Rafael’s House on Isla Bastimentos in the Bocas del Toro of Panamá has all the comforts of home but with the feel of a rustic cabin.  Watching the palms swaying through the kitchen window and feeling the gentle ocean breeze blowing across your face, you may get the urge to exclaim, “So this is paradise!”  The island Bastimentos is just a short boat trip from Bocas Town, but the difference is extreme.  All of the locals in Old Bank, the main town on Bastimentos, have a strong African heritage and speak a strange mixture of Spanish and English Creole known as Guari-Guari.  This won’t cause travelers any problems, however, because they will speak perfect English or Spanish with you.  There are no roads on the island, only walking paths and trails that take you between the small towns and some of the finest beaches in the Bocas del Toro.  For the more adventurous, hire a guide to take you hiking into the thick jungle or for a swim in the subterranean lake.

Palm trees off of the deck

Rafael’s House contains two bedrooms with queen size beds along with two more single beds in the common area.  In the house you will find a beautiful shared kitchen with all the tools you need to create your favorite dishes.  Next to the kitchen is a deck with several chairs and hammocks for soaking up the reggae vibes or just enjoying the sounds of the tropical birds.  There is WiFi throughout the house and several TVs with satellite stations.  The bathroom is large with hot water and two sinks.  The friendly caretaker Rafael is happy to help with any information that you might need.  Included with the stay are passes for a free day of bicycle rental in Bocas town.  Cruising around on a bike is a great way to explore the island!

Cozy bed with mosquito net

So push open the shutters and enjoy the salty breeze!  Bastimentos is not to miss for an authentic island experience in Panamá, and when staying in Rafael’s House you’ll never want to leave!

Services:

WiFi

Kitchen

In-room safe

Hot water

Free rental bikes in Bocas Town

Satellite TV

Fans

Location:  in Old Bank, the main settlement on Bastimentos.  There aren’t addresses but ask anyone and they will direct you!

Phone: +507 64460787

Email: panamasparadise@hotmail.com

Website: www.panamasparadise.com/islabastimentos.php

Prices (Day/Week):

Room #1 – $50/$300

Room #2 – $45/$270

Two single beds – $40/$240

Complete house – $120/$720

Also check out Panama’s Paradise’s other accommodations on Isla Colon.

This post was sponsored by Panama’s Paradise Vacation Rentals.