Ulrich

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7BR villa in Nosara

✨Exclusive✨Jungle Retreat on Bioluminescent Lagoon - Huts for Rent in Cristóbal Island, Bocas del Toro, Panama

It’s hard to put into words the poetry and beauty of the ensemble of Coco Vivo. We rented the entire property for the celebration of my husband’s 60th with a group of friends and our kids. The week we spent here under the attentive care of Melissa and Luciano, was a dream. The coral reef garden- its brilliant colors, variety of tropical fish and bioluminescence- surrounding the property was a daily wonder. The jungle flora and fauna, absolutely stunning. The cabins, though rustic, are decorated tastefully and were extremely cosy. The meals prepared by Luciano the chef and the desserts, bread and cocktails by Melissa, are some of the best and healthiest fare we’ve had in a long while- and we live in Paris, a so called capital of cuisine. Their attention to local flavors, gluten free options, and variety is testimony to their passion for cooking and taking loving care of the guests. They were delightful and helpful beyond any expectations. We were literally in paradise! Muchas gracias.

Words arent enough for how magical this place is! We were a group of 9 friends celebrating my 30th birthday for 5 days here at CocoVivo. We had the whole place to our group & it was perfect for a group as all the meals and activities are all planned out for us by our lovely host Melisa. She's absolutely the best. We could not stop talking about how smooth and easy going everything was especially because of Melisa. She was always a message away. The cabins & bathrooms are clean, beds are comfortable..the food was out of this world! the smoothies were delicious, the drinks amazing, and the desserts, wow. chef's kiss. the reef around, WOW. Magical. so bright and colorful. & the bioluminescence! With all that being said, the sandflies...they're horrible. It's no one's fault, but important to call out. none of us were safe, so many bites, endless bites. baby oil helped me a lot but still... otherwise this is heaven i promise!

A serene location surrounded by nature, beautiful reef , excellent for snorkeling. My only complaint is that rooms need bigger fans. It was very hot and couldn’t sleep at night . The provided fans were very small and hardly blew air.

I can not say enough about how special this place is.  We had Melisa and Luciano as our hosts.  Melisa was responsive & helpful to our pre-trip texts.  Everything went smoothly the entire time we were there.  The food was the beyond amazing.  So fresh and flavorful. Do not let the "wildness" of the place stop you.  They do not have A/C, but should you really be inside in the middle of the day, when one of the most spectacular reefs is  feet away?  It really never gets that hot, plus was almost always a breeze.  We slept soundly on comfortable beds.  The bio-luminescent waters were spectacular. Words can not describe the feeling of swimming at night there.  Night snorkeling, we saw 3 octopus! Trust Melisa to arrange everything for you, she seriously is amazing at her job.  The tour options were all amazing.  Wear your bug repellent, that's the only downside, but that's the same at even the fanciest resort in the area.  Take sweet Mazu on a kayak ride with you!   Melisa, thank you Ma'am!

I'm so happy to read your review, and hear once again your lovely "thank you ma'am". We love people like you, so passionate about nature, connected with wildlife, and ALWAYS smiling. THANK YOU!

melisa and her team were very personable. Melisa was already very helpful when booking. We were greeted in a very friendly manner and it was easy to get there. the food was always prepared with a lot of love and we really liked it. we enjoyed the big house. It's very special and unique. It's completely wrapped in mosquito netting so you feel like you're sleeping outside. The sounds of the jungle and the fresh air were a blessing. something completely different. Also the possibility to go on excursions was good. melisa was always quick to help when we had a question and showed us a lot in the area. it was a great experience

The stay was absolutely amazing and would love to make sure they have a good review.

What a great experience immersed in nature! The coral reef right off the resort is amazing - best snorkeling experience we’ve had. We saw octopus, sloths, toucans and howler monkeys during our stay. The cabins are rustic (think “glamping”) but have everything you need. The food is phenomenal - every bit as good as a luxury resort.

We had a lovely visit.  Even with all the rain on the first day we still managed to have a great time, once the sun came out we saw why we made the effort to come.  Thanks to Melissa and her team for all the hard work hosting us.

The lodge was AMAZING! Location is beyond incredible; tour options were great; melisa, Luciano and Leo were incredible hosts. They went out of their way to help us, guide us, and make sure we were comfortable! Cabins were comfortable and food was fantastic! We ate way too much!  Best snorkeling ever! The reef is so pristine. Bioluminescence at night was out of this world! Great hikes and lots of wildlife.  Definitely a rustic and peaceful setting - bring your headlamps, snorkel, swimsuit and water shoes and you’re ready to go!  The friendly dogs on site make you feel at home!

