Coral Lodge
CORAL LODGE - SAN BLAS LUXURY
A pristine setting surrounded by golden beaches, tropical rainforest, an azure sea, and coral gardens. Authentic nature and adventure in Panama’s only aqua-lodge, beach resort and dive habitat.The unconventional choice to EXPLORE and ENJOY…
- A tropical Caribbean paradise
- Pristine unexplored reefs
- Un-inhabited San Blas Islands
- Ancient indigenous Kuna culture
- Primary virgin rainforests
- Quality accommodations and service in Central America 's most remote destination
The ambiance is that of leisure and relaxed casual elegance with a style that is both refined and rustic.
The first European to explore the coasts of Central America was the Spanish explorer Rodrigo de Bastidas. His first landing was in 1501 at "El Escribano", the exact location of Coral Lodge resort. The pirates Morgan and Drake often used Escribano as a staging ground to ambush Spanish Galleons and to raid the nearby Spanish port of Portobello. “Re-discover” with us this exciting paradise.
Barefoot elegance and finely appointed suites in charming over-water palapa casitas. Enjoy the cool Caribbean breeze and 180 ° vistas from your spa bath, sitting room, hammock or sundeck. Ideally situated over the water to maximize the ocean and beach views against a backdrop of virgin rainforest, our six spacious bungalows are gracefully appointed with quality king size beds with romantic decor, ample spa baths next to the sitting room, unique furnishings and local art.
All the amenities you could want…. air conditioning, Jacuzzi hot tubs, rattan and teak furniture and beautifully thatched roofs.
Because Coral Lodge’s bungalows and walkways are over the water, children under age 10 are not allowed for safety reasons.
The Restaurants
Dock your kayak at the terrace of the over-the-water KAYUCO restaurant and bar and delve into a variety of fresh seafood dishes and lunch menu options. Later in the evenings enjoy cocktails and “bocas and piqueos” while enthralled by the magical sunsets. top
The CASONA BOHIO restaurant (a Kuna village meeting house) includes the reception, handicraft store, a reading lounge and our main restaurant where you can enjoy romantic candle light with rattan and linen dining after sunset surrounded by tiki lanterns and Caribbean music. Compare notes and dive experiences with other guests while you enjoy a delicious diversity of local Kuna, Caribbean, Asian and Latin menu selections.
The Activities
Coral Lodge Resort…Costa Arriba of Colon and the essence Of San Blas… surrounded only by nature.
Barbara's Tip: Coral Lodge advertises that “getting there is part of the adventure and a great way 
to see Panama”. I couldn't agree more! Consider adding days exploring the lowland tropical rain forest of the canal zone ; you can easily be dropped at The Canopy Tower or Gamboa Rainforest Resort on your way back to the City (slight extra drop off charge).
Oh, and while at the Coral Lodge, be sure to commandeer a kayak and snorkeling equipment for your casita. Paddling & snorkeling from your private deck is quite a special treat! Coral Lodge makes a GREAT Honeymoon destination! top
Day 1: Flight from Albrook Field, the domestic airport in Panama City, to Porvenir. Coral Lodge will pick you up by boat at the Porvenir airport for a morning tour of the Wichub Wala in Kuna Yala, including a formal briefing on the cultural aspects of the village. You will continue by boat to a pristine island for a morning of snorkeling and relaxation. Picnic lunch on the island. Continue by boat to the Lodge. Balance of day free. (L, D)
Day 2 & 3: Day at leisure or available for optional tours. (B, L, D)
Day 4: Morning at leisure. After lunch, board the launch for the boat ride to the town of Miramar (about 45 minutes) and continue overland to Portobelo, Spain's first surviving settlement on the continent. Lunch at the Coco Plum restaurant on the ocean. You will then be driven to your Panama City hotel. (B, L)
2010 Price per person in double occupancy
- April 22-June 30, September 1-November 30 - $845. Extra nights-$180 per person
- January 7-April 21, July 1-August 31, December 1-21 - $950. Extra nights-$215 per person
- December 22-January 6 - $1605 (five night minimum stay)
It is now possible to drive to Miramar, and take a boat from there. Saves $100 per person, and avoids the small aircraft flight. Tour of Kuna Yala and Portobelo not included.
Included:
- 25 minute flight from Albrook Field to the San Blas island of Porvenir (flights leave at 6 am. ) and a 40 minute boat ride.
- A tour of Kuna Yala, the archipelago and the Wichub Wala village.
- Three nights in your over-the-water casita, complete with king bed, Jacuzzi tub, sitting room, air-conditioning, sun deck and hammock.
- A guided activity days 2 & 3 ·
- Meals (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner)
- Non-alcoholic beverages
- 10% tourism tax
- Use of kayaks, snorkeling gear, & beach towels.
- Return transfer to Panama City by boat & car , including a tour of Portobelo.
Not Included:
- Alcoholic beverages
- gratuities staff
- optional tours (Scuba, fishing, horseback, guided kayak tours)
All gratuities go into pool and are distributed equally to everyone in the hotel since we feel the maintenance crew is just as important as the restaurant staff. We recommend a gratuity of $20 per night at the lodge which can be given to the Guest Services Coordinator at the end of your stay. If they or any of our staff members have made your trip extra special, a personal tip to them is appreciated and welcomed. top
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A Socially and Environmentally Responsible Lodge
"Sustainable by Design …committed to caring for our host environment"
Lodge Mission:
To pioneer a new and remote destination with a sustainable luxury eco-lodge which sets a standard and serves as a model for development in the area while generating a profit for investors, protecting the local environment, improving the well being of local villagers and introducing its guests to a luxuriant host environment and the need for its conservation.
