Red Frog Beach Island Resort

Red Frog Beach Island Resort & Spa has a bit of a misleading name. It's not exactly a full-fledged resort, and instead is more like a collection of Villas (some privately owned) and units on the beach and in the rainforest. The place has a very tropical, rustic feel, with wooden pathways cutting through the leafy tropical trees and plants -- look out for signature bright-red frogs, along with geckos, tropical birds, and even sloths up in the trees. Couples come on honeymoon or just to get away from it all, and the property also draws a good number of wedding parties. Some Villas have five or six bedrooms, so families and groups of friends on vacation are also frequent guests. But the grounds are quiet and the scenic, sandy beach has an edge-of-the-world vibe -- although the friendly beach restaurant and bar is welcoming and draws guests to its daily happy hour. Overall, this is a place to enjoy the natural scenery and disconnect, so it's not necessarily for everyone. Guests who want lots of energy and action might like La Loma Jungle Lodge and Chocolate Farm better, with its on-site cocoa farm and wide range of activities and water sports. 

This property is on the low-key Isla Bastimentos, about 15 minutes by water taxi from Bocas Town. There's not much in the immediate area other than beaches and other resorts. A cocktail lounge and a restaurant are both located within about 10 minutes' walk on the beach. There are five beaches on the island and the resort offers a shuttle service, although some guests have found this inefficient and opt to rent (pricey) golf carts. Wizard Beach, about 10 minutes away, is a nice, uncrowded spot. Unlike most resorts on the island, this one doesn't offer water sports -- so guests are on their own for that. There are a few outdoor tour operators on the island (and more in Bocas Town) for things like diving, scuba diving, zip-lining, surfing, and jungle tours (fees apply). 

Red Frog Beach Island Resort & Spa has a variety of accommodation options. One- to four-bedroom Beachfront units are on Turtle Beach. There are also hillside Jungle Lodges with space for up to five guests (and great views). Lastly, Villas with one to six bedrooms are located on the hillside with water views, or in the rainforest. Villas all have private plunge pools, while Jungle Lodges share a small pool. All options have full kitchens with stainless steel appliances. Larger Villas add full dining rooms to their open-plan layouts. There are also balconies with comfy wicker furniture and barbecue grills. Decor has a modern feel, with high-end touches like travertine floors, granite countertops, and clean-lined wooden furniture. Fresh tropical flowers in vases, pastel throw pillows, and local artwork are nice touches amid the mostly earth-tone rooms. Jungle Lodges have a more rustic look, with natural wood walls and ceilings, and simple wooden four-poster beds; lofted options are available. Bathrooms are modern and clean with attractive tan tile in both the water closets and narrow showers with glass doors. Toiletries are provided. Units all have housekeeping, air-conditioning, washer/dryers, and ironing facilities. Wi-Fi is free. 

There aren't very many features at this villa-style property, but units themselves are pretty well-equipped. The Punta Lava Beach Bar & Grill serves casual Western and Caribbean fare, including free breakfast (with an omelet station) and lunch, plus drinks until early evening. The daily happy hour is a plus and prices are generally affordable, though food gets mixed reviews from guests. Themed dinners -- such as barbecue and Italian -- are held a couple of times per week. A popular and highly rated option among guests is the resort's private chef service (not free). The spa is located in the rainforest and has a rustic feel with a woven straw roof -- massages are available here beside a stream. Sunbeds and picnic tables are on the sandy beach, which has outstanding views and clear, turquoise water -- although the beach isn't private. Kayaks are available for guests to use (for a fee), but there are no other water sports offered on-site. The property was in the process of building a second restaurant as of fall 2016, and a small grocery store was also opened on the island (though most will still prefer to do grocery shopping in Bocas Town). Wi-Fi is free. There's also a low-cost shuttle service provided by the property. Otherwise, golf carts rentals are available, but pricey.