Rafael A

Reviews

109 total reviews

95% rated 5★

109 reviews

4.94

2018–2026

109 reviews

3BR Villa in Bocaña

⁨T.J.⁩

Excellent, 1 month ago

The location, house, views and owners were all amazing. Literally can’t think of a single negative comment to say

We had a wonderful stay at Rafael and Eda’s home. The property was exceptionally clean, beautifully maintained, and the views were absolutely stunning. Waking up to the ocean and enjoying the scenery throughout the day made this a truly special place to stay. The home itself is beautiful, comfortable, and well equipped. Rafael and Eda were fantastic hosts friendly, welcoming, and always available when we had questions. Communication was excellent from start to finish, making everything easy and stress free. If you’re looking for a peaceful getaway with amazing views and attentive hosts, we highly recommend this property. We would gladly stay here again.

Raphael is a good host—attentive, responsive, and supportive whenever needed. The property is nice, well-equipped, and comfortable, and it’s very close to the beach (though access requires stairs and is not direct). However, there are a few important points to consider. One of the four bedrooms is separate from the main house, in what يبدو like a former service room in the patio—smaller and less comfortable. Also, the property is not fully private, as Raphael and his wife live about 30 feet away in a nearby unit. During our stay, staff entered the property while we were out (e.g., for pool cleaning), and we noticed things like the AC being turned off. Combined with multiple instructions about limiting electricity use, this created a sense of being monitored rather than having full privacy. Overall, while the location is good, the experience may not suit those looking for a fully private stay.

Host Response

We were very disspointed on how you left our place and did not comply with the house regulations. I am sure you do not use your AC at home all day leaving the windows open. We have been 8 years sharing our property with our guests and never found our kitchen in the deprobable way you left ours . That was very unrespectful.

There are not enough letters available in this review box. My wife and I have traveled a lot but I have never had a better experience. And that is because of Eda and Rafael. They were so kind and willing to help. From helping me retrieve my backpack that I left in Panama City airport to setting us up in restaurants and giving us the best advice on tour operators. The house itself looks even better than the photos online and the view is unmatched in Playa Hermosa. We truly had a hard time leaving this morning as it felt like we were leaving family behind.

Host Response

Doug and his family were amazing guests, just the kind of guest you love to have, friendly and respectful. We will feel honored if we have them again.

3BR Villa in Bocaña

Lorrie

Repeat guest

Excellent, 8 months ago

This was our second time staying with Rafael and Eda. We love this property and always leave refreshed. The beach is wonderful and the house is well equipped. Highly recommend staying here for close access to Boca Chica and a relaxing time with family and friends. 😀

The house is amazing. The place is very quiet and isolated because it is at the very end of the road in a private property. The view, as you can imagine (see photos) is amazing. And the place has all the amenities you'll need, you'll feel right at home. Rafael and Ada are adorable and exude kindness. They gave us valuable advice and addresses: boat ride with dolphins and buoy towed in the bay at sunset with Martin, kayak outing in the mangrove with Sue and Murph, fishing shops, restaurants and good addresses (goat cheese making) in Boquete etc… It's a big plus when you don't know the area. I would recommend this place, even though I would like this little gem to remain a secret 😉

Host Response

Raphael it was a pleasure to have you and your beautiful family! Hope you come back soon :)

Our stay was amazing. The pool was clean and refreshing. The beach was gorgeous. Rafael and Eda helped us arrange for a local chef to come to the house and prepare an amazing local cuisine meal. It surpassed all expectations!! They helped arrange a massage therapist to come to the house and that was also wonderful. We booked a day on the boat with Carlos, who was recommended by the hosts, and that was also a wonderful experience. We caught a tuna that day and used the extremely well-stocked kitchen to prepare a gourmet meal when we returned. The local people at the dock welcomed us like family when we returned from our boating outing. Our stay was truly magical and our family will never forget it. Thank you Rafael and Eda!!!

Host Response

Thank you Andrea. Hope you come back soon!