INTRODUCTION:
The main purpose of this section is to assure our guests that their stay at Coral Lodge will help leave a long term positive impact on the area so they can relax and enjoy themselves. Given our remote location and the lack of environmentally safe products on the local market, a few of these measures will be implemented over time.
GENERAL MEASURES:
Approved Category II Environmental Impact Study for the project by the ANAM. · Used architectural designs that are consistent with local styles and traditions when possible · Used environmentally friendly and/or renewable building materials in the construction. · Established building site locations to minimize the cutting of trees. · No live trees were cut for the construction. · Located water columns in a way to avoid any contact any with live coral. · Purchased additional land around the resort of no economic value to create a protected buffer zone. · Offered a 1 day course to construction workers on environmental practices. · Offered a 3 day course to the community of Santa Isabel and prospective lodge employees on environmental practices and sustainable development. · Promote the community’s participation in the lodge’s environmental efforts especially that of keeping the local beaches and mangroves trash free. · No caged animals or clipped birds. · Invitation of research groups and scientists for rain forest study. · Use extreme care and proper equipment in transporting diesel fuel for the generator. top
LANDSCAPING, LAUNDRY AND MAINTENANCE
Installed a state of the art 3 stage system for treating waste water which includes hi-rate bio media, aeration and catalytic oxidation with ozone and UV radiation all of which are totally environmentally safe. · Installed an ozone generator which eliminates the use of all laundry detergents and bleach. · Use of ozone (RO) instead of chlorine to purify the drinking water and the swimming pool. · Compost organic waste from the kitchen and garden. · Eliminate toxic chemicals in the gardens and use botanical controls to treat problems. · Use native plant species in garden design and plant fruit trees that will attract fauna. · Grow herbs and flowers for use in kitchen and hotel. · Dispose of toxic waste such as motor oil, antifreeze, etc., in environmentally safe ways. · Initiated an aggressive reforestation and landscaping project. · Use environmentally safe pesticides.
RESTAURANT AND HOUSEKEEPING
Eliminate the use of any and all disposable food containers and service items in all stages of food preparation and service including all outdoor excursions. · Use table cloths and cloth napkins in the restaurants. · Use biodegradable soap, shampoo and rinse in the bungalows. · Use no products tested on animals. · Offer guests option of not having their sheets and towels changed every day. · Use dispensers instead of disposable bottles when possible. · Eliminate the use of aerosol spray products in the kitchen and housekeeping. · Eliminate use of plastic trash can liners and use recycled liners when needed. · Use non-toxic cleaning materials in the kitchen and housekeeping. · Compost organic kitchen wastes for use as soil amendment in gardens. · Re-use appropriate leftover food for bird-feeding program or compost. · Donate former guest room bedspreads, sheets and curtains to the community. · Donate items left by clients to the community. · Installed Biosorb grease traps in kitchens.
ENERGY AND WATER SAVINGS
Use energy saving low wattage light bulbs. · Keep detailed records of water and energy consumption to detect problems. · Educate local staff in ways to save electricity and water · Maintain air conditioner filter clean and use control limits on units. · Use of solar energy in next expansion project. · Use water saving shower heads. · Use treated grey water for watering gardens. · Water gardens at night. · Use sun filters on windows to reduce heat and air conditioning costs. · Use light sensor switches in low traffic areas. · Installed electric circuits to maximize energy savings. · Installed water saving toilets. · Maintain toilets and faucets in optimal conditions. · request that guests report any malfunctions immediately.
ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES AND PURCHASING/RECYCLING DEPARTMENTS
Reduce waste through careful buying in bulk to eliminate excessive packaging. · Buy items made from recycled materials when possible. · Support the community by purchasing as much local produce as possible. · Minimize the use of paper and buy recycled paper products for office use, newsletters, and promotional materials when possible. · Recycle soda cans, food cans, newspapers, glass, and plastics. GIFT SHOP · Re-use packing material from merchandise shipping. · Do not merchandize any items made from endangered species or coral. · Emphasize local and environmental education products. · Specialize in items made from recycled materials. · Provide products made from natural ingredients with no animal testing.
SCUBA DIVING AND FISHING GUIDELINES
Remind guests that we are visitors in one of the world’s most luxuriant host environments. · Never touch marine life or collect “souvenirs” · Do not use gloves to avoid contact with marine life and corals. · Never position ones self between marine life and their offspring. · Never position one’s self in the trajectory of marine life. · Never encircle marine life, always provide an exit for them. · Do not chase marine life for that “amazing photo op”. · Never contaminate and collect any trash while diving. · Never try to assist a marine animal that appears to be in difficulty. · Use buoys to mark dive site entrance and exit positions. Do not use anchors. · All fishing is “Catch n’ Release” with the exception of more common species for the guest’s consumption that day.
LODGE VALUES:
We aren’t trying to save the world, just doing our best to enjoy and protect a small beautiful piece of it. We want our guest to learn by example that luxury and conservation are not mutually exclusive. We have a profound grasp of the obvious; protecting the environment makes great business sense. top
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