"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."
"Was alone most of the time, only person running the restaurant was around. Good food. Not really good beach, hard rocks underfoot in water. Town doesn’t have much to say for itself. But if you want tropical quiet then this is the place."
What's it like to stay at an apartment in Portobelo?
There are 15 accommodations in Portobelo. Though there aren't many apartments, we can help you search for accommodations with similar amenities. When you search on Expedia, you can use the filters to search for conveniences you might find in an apartment such as a kitchen. You can also filter by similar property types like vacation homes, condos, or guest houses.
How do you know if an apartment is a good option for your stay?
Often offering more space than a traditional hotel room, an apartment comes equipped with a kitchen, so you can cook some of your meals. Apartments are ideal for families who want the conveniences of home but also for solo travelers who want to stay in a quieter area.
What will the weather be like in Portobelo?
Though weather is just one factor, it can really affect your travel plans, especially when you are planning a longer stay in Portobelo. The hottest months are usually May and September with an average temp of 80°F, while the coldest months are January and February with an average of 79°F. The rainiest months in Portobelo are November, July, August, and October, with each month seeing an average of 14 inches of rainfall.
What should I see and do in Portobelo?
Blanca Beach and Portobelo National Park are a couple of scenic spots to enjoy the outdoors, whereas Real Aduana de Portobelo is one of the cultural attractions. While here, San Felipe Church and Mirador Perú are other places worth a visit.
What's the best way to get to and around Portobelo?
Knowing a bit about the transportation options can you save you a headache when you get to your destination. Fly into Tocumen Intl. Airport (PTY), which is located 37.9 mi (61 km) away from the city center. You can also search for flights into Panama City (PAC-Marcos A. Gelabert Intl.), which is 40.4 mi (65.1 km) away. If you'd like to venture out around the area, you may want a rental car for your journey.