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Heliconia B&B
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#1 of 1 small hotel in Malena
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Languages Spoken
English
Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Wifi
Free breakfast
Restaurant
Pets Allowed ( Dog / Pet Friendly )
Non-smoking hotel
Room features
Air conditioning
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Location
Carretera Principal Palmilla, Malena Panama
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Rental CarsSee all Malena car hire
103Reviews2Q+A15Room tips
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When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
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Detailed Reviews
We stayed at Hotel Heliconia for three nights in conjunction with a 3 day Cerro Hoya hike and a 1 day Coiba trip withTanager Ecotours. Tanager Evotord and Hotel Heliconia are run by two Dutch biologists, Case and Loes (pronounced Case and Loose). These trips leave early and they provide a scrumptious breakfast (with homemade yogurt and bread!) beforehand. Hotel Heliconia is clean and comfortable and a good value. Kees and Loes treat everyone as family and the best part of our stay was sitting around the dinner table chatting with Kees and Loes and their other hotel guests.
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Date of stay: February 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Kees Groenendijk, Owner at Heliconia B&B
Responded 27 Mar 2023
Hi Carl, Thank yuo for the review. We hope to see you back one day.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Located on the lesser known side of the Azuero Peninsula we found this wonderful hotel, run by kind and very knowledgeable Dutch biologists Loes & Kees. The rooms are a perfect mix of informal and comfortable. The meals were excellent and they can cater to any type of diet. Tanager Tourism is part of this hotel runs extraordinary ecotours in the area (amongst others to the island of Coiba).
When you are there make sure to visit and support the turtle project on nearby Malena beach and you might be able to release some turtle hatchlings!
When you are there make sure to visit and support the turtle project on nearby Malena beach and you might be able to release some turtle hatchlings!
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Date of stay: February 2020
Rooms
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Kees G, Owner at Heliconia B&B
Responded 2 Apr 2020
Hello saldasilva, Thank you for writing a review. We enjoyed having you as a guest. Visiting the turtle project is definitely recommended. The project is run by local people and they usually release hatchlings from August to January. The best chance to see and help release the little ones is from mid November to mid December. Every year the project releases some 25,000 hatchlings! Best regards,
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We stayed with Kees and Loes just before the pandemic crashed down on us all and we look back very fondly on our three nights at the hotel and two nights on Coiba Island. All the positive reviews you'll read below are correct: Kees and Loes are wonderful hosts; Coiba Island is a rare gem and the snorkelling is outstanding, and two nights in cozy tents on a hilltop with magnificent sunrises, sunsets and moonrises and the most spectacular shower on the beach that you will ever have are memorable; yes, the road from Santiago is terrible but probably serves to give the west side of Azuero a remoteness it would not otherwise have. Kees took an entire day to take us on a bird-watching hike up Rio Playita in Cerro Hoya National Park. To top it all, K and L went out of their way to scramble and send up glasses we had left in their vehicle after leaving. Extremely kind! Thank you!
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Date of stay: March 2020
Value
Rooms
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Kees G, Owner at Heliconia B&B
Responded 2 Apr 2020
Hello Ian M., Thank you for writing this review. We hope you made it safe and sound back home. Coiba and Cerro Hoya are special places indeed and as soon as we can, we will take people out there again. Best regards,
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We did the 3 day all-inclusive package with Loes and Kees. First night at Heliconia B&B and then 2 days camping on Coiba Island with several snorkelling outings, forest walks and a mangrove boat trip. The entire experience was fantastic. This was the best snorkelling we have ever done anywhere in the world! It was really great to be on a trip like this with a biologist, and he sent us underwater photos taken during the snorkelling, so that was an additional treat! The camping accommodations were "rustic" but the food was very good. The local boat crews were great. The bed and breakfast and dinner at Heliconia were also excellent. The couple also look after injured owls so we met some lovely little birds too. The only negatives we experienced were the pot hole filled road to get to Heliconia, and the very rough waters between the mainland and Coiba. Neither of these are the responsibility of Loes and Kees. The boats could maybe be improved by installing padded backs on the seats to make them more comfortable in rough seas. And the government has promised to repair the road this spring.
