Last weekend we went to El Otro Lado, an exclusive resort on the other side of the bay from the historic town of Portobelo, Panama. There are just 5 bungalows. Every detail is beautifully considered and all the decor comes from the hands of local artisans or carpenters. The culture here is very different and unique to Panama. We did... More

My husband and I were looking for a place to get away from everything, relax and enjoy some time together. Some friends had recommended El Otro Lado as an amazing boutique hotel, so we booked our vacation there. It was a great choice! Its incredibly secluded and calm, with an amazing pool area overlooking the Portobello bay, perfect to soak... More

El Otro Lado is truly a hidden gem. We had high expectations and it beat them all. The hotel is amazingly decorated, very warm and comforting; it feels like you are in a museum but it's warmth makes you feel at home. The location, Portobello a small fishing town, is beautiful and secluded with plenty of marine life, flowers and... More

I just cant play it cool with El Otro Lado.It's impossible for the jaw not not to drop as calm,urbane,dry but amazingly helpful Jim gently ushers you round the fabulously designed houses and restaurant/bar shortly after the short boat ride from Portobelo. The retreat nestles discretely at the waters edge and although there is considerable flair and audacity in the... More

Well that may not be saying much, but this is a very nice restaurant by any Panamanian standards. We ate lunch, a 3 course set meal with no choices. It was fine and certainly excellent value at around $30 a head. You need to book a few hours in advance because it's such a small outfit and also find a... More

El Otro Lado was a disappointment. We felt like could be a nice place, and is certainly in a beautiful setting, but right now just isn't the relaxed and private retreat we had hoped it would be. The one thing I assume won't change, and which visitors expecting a 'private retreat' should know, is that two of the houses, the... More

This was one of the most unique and beautiful properties I have ever stayed at. From the moment you get off the boat that picks you up in Portobelo, you enter a beautiful property with a spectacular view of Portobelo bay, exotic and lush flora and fauna with artwork greeting you in every pathway. The room (Sun House) was designed... More

What a breathtakingly beautiful place the EOL topped only by its exquisite personal service. The appointments are all first rate, food excellent, the top notch service is individual and personal in a jungle waterfront setting that frankly makes the many other places we have visited in Panama now seem not so impressive anymore. Our deep appreciation to Jim Peeples, his... More

We visited El Otro Lado for a couple of days during a 3.5 week visit to Panama over December / January, visiting Boquete, Panama City, and the Bocas Islands. Portobelo is a unique and special visit, made so for us by Jim Peebles and the retreat. We returned to Panama City via Colon and the Canal railroad which added another... More