El Arca de Pachue

A great weekend escape, less than 100km from Panama City. It’s a laid-back hostel/hotel with private rooms and kitchenettes arranged around a good-sized pool. You can head straight to the beach, where there are shelters and hammocks. The resident dogs and cats are a bonus if you like animals, and there are turtle nesting sites not far from the property.

The owner took us around the peninsula’s beaches and surf clubs in his 4×4, with his gorgeous dogs along for the ride. That private tour was a highlight. The place itself was wonderfully serene, right on a private beach, with a lovely pool. We also had excellent food, music, and dancing, and felt like part of the family. It was an amazing experience, unlike any Airbnb I’d stayed at before.

We loved the beautiful setting and all the birds we spotted, from tropical parakeets and woodpeckers to hawks and several kinds of seabirds. The beach has lovely black sand, though the seawater was murky while we were there, so we preferred swimming in the pool. There are two kitesurfing schools nearby, both with cafés and nice views, and it’s fun to watch even if you don’t kite surf. It’s technically a hostel, with shared bathrooms and a few shared kitchens. The place feels safe and relaxed, and everyone was friendly. There are four very friendly dogs who may want you to throw a tennis ball. In the morning they put out coffee and eggs for you to prepare yourself. No other meals are included, but there are eateries and a small grocery store nearby. We enjoyed the weekend. It’s a cozy, handmade kind of place, a good fit if you want a relaxed atmosphere without all the pomp and circumstance.

We stayed as a family of six from July 10-20 and found the hospitality remarkably generous. The rooms were clean and airy, with air conditioning. There’s a gorgeous pool beneath a huge shade tree, and the beachfront hammocks were perfect for afternoon naps. For rainy spells, there’s a pool table and foosball. The open-air kitchen is well equipped with a fridge, stove, plates, kitchen gear, and a coffee machine. The grocery store is a 10-minute walk away. Must visit!