PAID CONTENT FOR EL OTRO LADO PRIVATE RETREAT
El Otro Lado Private Retreat PORTOBELO, PANAMA
El Otro Lado Private Retreat is an intimate sanctuary created not simply to overlook Portobelo, but to become part of its story. Reached exclusively by boat, the retreat lies
hidden within the rainforest of Portobelo National Park. The crossing itself is part of the experience as guests become immersed in birdsong, the distant calls of howler monkeys and the gentle rhythm of the Caribbean Sea. Arriving feels less like checking- in to a hotel than stepping into another pace of life. Across the bay lies the historic town of
Portobelo, once one of the Spanish Empire’s most important ports in the Americas. Its monumental fortifications, now recognised as a Unesco World Heritage Site, still overlook the harbour. Yet, the town’s greatest treasure is its living culture. Home to one of the Caribbean’s most vibrant Afro- descendant communities, Portobelo preserves extraordinary Congo traditions, which are also recognised by Unesco on its list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, where music, dance, storytelling, craftsmanship and celebration continue to shape everyday life.
This connection with the local community
defines El Otro Lado. Through the Fundación Bahía de Portobelo, the retreat supports cultural preservation, arts education and community initiatives that safeguard the region’s heritage through projects including La Escuelita del Ritmo, La Casa de la Cultura Congo, Casa Congo Art Gallery and vocational programmes developed alongside local artists, musicians and educators. Built by local artisans using materials
transported by sea and sourced from the surrounding region wherever possible, the retreat reflects the character of both its people and its landscape. Tropical gardens embrace villas and suites where architecture, art and nature coexist. The culinary experience celebrates the flavours
of the Panamanian Caribbean through fresh seafood, tropical fruits, coconut, cacao and locally sourced ingredients. Days unfold through rainforest walks, boat
excursions to hidden beaches, encounters with local artists, wildlife observation or simply watching the changing light across the bay.
DON’T MISS Enjoy sunset drum sessions by a bonfire at the 17th-century San Fernando Spanish Fort
114 Need to know
KEY FEATURES • 4 villas (Sun House, Sea House, Forest House & Spirit House), offering accommodation for up to 10 guests
• Casa Grande, housing up to 10 guests • Gazebo & Lounge Bar near the infinity pool • Private reservoir
KEY ACTIVITIES • Baile Congo (traditional Congolese dance)
• River excursion aboard La Faraona • Evening classical music by the private lake
• Local artisan craft workshops
GET IN TOUCH •
elotrolado.com.pa • +507 6781 5850 •
info@elotrolado.com.pa •
instagram.com/elotroladoportobelo
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