Spectacular setting in a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Overlooking the Portobelo Bay
One of the Caribbean's most exclusive enclaves
El Otro Lado is made up of a collection of private retreats, each tucked into the tropical forest bordering Portobelo Bay. These five retreats are electrically designed, each with their own style and simple touches of handcrafted traditions from Panama's Atlantic Coast as well as local artwork, photography and contemporary sculptures.
The houses are named Forest House, Sea House, Sun House, Spirit House and Casa Grande and contain 8 rooms between them. All are equipped with modern day luxuries such as wide screen televisions, WiFi, mini-bars, a Bose iPod SoundDock and luxury amenities by Penhaligon.
Life at El Otro Lado centres around The Gazebo, the heart and soul of the property where guests can enjoy cocktails, browse the library, settle down to a delicious meal of the catch of the day, or enjoy the music of a playlist specially designed for El Otro Lado. The chefs at El Otro Lado serve delicious fusion cuisine, combining tastes and produce from Europe, America and the Orient to deliver a delicious Caribbean fashion cuisine that pays homage to the various influences of the great colonial powers.
For true relaxation guests can also enjoy the Con Sentimentos Room where they can indulge in a restorative massage or luxury manicure and pedicure.
For guests wishing to relax on one of the beautiful nearby Caribbean beaches the hotel provides a motor-boat service to reach one of the three nearby beaches: La Huerta, Puerto Frances and Playa Blanca. They will also happily pack you a picnic basket or some light snacks for your outing.
El Otro Lado is one of Panama's most exclusive properties, set in Portobelo, just an hour and a half from Panama City. This is a paradise destination amongst turquoise seas, beautiful beaches and tropical forests. Portobelo National Park is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site as Portobelo has a rich history as one of the most important American ports during colonial times. The port and Portobelo fortifications are an exceptional example of architectural brilliance and were declared a World Heritage site in 1980. The national park was the first protected nature area in Panama's history and consists of vast swathes of both coral reef, coastal forest, mangrove swamps, lagoons and beaches. It is made up of 86,000 acres and includes the Bay of Portobelo, widely regarded as one of the most beautiful natural harbours in the Caribbean.
This beautiful boutique hotel is the perfect place for anyone who wants to relax in peace and quiet looking out over a beautiful setting and listening to the sounds of the birds in the nearby national Park. There is plenty to do for anyone who wishes to keep busy but we personally recommend just unwinding and revelling in this glorious setting.
El Otro Lado can be reached by road, train boat or helicopter. To drive it takes approximately 75 - 90 minutes from Panama Cart.