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Date of stay: February 2020
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Kees G, Owner at Heliconia B&B
Responded 2 Apr 2020
Hello NeilElain, Thank you for writing a review. Coiba is a special place indeed. In February and March the sea can be rough going in a nd out. We will have a look at your tip for padded back rests, it seems like a good idea. The repair of the road will start later than promised because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but hopefully it will be repaired by June 2021.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I'm a repeat customer, so obviously I like the place and owners. I almost didn't come due to concerns about Covid. But it hasn't been difficult - just follow a few rules. So glad I came. I haven't tried a Coiba tour but I've heard great things about them.
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Date of stay: February 2021
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Kees Groenendijk, Owner at Heliconia B&B
Responded 25 Feb 2021
Hello Jonroger, Thanks for passing by. Covid is definitely something to take into account, but it does not need to stop you from traveling. Our hotel is small and all rooms open to the outside and we serve meals on an outdoors veranda, so the chance of infection is very small. We also take all recommended measures to prevent transmission, such as the use of masks, frequent hand washing (we do that anyway in the hotel/restaurant business) and we disinfect rooms after use.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We took a Coiba trip with Loos and Kees, staying at their hotel Heliconia the night before we set off. The whole trip was brilliant. Great hosts, good food and amazing sights in Coiba. Loos took fabulous pictures of our snorkelling trips on his underwater camera which they gave us on departure. The Heliconia itself is comfortable, clean and a great way to start out before roughing it on Coiba island where the accommodation is v basic. Trip to Heliconia was easy from Panama City by public transport - bus to Santiago then smaller bus to Mariato, and it drops you right outside the hotel (the bus drivers know the place if you tell them the name).
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Date of stay: April 2014Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Kees G, Owner at Heliconia B&B
Responded 2 July 2014
Hello London_Mongoose, Thanks for writing a review. We are happy that you enjoyed your trip to Coiba with us. The Panamanian parks services (ANAM) are currently refurbishing the cabins on Coiba, so hopefully the accomodation there will gradually improve during 2014 and 2015.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
This hotel/BB is about 1.5 hours south of Santiago in the beautiful western Azuero coastal area. Just south of Mariato. It is the best in the area and the people are very nice. It also has some ranchos if you prefer to be a little closer to nature.
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Date of stay: June 2010Trip type: Travelled solo
Value
Rooms
Location
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Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We booked an amazing Coiba trip with Loes and Kees through Tanager Toursim for our family of four including my two children, ages 7 & 10 in early March 2014 that included accommodation at Hotel Heliconia before our departure and a most welcome visit upon returning from Coiba.
Our entire experience was truly magical. Even before touching down in Panama, Loes and Kees were incredible. They responded to my myriad questions promptly and with patience and graciousness. The Coiba trip is not inexpensive and I since I was bringing my two children I wanted to make sure this trip would be a good fit for us. It was worth every penny.
The drive to the Hotel is beautiful and was a blast. The scenery is breathtaking and it was so nice to get out of the busier areas of Panama and into the Veraguas. From the moment we arrived Loes treated us as if we were family. It felt more like we were visiting relatives you don’t get to see often, but wish you could. Loes is just completely welcoming yet laid back and just entirely lovely. My son was infatuated with Panamian machetes and when he spotted theirs, within minutes of arriving, Loes immediately asked if he could prune some of her gorgeous tropical plants. He was in heaven.
My two children got to stay in their very own hotel room with their own key, adjacent to our own lovely room. They had a family of resident hotel bats that inhabit the little alcove leading into their room which was seriously awesome for them. The property is truly magical, the rooms are decorated gorgeously and are spacious and the design is just cool simplicity. There is a magnificent, practically deserted beach just minutes from the property that Loes recommended and we spent a few hours there with the beach almost entirely to ourselves. It was one of those beaches that anywhere else in the world would probably be packed with condos and people and you feel so incredibly grateful that it isn’t.
