Al Natural Resort

Isla Bastimentos


This relaxed desert-island hideaway lends a bohemian twist to all-inclusive. If you love nature, it's sublime. Based on traditional Ngöbe-Buglé architecture, the seven driftwood-and-palm bungalows have an open design that delivers sea views – even from some toilets – and good swimming in tranquil waters. The hosts are uncommonly gracious, and the meals (including wine) are well prepared by the Belgian owner Vincent.

The center of the action is the two-story restaurant and bar with a chilled-out upstairs game room. Onsite, there's Bocas' only remotely located dive operator (two-tank dives US$120), and the resort loans kayaks to paddle out to choice snorkel spots. The fourth night is half-price and the seventh free. Militantly internet-free.

They also have an excellent small on-the-water lodging in Bocas town, ideal if you arrive too late to transfer.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Isla Bastimentos attractions

1. Playa Larga

3.02 MILES

This 6km-long beach on the southeast side of the island falls under the protection of the marine park. Hawksbill, leatherback and green sea turtles nest…

2. Parque Nacional Marino Isla Bastimentos

4.01 MILES

Established in 1988, this 132-sq-km marine park was Panama's first. Protecting 130 islands of the Bocas del Toro archipelago, including the coral-fringed…

3. Nivida Bat Cave

4.77 MILES

One of Bastimentos' most fascinating natural wonders, Nivida is a massive cavern with swarms of nectar bats and a subterranean lake. The cave lies within…

4. Playa Polo

6.72 MILES

Polo Beach wraps around a sheltered cove and is protected by a reef. It has good snorkeling. Can be reached by short hike from Red Frog Beach.

5. Red Frog Beach

7.36 MILES

Small but perfectly formed, Red Frog Beach is named after the rana rojo (strawberry poison-dart frog), an amphibian you're most unlikely to encounter here…

6. Wizard Beach

8.93 MILES

The most beautiful beach on Isla Bastimentos is awash in powdery yellow sand and backed by thick vine-strewn jungle. It's connected to Old Bank via a…

7. Playa El Istmito

12.02 MILES

Playa El Istmito, also called Playa La Cabaña, is the closest beach to Bocas town (2.5km away), but as it's on Bahía Sand Fly the chitras (sand flies)…

8. Playa Punch

12.08 MILES

Further up the coast from Playa El Istmito and Sand Dollar Beach is Playa Punch (or Paunch), which is dangerous for swimming but good for surfing. It's…