3BR Villa in Bocaña

Jared

Repeat guest

Excellent, 1 year ago

The place was amazing. The views are to die for. And Rafael was first class to work with. I’m definitely planning to come back and stay even longer next time.

Host Response

Jared you will be more than welcome

Such great hosts! We felt so at home. The house is beautiful and well kept. Eda and Rafael reached out to us to make sure we had everything we needed before arrival, including restaurant recommendations in David for the evening that we needed to stay there before checking in. Truly exceptional! Will definitely stay again.

Host Response

It was a pleasure to have and your beautiful family staying with us. Hope to have you back any time!

Boca Chica is stunning. Rafael’s place is situated in an ideal location to take in the panoramic view of the INCREDIBLE ocean and the fauna. We are avid nature lovers and Rafa’s home was the perfect rental to enjoy the magic along with our two kids. The beach where the property is located was one for the books. When the tide recedes you can walk all the way out into the ocean. It feels Biblical if you will. The home is spacious, very clean, and the kitchen is well stocked with all the gadgets you need. Rafael is the nicest man. We felt very welcome and he was responsive to all of our questions and requests. One thing to note: Boca Chica is small and not very inhabited. This is the perfect place to disconnect. Panama really has a lot of diversity and we were so happy to experience the more natural and tranquil side of this country at Rafa’s Airbnb. Definitely recommend. Explore the private islands if you can too. PERFECTION!

The housing is spectacular. Much better than it already looks in the photos and in the description. It is comfortable, modern and has the necessary privacy to spend a few pleasant days with the family next to the beach. Rafael and Eda were always attentive and promptly resolved any concerns we had. And they respected my family's privacy. I hope to be able to go again soon with my family to spend a few incredible days and say hello to Rafael and Eda.

We had a wonderful stay at Sand Dollar Villa in Boca Chica, Panama. The location was peaceful, quiet, and truly tranquil. It was exactly what we were looking for. Mornings and evenings on the patio offered stunning views and a serene atmosphere. We were even lucky enough to have howler monkeys visit frequently, gracing the nearby trees with their presence. Ralph and Eda were amazing hosts. They were always respectful of our privacy, yet quick to respond with helpful recommendations and suggestions whenever we had a question. Their thoughtful balance of attentiveness and space made our stay even more enjoyable. Everything about our visit was perfect, and we sincerely hope to return in the future. Thank you for sharing such a beautiful place with us!

3BR Villa in Bocaña

Lorrie

Repeat guest

Excellent, 1 year ago

Boca Chica is beautiful, and this house is fantastic. The hosts are wonderful and made our stay truly enjoyable. By the end of our visit, it felt like we were staying in a friend’s home. The house is clean and well-equipped, and the view is exceptional, providing a lovely backdrop for our vacation with friends. We will absolutely be back! :-)

Host Response

Lorrie we really enjoyed knowing you and having you and your friends with us. Hope to have you back anytime

We stayed here for 3 nights 4 days last week and it was lovely! The view was breathtaking. The walk down to the beach was easy and not too strenuous. It was private with a beautiful breeze. The beds were comfortable. Kitchen had everything we needed to cook and the extra spices were appreciated. Host was always responsive and super helpful with anything we needed. At night, make sure you sit out on the back porch and look at the stars! Amazing! The water was safe for the kids to swim and it's actually quite shallow at low tide. We didn't want to leave, that's for sure, and we would definitely return as well. The house was clean, easy to find and had everything you needed to unplug and relax in a beautiful location. I worked on the high speed wifi as well, with no issue. Thank you for a lovely few days in your beautiful home!

Eda and Rafael’s place couldn’t have been in a more perfect spot. The house was beautiful, full of light, and very comfortable. The pool was delightful and kept very clean. The view was spectacular. The hosts were friendly and welcoming, and were very responsive to any questions we had. We even watched a family of howler monkeys feeding in the trees nearby. Highly recommended if you’re looking for a peaceful, relaxing stay. Thank you!