We enjoyed a lovely evening meal on the open air patio the night before our departure to Coiba with the food equal to the wonderful conversation. Loes and Kees are brilliant and filled with enthusiasm and knowledge and although I’m positive they answer the same questions endlessly for each and every guest, they never make you feel like it. The little personal jokes throughout our trip made it even more familial. When discussing any dietary needs I made the joke that my 8 year old daughter basically survives on cheese and crackers. From then on, everything was “cheese and cracker soup” for her. Little things like that, and being in a small group and experiencing everything together just makes it that much more special. I cannot write this review without mentioning the other couple who joined us on our trip. It was such a brief time together, but so incredibly fun. I think it's safe to say that you're pretty genuinely awesome to book a trip like this and if you're reading this review and you're on the fence, let me help push you over it. By the end of the trip, you'll feel an attachment to the people and the place and it’s just an unforgettable experience.
Upon returning from Coiba and being able to come back to the hotel and be immediately welcomed into a room for a hot shower with lunch prepared and waiting for you when you're ready was just awesome and let me tell you, that shower will feel so very good. I can’t imagine doing it any other way. It’s really the perfect way to end the whole adventure. Loes and Kees didn't rush us on our way either. We enjoyed a leisurely lunch while Kees made sure we had all the images Loes had captured of the trip, they helped us with directions or bus questions, gave my kiddos snacks for the drive and when we finally had to say farewell it was with a truly warm embrace for the memories we have and the adventure we shared together.
Honestly, I wouldn’t change anything (except I would have written this review sooner!) Thank you Loes and Kees!
Our entire experience was truly magical. Even before touching down in Panama, Loes and Kees were incredible. They responded to my myriad questions promptly and with patience and graciousness. The Coiba trip is not inexpensive and I since I was bringing my two children I wanted to make sure this trip would be a good fit for us. It was worth every penny.
The drive to the Hotel is beautiful and was a blast. The scenery is breathtaking and it was so nice to get out of the busier areas of Panama and into the Veraguas. From the moment we arrived Loes treated us as if we were family. It felt more like we were visiting relatives you don’t get to see often, but wish you could. Loes is just completely welcoming yet laid back and just entirely lovely. My son was infatuated with Panamian machetes and when he spotted theirs, within minutes of arriving, Loes immediately asked if he could prune some of her gorgeous tropical plants. He was in heaven.
My two children got to stay in their very own hotel room with their own key, adjacent to our own lovely room. They had a family of resident hotel bats that inhabit the little alcove leading into their room which was seriously awesome for them. The property is truly magical, the rooms are decorated gorgeously and are spacious and the design is just cool simplicity. There is a magnificent, practically deserted beach just minutes from the property that Loes recommended and we spent a few hours there with the beach almost entirely to ourselves. It was one of those beaches that anywhere else in the world would probably be packed with condos and people and you feel so incredibly grateful that it isn’t.
We enjoyed a lovely evening meal on the open air patio the night before our departure to Coiba with the food equal to the wonderful conversation. Loes and Kees are brilliant and filled with enthusiasm and knowledge and although I’m positive they answer the same questions endlessly for each and every guest, they never make you feel like it. The little personal jokes throughout our trip made it even more familial. When discussing any dietary needs I made the joke that my 8 year old daughter basically survives on cheese and crackers. From then on, everything was “cheese and cracker soup” for her. Little things like that, and being in a small group and experiencing everything together just makes it that much more special. I cannot write this review without mentioning the other couple who joined us on our trip. It was such a brief time together, but so incredibly fun. I think it's safe to say that you're pretty genuinely awesome to book a trip like this and if you're reading this review and you're on the fence, let me help push you over it. By the end of the trip, you'll feel an attachment to the people and the place and it’s just an unforgettable experience.
Upon returning from Coiba and being able to come back to the hotel and be immediately welcomed into a room for a hot shower with lunch prepared and waiting for you when you're ready was just awesome and let me tell you, that shower will feel so very good. I can’t imagine doing it any other way. It’s really the perfect way to end the whole adventure. Loes and Kees didn't rush us on our way either. We enjoyed a leisurely lunch while Kees made sure we had all the images Loes had captured of the trip, they helped us with directions or bus questions, gave my kiddos snacks for the drive and when we finally had to say farewell it was with a truly warm embrace for the memories we have and the adventure we shared together.
Honestly, I wouldn’t change anything (except I would have written this review sooner!) Thank you Loes and Kees!