This place is gorgeous and we highly recommend a stay at CocoVivo! We were two families ( 4 adults, 5 kids) which can get a little crazy.  Melissa, Luciano, and Leo did not miss a beat. They took such good care of us. Melissa helped us plan our excursions both before we arrived as well as making adjustments while we were there. The food was amazing, even the "picky" kids enjoyed the meals. Exploring the jungle, seeing sloths, visiting a cocoa farm, a day at Starfish beach, and swimming with bioluminescents, our vacation was such a great adventure.

CocoVivo provides you with an unique jungle experience with lovely and hospitable hosts. Don’t expect too many luxuary, but just relax and enjoy the comfortable and good vibe on the resort. Meals are great! We definetely recommend you to go to CocoVivo!

We spend 3 nights at the property and loved every minute of it!  I traveled with a group of 5 teenagers and there was plenty to keep everyone happy.  Things we loved were the early morning paddle boarding times with Capitan the dog,  snorkeling, relaxed boho style atmosphere, rustic adventure type experience, beautiful views, great family style meals with other guests, and hiking adventure with Mona and Daniel on Red Frog Beach.  Carmen and Lazure were delightful hosts that went above and beyond to make our trip special.  Look forward to returning in the future!

Carmen and Lazare, who manage Ulrich’s property, we’re great hosts and made such excellent dinners. I brought my family down (youngest child was 10) here for a New Year’s vacation, and it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. We were so well taken care of, and we all became friends with our hosts and their family of friendly dogs. Visiting the chocolate farm, swimming with the bio luminescence, going to Red Frog Beach, and taking a jungle tour with Lazare were all highlights.  Everything was affordable as well. I hope that we will be able to make this up twice in a lifetime experience by visiting them again! I highly recommend it.

Carmen and Lazare were wonderful hosts, friendly, caring and helpful. We were there with a family of 14 aged 18 to 89 and everyone had a great experience.  We snorkeled, visited the chocolate farm, hiked to Red Frog beach from Old Bank , fished, kayaked and explored the jungle with Lazare. Nothing was too much trouble for them!

Coco Vivo was an absolutely amazing place to stay. The waters were emerald green and looked like glass with which to view sea life. There were all sorts of star fish and other beautiful fish right off the dock. We spent most of our time in the water snorkeling and swimming. I took my disabled father, husband and 4 children ranging from 3 to 19 and there was something for everyone. We didn't even leave the island for a tour it was so wonderful. I also highly recommend paying the extra for Carmen and Lazarre to cook you breakfast and dinner as their meals were all amazing. If you want lunch you can kayak across the bay to a fried chicken place. Coco Vivo is a magical place and I would recommend it for anyone.

We can’t say enough positive things about our stay at Cocovivo! We rented out the whole retreat for our wedding trip & our guests are still raving about the experience. The attention to detail by Carmen & Lazare made us feel like family. They decorated for our wedding with flowers from the property, helped take photos and work out all of the details for our reception. They truly cared for our group and made our trip something special. The food was far beyond what we expected. It’s fresh, local, & there’s no way you could do it better for the price. Everyone was excitedly anticipating what we would eat next. Also, take their recommendations on excursions. Ernie’s, the Chocolate farm & red frog beach. All worth it. It’s a very rustic experience. They’ve got all kinds of critters & it’s hot. All of that is easily forgotten by the surroundings & hospitality. If the photos appeal to you, they don’t do it justice. You will not forget your time at Cocovivo.

Lazare & Carmen are wonderful hosts and CocoVivo is an amazing paradise on Earth! We took our yoga retreat to their retreat center and were extremely pleased with the experience. They worked hand in hand with us to ensure that everything came together perfectly for our event. From the amazing meals to their flexibility to accommodate small tweaks to our schedule we couldn't be more pleased. CocoVivo itself is clean and well maintained, it truly feels like you are in the Garden of Eden. This is an eco-retreat so remember even though everything is clean and beautiful you will be living alongside nature in its purest form. If you want an air conditioned room at the Hilton this is not your speed. If you are looking to live comfortably in the heart of nature and have a life changing event this is the place you want to be! Lazare & Carmen are awesome (its so true and needs to be said again!) and if it weren't for their expert managing of CocoVivo our experience wouldn't have contained the fullness and abundance that it was bursting with! My life is forever changed. Thank you again.

Just away delicious. Don't expect a 5 star hotel. But this place is so unique. This is a lovely place in nature. We were in hill house up on the hill. That view is so unique. It's like a living painting. You really are going back to nature. You are a guest in nature. And another thing Carmen and  Lazare what are those guest free people. They do a lot to please everyone. And they do that very well. I'm sure we'll be back. This place is like a large battery to recharge your energy… Perfect place for rest and coziness.  For us this is worth 10 stars.