Fantastic Villa, and an amazing location, far away from everything. everything was super clean. Rafael and Ada are the perfect hosts. They live next-door, and they respond to any requests. they helped us with restaurant reservations, boat rides to beautiful beaches, and even a fantastic massage guy that came to the villa. Both bedrooms have a good AC unit. The kitchen is very well equipped and had a surprising amount of cooking supplies. The beach is absolutely gorgeous and it’s only a five minute walk down the hill. The location is about one hour to the big grocery stores, but if you plan your groceries in advance, everything works out perfect. And there is even a fisherman who will deliver fresh lobster or shrimp or tuna or red snapper, for very reasonable prices! we really enjoyed our stay!

We had a great experience at Rafael and Eda's house. It's the same or better than the photos! The area is very quiet, spectacular views, and the house is fully equipped. Eda and Rafael were very helpful with everything and any questions we had. Highly recommended and we hope to be able to return!

Host Response

Thank you Priscilla, it was a real pleasure to have it at Sand Dollar Villa. I hope we have the opportunity to assist you again.

This vacation was for wife’s birthday. While hotels provide a bed, this was an immersive experience. Our hosts provided for our privacy while insuring we had a list of upcoming events to choose from in the local area. The balcony had the most amazing vista of the Pacific Ocean and the constant tide changes. Coffee in the morning overlooking a postcard view to sipping a glass of wine while in the evening watching amazing sunsets. Walking the beaches to chilling in the pool. Dancing at the tiki hut over the water and celebrating the birthday with a live band to an amazing dinner at Boca Chica. Our hosts even provided us with the name of a boat captain who brought us to multiple islands exploring beaches and snorkeling for a reasonable fee. To say it exceeded our expectations would be a huge understatement. We loved the whole experience.

Host Response

Thanks Del and Carol, we also feel we gain a nice frienship. Hope you become part of our community soon

We had a wonderful experience at Rafael and Eda's home. La propiedad es llena con animales y pájaros para ver y tiene una vista del océano increíble. La casa (especialmente la cocina) esta bien equipada y mantenida. Rafael y Eda son anfitriones fantásticos y estamos agradecidos por su hospitalidad. I could not have asked for a lovelier stay. The service is unparalleled, Rafael and Eda are both highly responsive and very informative with local activities. The villa is beautiful, well maintained, and spacious. The view you get of the ocean and surrounding wildlife from your lodging is the cherry on top of a great stay. This place is a must visit for any Boca Chica traveller! ¡Muchas gracias a Rafael y Eda!

We were excited with description and pictures. It was better than our expectations. The house made a huge difference because just to be there was very pleasant and safe. The views from the pool, exceptional. Eda and Rafael were great hosts. Sra. Ita helped us with cooking and cleaning. We had no problems at all. Water was provided from pipe and a dispenser. Shower was eco friendly and expect some delay for very hot water to arrive. The separate dorm was large enough for two people and with a small balcony to look at the landscape. Kitchen was from another world. We were a family of six and very comfortable and plenty of space for privacy if needed. Rafael and Eda do not know but we were seven a few days because a gecko decided to stay indoors for a few days. Despite being rainy season, not too many mosquitoes. The beach was great in low tide and an achievable challenge during high tide (we are 60s). Just plan ahead. Internet speed was good to browse and streaming services. Great

I would give Sand Dollar Villa 10 stars! Staying at Eda and Rafael's Villa was like staying in paradise! Everything was exactly as advertised, if not better. The house itself is spacious, very well equipped, and extremely comfortable. The terrace with the pool was wonderful. There is nothing like floating in the pool and watching the beautiful sunsets and listening to the howler monkeys in the background. Eda and Rafael are exceptional hosts. They go above and beyond to make you feel comfortable. They provide lots of recommendations and are right there to help out in a pinch. I have stayed in many Airbnbs, and this is by far the best! I'm looking forward to staying here again in the future.

