the archipelago of Bocas del Toro, Panama presents us with the turquoise water of the sea caribbean in almost its entire length. Here are some of the most beautiful and calm beaches in the entire region, such as Paunch Beach, which is home to the attractive La Coralina Island House hotel.
Opened last year, the Bali mouths however, goes in the opposite direction of the foot in the sand concept: super sophisticated, the five-star adults-only hotel is actually “on the water” and has what it calls world’s first air beach .
the only 16 bungalows of the hotel are all built over the water off the coast of Isla Frangipani, a private island of more than three hectares of dry land with absolutely no other construction.
With no neighbors and a natural stretch of sand, the result is a more intimate stay, surrounded by lots of greenery and principles of sustainability, with the Caribbean Sea right in front of us.
Beforehand, I say that the care with the decoration and the service is remarkable, and the good reception makes us feel as if we were at home.
From here, it only takes us 15 minutes to get to the provincial capital by boat, the only means of transport to and from the resort.
luxury over water
During the recordings of CNN Travel & Gastronomy in Panama , I was able to call Bocas Bali home for a few days. I say that being here is an invitation to live a refuge.
Starting with the bungalows, which, in addition to having Balinese inspiration, were assembled and brought directly from Indonesia to this part of the Caribbean.
Built on the waters of the sea, they have more than 100 square meters. some have private pool by the sea others have a glass floor inside the room that allows us to spy the marine life right below our feet.
All accommodations are made for two people. Later this year, it is expected that some bamboo houses will be installed in trees and, thus, will add more rooms – and also refinement – to the hotel.
And it’s not just the suites that are suspended: the artificial beach it is also built in wood over the water.
christened of Kupu-Kupu the beach, almost 30 meters long and six meters wide, has white sand, sun loungers, a bar and palm trees that give the place an even more Caribbean touch.
So on the way to the villages, a wooden path connects the beach to the island, as if it were a natural extension of this piece of land. As the rates are all inclusive, it’s a delight to grab a refreshing drink at the bar and relax in the sea on the beach platform, where green-tiled stairs provide access to the waters.
If you want more excitement, but without a glass in hand, water activities are offered, such as snorkeling, kayaking and stand-up paddle.
Once on land, a freshwater pool of about 21 meters and a spa complete the experiences around water and well-being that we can have a taste of at Bocas Bali.
Seafood in a century-old setting
As expected, the gastronomy is also a highlight of the hotel. And the experience contemplates not only the creations with an emphasis on seafood by executive chef Joseph Archbold, but the environment also comes into play.
Dinners are served at Elephant House , a century-old house straight from Bali with Asian motifs decorated alongside beautifully crafted beams and structures. Built on stilts over the water, the restaurant stands out in the landscape.
At night, we are accompanied by the strong light of the moon on the tables in the outdoor area, which are very close to the calm sea.
The dishes that come out of the kitchen are based on fresh seafood, such as the starter of octopus marinated in spices, with otoe puree (a root used locally) and orange supremes or even the lobster risotto with miso butter.
It is worth noting that some Asian-inspired recipes with Panamanian touches are also part of the menu, such as the gorengan, a vegetable dumpling served with a sweet and sour tamarind sauce inspired by Indonesian street food.
For breakfast, lunch and snacks, the The Coral Café perfectly frames the pool with the green around it and offers us a more freshwith salads, burgers, tacos and fish and chips with Caribbean fish and chips
off the grid
When we step on Bocas del Toro We understand that efforts to establish a sustainable community is taken seriously, given the creation of the the country’s first national marine park and also examples of organic production and reforestation of a cocoa farm.
Given this scenario, the Bocas Bali considers itself 100% sustainable and “off the grid” that is, off-grid, and is built and managed following sustainability principles.
Power comes from solar panels, rainwater is purified and an eco-friendly wastewater treatment system has been designed for the island.
The buildings over the water, including the artificial beach, were erected so that there would be no negative impact on the surrounding mangroves, corals or marine life.
With that, our concern here is just to relax, connect with nature and enjoy the hot days by the water – organized programs paid separately help with getaways to get to know the region, such as diving, tours to other islands and visits to the farm. of cocoa.
Between one room and another, the path that takes us to the common areas has some wooden ducks scattered along the way, and guests constantly move these objects around. It’s a relaxed game that sums up the lighthearted spirit of what it’s like to be at Boca Bali.
Nayara Bocas Bali
Frangipani Island, Bocas del Toro, Panama
Official site.
Source: CNN Brasil
Bruce Belcher is a seasoned author with over 5 years of experience in world news. He writes for online news websites and provides in-depth analysis on the world stock market. Bruce is known for his insightful perspectives and commitment to keeping the public informed.
