we were more than proud and so happy to see that the staff had performed excellently without our daily supervision. It has been one of our goals to be able to train our staff to a point where they take initiative, have large amounts of responsibility and can make decisions prioritizing guest needs first. This "enlightened hospitality" training has been a year in the making and by the feedback from the guests who stayed here while we were away, it is working. In the two weeks we were gone, Popa Paradise received two TripAdvisor comments. Both were 5-star excellent reviews with a stamp of 100% recommendation.

Usually we have one employee of the month. Someone who goes above and beyond their duties in order to make a guest feel at home and to make lasting memories for our guests. This month we are pleased to honor two of our employees as they both did an outstanding job.

Cheryln Ancyl, our administrator, has been with us since this past April. She is bilingual and takes a great share of the load off of Katie's back, helping with payroll, check-in/check-out and much of the day-to-day office business that usually is overflowing our inbox. She is also a great bartender, loves to chat with guests and has a warm personality that creates an atmosphere of welcome and hospitality for our guests.

Cherry's duties were to take over our supervisory positions while we were away and be responsible for making sure all the "little things" that make Popa exceptional, were taken care of. It is and was a formidable task, but she performed it excellently, earning the respect of the team, in our absence.

Eduardo "Cholo"Rayo, our maintenance supervisor, was also an immense help to Cherry and us while were away. Cherry was able to count on Eduardo for helping her with the supervision of the staff and creating a seamless experience for our guests.

Cholo came to Popa Paradise initially to help fix a faulty toilet and some other small repairs. When the nearly two-page long to-do list for Cholo was finished in half-a-day, he was quickly hired on full-time. His pace has not slowed nearly two-years into his time here at Popa. He maintains the generators, electrical fixtures, plumbing etc. On top of that, he is responsible for organizing all "the guys," our shorthand term for the team of staff that works from 7-4 everyday making sure the resort is in tip-top condition.

Both Cholo and Cheryl greatly deserved the title Employee of the Month for October. They have demonstrated a learned knowledge of enlightened hospitality and rose to the occasion to provide that hospitality in our absence.

Top-Ranked Bocas del Toro Hotel on Trip Advisor!

2009-10-12T11:06:00.001-07:00

Popa Paradise has reached the top spot on www.tripadvisor.com Trip Advisor now ranks Popa Paradise Beach Resort as the #1 of the Panama hotels and #1 Bocas del Toro Hotel.

With the motto: Get the Truth. Then Go., Trip Adviser uses a system of guest reviews to rank hotels. Currently Popa Paradise has had 32 reviews written about them with, 31 of them being rated Excellent and 1 receiving a Very Good rating. We have a perfect score of 100% recommended.

Thanks to our loyal guests who have posted positive reviews. We have no control over what people post, but work hard to make sure everyone here has a positive experience. We have been lucky that people have taken the time to write about us.

We also would not have one single positive review if it weren't for our excellent staff who take pride in the work they do. Everyone from the housemaid who takes the extra time to put her special touch into a room to the landscaper who keeps the grounds looking fresh and beautiful. They all are read Spanish translations of the reviews and it excites them when we receive a new one. Thanks again to all of our past guests and we look forward to hosting you out there who have found us on Trip Advisor.

Meet the Team: Employee of the Month - September

2009-10-12T10:23:00.000-07:00

At Popa Paradise Beach Resort, we encourage our employees to go above and beyond their duties and responsibilities, especially in their interactions with guests. We also like to reward those who do just that and management and fellow employees encourage and make it know when they see someone going above and beyond. In the month of September, Marciono (Rocky) Thomas earned the status of Employee of the Month.

Rocky came to us from Bocas Town, where he lives with his wife and young son (who Rocky helps with his English homework, with words and phrases he learns here). Rocky earned his nicknmae while employed as a construction laborer helping build Bocas Paradise Hotel, our sister property in Bocas Town, and one of the best of the Bocas del Toro hotels.

Rocky now contributes to the overall landscaping and maintenance of our property. With 25 acres to tend to, Rocky always seems to have something to do. Rocky was a true team player this month and was recognized by all as being an integral part of the team. Congratulations Rocky, September's Employee of the Month!

Behind-the-Scenes: Our Garden

2009-10-10T10:02:00.000-07:00

After a large effort, we have greatly expanded the size of our garden and planted 70 fruit trees around the property. A majority of the trees were planted on a hill next to the vegetable garden and around the vegetable garden in the hopes that in the future they can provide shade for the young vegetables.

We planted tomatoes, melons, watermelons, radishes, peppers, squash, star fruit, mamon chinos (rambutans), guayaba, oranges and lemons. This will add to our already fruiting guyabana, nance, lemon, and banana trees. Around the resort we have planted and sometimes already harvested squash, taro, papaya, and mango.