Gewoon weg heerlijk. Verwacht geen 5 sterren hotel. Maar deze plek is zo uniek. Dit is een heerlijke plek in de natuur. Wij zaten in hill house boven op de heuvel. Dat uitzicht is zo uniek. Net een levend schilderij. Je gaat echt terug naar natuur. Je bent te gast in de natuur. En nog iets Carmen en  Lazare wat zijn dat een gast vrije mensen. Ze doen veel om iedereen het naar hun zin te maken. En dat lukt ze bijzonder goed. Ik weet zeker dat wij terug komen. Deze plek is net een grote batterij om je energie op te laden... Perfecte plek voor rust en gezelligheid.  Voor ons is dit 10 sterren waard.

Paradise in Panama. Off the beaten track, great food (Thanks to Marilyn and Jason) and atmosphere! Not a resort per-se but has a lot of amenities onsite. Great snorkeling, Lazare took us on an amazing Jungle hike and grounds are serene, Carmen, Lazare and Marilyn we’re all very patient with our son. Great company with staff and guests and great memories Would stay again.

Perfect for a rustic break from the world!

Nothing about CocoVivo disappointed. The people, location, food- every part of the experience was great. Carmen and Lazare were incredible hosts and I cannot wait to come back again. This was the best trip I ever took.

Our second time here and we leave as relaxed as the first time! Amazing location, come for relaxation and atmosphere. The day trip to Zapatilla Island is not to be missed, supported by Leo you are in good hands. Accommodation is basic but all that you need, the opening of several restaurants accessible by boat nearby makes meal flexibility even better.  Lazare and Carmen are warm and welcoming hosts and able to assist with all of your questions.  We stayed previously in the Hill House, this time in the Mangrove Tree House. Can highly recommend the Mangrove House.  Also recommend a night swim for the bio-luminescence, it is surreal.

It's a place you can't dream of, and yet it exists... Now that we've been here we are rich forever, one part of us is much more free and simply joyful. between sunrise and sunset, the weather stretches in beauty, between green and blue Come on, I'm diving!

C'est un endroit auquel on n'ose pas rêver et pourtant il existe... Maintenant que nous y sommes allées nous en sommes riches à jamais, un part de nous est beaucoup plus libre et simplement joyeuse. entre levé et couché du soleil le temps s'étire dans la beauté, entre vert et bleu Allez, je plonge !

We decided to spend a full week at Coco Vivo with with our family, including children of various ages (8, 5, 3 years and 15 months). Communication with Carmen and Lazare had been smooth from the start which had allowed us to plan our family vacation without any problems. Right after our pick up from Bocas town we realized that all those positive comments here had not been exaggerated. When passing by the dolphin bay we saw three dolphins which were swimming and playing with the waves our boat was making. Magical! Once we had arrived at Coco Vivo we were delighted about our accommodations which were all clean and nicely decorated. Especially the Mangrove Tree House has a beautiful and very tasteful design. The kids loved the fact to live in such a natural environment (incl. the eco toilets!)! The water around the location was beautiful, snorkeling was fun and with Lazare being very passionate about the surroundings, exploring the reef and jungle with him were great activities to do! As we were travelling with small children we decided to visit Red Frog beach on two days to and Lazare and Carmen were happy to organize those trips for us. Food wise, we went for the meal plan which included a great breakfast (the meal changed every day a bit to keep some variety, including coconut buns, omelette, pancakes, yum!) and a three course dinner. Here again, Carmen and Lazare did wonders in the kitchen, everything tasted so delicious! One of the highlights of our stay was to swim with bioluminescent plankton at night; even the kids went into the water to experience this magical phenomenon! To sum it up, we had an amazing time at Coco Vivo. Carmen and Lazare are very dedicated hosts who truly love what they are doing and the nature that surrounds them. I recommend highly this location if you are looking for a vacation that is different from the ordinary and if you are looking to reconnect with nature and the real things in life. We'll definitely come back! 

If you're looking to get away from it all, this is the place to do it, the atmosphere is second to none, and Lazare and Carmen's attention is top-notch, they'll do whatever it takes to make you feel comfortable. One of the things I enjoyed the most was being able to share with people from different parts of the world, it was really nice. The cabins have everything you need for your comfort. Sunrises, sunsets, and evenings are magical shows here. Snorkeling near the reef is a must-it's almost an otherworldly experience. The food, especially the breakfasts, is spectacular and there is always a cold beer to accompany them ( don't forget to write it down on the chalkboard :) ) if you love dogs, here you will find plenty of love. Enjoy it!

Si lo que buscan es escapar de todo, este es el lugar ideal, el ambiente es insuperable, y la atención de Lazare y Carmen es de primera, ellos harán lo que sea por hacerte sentir cómodo. Una de las cosas que más disfruté, fue poder compartir con personas de distintas partes del mundo, fue realmente agradable. Las cabinas tienen lo necesario para su comodidad. Los amaneceres, los atardeceres y las noches son espectáculos mágicos aquí. Es obligatorio hacer snorkeling cerca del arrecife, es una experiencia casi de otro mundo. La comida, especialmente los desayunos, son espectaculares y siempre hay una cerveza fría para acompañarlos ( no olviden apuntarlo en la pizarra :) ) si aman a los perritos, acá encontrarán amor de sobra. Disfrútenlo!

