Independent Hotels: Book Independent Hotel Rooms & Suites in Isla Cristobal, Bocas del Toro Province

Tucked away on one of the more quiet islands of the Bocas del Toro province in Panama, there is an ecolodge called 'Cocovivo'. Through a long chain of friends of friends, I discovered this little paradise where peacefulness is key. Originally set up as a co-working space, the owners of Cocovivo made this place a home away from home. Set up with the help of an indigenous Ngobe-Guble family, everything is ecological: yes, that means a compost toilet. If that does not convince you yet, then maybe the possibility to kayak surrounded by dolphins will. Or you can practice yoga on your stand-up paddleboard. Or jump from the diving board right in the Caribbean sea and explore the reef. Or go on a jungle walk and count all the sloths you can see. Or eat delicious food made with very very local ingredients. Or see the stars in the sky reflected in the water bioluminescent plankton. Who needs Bocas' party scene when you have the 'disco' lights above and underneath you right? A place where I could relax fully and that I wholeheartedly recommend! #troveon #thisbatteredsuitcase #cocovivo #caribbeanvibes

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Top Isla Cristobal Hotel Reviews

Hotel Bocas del Toro

10/10 Excellent

"Comfortable room"

Red Frog Beach Island Resort

8/10 Good

"Our villa was great. So peaceful with beautiful views and a lovely pool. The location of the property was amazing and Polo beach nearby was great to spend the day at when the waves were too big at Red Frog. The store had decent options although more fruit options would have been nice. It was nice to be able to get rides around when needed. Downsides were the restaurant.. the food wasn't great and service was very slow. We wished we had eaten more at Palmar lodge next door as it was great. The other downside was the tour that we booked through the front desk to see Zapatilla. I messaged to confirm in the morning and it was pretty apparent that they had forgotten to book something and scrambled to find another boat and driver at the last minute. We were told the day would include snacks and fruit and drinks and all we were provided was two small warm bottles of water. We also stopped at a place for lunch that took well over an hour and while we were sitting there, our driver left with the boat and all of our belongings without telling us where he was going. The beach was beautiful but the snorkeling was mediocre and overall not worth the money. We still tipped our driver after and then were not pleased to see at checkout that they had added a large service fee onto the booking without telling us. Overall a beautiful location and property but needs some work on communication and food."

Tropical Suites Hotel

10/10 Excellent

"Kitchen was sparse. No coffee maker only espresso machine. We enjoyed our stay. Slept great. Papaya restaurant nearby was our favorite. Staff in Merlin restaurant below the hotel was always friendly and greeted us with a wave and smile but never came over to take our order so on three different occasions we got up and went somewhere else. Is there a cultural thing we’re missing here ?"