Read more
Date of stay: March 2014Trip type: Travelled with family
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Kees G, Owner at Heliconia B&B
Responded 2 July 2014
Dear Kasey B., You are making us blush. Thank you so much for your glowing review! We are glad that you and your family enjoyed your stay at our hotel and the trip to Coiba. We still remember the cheese and cracker soup, it is part of our hotel folklore now :-). We enjoyed having you as guests and we hope to see you again one day.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
This has been, hands down, the best traveling experience in Panama for me and my husband. We only stayed at Heliconia for two nights, but we thoroughly enjoyed the nature, the excellent taste in design of the owners, as well as the knowledgeable hosts. You could take a walk through their 8-hectare back yard and come back with a twig--the owners, well-versed in biology and ecology, will share with you a wealth of knowledge (which tree, how fast it grows, how and why they planted it, etc.). Both owners are health-conscious people and they will prepare excellent breakfasts and dinners using local produce (sometimes the fruits come straight from their own trees). The hostel is a 20-minute walk from the beach and the turtle project the villagers are taking care of. Apart from this, you can hike inside the Cerro Hoya National Park (I haven't been there, though) for bird and animal watching.
We'll be back in February with more friends, I recommend Heliconia to anybody visiting the area.
Roxana and Alfredo (December 2011)
We'll be back in February with more friends, I recommend Heliconia to anybody visiting the area.
Roxana and Alfredo (December 2011)
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Date of stay: December 2011Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip: Haven't seen the other rooms, ours was excellent.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Between Mariato and Malena you will find a wonderful B&B, runned by a dutch couple (Kees and Loes).
They are reforesting their bontanical garden since 2006 and it is wonderful to see the result of their work. In 2010 their B&B is ready to receive guests. If you want, you can also stay in one of the rancho's on a beautiful place in the garden.
They can help you to arrange a lot of trips in the surroundings, like :
a trip to Coiba for snorkling and visit this island (world heritage site)
a trip into the Cerro Hoya National Park. Excellent for birders. Kees will guide you.
a small trip to the waterfall of Malena etc.
You will have a nice holiday.
We were there for a long time and will soon be back there.
They are reforesting their bontanical garden since 2006 and it is wonderful to see the result of their work. In 2010 their B&B is ready to receive guests. If you want, you can also stay in one of the rancho's on a beautiful place in the garden.
They can help you to arrange a lot of trips in the surroundings, like :
a trip to Coiba for snorkling and visit this island (world heritage site)
a trip into the Cerro Hoya National Park. Excellent for birders. Kees will guide you.
a small trip to the waterfall of Malena etc.
You will have a nice holiday.
We were there for a long time and will soon be back there.
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Date of stay: July 2011Trip type: Travelled with family
Value
Rooms
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Gregory,
Yes, you can rent a boat and explore the south coast of the Azuero that way. There are very few paths, and the terrain is quite rough, but you might be able to organiize something between Restingue and Cambutal.
Spear fishing in the Coiba NP is strictly forbidden and fishing with rod and line is restricted to 7 pelagic species (yellowfin tuna, wahoo, sailfish, rooster fish, blue-finned jack, amberjack and sierra). You are not allowed to fish on or near reefs. A permit costs USD 50.
You can go spear fishing from Cebaco and along the west coast of the Azuero outside the Cerro Hoya NP.
Hello Manuel,
Please visit our website, hotelheliconiapanama to book a room. Please note that it is quite a long trip from Bocas del Toro to our place.
Best regards
PRICE RANGE
AU$117 - AU$124 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
PanamaVeraguas ProvinceMalena
NUMBER OF ROOMS
4
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Frequently Asked Questions about Heliconia B&B
Which popular attractions are close to Heliconia B&B?
Nearby attractions include La Loma del Mango (5.3 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Heliconia B&B?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free breakfast, and an on-site restaurant.
What food & drink options are available at Heliconia B&B?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast and an on-site restaurant during their stay.
Are pets allowed at Heliconia B&B?
Yes, pets are typically allowed, but it's always best to call ahead to confirm.
Is Heliconia B&B accessible?
Yes, it offers wheelchair access. For specific enquiries, we recommend calling ahead to confirm.