“A Gem in the Jungle”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed March 18, 2013
I’ve visited 19 countries with innumerable stays at rudimentary shelters to lodging for the rich and famous. I must say I was impressed, pampered and “wowed” by the ownership, staff, facilities, food and activities at the Panama Big Game Fishing Cub. Located on a jungle-covered hillside on Boca Brava Island, the first thing I appreciated was a bright blue tram (“the train”) that uses a cable system to deliver guests “fresh” to the top where the spa/pool, dining room and my suite was located. This avoids the 198 steps after a long day of fishing or other activities a guest desires. Thank you Mr. C! The new owner and visionary for this special place who is also a part time resident of Dubai, has the clout to realize it. Mr. C has not only invested $6 million but is predicting a total of $20 million before he is completed with new suites with private spas, expansion of the dockage space and additional gameboats.
The private-style cabanas are immaculate with expansive views, air conditioning, additional silent fans, big screen TV. There are huge showers with “deluge” shower heads (“I don’t like weak shower flow,” says Mr. C), in-room coffee maker with whole coffee beans on top for fresh ground (nice touch but I didn’t get to use it since hot coffee was delivered every morning with my wake-up knock before fishing). The spa and pool are situated to overlook the river below framed by jungle and entertaining howler monkeys in the morning and evening hours as they compete for nearby fruit. To make sure the monkeys are not displaced with the new construction, Mr. C will plant hundreds of native fruit trees that will be selected to offer ripening fruit all year. There is a bar and big screen entertainment center at the pool “Tall Tails” where anglers meet to tell fish stories of the day. We didn’t have to lie about our biggest fish of the week-a 168-pound yellowfin tuna caught on spinning gear and a popper. Scattered around the complex are two-way phones where guests can make requests. Mr. C likes to emphasize, “If you didn’t get everything you want then you didn’t ask for it,” which tells you his zealous intent to satisfy guests.
The dining room is like an upscale restaurant with tablecloths, comfortable seating, scenic views and gourmet natural food including lobster thermidor, fresh fish, meats and vegetables. Be prepared to encounter deserts such as mango with vanilla ice cream and cherries, strawberry floats and pastries. Afternoon snacks included spicy buffalo wings, fresh tuna skewers, pepperoni pizza and ahi sashimi with soy sauce and wasabi. If you get up in the morning, breakfasts are made to order with huevos rancheros, eggs over easy with a side of bacon and toast and a variety of cereals with fresh fruit were common requests.
The staff makes the place first class and you won’t find any better boat crew than Capt. Chombo Antonio and mate Michael Rios and supporting staff on land such as Victor and Bartolito. Mr. C puts the same amount of effort into work and play to the point where they become inseparable and has the message blazoned on a prominent wall. He has done very well as a great host, along with his wife Karen, and has a vision to make Panama Big Game Fishing Club even better.
Tony Peña
“The Roving Angler”
Outdoor Writer/ Photographer