SeaGullCove Lodge Changes Hands – REVIEW

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July 20, 2010
Written by Juan Antonio Villegas
Boca Chica, Chiriquí, Panama

SeagullCove Lodge and Restaurant
[rating:5]

SeagullCove Lodge and Restaurant, the extraordinary beach-side resort hideaway in Boca Chica, Panama has proud new owners.

BACKSTORY
This legendary lodge was the brainchild of Pilar Ibañez and Flavio Nobili – she from Spain, he from Italy.

No newcomers to hospitality, you may remember them as the creators of La Via Lactea Inn in Boquete Panama, (now known as Boquete Garden Inn).

Following on the heels of the enormous success and subsequent sale of La Via Lactea, Pilar and Flavio longed to return to the sights and sounds of their first love, the ocean.

After hand selecting a stunning sliver of land that encompassed lofty vistas and sandy coves, they set upon the arduous task of engineering and constructing a world glass mini-resort. As seasoned world travelers, Pilar and Flavio instinctively knew there would be few who could resist the sheer beauty of this idyllic setting in the Gulf of Chiriquí. How right they were…

FAST FORWARD
July 1, 2010 -  Enamored with SeagullCove Lodge, the Dickinson family of Portland, Oregon negotiated a purchase and on this day turned the key and opened their doors to the public.

THE ACCOMMODATIONS
SeagullCove boasts five charming air-conditioned, squeaky clean bungalows with satellite TV, safety deposit box, hot showers and most of the comfort trappings anyone could ask for while vacationing.

COMFORT FOOD
To round out and complement the accommodations, a European-esque restaurant offers up a sumptuous menu and long, lofty views to the sun-kissed ocean and adjacent islands. Chef Ansar (he’s bilingual), a world class cuisine artist, delights in special requests. So engage him in a Bobby Flay “throwdown” – if you dare! But let me give you a word of advice; when I ordered up my specialty – fluffy egg omelette stuffed with bacon, black olives and salsa, when it came to the table I swore it came out of my skillet. Ansar says he’s “just warming up”, there’s more savory fare coming to the menu.

OPEN FOR DINING EVERY DAY EXCEPT MONDAY
Lunch: 11:30 – 2:30
Dinner: 5:30 – 9:00

MY PERSONAL FAVORITE – THE BAR
Turns out Ansar is a Mixologist Extradornaire – as in cocktails! Says he learned his craft working on the Love Boat, no not that Love Boat, but kinda like that. You know, larger than a cayuco, but smaller than the QE2. Anyway, I thought I would give him a trial run on a Margarita – rocks, with salt and lime. Damn if he didn’t nail it! After I guzzled down the first one, I could hear the Mariachis in my head starting to play. “Otra Vuelta” (another round) I slurred and the band played louder.

According to El Jefe, Jim Dickinson, the bar is slated for a MAJOR makeover. “Viva EL Jefe” I chanted.

WHAT’S ON TAP?
El Jefe says if everything goes according to plan, SeagullCove could morph into the center dot of the Boca Chica radar screen.

There’s talk of world class fishing charters, scuba / snorkeling junkets, whale watching, para sailing, sunset cruises, island hopping AND a drive-up Tiki Bar! WOOT!!

Stay tuned to The Boquete Times for the down low on Seagull Cove!

BOOK YOUR STAY
From the USA: 1 – (786) 735.1475
Inside Panama: (507) 851.0036
E-mail: info@seagullcovelodge.com

Website: www.seagullcovelodge.com

Driving directions from David:
Take the InterAmericana highway toward Panama City > turn right onto Horconcitos road > follow the signs to Boca Chica & Seagullcove Lodge > BAM, you’re there!

Tell ‘em Johnny V sent you and he said to set you up with 1 welcome Margarita per adult – or else!

Viva El Jefe!

VIVA VIDA!!

Photo Credits ©: Juan Antonio Villegas