When we travel from Boquete to Bocas del Toro Panama it is usually for a couple of days. If we fly we are tied to the three flight a week schedule to David, if we drive the distance is long enough to justify at least two nights. Often we take a place on Isla Colon and have the noisy, tourist experience. This time we decided to treat ourselves and visit the Garden of Eden, it was well named.
I was fortunate enough to meet Bob and Helena before the Garden of Eden was opened and wrote about it in both 2006 and 2007, it was time to return. It has been said three times is a charm, in this case the expression was accurate. I took Heather, my daughter Gumby and her friend Rae and we had a relaxed few days. The experience was a fusion of busy island culture for Gumby and Rae and quality down time for Heather and I.
The Garden of Eden received it’s name from the Water Apple tree on the small one acre island. Guests have added several rubber serpents into the well tended tropical landscaping which ads flavor to the relaxed charm of the location.
To get to the Hotel from Bocas town you just go to Janpan at the dock and they will take you there for a pre arranged $10 charge for two people, $5 for each additional. The boat ride takes about 10 minutes and upon arrival at the doc you can experience the fantasy Island welcome at the dock.
Rooms are lovely, well decorated and have doors facing both the sea and the pool. Gumby quickly found the hammock on her deck.
From this point you can see the pet Pargo waiting to be fed and Indian Cauyocas plying the paths between islands. Gumby and Rae quickly discovered excellent snorkeling from the island and a pampered baby Tucan, Woody, saved from starvation.
On our first full day Gumby and Rae decided to go explore Ilsa Colon, Heather and I stayed and enjoyed the calm difference between tourist noise and pure relaxation. Most of our day was spent reading in hammocks and eating. Did I mention the food? Not yet because it demands it’s own post.
Garden of Eden has a web page of their own and some rather extraordinary comments on Trip Adviser.com when they received a travellers choice award for 2009.
Later the food, because in my opinion they have the the best in Bocas del Toro.
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