San Blas Paradise Private Cabins on Shipwreck Island - meals included
10/10 Excellent
"The amenities and rooms are very primitive, you have to go in knowing that. My girlfriend and I went in thinking that we weren’t going to have any electricity and that fresh water was scarce, neither of which were true. The shared showers/bathrooms were dirty, but only because they are being used constantly by the day-trippers to the island (the bathrooms were cleaned nightly though). It’s a place to disconnect and enjoy the beautiful beach and truly relax. The native Guna people are wonderful once you get to know them, they tend to be pretty reserved at first. We stayed 5 nights on the island and got to see the different personalities (they love their karaoke as bad they sound LOL). Snorkeling at the shipwreck was awesome. Food options are fish , chicken and maybe shrimp, that’s it! They did have some snacks available, so not all bad. Phone service was bad for me (AT&T), but my girlfriend had service (Spectrum). It’s a bit of a pain to get to the island and can be very chaotic at the port before boarding the ferries, but they get it done. I thought it was all worth it. Would visit again, but get a cabin that has a private shower/bathroom."
"Ciel y Miel is a beautiful boutique eco-lodge, but it’s important to know what to expect. It’s located inside a national park, so the final road is dirt and very remote. You park at the lower entrance and the staff drives you to the rooms.
Our first night was an adjustment after a long drive. The property was very quiet (we visited during the low season), and the jungle sounds took some getting used to. By morning, we realized how peaceful and beautiful it really was.
The rooms are spacious and clean with incredible views. The furniture is a little dated, and the room had a musty smell at first, which is common in the humid climate when A/C isn’t running.
The infinity pool, beach club, and beach are stunning. The staff will drive you to the beach anytime, and they can arrange a boat trip to an even more secluded beach. I didn’t see 4 pools like advertised but it could be a seasonal thing.
The highlight was the staff, especially José Enrique, who went above and beyond to make our stay special. The chef was outstanding—every meal was delicious and worth the price which was a bit high. (Skip the Aperol Spritz.)
One suggestion: the listing advertises 4 pools, 3 restaurants, and a spa, but during our stay only 2 pools and 1 restaurant were available. It would be helpful if seasonal amenities were noted.
My advice: arrive before sunset, stay at least 2 nights, and embrace the quiet. We left with wonderful memories and would happily return."
"Here's a natural, conversational review in English:
We had a wonderful stay here. The hotel is beautiful, with an amazing pool overlooking both the ocean and the rainforest. Everything was very clean, and the beds were extremely comfortable.
The staff were incredibly friendly and welcoming. The owner even helped arrange transportation for us to a nearby island beach, which we really appreciated.
The water was crystal clear and perfect for swimming. The food was also excellent. We have some dietary restrictions, but there were still plenty of delicious options for us. The fried fish was outstanding, the chicken was delicious, and the breakfast was one of the highlights of our stay.
We stayed in a smaller room, but it was very comfortable. There was a king-size bed for us, and our adult children each had their own separate bed.
I highly recommend this place. Honestly, it’s the kind of destination where you can completely relax and never feel the need to leave the property. It was a true 100% vacation experience."
Private Ocean-Front Cabin with private bathroom on San Blas Island
10/10 Excellent
"Staff was wonderful. Room was basic, as described. Basically camping on the beach with a comfortable bed. Fall asleep to ocean waves just feet from the door. "
"Great location for bird watching! The hosts were friendly and helpful. It is best to contact them directly using WhatsApp in addition to booking on Expedia."
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