El Caribeo — Hotel in Tierra Oscura

This little peace of heaven is a truly hidden gem. The Frech owners built El Caribeo from scratch and you can feel they are in it with all their heart.|One of the most relaxing and memorable stays ever. ||In preparation of our stay Clement was super quick on email and whatsapp to ensure a smooth arrival and stay.||Our extraordinary experience started in Panama Airport already, when we were in touch with Romain who would pick us up in Bocas Town, to update him on the flight delay and to receive his photo for easy recognition. We met at the airport and went to the boat that would take us to El Caribeo on San Cristobal Island in about 15-20minutes. ||The bungalow we have booked is located next to the main house, to keep your privacy. Size wise absolutely comfortable with efficient storage facility for clothes and personal belongings. |El Caribeo has a pool and social area with lounge furniture and restaurant style - set up in front of the house to relax during the day and to have your meals there.||We highly advise to opt for dinner and / or lunch to let Camille spoil you with her cooking skills. Breakfast with delicious coffee, fruits, eggs and pancakes is already included to start the day right. Filtered water is available at all times. ||An additional plus of this eco lodge are the animals, which we felt in love with. The fluffy, lazy cat Moumou, playful female dog Pampa and attentive Mr. Django - all three different and adorable characters. Sorry for not mentioning the chicken’s name, but this one was rather shy and didn’t spend much time with us. ||There was no need to pre-plan any tours as Romain and Clement can arrange everything on the spot. Our water taxi Marco was on time every day and provided safe and flexible day trips to the neighboring islands. Without any travel, you can take the garden tour followed by degustation of the fresh fruits. During the 90minute walk, Roman or Clement will explain to you the different fruits, herbs and trees that grown on their land. Once climbed the little hill behind the house, a stunning view over the jungle is offered.||We really didn’t want to leave this place, the island life is a wonderful one, and we recommend everyone traveling to Bocas del Toro to check availability with El Caribeo and to stay as long...

We just finished a stay at this hidden gem, and our only regret was not stayiong longer. El Caribeo and the Owners Romano, Clement and Camille provide an experience that strikes the perfect balance between staying with dear friends and a luxury eco-resort. A ten minute boat ride (easily arranged for you by the staff) from the busy and noisy Bocas Town, El Caribeo is a waterfront paradise on secluded Isla Cristobol.||This is a place to relax, unwind and put yourselves in the hands of your hosts who live onsite and rent only two small cabanas two those wishing to share their little corner of paradise. Let Camille cook all your meals, she is a fabulous chef and the food is amazing! Your hosts will share a drink and some very entertaining and informative conversation with you while you enjoy appetizers by the pool, after which you will be served your entrees and dessert at a table on the covered deck overlooking the Caribbean Sea. After dinner play some darts and enjoy a drink while listening to some great music from Roman's eclectic collection. ||Make sure to let your hosts arrange a tour of their gardens, the source of ingredients for your meals, infused soaps and oils and even some local spirits. Clement and Roman took us for an outing by boat to a nearby bay to view dolphins, which is not to be missed, and later we were invited back on the boat for an impromptu night time look at the bioluminescent creatures that inhabit the bay just off the dock. Another day, simply stepping off the private dock gave us access to a wonderful snorkeling reef full of sea life just steps from our little cabana.||We just can't say enough about El Caribeo. Keep in mind, this property is off grid and very eco-friendly. Don't plan on bringing your hairdryer and curling iron, but do plan on having an experience that you will remember for a lifetime, and making some wonderful new...

We stayed for 3 nights in January 2023 and absolutely loved it. The cabin we had was spacious and freshly renovated. It really made us feel at home even though you are at the brink of the jungle. The place is only accessible by boat. A water taxi can be found in Bocas town and should cost you 20-30$ per tour.

The property is ran by four amazing French people, of which two (Romain and Camille) care for the guests, do the cooking and help you out with everything you need.

We were lucky and one day we even had the whole place to ourselves. Besides the 4 owners, there is a max. of 4 guests on the property, so anyhow it is a super quiet place for relaxing.

It is amazing how much sustainability you can learn from the owners. We showered with collected rainwater, drank filtered rainwater and charged our electrical devices from solar generated power. We ate what grew in the garden and saw lots and lots of wildlife. The place offers gear for snorkeling, kayaking and also offers some tours. Romain took us on a dolphin watching tour in the nearby dolphin Bay.

The place has two super sweet dogs, a cat and some chicken. However, in the evening it gets busy with sand-mosquitos, so bring long sleeved shirt and trousers, even though the temperature wouldn't require this. Also bring some mosquito repellant. However, the hosts will supply you with incense-sticks - be sure to use them, also in your cabin before you...