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