Beautiful slice of paradise off the beaten path. We came to the area primarily for a whale watching tour but spent a full morning just enjoying the nearby beach and back patio pool. Eda was super responsive and right next door, helped us w dinner and transport suggestions. She also graciously allowed us a late check out, which the kids were excited about bc we arrived later than originally planned and otherwise wouldn’t have had time at the pool. Lots of space to spread out and comfortable seats on the terrace. Note: - hot water hard to regulate, but at least it got hot! - power failures are common for this area when there are storms. A generator usually kicks in but we did have one night without AC bc power was out for around 6 hours. Wasn’t a big deal for us but something to note if you are sensitive to humidity

Host Response

Thank yu Deborah. We do have a big laundry room that is in the basement. We usually show it at the check in but you arrived so late that we did not do it. I am sorry you did not ask for it.

Absolutely amazing stay! 5+ stars all around. The views and location are amazing. Safe, tranquil, peaceful and fun. The house is amazing, clean and spotless with everything you could need. Appliances, coffee, full spice rack with oil and vinegars and sauces. Fully stocked kitchen and house as well! The pool was so great, shaded so it stayed cool and refreshing with plenty of other area to soak in the sun. Great depth, with a shallow area for kids as well. They even supply pool floats for sipping a drink and soaking in the amazing sunset. The views over the ocean were incomparable! 1 min walk down to beach! The hosts were great, always available to answer any questions, offer recommendations and help us navigate the area to find all it has to offer. They even found us a “cocinera” to cook and clean for a very reasonable price. The area of Boca Chica is a fisherman’s paradise, with the town of Boquete a short drive away. Just perfect, stop looking pick this one, you will be amazed!

This place is as beautiful as marketed on the rental site. Great views, pool is nice, clean, etc. The hosts are responsive. This place is in a jungle so know that if you get lizards and large insects it will be on you to get rid of them. If you plan to use the pool area after dark know that there will be on the order of 20-25 lizards on the ceiling walking around above your heads. Expect a lizard or two to be in your place at any time. While this may be normal for many who live in the jungle, expect this going into it as there are so many lizards on this property they find their way in.

3BR Villa in Bocaña

John

Excellent, 3 years ago

Rafael and his wife were so nice!!! The stay there was amazing!!!! It was better than advertised! If you’re looking for one of the most beautiful places ever stay there! My family had a great time and we will definitely go back! Ed’s made us chocolate cookies for thanksgiving and they were warm and delicious! Thank you both for the vacation of a lifetime!

Host Response

It was a pleasure! hope to have you all back soon :)

From the moment you walk into this house you will be blown away by the spectacular view of the ocean. The house is absolutely beautiful! It has two large bedrooms, each with their own ensuite bathrooms and walk-in closets. The nice designer kitchen is well equipped with both small and large appliances, plenty of dish/cookware, spices , bottled water, etc... Everything you require in a kitchen. The BBQ is cleaned daily and works very well which is great as we used it frequently. From the terrace/pool area which is awesome, you can make your way down to the beach by a beautifully landscaped path and enjoy a beach that is basically private . Rafael and Eda were exceptional hosts and always available to answer our many questions. They went out of their way to ensure we were comfortable and even made a special call to one of the local restaurants we were going to to ensure my daughter had an extra special Birthday dinner. The house is about 1 hour away from David which is the closest major town, so do stop there to get groceries for the duration of your stay. Would also recommend renting an SUV as the roads leading off the main highway 1 to the house are not in great shape and littered with numerous potholes that require careful attention when driving. This rental was just perfect and a must for anyone really wanting to just relax, kick back and take in all the beauty. It is so peaceful and tranquil - the perfect place.

Host Response

Hi Jj, thanks for your review and for visiting Sand Dollar Villa. We are very glad that you had a great time. Regarding the road, the local government has already started the new road from the Interamericana road to Playa Hermosa. Hope you visit us again.

