The Accommodations and Grounds

Popa Paradise consists of fifteen cottages, with a clubhouse of 5,000 square feet, a large resort style pool with swim-up bar, and a waterfall feature surrounded by coconut palms and landscaped gardens. This is all fronted by a private white sandy beach that is protected from the ocean swells by two offshore Coral Reefs.  There is also a large house that will be available in whole or part for larger groups. Power is provided by a generator system with solar backup.  Guests can choose from our four different sized and styled cottages all offering full bathrooms with hot and cold water, AC, TV’s with satellite service, DVD players, internet access, beautiful custom hardwood furniture, and large shaded porches for enjoying the ocean views.

Our grounds consist of approximately 25 acres of grassy rolling low hills interspersed with a mixture of giant mature hardwood trees and various types of palm trees. This provides a picturesque blend of shade and ocean views from all parts of the property.  Our main beach is 1100 feet of golden white sand and a small tree topped outcrop island at its northern end.  This outcrop can be reached by a causeway and stairs that lead to a panoramic view of the surrounding islands and coastline, including a gazebo that is lit up at night for the guest’s enjoyment.  Beyond the outcrop island is a small sandy cove called “Lover’s Cove” for its beauty and seclusion.  Further along the shore is another small sandy beach with access to a third long sandy beach beyond.

Off our shore about 200 yards is a coral reef that is just a few feet below the surface at low tide.  This barrier creates the calm waters on our beaches and makes swimming a safe activity for all our guests.  The reef itself is live coral that provides habitat for dozens of species of exotic fish and the clear waters are perfect for snorkeling from the reef in all directions.  Our more adventurous guest can swim to the reef, take a kayak, or use one of our small boats for exploration.

At the rear of our property is the majestic primary rainforest that blankets the majority of Isla Popa with its huge hardwood trees towering into the forest canopy.  Our southern border is defined by a stream that runs into the ocean and the fresh water acts as a focus that draws diverse wildlife.  There are an abundant series of pathways and hiking trails throughout the property for our guests to enjoy. 


The Clubhouse and Pool

The centerpiece of the resort is our 5000 square feet clubhouse. With it’s red tile roof and high ceilings, plastered walls, and dark native hardwoods it is a perfect blend of modern convenience and traditional Panamanian style architecture.  The building houses our comfortable reception area, activities desk, gift store, library, and internet room.  We also have a separate attached mediation, yoga, and fitness room that opens to a beautiful view across a grassy valley to the forest beyond. In addition there is a beautiful modern kitchen and dining area, plus a bar.  The great room in the center of the building has a relaxed airy atmosphere with comfy chairs and couches with a decor that features native artifacts and pottery.  We also have a large 56 inch flat screen HDTV. The clubhouse has cool tile floors and large folding hardwood and glass doors custom made locally that open during the day to allow the cool ocean breezes to flow through the building.  There are large, wide covered porches with more relaxing furniture that extend all along the front which provides a great shaded viewpoint of the pool and ocean.  A series of pathways lead through the lawns to the large pool and separate kid’s splash pool that have been lovingly designed and constructed by Kelly and Amy Johnson, the owners of the famous Maui pool building company Pono Pools.  The pool features a 100% mirror edge with swim up bar, shaded palapa and a waterfall feature to laze under.  Surrounded by mature coconut palms, the half circle design faces out to the ocean and allows you to swim to the edge and look out to the blue Caribe water beyond.  At night the pool is lit with fiber optics from within and above to create a magical setting for late evening socializing.  At dinnertime our chef often can be found grilling fresh fish caught by our guests on the barbeque poolside and serving it to all.