What Our Clients Say
Raphael runs a great Pesach program! The food was plentiful and delicious (with lots of options for those of us less inclined to eat so much meat). The accommodations weren’t flawless, but he did the best he could with what was available (there’s not much one could do about mosquitoes). The crowd was friendly, and the hotel staff was helpful (just don’t ask them to do your laundry—it gets expensive!). Overall it was a very relaxing and enjoyable experience.
Simple. No bells and whistles- just fun and enjoyable. We have done a lot of programs in a lot of different places, and this one by far wins for the greatest environment and the greatest people. Raphi is truly the host. He cares and jumps to help. Little things made a huge difference like one of our friends flight was delayed and he kept the restaurant open four hours after it traditionally closed so they would all have something to eat No bells and whistles with guest lectures however, there was entertainment, and the property itself had amenities. The food was simple with ample quantity. The only complaint that was made across the masses was often It was salty. If you’re looking for a program where you can immerse yourself with guest speakers all day and only enjoy duck, racks of lamb or filet mignon. – this may not be your program but, if you want to eat well, relax, enjoy your family and be with the greatest group of people then this is the one for you. We are customers for life.
Raphael ran a great Pesach program, the Dreams Hotel was a great program venue, and Panama City a great program setting: taking these in sequence, Raphael arranged for flawless logistics to and from the airport, and for an extended program (starting a day before erev Pesach and ending a couple of days after isru chag) to accommodate complex international travel needs. He was accommodating of any concerns that came up. And the price of the program was very reasonable. The congregant-led minyanim ran fairly smoothly (a sometimes awkward mix of Spharadi/Ashkenazi), and – to our preference – the food was totally adequate but no frills (those wishing to pay much more can oogle all the food they want, knowing that they cannot consume a fraction of it and that it will go to waste!). There was a nice mix of participants from geographically dispersed areas and with varied hashkafot/perspectives. Regarding the hotel, its setting and accommodations were lovely, with reasonably spacious rooms and drawer space, lovely views, many offered activities (kayaking, nature walks on premises, archery, outdoor swimming, swimming beach, volley ball, night entertainment by local folk dancers and singers, etc.), and complementary drinks. Hotel staff were generally friendly and helpful (though they could have been a bit more knowledgeable about tourism options). Regarding Panama City itself, with so much history, Judaica, nature, and man-made wonders, it contains lots of potential activities/day trips to hold the interests of all ages, including visits to the Panama Canal, to museums (historic, natural history, etc.), to the lovely synagogues in the city, to old Panama ruins, to the city old town, and to be hosted by indigenous communities. There are lots more generic options for people watching, shopping, hiking, snorkeling, viewing wildlife, and rappelling. All in all, a great experience, and concerns that we had were quite trivial.