Our time at Coco Vivo was incredible. The treehouse lodge was beautiful, spacious, and serene - the property as a whole was a wild and unruly paradise. The island served as a perfect hub for the wider Bocas Del Toro area. During our 6 days, we took day trips to surf, hike, and horseback ride. The days we spent relaxing at Coco Vivo though were just as relaxing and fun. Carmen and Lazare were amazing hosts - and both were so accommodating and kind. Thank you so much for the best vacation we ever could have asked for! 

I organized a weekend trip for my grad school class, we were 31 people from 10+ nationalities and vastly different travel preferences. Carmen and Lazare went above and beyond in accommodating us and multiple people have raved about how life-changing this was. It may seem too good to be true, but it isn't! Thank you again!!!

Love this place - I've stayed in both the Hill House and the little loft with the diving board.  The Hill House is great for seclusion and privacy, but be prepared to hike up that hill.  The loft is nice because you can literally jump into the lagoon from your room, but you are also right above the common area.  I'm an introvert so I don't like being near the common area, so preferred the Hill House for privacy, but then had to be willing to climb far up and down to get between the water and our room.  Over all both great stays and I'd go again.

This place is a true gem. Located in the quiet and shielded waters south of Isla Cristobal and right next to Dolphins bay, this is an ideal retreat for anyone wanting to experience the real Bocas del Toro spirit and feel.  The cabins are located right by the water and the one we were in was crafted so that we could enjoy not only the beautiful morning light when waking up, but also the morning breeze as the jungle came to life and a new sunny day was dawning. On top of that the area offers great opportunity to explore both on foot or via kayak, which is available on-site. Another treat is jumping right into the water from the cabins and snorkeling on the coral reefs which are literally right under and around the cabins. Best of all is the company of the hosts, Lazare and Carmen, who are doing an outstanding job making you feel at ease all the time. And most importantly, make sure to not miss their cooking: Hands down the best we had in the entire region - especially the morning smoothies made from freshly picked fruits right from the property. As said, this place is a true Airbnb gem!

It's a frankly amazing place.  Lazaro is a great person, attentive, patient and very attentive to everything. Magic at the Kitchen

Es un lugar francamente increíble.  Lázaro es una gran persona, atento, paciente y muy pendiente de todo. Hace magia en la cocina

If I could use only one word it would be : AMAZING!  We stayed at the hillhouse and it had the most wonder-full view we've ever seen. Al so Lazare & Carmen we're so warm & friendly!  We are very grateful that we were allowed to stay in this beautiful piece of paradise. Thank you so much for the best three days of our trip. Greeting Cliff & Sanya

Wow!  Our group of 10 had the most incredible experience at the Jungle Retreat.  We were picked up by boat in Bocas Town and brought to this beautiful retreat.  Ulrich was a super welcoming host and had a lovely lunch waiting for us.  He also prepared our breakfasts and dinners while we were there, which were delicious. For the remaining lunches, we went by boat to the two remote restaurants close by, which was a fun, unique experience.  The snorkelling off the deck of the retreat was absolutely amazing with the most beautiful coral.  The high dive was a huge hit with the kids.  Ulrich also took us on an incredible, adventurous hike around the area.  The main house is up a steep hill and is quite a hike so pack lightly.  The two bedroom reef cabin, also where the kitchen is located, is extraordinary.  It is where our entire group hung out the entire time.  While we were there, we were able to reserve both the main house and the reef cabin, which I highly suggest for a large group.  This was a most wonderful experience that our families will remember forever.  We highly recommend this property!

We had an amazing time at the Jungle Retreat! It was the best part of our vacation in Panama. The hill top house was beautiful and spacious and the view was just amazing. It was a wonderful atmosphere!

Our hosts were delightful: welcoming, informative, accommodating and warm. We got off our plane at the wrong town and Lazare and Carmen took it all in stride. They gave us reliable and interesting tips to help negotiate this beautiful but, for us, very different world. They also helped us respectfully negotiate the culture. We appreciated Lazare's attention to the delicacy of the environment while also attending to our comfort. It is always good to be reminded that water is an essential resource not to be squandered, that we do leave an impact where ever we live and travel. Food was delicious and more than ample! The beach and jungle excursions were highlights. 

Wow! what a wild experience. We were a big group on a healing retreat and spent a whole week fully immersed in nature. Swimming with the bioluminescence at night was the MOST MAGICAL thing I've ever done in my life. Lazare's cooking was delicious, Carmen made sure everything ran smoothly, & Daisy was super sweet. Although it seemed like our needs were different than most people who come through, the team worked hard to accommodate us, and for that I am grateful!  We felt like the pirates of paradise. 

