Susie and I decided to spend some more time at our friends place over the Christmas Holidays and we must say, Bocas del Mar is a step above the rest and brings European standards to Panama. They have added rooms and now have 16 to choose from including the Premier Suite that we stayed in. This suite shares the new second pool that they added with another suite and our extended family took advantage of having a private place to ourselves. I will provide information at the end of the post on special offers exclusive for readers of The Panama Perspective. But first, a little on this special place in Paradise.
The Lagache family from Belgium are the people behind Hotel Bocas del Mar. Diego Lagache is President and is director of a successful commercial property investment company in Belgium and the Netherlands.
For many years they were looking for a country with potential to invest in tourism and carried out studies in several locations. By coincidence they heard about the press attention that Panama was getting as a strong investment opportunity and planned a visit at the beginning of 2010 to discover the country. They were amazed by the beauty and the charm of Panama and, after several visits to the whole country, fell in love with the Boca Chica region (Chiriqui). They believe that this area, as gateway to the Gulf of Chiriqui, has a lot to offer, even to the more sophisticated traveler.
Their philosophy is carried through in every detail. This is a family owned and run hotel; they bring a lifetime of hospitality experience from Europe to this wonderful corner of Panama, having fallen in love with its hidden beauty. They have added to this the magical key ingredient; the warm hearts and kindness of the local people of Panama, creating the friendly Bocas del Mar team that is here to take good care of you.
They understand that you have worked hard to be able to enjoy your leisure time in the sun and that you also have a choice of where to go. Their philosophy is to give exactly the right personalized attention from their team to meet your needs and to make you feel at home, while maintaining your privacy. Their aim is simple; to create the best vacation atmosphere on the Panama coast.
Feel yourself unwinding in their luxurious guest bungalows
Bocas del Mar Resort has 16 large bungalow-style guest rooms or ‘cabañas’, architect including the Premier 2 story Suite designed with a beautiful contemporary style. If you had to sum it up the rooms are bright, airy, you’d say; stylish comfort, modern features, views of nature and above all plenty of space; perfect for restoring body and soul in!
After a tough day chillin at the pool, we watched the sunset and headed out for cocktails and dinner.
The restaurant is lovely and the full bar is inviting.
We had a gourmet dinner and the food was only outdone by the service we experienced.
The bungalows are arranged in the hotel’s attractive gardens, filled with tropical plants and birdsong with views stretching toward the shimmering blue water just a few yards away. The swimming pool, restaurant and guest parking are all close by and easily accessible as they are laid out a very gentle slope with hardly any steps.
Here are some videos that I took.
Our bungalow at about 30 feet above the water’s edge and we listened to the waves crash onshore all night.
Back at poolside the views and ambiance are very strong
OK, one last one of the property before we bring you the special offer listed below.
We stayed in the Premier 2 story Suite, a superior bungalow with hot tub on the secluded porch plus an enclosed private garden. At 6 Am I was watching the sun rise in the hot tub overlooking the sea and the islands in the distance. Tough life, but someone has to do it, right!!
For a slideshow of the new additions including the Premier Suite that we stayed in click here
RATES
Low season rates range from 139 USD (discounted internet rate) for a standard large bungalow with king bed to 199 USD for the deluxe with hottub, plus taxes. In high season prices start from 185 USD ( discounted internet rate). American Breakfast included.
Special offers exclusive for readers of The Panama Perspective:
When you reserve the ‘Gulf of Chiriqui’ Premier Suite, the VIP Suite where we stayed, you get 2 for the price of 1 morning Discovery Cruise of the Gulf of Chiriqui Islands, or 2 free sundown cruises through the tranquil & romantic mangroves. Both in the hotels own 26ft comfortable boat. This offer is good through direct bookings only, via phone or web, mentioning The Panama Perspective.
Call 6395-8757 or email info@bocasdelmar.com, quoting “ Panama Perspective Offer”. Tax of 10% not included.
Cannot be combined with any other discount or offer.
This place looks absolutely fabulous and worth a visit but no mention is made as to whether a pensionado discount is also applicable. In comparison, one can stay currently at the Trump Tower in Panama City for $89/night receiving superior service and rooms. My understanding is that pensionado rates are applicable AFTER the best rate is negotiated and are dependent upon whether one is staying weekdays or weekend. This info might have been helpful and more informative for those of us living here. But, as always, your articles are a great resource! Thanks.
Beautiful photos and wish you well. You might want to add that the beach property is on Panama’s Pacific coast, specifically, (I saw no reference of this but since I know my geography….) and you could add the nautical address – longitude and latitude – for sailers and anyone who wish to view the area on Google Map.
Beautiful photos and wish you well. You might want to add that the beach property is on Panama’s Pacific coast, specifically, (I saw no reference of this but since I know my geography….) and you could add the nautical address – longitude and latitude – for sailers and anyone who wish to view the area on Google Map.
Are these the Belgians who recently bought the large tract in Jaramillo?