Back to the Garden (or maybe not)

In trying to figure out how to spend a few more days in the Caribbean in January, we discovered a beachy area called Bocas del Toro (mouths of the bull?) in Panama just over the border from Costa Rica. It seems to have all the elements we’re looking for: gorgeous beaches, eco-friendly attitude, snorkeling, rain forest, etc. AND lots of rain. It also has some interesting options for accommodation.

About that rain. I clearly remember spending a solid rainy week on Kiawah Island with smallish children. We even tacked on extra days to our rental thinking the sun had to finally come out. But no, it was not to happen. So the idea of going to a place where it rains a lot, especially in December, but not in January (the beginning of the dry season?) makes me a little nervous. All I can think is there won’t be little kids dragging me out for a walk in the rain. And I will have several good books to read. And I will be so mellow, having just spent a week meditating and doing yoga at the Omega Institute.

As for accommodations, my husband came across what seemed to be the perfect place today: the Garden of Eden. It was advertised as an “adults only” private island for the vacation of your dreams. So what does that mean? No screaming kids? Well, no. It would appear this is the Garden of Eden before Eve met the serpent. My husband was clued in by a shot in the photo gallery showing a very naked woman lounging in the pool. The Garden of Eden seems to be highly rated among clothing-optional resorts in the Caribbean.

So I’m wondering what would have happened if we had showed up to spend a few days and learned this information. Would we have had the nerve to participate in the spirit of community? Or would we have tried not to notice that we had on far more than some of the other guests?

Given that we found out before making a reservation, we have moved on to looking at some other fine places to stay where we will fit in a little better. Like Casa Cayuco. It seems to have everything we’re looking for and the guests appear to wear clothes. Now to see if they have any vacancies...