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.
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!…
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.…
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!
I just spent one night at Heliconia Hotel and one night on Coiba Island with Kees (the husband, pronounced like "case" of beer) and Loes (the wife, pronounced like the first syllable of "Lucy"). We saw all of our bird target species (e.g., Coiba Spinetail, Blue-footed Booby, Galapagos Shearwater, Scarlet Macaw) plus humback whales, dolphins, turtles, etc. Kees ran everything like clockwork on the trip, and he is an excellent birding guide. My big surprise was how well Loes took care of my vegan meals. In addition to the great side dishes everyone else ate (including zucchini soup), she made sure I had vegan main dishes including stuffed peppers (full of tasty vegan ingredients) and vegan sauce for the pasta. I had soy milk for cereal and even a vegan brownie for desert. She made two types of humus for sandwiches, and her homemade bread was incredible. Highly professional and smoothly run outfit all around, plus they are attentive and fun. She is an amazing wildlife artist as well.…
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