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Sand Dollar Villa. it was visually stunning, with beautiful art and furnishings that were comfortable and provided wonderful areas gather and relax both inside and outside; and it was super clean. The kitchen was sleek and stocked with everything we needed to cook gourmet meals which included fresh red snapper and langostinos which were delivered to our doorstep. The bedrooms were very comfortable and the en suite bathrooms were elegant and had everything we could need including ample closet space. Truly the attention to detail in this Airbnb is superb. We spent hours laughing, cooking, enjoying the spectacular vistas and the peace and tranquility of the ocean. We swam, relaxed and walked along the private beach enjoying it's warm, calm waters; and during low tide we spent hours wandering amongst the tide pools enjoying the varied sea life. Rafael and Eda were wonderful hosts and were very responsive and helpful. I can honestly say that this is the most beautiful, clean, thoughtfully appointed, comfortable home we have rented and we will definitely be returning.

Host Response

It was a pleasure to have you and your friends here. Hope you come back ! :)

Ten stars for this rental!!! Clean, beautiful home overlooking Playa Hermosa. We loved the patio/pool area and walking the beach. Rafael and Eda were very responsive and helpful before and during our stay. Eda helped us order lobsters for dinner one night which was a nice treat. Like other reviewers have mentioned - get groceries in David before you come. The kitchen had many seasonings and essentials for cooking which was helpful. No complaints, would definitely recommend!!

Amazing in so many ways! The view, the house, the peace and quiet, the beach, the pool, and more. We truly loved our stay here and hope to return one day. The communication was great, along with a kind welcome. We spent most of our time on the patio by the pool because it was a wonderful place to enjoy the beautiful views, feel the breeze, and simply relax. We would highly recommend this place to anyone who wants a lovely escape.

Wow!!! This place is amazing - the view, the hospitality, the bay water, the pool! The house itself is in immaculate condition with very tasteful decor. We loved the paintings and feel! The pool is literally out these giant sliding doors you can just jump right in! We never left the house for 3 days / 2 nights other than for exercise and down to the beach below the house. By the end, my wife was looking at real estate - what a place to live or retire! The hosts are amazing, super kind, and live behind the house so always available but never a burden and they are super nice folks! We’d def recommend it to others and will Hopefully be back soon! Also, the kitchen is top notch and super well stocked with really nice appliances and cutlery / plates / cooking etc.

Rafael and Eda's home is the nicest Air B&B we've ever stayed at. It is a beautiful home in a magnificent, quiet setting, with great sunrises and sunsets. The kitchen is fully equipped so cooking was easy (provision in David before you come). The pool was refreshing! Private access to the beach was an added bonus (during the week, we were usually the only people at there). You need a car and there are a few very good restaurants in the area. Rafael & Eda were perfect hosts.

We stayed at Sand Dollar Villa with our parents who are age 70+ and had an amazing time. The pool and the view alone make this place an incredible value. The kitchen was very well stocked with spices and essentials. The grill was a major plus too. We came with groceries and cooked some delicious meals while being delighted by the views of the Pacific Ocean. If you were knit picking, sure, you could point out some wear and tear on the house. But we found it to be a perfect place for some quality family time and a great value for the size, location, and amenities ( the pool!!). We would absolutely stay at Rafael's place again!

While I think the pictures of the house on Airbnb are dated, as the house was not as modern or clean as the photos suggested, I had a nice stay. One thing is for sure, the view is absolutely gorgeous and the sunsets are beautiful to witness. My family and I really enjoyed the semi private beach that the house sits on, and the area was always quiet & serene. The hosts were very communicative & helpful. There is just enough to do in the area to venture out and enjoy if you get tired of relaxing at home. Overall a very pleasant stay.

What a wonderful stay! This location is incredibly private, you basically have the beach to yourself! The house was incredibly clean, spacious and comfortable. The kitchen has everything you need to make meals, but definitely suggest bringing in all your food. As this location is remote. The view for the sunrises and sunsets are incredible. We ordered the fresh fish to be delivered- AMAZING, definitely recommend. Rafael was so helpful and communicative, a wonderful host.

