Surfshack meets backpacker hostel at Bubba’s House, a 11-room, budget mix of private rooms and dorms with a tasty restaurant on Panama’s Isla Bastimentos. Opened in 2014 by an Argentine couple, the hostel attracts young travelers and surfers with its laid-back vibe, water-sports rentals, and tours to some of the area’s best surf breaks and beaches. The vibe is part relaxed island retreat and part lively commune, helped by Bubba’s wall of guitars, bongos, keyboards, and tambourines that are used during the scheduled (and impromptu) jazz sessions between guests and local calypso musicians. The simple rooms, painted in bright yellows and greens, have air-conditioning, en-suite bathrooms, and comfortable beds. For a swisher waterfront stay that has its own nature reserve, Eclypse del Mar is worth a peek, though rates will be higher.
Surfshack meets backpacker hostel at Bubba’s House, a 11-room, budget mix of private rooms and dorms with a tasty restaurant on Panama’s Isla Bastimentos. Opened in 2014 by an Argentine couple, the hostel attracts young travelers and surfers with its laid-back vibe, water-sports rentals, and tours to some of the area’s best surf breaks and beaches. The vibe is part relaxed island retreat and part lively commune, helped by Bubba’s wall of guitars, bongos, keyboards, and tambourines that are used during the scheduled (and impromptu) jazz sessions between guests and local calypso musicians. The simple rooms, painted in bright yellows and greens, have air-conditioning, en-suite bathrooms, and comfortable beds. For a swisher waterfront stay that has its own nature reserve, Eclypse del Mar is worth a peek, though rates will be higher.
With a private nature reserve teeming with caimans and sloths, the two-and-a-half-pearl Eclypse de Mar eco-lodge is an off-the-grid refuge in Panama’s Bocas Del Toro archipelago. The nine hardwood-crafted rooms are simple and rustic, but keep in mind that electricity is limited in bungalows and all lack TVs and air-conditioning. Couples and honeymooners are drawn to the hotel’s romantic setting, but the lodge’s playground and trampoline mean kids will be entertained too. Exploring the area beaches requires a water taxi (and waiting five to 10 minutes for a pickup) if the lodge’s private boat is unavailable. For a more urban-island experience, the Hotel Bocas Del Toro -- in nearby Bocas town -- offers bright rooms with balconies overlooking the sea.
With a private nature reserve teeming with caimans and sloths, the two-and-a-half-pearl Eclypse de Mar eco-lodge is an off-the-grid refuge in Panama’s Bocas Del Toro archipelago. The nine hardwood-crafted rooms are simple and rustic, but keep in mind that electricity is limited in bungalows and all lack TVs and air-conditioning. Couples and honeymooners are drawn to the hotel’s romantic setting, but the lodge’s playground and trampoline mean kids will be entertained too. Exploring the area beaches requires a water taxi (and waiting five to 10 minutes for a pickup) if the lodge’s private boat is unavailable. For a more urban-island experience, the Hotel Bocas Del Toro -- in nearby Bocas town -- offers bright rooms with balconies overlooking the sea.
Red Frog Beach Island Resort & Spa is an upscale 50-room property on Isla Bastimentos, a rustic island about 15 minutes by boat from Bocas Town. This is a quiet and unspoiled place with dirt roads, five beaches, and tropical rainforest. While most guests are looking to reconnect with each other and nature, others have found the resort lacking in energy. The only features are a spa and a restaurant serving casual Caribbean fare -- including free, basic breakfast. However, the modern, clean Villas as well as the Jungle and Beachfront units all have private or shared pools, full kitchens, and outdoor space -- some with spectacular views of the water. For more on-site activities and better food, travelers should check out La Loma Jungle Lodge and Chocolate Farm, located a few minutes away.
Red Frog Beach Island Resort & Spa is an upscale 50-room property on Isla Bastimentos, a rustic island about 15 minutes by boat from Bocas Town. This is a quiet and unspoiled place with dirt roads, five beaches, and tropical rainforest. While most guests are looking to reconnect with each other and nature, others have found the resort lacking in energy. The only features are a spa and a restaurant serving casual Caribbean fare -- including free, basic breakfast. However, the modern, clean Villas as well as the Jungle and Beachfront units all have private or shared pools, full kitchens, and outdoor space -- some with spectacular views of the water. For more on-site activities and better food, travelers should check out La Loma Jungle Lodge and Chocolate Farm, located a few minutes away.
La Loma Jungle Lodge and Chocolate Farm is a mid-range property with 57 acres extending through tropical forests and cacao, banana, and coconut groves. Situated at one of the highest points on Bastimentos Island, the lodge feels totally removed from bustling Bocas Town, located about 10 minutes away by water taxi. Guests stay in four ranchos within the canopy, where wildlife such as rare birds and monkeys are easy to spot -- but there are no TVs or air-conditioning. All meals are included and made with organic ingredients from the on-site garden, and guests get free chocolate farm tours, trips to Red Frog beach, and use of kayaks and traditional wooden boats. This is a unique property offering an immersion in sustainable living and farming. Nearby Red Frog Beach Island Resort & Spa offers a more typical hotel experience.
La Loma Jungle Lodge and Chocolate Farm is a mid-range property with 57 acres extending through tropical forests and cacao, banana, and coconut groves. Situated at one of the highest points on Bastimentos Island, the lodge feels totally removed from bustling Bocas Town, located about 10 minutes away by water taxi. Guests stay in four ranchos within the canopy, where wildlife such as rare birds and monkeys are easy to spot -- but there are no TVs or air-conditioning. All meals are included and made with organic ingredients from the on-site garden, and guests get free chocolate farm tours, trips to Red Frog beach, and use of kayaks and traditional wooden boats. This is a unique property offering an immersion in sustainable living and farming. Nearby Red Frog Beach Island Resort & Spa offers a more typical hotel experience.