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Uaguinega Lodge (San Blas)

(5 votes)

Written by Matt Landau

Monday, July 03 2006

This is my favorite of the San Blas hotels. It´s name is Kuna for Dolphin Lodge. While you shouldn´t be expecting too much luxury, they do a really good job of tending to their guests. The food is pretty basic and usually consists of treasures from the ocean--fish, shellfish. The islands surrounding the hotel are simply amazing. Bring a book and prepare to sit back in your hammock, relax, and let the breeze take your stress away. Man, that sounded really poetic. And corny.

Though the Kunas traditionally live in thatch-roofed huts, I was not by any means living in shambles at the Uaguinega Eco-Lodge. This was my kind of hotel—no doors, no rules, the blow of a conch shell signaling meals—it was great. The cabanas were very tastefully done, with simple yet intricate Kuna design. When I asked about the key for my room, the host handed me a little wooden peg. The resort's 12 cabanas line the rim of the island and sit about 5 feet from the ocean's edge—each one's porch and hammock nearly kissing the Caribbean shore. I hit the water for some backyard snorkeling and saw one really cool clock-sized sheep head fish.

The Uaguinega Lodge was lovely. The Kunas in charge were more accommodating and considerate than any 5 star hotel I've ever stayed at. They were almost compulsive about cleanliness and could be seen at 4:00 AM sweeping the grass and handpicking stones from the beach. At meals, my server was kind of OCD in that she rarely let a perspiring water droplet from my glass hit the tablecloth. It became almost comical, as she swiped the table with a cloth around 50 times throughout the meal, no exaggeration.

The prices include all the tours and meals so the only extra cash you´ll need is for the famous molas they make. And tips are always appreciated.

Uaguinega Lodge (Dolphin Lodge)

(507) 263-7780

(507) 263-1500

Apartado 0823-00287 Panama, Republic of Panama

Website: dolphinlodge.com

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