Guestblogger Diana Roche - February 2010

I am a great believer in first impressions and mine for Panama started in Tocumen airport, arriving from the frozen north. Because I am used to Mozambique, the smiles I received from the airport officials confused me. “There must be a hidden agenda here why are they smiling at me?”
An orderly queue, which rapidly progressed, and I was out of the airport with my luggage in 15 minutes. Warmth enfolded me and Loes was quickly spotted, welcoming me. I am not a city person but I felt comfortable in Panama city. I especially enjoyed the Casco Viejo (San Felipe) an old part of the city that is being tastefully restored.
The journey from Panama city was a bit of a blur, the bus to Santiago only slightly more comfortable than those in Mozambique. It was dark when we finally arrived at Hotel Heliconia and by then I was in no fit state to notice anything but my bed.

For photos see:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/tanagertourism

I had seen photos on the web but nothing prepared me for the sight that I looked upon when I finally opened my bleary eyes. The hotel building has simple but pleasing lines. The four bedrooms are light, airy and spacious with well-appointed bathrooms. French doors open on to a veranda with a back-drop of trees climbing a hillside. Hummingbird feeders on the trees enable guests to sit on the veranda and watch these exquisitely coloured birds sip at the sweet water.

The land of 8 hectares is very hilly and much work has been done to plant new shrubs and indigenous trees. Two ranchos have been built, together with a kitchen rancho and bathroom at some distance of the hotel. These are for travelers on a budget or those who want to get closer to nature. A walking trail has been mapped round the property where many birds, animals and insects can be spotted.

Within easy distance from the hotel are beaches, each distinctive from the other. A mixture of sand, pebbles, shells and driftwood make them a treasure-seekers paradise. Kees and Loes have made strong links with the local communities and can organise various activities and tours. A lot of hard work and thought has gone into the place and for the past 19 months, whilst Kees has been working in Angola, Loes has shouldered the day to day responsibilities.

Go and see for yourselves, give your senses a treat, sample Panamanian life, the unique flora and fauna and the welcome and comfort of Hotel Heliconia.

roche.diane@gmail.com
Email: tanagertourism@gmail.com or phone: +507 6866 9652