Just returning home from this tropical paradise....and I concur with ALL the positive reviews.  The beauty of this place and Lazare have bewitched me, body and soul....

A vibrant coral reef RIGHT ON THE PREMISES.  And get this, bioluminescent water at night.  But wait..there's more!  The host, Lazare, was approachable, kind, intelligent, and consistently inconvenienced himself to make sure his guests had the utmost experience on, and off of, the island.  Hands down, it's worth the trip to Panama just to meet him, seriously.  I hope he and his friends will visit us in New York City.  The Hill House had spectacular views, a wide array of books, spacious rooms, and excellent Internet connection.  But it's about the community and joy that this place brings out in people that was truly remarkable.  This was HANDS DOWN THE BEST airbnb experience.  Bravo!  

The Tropical Island Jungle Retreat, as well  as its caretakers, are simply amazing. Leading up to our arrival we had several contact moments with the caretakers who were more than helpful in providing any necessary special requests. Upon reaching Bocas del Toro, they were there waiting for us to take us to the lodge. Indescribably beautiful, with dolphins in front of the cabana's and algae lighting up the water at night, the entire stay was simply magical. Well treated for breakfast, lunch and dinner and with several well arranged trips, we had the time of our lives. I absolutely recommend staying here for either short or long term, either business or pleasure and for both single travellers and couples as well as groups.  If you're looking to be really out there, without other tourists bothering you, right in the middle of nature, but still with several conveniences as good food and Wifi (which worked really well!) the Topical Island Jungle Retreat is the place to be!

Lazare and Jodi showed us a fantastic time. He was very flexible when it came to flight delays caused by weather, and provided easy to follow instructions for how to meet up after landing at the regional airport. The accommodations were really incredible. They have found a perfect balance of being self-sufficient with rainwater / solar power, while still providing the comforts/amenities you would expect from a vacation retreat. The food provided was fantastic, and was a mix of locally bought and locally sourced food/fish/fruit.   Thank you for making the Panama trip memorable, and hope to see you again soon.

Stayed here for a week for our honeymoon and it was the best decision we had ever made. We stayed at all rooms, house and both cabins, and every room we stayed in was comfortable. For the seven days that we were there, it rained for three days and it was still beautiful! Don't worry about rainy season, it is still a magical place with lots of cover! When it was sunny, we saw lots of pretty coral, different kinds of fish, kayaked, snorkeled, SUP, went fishing(far from cabins), wake boarded (upon request) and went to Zapatillas(A MUST!) and it was all AWESOME! If you get a chance to hike, do it, it's so lush and beautiful with great views! Bring bug spray and sunscreen! Lazare and Jody were the best hosts we could ever imagine. We instantly felt comfortable as soon as we met them. They were so accommodating, funny, GREAT COOKS, gave us privacy but were awesome company. Have them cook for you! Jody made this awesome garlic soup that I still think about until this day and Lazare with his tasty sauces and smoothies! Mmmm! You guys are the best! We saw Dolphins almost every day so close to the dock! If you go to Panama, COME HERE!!! Thank you, Lazare and Jody, for making our honeymoon an unforgettable one!

What an amazing place!  I was planning to stay in the hill house, but when I asked to stay instead in his cute little floating cabin (not pictured) instead, he said no problem and had it ready right away!  He and Jody are sweet, helpful hosts and their meals are very tasty.  There is gorgeous property to hike around, Dolphin Bay is an easy (hour-ish) kayak trip away, and the coral garden is feet from the dock and makes for good snorkeling.  Previous comments are right: this is not like a luxury hotel- be sure you're ok with rainwater showers,  little geckos, and bugs.  If you are then this jungle experience will be a great one for you.

Lazare and Jodi picked us right up from the airport and made us feel comfortable right away. They helped us get our groceries and then took us to the hut while stopping by dolphin bay where we saw so many dolphins all around our boat. I loved this place with all the wildlife (above and below water), Lazare and Jodi's fantastic cooking, meeting the other people staying in the hut, and feeling like I was truly in a paradise.  I like exploring and seeing new things, so a word to people like me, don't go into the jungle by yourself. Lazare is a great guide and the jungle can be a dangerous place to get lost. Have fun in the hillhouse and look close to see the toucans, sloths, and amazing fish.

Ulrich is such a nice host. He helped us a lot and could understand us well. At the same time, the house is awesome especially making food together with friends and enjoying nice view Caribbean! We miss the jungle life! 

