Carmen's place

we loved the hosts and the jungle experience and of course Carmen’s amazing breakfasts and dinner

everything was great about the property itself but the water taxi got very pricey because we were three travellors who were on a budget and the kind of people who like to do lots … it’s $5 per person pretty much everywhere you go ($1-$2 if you want to just head over to the village on the island - about a 2 min ride ) but to get to bocas or red frog it $5 one way per person . we will know to budget for this next time .

Idyllic setting in the rainforest with a view of the ocean. Breakfasts are exceptional, and you can eat in a covered area right on the dock. Carmen is a chef and the dinners are delicious, plentiful and diverse. Loved all the flavours. Carmen and Marcel are friendly, gracious hosts that really want to make sure their guests are happy and enjoying their stay. Carmen was so helpful in advising us on tours and places to visit. We stayed in the cabin up the stairs and we loved being able to relax on the balcony in the midst of the lush rainforest, listening the the jungle sounds and watching birds.

I wish the ocean right in front of Carmen's Place was clear - it isn't too inviting for swimming. But of course there are beaches nearby with clear warm water. Sometimes we wished we didn't have to rely on a water taxi to get anywhere (even lunch) as the walk to Old Bank was muddy and not so pleasant. But I guess that is the price you pay to be on a quiet island! One night (Friday) we could hear music across the water until 5am but we were still able to sleep. All other nights we only heard the rainforest sounds.

Carmen's is a lovely, I would call Eco tourism place to stay. The property is in an awesome setting surrounded by nature and is a great place to relax and unwind. We met Carmen on Colon Island and took a boat to her place. Once we arrived, we were given a beer and chatted to Carmen for over an hour before going to our room. Our room was up a flight of stairs that had a great view and was perfect for the 3 of us. We had an amazing dinner that Carmen cooked that night (extra for each guest) and chatted with the other guests while enjoying some wine and beer. The next morning, breakfast was cooked fresh for each guest and was more than enough and delicious for everyone. She gave us some great recommendations on what to do during our stay. I would definitely stay again! If you don't mind a beautiful rustic place to stay, this is it. Her husband Marcel was just as pleasant and accommodating. Remember you are on an island and getting to the other islands is a short boat ride away. Just as a side note, we usually stay at Kimpton and Ritz Carlton hotels, so this was a nice change of pace.

I forgot to bring something to read.

Carmen and her husband are very warm and welcoming people. She made contact before arrival, helped with the watertaxi and was waiting on the peer when i arrived. One day i felt a bit sick and she prepared immediatly a tea for me. All this little things made me feel like a part of the family during my stay. The whole house is located in the middle of the jungle which i loved. And i was impressed by the sustainable concept for Power and water supply.

Breakfast on the dock was magical. We woke to fresh coffee waiting for us and then we were served an amazing breakfast which included fresh local fruit, homemade breads, yummy pancakes and eggs and a plate of cheeses, meats and avocado. There was no way we could eat all we were served, but we tried lol. We also shared one of her wonderful dinners in served in her dining area. Again the food was delicious and included fresh fish caught by Marcel amongst other incredible side dishes. So yummy that I asked for a few of her secret recipes.

There was nothing we didn't like. We stayed 3 nights and loved our time here. If you are looking for an off the beaten path oasis filled with local history, people and treasures, this is the place to stay. The hosts Carmen and Marcel are fabulous people who go out of their way to make their guests feel at home, welcomed and part of the family. Carmen invited us to join her and Marcel at local restaurants and floating bars and these were highlight experiences for us during our 3 week Panama adventures as were the tours she coordinated for us with local people from the island.

Carmen & Marcel were the nicest & most helpful hosts you could possibly imagine. The stay has an awesome atmosphere & the food made by Carmen and her team is amazing!

Carmen and Marsel were Very attentive and helped us arrange anything we wanted to do. They really went above and beyond. The other guests were very interesting and we had lots of time to visit. There is no swimming by the property. You ‘water taxi’ everywhere.

Our room had lots of steps to reach it- 45, to our surprise but there are rooms on the main level. Just need to ask. Unfortunately neighbors have music going All night. Hard to sleep some nights. You’re in the jungle and it’s damp. Be prepared!

Breakfast was really good! The dinner option was also very nice. The air gets nice and cool there compared to the rest of the island or Bocas town.

The dinner is a bit pricey. You get a lot, but not everyone eats a lot and probably a personal plate per person would be cheaper and safer.

Carmen and Marcel are warm and generous hosts, happily offering assistance with anything you need. It’s a very special place to get away and enjoy the jungle, living simply in nature.