Hotel El Sol Morrillo

If you enter Hotel El Sol Morillo at its outdoor terrace, after a few steps its beautiful vista on the surrounding mountains will unfold itself. It is just breathtaking to see the horizon with the ocean, beach, the lush green mountains and the winding road. The owner Mike, a Brit with Malaysian roots, is an amazing gourmet chef. He is running the kitchen with passion. The hotel 'rooms' are in fact luxury apartments in freestanding villas, featuring art objects and paintings. The hotel has an infinite pool of 15 meters, so good for the serious swimmers as well as those who would like to just relax. When swimming. you will be able to see humming birds, toucans, parrots and butterflies and you will see (or rather hear!) howler monkeys. The beach is 5 minutes by car. We have stayed here for two weeks at the advice of our daughter who work at about 20 minutes from here. We did not know what to expect, but our expectations have absolutely been exceeded. Magical location to relax and enjoy Panama's coastline.

The Food. The Location.  Michael, Chef Extraordinaire. The Food. The View. Michael, host for your culinary dreams... My wife and I were staying at an AirBnB nearby and cold-called Michael, wanting. to crash his hotel restaurant as non-guests.  He kindly seated us without notice and stunned us with "Dan-Dan" noodles - something he whipped up -- absolutely awesome! Michael prefers to serve hotel guests because he "interviews" each guest to tease out their culinary preferences, then builds a dining experience around their personal tastes. On top of this, he is a fantastic host --  within minutes, he had us feeling like long-lost relatives returning home. We sat on a covered open air patio overlooking the hills and the Pacific, and we chose to eat family-style with a fabulous grouping of Canadians and a Brazilian-transplant now living full-time in Panama City. My wife, a Sri Lankan native, really enjoyed Michael's personal tour of his hot chili garden. We didn't want to leave, so we came back the next morning for the "Best (Scrambled) Eggs You've Never Had." And he was right! He serves his slow-curdled wonders with fresh bread baked that morning at 4am. A very special man, doing what he loves in a heavenly place for those lucky enough to find him. Highly recommend!  

Hotel El Sol Morrillo - I could never have imagined a place of such beauty, exquisite views, and the most endearing host ever. We've stayed at many places, but after reading about and booking the El Sol I had hopes for a different experience... not just another hotel stay. It was just what the doctor ordered, and so much more. The estate and views are mesmerizing. Like going back in time on the California coast or Hawaii before it was over developed. When you arrive, you realize you've reached paradise. The coast faces west, so the sunsets are spectacular. The ride from Santiago to Morrillo is full of beautiful views, farms, villages and mountains. The newly paved road makes the travel easy and fast. If your adventurous there are nearby pristine beaches you can walk or drive to with soft sand and clear waters and waves to swim and rocks to climb and explore. There's also a lovely walk along a stream near Torio where you'll come to a beautiful waterfall and great place to swim. Mike will be more than happy to give you directions. We had a car, but it is possible by bus connection in Santiago for service that can drop you at the hotel. When you return you can take a swim in the wonderful clean pool, sit out on the deck, or enjoy your comfortable room and beds with tiled shower and deck with stunning views. As for the personality of your host Mike and his second to none culinary ability, it just doesn't get any better! Not only does he make you feel at home and give you his attention, but he will prepare the most delicious meals to your liking using the vegetables, herbs, and eggs from his farm and high quality fish and meats. I ordered and he prepared Massaman beef curry with rice that was out of this world. We had ramen with his homemade noodles that was divine. The breakfasts, homemade bread, chicken wings, homemade sauces and spices, salads... We just weren't there long enough to try it all. We did have his Chinese New Years menu special upon arrival with appetizers, beef, chicken, noodle dishes & soup that was so delicious. Whatever local or international meal you like, Mike can prepare it. Check out his menus. Mike takes the time to prepare everything he cooks to perfection. He can also make suggestions and has a nice selection of wine and drinks to choose from. Even the pure drinking groundwater is so delicious. Lodging and meals are well priced. Best of all you're right at home and don't have to go anywhere after finishing a delicious meal and drinks. Thank you Mike and staff including Matilda for your hard work and excellent service. It was the best part of our first two week trip to Panama and we also met such nice other people at the hotel. So bon appetit and come to Paradise. Hope you find this unique opportunity as wonderful an experience as we did.

Everything excellent. Mike, the English owner/manager, likes to show off his culinary skills, and has some of the best food in Panama. On the first nite we had. Hines’s, and on the second, very English steak and kidney pie. In both cases we discussed in advance what we would would like, and Mike sourced the materials, cooked and served.

The mouth watering food makes this place my Best Food of Panama! Truth be told, we had the best meal of our lives as my wife and I shared fresh caught Pescado Szechwan, Chicken Thai Chili and melt in your mouth wantons. I’d travel a long way just to eat the Dan Dan noodles. The accommodations were casual, comfrey and clean. The views are nothing short of spectacular. Word of warning: not all rooms have wifi capability. Pro tip: order a dish to-go so you have another meal tomorrow from the wonderful restaurant at El Sol Morrillo.