This place on Cristobal island was a rustic paradise. This is truly one of airbnbs gems. The two huts are right on the water and with a nice space to lounge around with hammocks and deck chairs. We spent most of our time here. You are so close to nature. Saw dolphin on our way to the the house from bocas. Serene and beautiful! Pristine waters. Corals right there. Fish swimming under you. Lazare Jodi and Captain (their friendly dog) were wonderful hosts. Captain would escort us up to the house at night and sometime jump into the water with us. Jodi was an excellent cook and took good care of all fifteen of us. They were very accommodating, we were a group of fifteen so it can't have been easy. The kayaks paddle boards etc were in perfect working condition. Go with ample amounts of bug spray (we were there during the full moon so the mosquito's were present in full force). Highly recommend this place.

We love this place! Leo (the caretaker) and his wife Estelle are warm and friendly, the land is beautiful, and the panaramic views from the Hill House are incredible.   The house is well equipped and we have everything we need for a comfortable stay in paradise (including reliable wifi!). We really enjoy getting to know the other guests down at the reef cabins and grilling loads of freshly caught fish (thanks Richard!). Surprisingly, there are also a couple of great restaurants on the neighbouring islands, which make for a fun change of pace from time to time.   The reef has an abundance of wildlife and we've spent hours snorkelling amongst the coral. Plus, a big highlight for me was paddle boarding with a pod of dolphins :)   As mentioned in many other posts, the place is most definitely rustic, and not for those who are squeamish about bugs or a lack of hot water. But for those looking for a little corner of paradise, as it was meant to be, this is the spot to be.   Thank you Ulrich, Lazare, Leo and Estelle for an incredible experience!

We stayed in both this Jungle Retreat and also in the Reef Cabin on the water (the other rental). We loved it!! Lazure is a very welcoming host, and we had fun spending time with him. There is also a very friendly dog and two cats. Oh, and can't forget the school of fish under the dock that like to be fed.  It's so beautiful here - a true paradise! You can swim right off the dock, kayak, SUPboard, visit nearby Dolphin Bay...lots to do. There is equipment available to snorkel, but the water is so crystal clear we viewed the beautiful coral right from the kayaks. Or, you can relax and nap in the lounge chairs on the dock. There is a restaurant across the bay (only open Friday night and Sunday) where we spent a fun Sunday afternoon.  It is rustic (meaning bugs and spiders!) but you are in the jungle so that's to be expected. However, if you're used to camping, this is "luxury": a very well stocked full kitchen, bath with flush toilet and (cold) shower, electricity, and internet. (And there was no lack of outlets to charge your devices.) The beds were comfortable and no "city" noise when you slept - just the sounds of nature. You are renting the entire cabin (it was just two of us) but this would be ideal for a large group - a private "master" bedroom is on the first floor, and the second floor has multiple beds to accommodate many. It's set up the hill, so it's very private, yet you have full access to the dock (where two other rentals are located).  Unfortunately, Jodi (the cook) had to be away during our stay due to a family emergency, but Lazure was able notify us in advance and we came prepared with groceries bought in Bocas.  Our only regret is that we didn't stay longer!! This was our favorite place of our vacation. Hope to make a return visit someday. Thanks Lazure!  PS. While Ulrich officially owns the property, Lazure and Jodi are the property managers and who you will be dealing with.

I work in tech in San Francisco and decided to vacation/work remote somewhere rustic for a month and get away from city life. Chose this place because of the beautiful pictures and they mentioned they hosted work remote retreats before. The internet speed was around 1Mbps and that was perfect for my work and streaming music. Spotify works here without having to go in offline mode. The internet never went down while I was there even with some of the massive storms that came through. This trip was one of my most memorable vacations for me not just because of the beautiful location, but because the hosts, Lazare and Jody, were awesome people. They took care of anything I needed and are just really cool people to hang out with. I already miss this place, Lazare, and Jody. Hopefully one day I will be back.

This is without a doubt the most amazing, adventurous yet luxurious listing on Airbnb. Highly recommended. We had an unforgettable stay with our large group. Lazare and Jody (the actual hosts) are really helpful and know how to cook. Would love to go back.

Great host and great place to stay! This place is not a resort, but a cosy, close to nature, jungle & island experience. Way better than any package holiday or boutique hotel.  The host(s) were really friendly and had great cooking skillls.  The hillhouse had plenty of space and the overwater dock was a great place to chill. Higly recommended!