Our family stay was 3 nights to celebrate my husband's birthday and my children's school holidays. Everything from the moment we booked has been an excellent experience and very organized by Eda and Rafael. On the day of check-in we arrive early and we were greeted very kindly . We had a delicious chocolates and welcome nuts brownies and a balboas beer sixpack in the cool fridge!!!!!!! The view is amazing as it is in the photos. The kitchen is 100% equipped and perfect for those of us who love to cook. Eda and Rafael were always attentive and were super hosts. We would definitely stay here again. Thank you so much for everything!!!!

This is by far the best vacation rental i have ever experienced. the location is at the end of a closed residential area, overlooking the beautiful bay with stunning views to all sides. you can enjoy the breathtaking sunsets from the pool area while watching the hummingbirds get their last drinks before night fall. the living area and rooms are generous and the fully equipped kitchen invites to prepare some great side dishes for the BBQ. looking forward to spending time again in this precious place.

When we first stumbled upon this house on AirBnB, it seemed almost too good to be true. There must be a catch! When we arrived to the house our jaws dropped, THE VIEW! breathtaking! The online pictures doesn't do justice to the beauty of this place. The hosts very sweet and charming, they showed us around the house, and made themselves available to just a call away if we needed anything, so nice! This is truly an amazing place! We are already planning our next stay here!

3BR Villa in Bocaña

Rafael

Excellent, 5 years ago

Beautiful house, we didn't want to leave. Private beach, clean spaces, friendly and helpful hosts. Super-equipped kitchen

Host Response

We are happy to have you, we look forward to coming back soon!

This house and the location are absolutely stunning. The place is even more beautiful than the photos online. It really is wonderful spot: the beach, the surrounding nature, the decor and style of the house are all the perfect ingredients for a truly special experience and as if these were not enough reasons to plan a visit to Sand Dollar Villa, the hosts, Eda and Rafael are the best we have ever encountered. From providing excellent recommendations about places to visit nearby, to restaurants and even how to get fresh lobster delivered to our door step. They were attentive, generous (it was my birthday and they gave me a lovely bottle of wine!), and responded immediately to any questions or requests we had. I cannot recommend this place more and we will definitely be going back ourselves. Thank you Eda and Rafael. Esperamos verlos pronto! :)

Host Response

Thank you Yeliz for your kind words. it was awesome meeting you, hope to have you and your group back at Sand Dollar soon. :)

This place is terrific. The views are incredible, it is an easy walk to a secluded beach, and it has a pool that our kids in particular loved. Rafael and Eda are great hosts; we stayed while the COVID-19 pandemic was starting, and they were very helpful in communicating with our next hotel, translating various government announcements, etc. They also supplied the kitchen with some basics and a basket of fresh fruit (including papaya and pineapple) which was a very nice touch.

Rafael’s home was great beyond words. This was the most relaxing home I have visited in a while. All amenities were at a high standard. It was great having the pool or beach as an option for swimming. Rafael made us feel welcome upon our arrival by providing us with necessities. We highly recommend this home for your beach getaway.

Host Response

Thank you Emanuel for your comments. Hope to have you back anytime :) Regards, Rafael and Eda

3BR Villa in Bocaña

Rafael

Excellent, 6 years ago

The house and its location are amazing. Rafael and Ida were great hosts, always available. I would def recommend this property

Host Response

Thank you Rafael, hope to meet you next time!

This is a beautiful property with stunning ocean views. The property is completed to a high spec and has everything required for a relaxing and comfortable stay. The pool area is great and the beach is only a short walk away at the bottom of the well maintained garden. There is an excellent gas bbq and comfortable outdoor seating. The property is only a short drive from the nearby village of Boca Chica. The host Rafo was always available via WhatsApp to answer any queries. We had a great time at the property and would happily visit again!

Host Response

Thank you for your words. Hope you come back soon :)

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