Saboga Lodge

We were nestled in the rainforest right next to a pretty beach, and the lodge offered plenty of fun activities (including a late night beach bonfire and free paddle boards and kayaks) to keep us busy. The staff was exceptional and kind, and the food was delicious. I also loved the panga ride there.

There were certain things that were promised on the website that weren't actually in our room (for instance, no fridge to chill our water), and a number of maintenance issues with our room (for example, the shower drained very slowly and air conditioner controls didn't work) that hopefully will get fixed for other guests. We also wished there was a little better communication about the different activities we had booked with the hotel. For one, I had ordered a romantic dinner in our room for my partner and me, but got no information in advance about it until I asked the very helpful kitchen staff that day. And then when we were out of the room at the agreed upon time, we received several frantic WhatsApp messages asking for permission to decorate our room, which we had already given to other staff. For the record, though, the dinner was delicious. Also, late checkout to stay in your room until the ferry comes may be on a first-come, first-served basis, because we were offered late checkout, but then told the morning we were leaving, late-checkout wasn't available.

Where do I begin? I didnt want to write this but i feel it needs to be said. This hotel is good for 1 night and 1 night only. Instayed for 2. The problem started when i was told not to bring food or drinks (including water). They dont have drinkable water so all water needs to be purchased in plastic bottles. Not so eco-friendly. The bottle of water is $2. Food prices are hicked up. Understanding since youre on a island... again, 1 night is best. The hotel markets itself a "Adults Only" area. On my second day, there were kids there. That changes the dynamic of your stay. My room said ocean view, there is no ocean view. There are tress blocking it. Also, the rooms are not sound proofed. You can hear everything. I do mean EVERYTHING. The door to my room did not close properly. There is a 5-8 cm gap that the door doesnt cover. I found a big spider in my room on my last day there. Besides the Kayak and Paddel Boarding (rough waves), not much to be done. The staff were great. Always helping out and making sure you were great. If the staff wasnt as good as they were, this would be a "skip". Not worth the price in my opinion.

A short trip from Panama City and it felt like I was on a quiet beach paradise, the staff were amazing, the place is an eco resort, and was very fitting for that kind of vibe. I will return again many times, I loved it

Comfortable and beautiful rooms, the beach was wonderful, and the staff was very friendly and accommodating.

The food was always very slow to arrive, and the communication was quite difficult as the staff didn’t speak any English.

Nothing. Run down place in the middle of nowhere. It’s a fraud. I did not even stay the night - returned on the spot. The price was 176 USD - after I complained, I got reimbursed. Had they charged 20 USD it would have been ok. Don’t trust the pictures.

Run down place in the middle of nowhere. It’s a fraud. I did not even stay the night - returned on the spot. The price was 176 USD - after I complained, I got reimbursed. Had they charged 20 USD it would have been ok. Don’t trust the pictures.

monotonous breakfast, coffee brewed in a large pot, heated in a microwave. served in old, often dirty cups. I waited an hour for breakfast. Very modest breakfast.

hotel completely run down, dirty room and bathroom. lack of room equipment: hair dryer, coffee maker, fridge, safe. , mosquito nets in the window. dirty swimming pool with muddy water, uncleaned surroundings.

Since the neighbours were not there we had the beach to ourselves during our stay. which was great. Tricky walk though going down the steps. Nasty steel pins sticking out. Decoration and styling !! The location Villa Noelia in it self is great

Overall lack of maintenance and on-site management. Daling (caretaker/cook) did all what was in her abilities to sort of try to her best. But no way the real -life expérience matches with the advertisement and expectations: No maid service; didn’t get fresh towels (3 night stay) Even when we’ve asked for it. Breakfast ok. Dinner expensive for what was being served. Limited choise ok. But not gastronomie as promised. Not creative and poor quality. No wine or beers available. Bring your own. If you don’t speak à word of Spanish it’s more then à challenge. Communication on site poor. No management on site! Although mentioned in the listings no coffeemaking facilities in the rooms. Being an ex-hotelier I think a proper training on the job and à bit of care and attention by the owner/management can do wonders for this little piece of paradise. That’s what it deserves !

I like the concept of this hotel. I know it is a rustic place in the middle of wild nature. I love going to this type of hotels. The beach nearby(not the one directly I the hotel), but the one like 10-15 min walking was beautiful.

It was not clean. As soon as I got, in the kitchen, it was very smelly, we saw many rotten fruits. After one day, I saw it was removed. My room, which was a suite, was not properly clean, the balcony was muddy. I had to ask later to please clean a bit, we booked that room because of the balcony and we could not used it. in the beginning. Personal behaved nice and we tried to stayed calm and chill. All was too superficially clean. We did not used the people because of the same, in the 2 days I was we did not see anyone jumping in that pool, the Instagram pictures looked very cool, but the reality tells something else. I could go on and on, and trust me, I am not that picky. But I have stayed in many places with the same concept, and I go there because I like to support this type of businesses. I had been in similar places in Asia and Africa, in the middle of nowhere, with lot fo jungle, similar to the island of Saboga. But when you get to this places, they are CLEAN!! And they feel Inviting, you dont even want to go to the beach. It ca be tiny, but all is super neat, and you see workers keeping the places as perfect as possible. I could go on more, food for example, well, I dont continue, all in all we were very very disappointed, and it felt like a total waste of my hard-earned money. We had Time and wanted to stay longer and we actually founded a boat and embaked to Isla Contadora, which was the best decision we made in our trip in the pearl islands. This review comes a bit late but have been really busy lately. I hope they improve. Maybe, one day I would give it a try again.

comfortable clean lovely staff

pool water was extremely dirty