Lazare has been a very nice and incredibly helpful host throughout the whole duration of our stay (8 days). He is knowledgeable of the local flora and fauna, as well as the places to visit around Cristobal Island. He's resourceful and always willing to help, crossing the boundary of the typical exchange you'd expect in a professional setting, it felt more like spending the week with a friend. The island itself is quite magical, with the temperature of the water about the same as the surrounding atmosphere. As Cristobal is located in a bay, the stillness of the water reflects like glass and allows you to see right to the bottom of the exotic reef. At night, the water on the reef glows with bioluminescence (when excited via movement) and feels a bit like swimming through the night sky. It rained daily, as it was the rainy season — but the rain was mostly concentrated from 3am-9am and lowered the temperature nicely.  Pro tip: washing clothes. The air is so humid that they'll never dry off completely if you just hang them somewhere, make sure you expose them to the sun whenever it's shining.  Lazare took us on a rigorous hike of the island where we ate from the land guanabana fruit (a gigantic one, we quite literally stuffed our faces in it), cocoa, fresh limes and cilantro with a machete clearing our path. We kayaked across the bay for $1 beers and $2 chicken, where the local children found us terribly amusing. Ulrich has constructed an impressive off the grid paradise, which really led us to be conscious of our water and electricity use.  It's a rustic experience, but a unique oasis for the adventurous and sustainability minded.   Keep in mind: you're in the jungle. Expect jungle fauna. Beatles, cockroaches, dragon moths, and yes, even tarantulas (we found one in the house crawling just beside out feet), opossums, and parrots will be part of your daily routine. If you're freaked out by one of them, look for something else. If you don't mind having an authentic tropical jungle experience, then this is definitely the place for you.

Incredibly beautiful. Honestly felt like I was going to get scammed before going because the pictures were just too pretty. Nope, they are accurate.  We were a group of 7 and the Hill House treated us just fine. Lazar and crew helped us set up tours as well. Great time!

This is my first time using airbnb and it was an amazing experience. We stayed one night in the reef cabin and the view was amazing. During the day, the lagoon is so peaceful. The cabin is right above an area of coral reefs and we saw many fishes while snorkeling. You can also kayak to the nearby dolphin bay and watch dolphins at zero distance. At night, you can jump into the water and experience the sparkling bio-luminescent water, a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you would never forget. Laying on the beach chair, you can enjoy the night breeze and watch the stars. I saw shooting stars during my time there. Although you will see lots of insects on the property and take cold showers, everything is worth it. This beats any luxury caribbean resort because it allows you to get so close to nature and see the most beautiful, well-preserved parts of it. The hill house is more comfortable if you are afraid of insects. Lazare was a wonderful host! He took us to Red Frog beach and another beautiful island. They also cooked for us by request and it was so delicious! I had fresh made fruit smoothies each morning! I enjoyed our conversations and he is very accommodating! Thank you so much Lazare. This is paradise. Don't hesitate. Just go. With lots of love and great memories, Elaine

Our stay here was really incredible. After a half hour boat ride (if you're lucky like us, you'll encounter a school of dolphins), you are taken to a secluded retreat. It's quiet, in nature, and absolutely beautiful.   The hill house: We stayed in the hill house, which was surprisingly well equipped and really bug proof (though of course there are still bugs). There is an amazing view from the terrace and it had everything we needed. It is a bit of a walk uphill, but totally reasonable and a good workout ;)  The food: I highly recommend going for the meal plan. For ten bucks a meal it's great value, and the food was always varied and delicious. You'll enjoy plenty fresh fruit smoothies, coconut water, and tasty, filling food. Special shout-out the burger we had one night, who knew that one of the best burgers I'd have would be on an island off of Panama?   The caretaker: Lazare was an incredibly accommodating and friendly host. We really enjoyed his company and really appreciated everything he did to make our stay as great as it was.   Overall, our stay was awesome. We stayed for 4 nights; we kayaked to dolphin bay one day, and took the floating dock out into the water in the middle of the night on a full moon on another. On sunday we went to a restaurant across the bay for a long, bloody-mary'd brunch. There is a diving board going off the reef cabin that proves to be much fun, and the snorkeling in the area is great.   However, the secluded nature of the place and the natural beauty does owe to the fact that is completely rural, so you shouldn't be expecting the comfort of a five star hotel. That being said, our stay was completely comfortable and we had everything we needed. Bring some good bug spray, sunscreen of course, and a few bottles of wine. We stayed in Bocas Town for two nights afterwards and totally regretted it because we missed the place and the people there.

awesome experience, wonderful place, great food!

We had a great stay here. The description is accurate and it is a beautiful place. We stayed in the Hill House, which was very comfortable. We pretreated our clothes with bug spray and didn't have any issue with bugs. If you are looking for a relaxing place away from Bocas town, this is a great option. 

I don't even know where to begin. My co-workers/friends and I spent a month at the beautiful Coco-Vivo jungle retreat and it far exceeded all our expectations. We spent a month swimming, kayaking, hiking, snorkeling, eating delicious food and having an overall great time. The coral around the cabin is gorgeous and we saw several dolphins swimming by, not to mention the wide variety of fish, sea stars and rays! Our hosts were incredible. They cooked us delicious meals, took us on adventures to other beautiful beaches and islands, and made sure we had everything we needed. We really miss them!  It is a rustic farm, but we were very comfortable during our stay. The beds were comfortable and there are fans and mosquito nets in each of the rooms. We didn't have much trouble with bugs in the room, but make sure to bring bug spray for hanging out by the reef cabin. It's lovely laying out in the hammocks by the water, but the chitras (no-see-ums) will get you if you're not covered!  I whole-heartedly recommend staying here. It is such a unique experience to get away from the crowds and the typical resorts and live off the grid on a tropical island. I know I will never forget my time here. It was incredible!

