Morrillo Beach Eco Resort | Travel Stories

Earth Day, this Tuesday, April 25, honors the world’s flora and fauna, a cause that former Telluride residents Cari and Ryan Mackey have embraced at Morrillo Beach Eco Resort — last month, with the help of fellow Coloradan Dr. Matt Rooney, DVM, they unveiled the country's first primate rescue center dedicated to rehabilitating and releasing injured and orphaned primates,"

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"The primates of Panama have more access to life-saving resources thanks to the support from a Boulder County Lyons-area resident Matt Rooney a retired veterinarian.

His medical expertise came in handy when he was introduced to Cari Mackey who was committed to opening a primate rescue center at the resort to provide critical care for the region's monkeys."

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"Tucked away in the remote tropical beauty of Panama’s Pacific coast, Morrillo Beach Eco

Resort is far more than just a vacation destination. It’s a testament to what happens when deep respect for nature meets entrepreneurial spirit and a passion to inspire meaningful change.

We were very privileged to experience the eco resort and be completely immersed

in the surrounding nature."

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"Morrillo Beach Eco Resort began as a dream for former Summit County and Telluride, Colo. ski patrollers Cari and Ryan Mackey. Their passion for outdoor adventure and deep appreciation for the people and culture of Panama inspired them to turn their vision into reality.

Today, Morrillo BeachEco Resort, a five-time recipient of the prestigious TripAdvisor Travelers’

Choice "Best of the Best" award, has become a haven for travelers seeking meaningful, nature-inspired experiences.

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"Sometimes the story behind a destination property is as interesting as the destination itself. Like many of Ryan and Cari Mackey dreamed of creating a hotel in a tropical paradise and sharing it with guests and friends. But unlike most of us, Ryan and cari put in years of blood, sweat and tears to make that fantasy real."

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"Iguanas greet you from the ground; howler monkeys, from above. With warm smiles, hosts Cari and Ryan Mackey welcome you

with open arms and a refreshing tropical drink. You’ve arrived at the Morrillo Beach Eco Resort: an exotic, jungle-wrapped

enclave along Panama’s sublime Pacific coast. At its core, it’s a place where every experience is enveloped in a deep-rooted

respect for nature. From surf and snorkel to rest and relaxation, adventures are maximized, and ecological footprints are

minimized." Click to read story

"...there’s no beating Morrillo Beach Eco Resort. Perched high above the pristine Playa Morrillo, this idyllic lodge serves as the perfect base for exploring the surrounding region, with six spacious rooms complete with private balconies and locally-made health and beauty products. —and to sweeten the deal, Morrillo Beach Eco Resort has mastered the art of Azuero ecotourism as well."

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"The primates of Panama have more access to life-saving resources thanks to the support from a Boulder County Lyons-area resident Matt Rooney a retired veterinarian.

His medical expertise came in handy when he was introduced to Cari Mackey who was committed to opening a primate rescue center at the resort to provide critical care for the region's monkeys."

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"Nestled along Panama’s scenic Pacific coastline, Morrillo Beach Eco Resort is a have for eco-conscious travelers craving a tropical getaway with a Colorado ski connection. Former ski patrollers Cari and Ryan, who worked at Keystone and Telluride, traded snow-capped peaks for a jungle retreat by the ocean. This off-the-beaten-path escape is focused on sustainability and is perfect for adventure lovers, surfers, and nature enthusiasts."

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"Howler monkeys serenade visitors at the Morrillo Beach Eco Resort, which prides itself on several sustainable initiatives, including sea turtle protection, and human powered adventures such as guided mangrove sea kayaking tours, an exceptionally gentle way to experience Panama’s winding, aquatic labyrinths. Paddle through diverse ecosystems in a soothing and serene natural environment while learning more about, and further appreciating, the nurturing role mangroves play for a number of animal habitats."

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"Morrillo Beach Eco Resort is thrilled to announce the opening of its Primate Rescue Center, a first-of-its-kind facility...dedicated to rehabilitating and releasing injured and orphaned primates. The team decided to tackle the issues affecting the critically endangered Azuero Mantle-Backed Howler Monkeys due to deforestation of areas outside of the resort."

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"Industry experts have taken notice: Morrillo Beach Eco Resort earned a 2023 “Best of the Best” Traveler’s Choice Award from Trip Advisor and a 2022 Traveler’s Choice Award for its restaurant.

“To be considered in the top 1% of world hotels is an astounding feat for us,” Cari said. “And for the restaurant to be in the top 10% blows my mind. It goes to show how authenticity and passion resonate with our guests.”

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"The resort’s main attraction is its access to what is called the “beginner” surfing beach of Playa Morrillo, which is only a short walk to the larger waves for those more advanced at catching them than me. On my way there, I felt the breeze of a large blue heron’s colossal wingspan before I saw it soaring past. I must have disturbed its peace, since there were no other people or residences on this pristine stretch of sand – only palm trees and small burrowing crabs."

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"...what makes Morrillo Beach Eco Resort stand out is its dedication to the natural beauty of the land it calls home. All the fresh food at the resort is locally sourced either on the resort itself or through local farmers in the area. Plus, not only do they have a massive solar panel system, but they also have their own well for water which goes through a UV filtration system to make sure it’s safe for guests. They even use locally made disinfectants, soaps, and detergents."

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