Meet our team
La Loma’s team plays an active role in shaping your experience—from preparing each meal to maintaining the flow of daily life at the lodge. Many have been part of La Loma for years, bringing consistency, care, and a deep understanding of the place that guests notice right away.
Cristina
the cook who travels by canoe
Cristina is a 42-year-old cook with two children. She is passionate about food, loves to listen to music while cooking, and try new flavors. She is a very sociable person and loves to work in a team. Her house is an hour away by canoe, but she doesn’t mind because she loves nature.
Jana
the multifaceted mother
Jana is a 34-year-old woman with six children. She is a cook and massage therapist who has been working at “La Loma” for fifteen years. She is a very loving mother and loves to spend time with her children. She also enjoys going for walks and enjoying life.
Emerson
The chef who wants to please customers
Emerson is a 26-year-old chef with one daughter. He has been working at “La Loma” for three and a half years. He loves to cook and play football. His greatest satisfaction is seeing customers enjoy his food.
Hilda
the chocolate master
Hilda is a 45-year-old cook with eleven children. She is an expert in chocolate and has been working at “La Loma” for 19 years. She loves to work in the garden and in the house. Her greatest joy is seeing customers enjoy her culinary creations.
Fidelina
the cleaner who keeps the place spotless
Fidelina is a 39-year-old woman with three children. She has been working at “La Loma” as a cleaner for 14 years. She is a very responsible and hardworking person. She likes to keep the place clean and tidy so that customers feel comfortable. She also enjoys swinging in the hammock, going to the farm, and having her flower arrangements appreciated.
Maribel
the young woman who works with her family
Maribel is a 20-year-old woman, daughter of Fidelina. She has been working at “La Loma” as a cleaner for two and a half years. She likes to visit her family, go for walks, and work with her team. She is a very cheerful and outgoing person.
Maritza
the sister who loves her job
Maritza is a 26-year-old woman, sister of Fidelina and aunt of Maribel. She has been working at “La Loma” as a cleaner for 12 years. She is a very homely and quiet person. She likes to be at home, read, clean the cabins, and have her good work recognized for keeping the bungalows clean.
Virgilio
the barman who loves to make people happy
Virgilio is a 44-year-old man who has been working at “La Loma” for five years. He is a barman, waiter, and artisan. He loves to watch Netflix, make people happy with his flower arrangements, and learn English so he can communicate with guests. He is also the cousin of Jana, Emerson, and Emilio.
Benicio
the young man who loves to keep things clean
Benicio is an 18-year-old who has been working at “La Loma” for four years. He loves to go to the beach, relax, and fish. He likes to keep things clean and organized.
Sergio
the farmer who loves his work
Sergio is a 29-year-old man with three children. He has been working at “La Loma” for six years as the farm manager and cacao and permaculture tour guide. He loves being with his animals and taking care of the garden. He loves his work, working with plants, and giving tours of the farm and explaining them to guests.
Mr. Kelly
A passionate nature guide
Mr. Kelly is a 61-year-old Panamanian who has worked at La Loma Jungle Lodge for 22 years. He is the captain and guide of the farm tour, where he shares his love of nature with guests.
Mr. Kelly was born and raised in Bastimentos, an island in the Bocas del Toro archipelago. Since he was a child, he has been surrounded by nature and has developed a deep respect for it.
In 2003, Mr. Kelly began working at La Loma Jungle Lodge. Since then, he has been responsible for managing the farm and caring for the cacao and chocolate trees. He is also the guide for the farm tour, where he shares his knowledge of the region’s flora and fauna with guests.
Mr. Kelly is passionate about teaching and loves to share his knowledge with others. He is an expert guide who is always willing to answer guests’ questions.
Albertina
A passionate Panamanian chef
Albertina is a 30-year-old Panamanian who has worked as a chef at La Loma Jungle Lodge for 3 years. She is a talented chef who specializes in Panamanian cuisine.
Albertina was born and raised in Bastimentos, an island in the Bocas del Toro archipelago. Since she was a child, she has been surrounded by traditional Panamanian cuisine and has developed a deep love for it.
In 2020, Albertina began working at La Loma Jungle Lodge. Since then, she has been responsible for preparing all of the food for the lodge’s guests. She is an expert chef who is always willing to experiment with new flavors and dishes.
Albertina is a passionate person who loves her work and her family. She is a loving mother of five children, and she loves spending time with them. She also enjoys fishing, and she enjoys smoking and frying the fish that she catches.
Popa
Craftsman, Fisherman, Builder, and Family Man
Popa is a 39-year-old Panamanian craftsman. He was born and raised on a Caribbean island, and he inherited the carpentry trade from his father. In his workshop, he creates furniture, boats, and other wooden objects with his own hands.
In addition to his work as a craftsman, Popa is an expert fisherman and a skilled builder, and has been with La Loma since his early adult years around 2003. He is also a dedicated family man, and he enjoys spending time with his five children.
Emilio
the Man of a Thousand Trades
Emilio is our most responsible and kind-hearted maintenance worker. He is a true master of repair and can fix anything from a leaky faucet to a boat engine. Emilio has been part of La Loma family since 2005 until 2009 and then 10 years later he came back and has been with us ever since.
In addition to his technical skills, Emilio is a great conversationalist. He loves sharing experiences with clients and is always willing to help others.
Emilio is also a versatile man. He knows how to drive boats, transport wood, and make coconut oil. He is a true expert on water, gas, and electricity related issues.
Roger
A Nature-Loving Tour Guide
Roger, 42, is a tour guide with a passion for nature. He is a family man, with three children, and he loves sharing his love of the natural world with others.
In his spare time, Roger enjoys playing baseball and fishing. He also enjoys working in the field, growing his own fruits and vegetables.
Roger is a kind and helpful man, and he is dedicated to providing his clients with an unforgettable experience. If you are looking for a tour guide to help you explore the natural beauty of the island, Roger is the perfect choice.
La Loma Jungle Lodge & Chocolate Farm
Discover the natural luxury of a tropical rainforest
Accommodations
Permaculture & Cacao Farm
La Loma’s Permaculture & Cacao Farm offers an educational and inspiring experience that celebrates sustainability, biodiversity, and the rich flavors of the tropics.