Popa Paradise Beach Resort

On Sunday the crew of Popa enjoyed a fun afternoon at local Pizzeria, Rana Azul.  Sunday is the day to visit this fun restaurant, and a great stop after a trip through Dolphin Bay.  You’re guaranteed to see familiar smiling faces at this popular eatery.

Hans and Julie bid farewell to friends of Popa and Bocas as they head off on their next adventure.  We’ll be back to visit soon amigos!

Happy Birthday to Popa!  February marks Popa Paradise Beach Resort’s 2nd anniversary.  Thanks to all who have made this place so special over the last two years.

To begin our third year, we’re happy to welcome Chef Cody Meyer for the Spring season.  Cody brings his winsome smile and unique spectrum of know-how to Popa.  His experience ranges from fine dining in Ohio to cooking in remote science camps in Alaska, Costa Rica and Antartica.  This summer, you may find Cody in Greenland after he bids farewell to Popa.

Panama as a destination brings interesting folks from around the world.  In the last six months we’ve played host to guests from Australia, UK, Canada, US, Sweden, The Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, Spain, France, Italy, Israel, Columbia, Ecuador, Chile and Costa Rica.

We meet such interesting people, and stay in touch with many.  This picture was taken by Jaron while visiting Popa over the holidays.  Thanks Jaron for sharing this lovely image!

Like every country, Panama has some great New Years traditions.

One favorite is the burning of effigies.  Locals create elaborate life sized dolls or ‘muñecas’, that look much like a scarecrow.  During the New Year’s Eve festivities, these dolls are burned in celebration of the passing year.  Often the dolls resemble famous people or characters.

This photo was taken by Chef Emily, who celebrated the stroke of midnight with employees on Isla Tigre, our neighboring village.  The muñeca was created by Onilda, our breakfast cook and bread baker.

One of the amazing sights around the waters of Bocas del Toro is the local transportation.  Forget freeways and cars, think sailboats, motorboats and dug-out canoes.

Still commonly used by locals, the dug-out canoes are called cayucos.  Take a hike into the jungle, find your favorite tree, cut it down and start carving.  It comes in handy to have a few friends help bring the boat out to sea.