Executive Chef Ben Jones uses all of these items in his cooking and has focused his menu on that which is local to our property and the farms around us. Along with the ocean's bounty provided by indigenous fisherman, most of our food comes from within just a few miles of our resort, with an almost exclusive amount of our food coming from within sixty miles of our resort.

We posted some pictures of the organic garden, which is located at the back of the property between the clubhouse and the rainforest. I also took some pictures of some of the ornamentals that we have planted that have been growing well here. Lastly, I have some photos of some of the trees and plants that are giving fruit.

On-Site Activities: Snorkeling/Kayaking

2009-10-09T06:52:00.000-07:00

Snorkeling in Bocas del Toro, can be done at a variety of different spots. We have off-site excursions where we take guest by boat to different beautiful spots all around the archipelago, including some of the most popular: Coral Cay, Hospital Point, the Zapatillas and some secret spots that we have found.

However, at times, the best snorkeling can be found just off our beach! If the conditions are right - calm ocean, no wind, and bright sun, the reef out in front of Popa Paradise really shines. About 300 yards off the beach, sits a shallow fringe reef, that breaks up any wave action before it hits our beach (making our beach a child-friendly, safe swimmable beach). This is a hard coral reef, with a scattering of sea fans, brain coral heads, and staghorn corals. Many species of fish including parrot fish, damselfish, butterfly fish, lobsters, and even the docile (read: harmless) nurse shark, call this part of the reef home. The reef is about six feet deep, making it perfect for snorkeling.

In order to help our guests reach the reef by kayak, we have installed a buoy marker that you can paddle right to and tie off your kayak while you are snorkeling. In this way, you can reach the reef and within ten minutes of leaving your room can be enjoying an underwater paradise. More pictures are posted in our Picasa Album, as well as a video, accessed on the right side of the page.

Email us for reservations and start the countdown to enjoying paradise today!

Adam

info@popaparadisebeachresort.com
www.popaparadisebeachresort.com

Get to Know the Team: Jermain's Day at the Resort

2009-10-09T06:04:00.000-07:00

The Popa Paradise staff works very hard to ensure that our guests have a comfortable, pleasurable and relaxing stay while at the Resort. Our staff come from a variety of places including Bocas Town, the mainland of Panama, and indigenous villages on Isla Popa. Most of the families of our staff have no concept of where their loved one works.

It was that and the gratitude of the management and owner for the hard work of our staff that led us to initiate a system of employee incentive days. Throughout the past few weeks, we invited different employees and their families for a day of luxury at the resort. They can bring their immediate family to stay at the resort for one night in a casita, enjoying the pool, beach and most of all, to show off to their families the proud work they have do everyday.

Jermain Guerra recently had his family here with us. Jermain is our guest relations assistant, restaurant host and tour guide. Jermain selected his two younger sisters, and two younger brothers to enjoy the day at the resort.

"It was one of the best days of my life," Jermain says, adding, "To spend the day with my family and not to have to worry about a thing... It really was so much fun."

In the News: Ocean Home Magazine

2009-10-03T08:13:00.000-07:00

Popa Paradise is featured in the latest issue (Sept./Oct. '09) of OceanHome: The Luxury Coastal Lifestyle Magazine.

In an article titled, Panama Premier: Tourism is booming in this once-quiet Central American paradise, Popa Paradise Beach Resort is featured as a place to stay on your next visit to Panama. The article is on page 49.

The web version of the article is posted at http://oceanhomemag.com/panama-premiere/

New Video!: A Commute Like No Other

2009-10-03T05:33:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the Popa Paradise Beach Resort Blog

2009-09-27T08:34:00.000-07:00

Thanks for visiting the Popa Paradise Blog. My name is Adam Della Rocca and along with my wife, Katie Brame, we are the General Managers of Popa Paradise, in Bocas del Toro, Panama. The purpose of this blog is to keep past guests up to date on the happenings at Popa Paradise, provide potential guests an insider's view of Popa Paradise and showcase the great things and beautiful offerings that we have here at Popa Paradise.

Please feel free to comment, ask questions, offer opinions and most of all stay tuned for more...

Still to come: Behind the Scenes of Popa Paradise with Staff Interviews, a Day in the Life of..., and more. Photo Essays, Videos and lots and lots of photos of the daily happenings at the Resort.

Thanks again for visiting and email today for reservations and discover a new level of Barefoot Luxury at Popa Paradise Beach Resort

Popa Paradise Photo Gallery

2009-09-24T11:32:00.000-07:00

Click here to access our Photo Gallery!

In the News

2009-09-24T10:32:00.000-07:00

Popa Paradise In the News

Bocas del Toro, an archipelago of untouched beaches and uncrowded seas, is a place for sand between the toes...

Islands Magazine wrote an article about Bocas del Toro and some of the more luxury eco-resorts, Popa Paradise being one of them.

See what else is being said about Popa Paradise...