Cala Mia

Cala Mia, Cala Mia, Panama

Our rating: Medium

A wonderful eco-resort that although not luxurious in the usual sense offers a unique experience in very comfortable surroundings. Just 11 beautifully designed bungalows are set along a peninsula with views of a picturesque bay or the Pacific Ocean and other outlying islands.

Each spacious bungalow features furniture designed by skilled local artisans and international crafts the owners have picked up on their travels. There are no fans or air-con. The quirky, open sided restaurant has sweeping views from its observation tower and serves Mediterranean inspired meals. The freshwater wet-edge pool is just next to the restaurant and a massage area is located on another island, connected to the peninsula by a hanging bridge.

The quiet, private beach completes the setting with its soft, white sand and is framed by lush, tropical forests filled with birds and monkeys. Cala Mia offers barefoot luxury and is an eco lodge run entirely on solar power which blends in beautifully with its stunning location.