From a crazy dream to a real life project
Some projects are born around a business plan.
And then there are those that start around a table, with laughter, good food and crazy dreams.
One evening, around 2007 or 2008, we had fun imagining what we’d do if we won the lottery. Like many, we talked about travel, beautiful homes and freedom. Then, little by little, a deeper idea emerged: to create a place to live under the sun. A warm, human, simple and lively place. A place where accommodation, well-being, encounters and nature would come together.
The evening came to an end. But the dream remained.
Why Panama?
Jack started looking at possible destinations. First the Samoan Islands came to mind, then Belize. Eventually, our eyes turned to Central America, and more specifically to Panama, whose gentle way of life, nature and energy appealed to us deeply.
The road trip that changed our lives
Then the world stopped.
Our reconnaissance trip planned for 2020 was disrupted by the pandemic. But sometimes detours make plans even more meaningful. We decided to really prepare for our big departure.
For months, we transformed our Toyota Hiace 4×4 into an adventure companion.
And in September 2021, Jack took a sabbatical and we hit the road:
Canada, USA, Panama, Costa Rica and Nicaragua!
Thousands of kilometers, immense landscapes, life-changing encounters, the unexpected, occasional doubts… but above all an incredible feeling of freedom. This road trip profoundly changed our outlook on life and confirmed what we already felt: we wanted to build something else. A different way.
Our Van “Le FofoTrotters” has been our home for 6 months! Never letting us down!
Return to Switzerland and move to Panama
In the summer of 2022, we return to Switzerland to settle all the administrative formalities required for our new life. Then we return to Panama with a clear objective: to find the place that will become our future home.
After months of searching, we finally discovered this property in San Carlos.
Just a few minutes from the beach, surrounded by greenery, peaceful and full of potential.
The creation of Casa Fofo
The beginnings were not always easy.
We had to renovate, build, learn, adapt to a new country, a new rhythm, a new reality. Little by little, the casitas came into being. Then the Jo-Well Center. And above all, the spirit of Casa Fofo began to come alive.
Every detail has been thought out from the heart: a place on a human scale, calm, warm and close to nature.
Casa Fofo today 🌿
Today, Casa Fofo GuestHouse is much more than an accommodation.
It’s the reflection of our journey, our change of life and our desire to create a sincere, warm and human place.
A place where we come to slow down a little.
To breathe.
To share.
To enjoy Panama in a different way.