We stayed five days with two kids at the hillhouse, and it was like visiting old friends. A really charming place, with so much friendliness, the beautiful lagoon, were we snorkled a lot, and the garden were we bought saw Tucans, parrots, sloths and heard a lot of monkeys.  We are already looking forward to coming back!! Thanks Lazare, Leo and Dorian for making the stay wonderful!!

My friend and I loved our time here. We stayed in Hill House for 3 days and we kind of lived on / near the dock. We relaxed in the hammocks, snorkeled, kayaked, and swam. Along with some of the other guests, we took a boat to another part of the island and did a short rainforest hike. Getting to know the other guests, as well as the volunteers working on the property, was really wonderful.   The other reviews are quite accurate. The setting is beautiful and very relaxing; it's also quite rustic. I'd recommend wearing bug spray even to bed - the mosquito nets are adequate but the chitras can easily get through them because they are so tiny.   We would have stayed longer if we could have; this destination feels like a true getaway.

Put simply, this property is paradise.  I had an amazing stay and the location couldn't be more spectacular. The hill house is clean and fully equipped.

This place is crazy awesome. The pictures of the reef under the dock ain't no lie - there really is amazing snorkeling and dolphins passing right by the boat house. Caretakers Leo, Dorien & Lazare are great. Considering how remote we are, the hill house is surprisingly well outfitted and bugproofed, and the Internet is fast and reliable.  You couldn't find a truer Bocas experience. We just got here but we like it so much, we're staying 3 months!

It's a facinating place with lots to do and see and Lazare is a wonderful host and seeks to make his visitors as comfortable as they can possibly be living indoor/outdoor on the edge of a jungle! My daughter said she loved kayaking across the bay to visit the little village (quaint and picturesque yet Ernesto, the owner of the little store lived in the United States for many years and speaks English. He's really nice and brought out food for my daughter to feed to the fish that gather around his dock) because it was above the jellyfish and sea urchins and below the wasps and chitres :-)  Kind of true, but if you want to night snorkel with bioluminescent organisms making trails of light stream off of your hands and feet, paddle board up to wild dolphins, jump out of your second-story window into warm water, snorkel with rays, nice, healthy coral, lots of juvenile fish and some lovely mangrove root environments, and even ride a horse (well, briefly, they don't have the saddle yet but it's a pretty, willing little almost-black horse) you have to put up with the invertebrate life.  In actuality, the wasps make a lot of noise but never bothered any of us though my engineer husband liked drinking beer and watching them make their nests. The sea urchins can actually be held (!) if you're careful though they should be knocked off the stairs each morning before using them to get on and off the dock. The jellyfish are mostly towards the middle of the bay. We snorkeled in spite of them though we usually wore dive skins so we wouldn't have to worry. (Diveskins are a great investment. We used them for the last three trips. They protect you from everything… jellyfish, sun, and chitres). There also geckos and bats but we like those little bug eaters and you sleep under a mosquito net so you don't have to share your space TOO closely. BTW the main bedroom is quite romantic.  The house itself was much more comfortable and better appointed than I had expected. Lazare and his wife live there when there are no guests and make you feel free to borrow anything you need. Lots of charming, Swiss family Robinson touches plus all the comforts of home and some our home doesn't have like a juicer :-) good snorkeling equipment, several kayaks and the paddle board which turned out to be even better than the kayaks, etc. The only missing comfort was an indoor toilet though you can work around that if you are creative. There is even a camping water heater for showering though that seemed like too much bother in such a warm climate.  In all, it was a great, once-in-a-lifetime experience and as comfortable as one could expect to be without being sealed in an air-conditioned room!

The place is a paradise itself! An isolated stunning natural landscape without tourists, a pristine lagoon with dolphins, coconut palm trees and coral reef under your feet...  The jungle and reef houses are a nice mix of creativity, sustainable engineering, a Robinson Crusoe experience, and a relaxing paradise resort. You are in the middle of nowhere, but the houses are equiped with everything you need to live and have a lot of fun.  Metropolitan people... keep in mind this is not a high luxury resort...this is the real jungle and you should expect plenty of heat, humidity and all kind of bugs.... But it's worth! Relax, cover your body with coconut oil during the dusk, ignore bugs and enjoy the paradise.  Dorien and Lazare were so helpful and friendly from the first time. Thay make us feel confortable and showed us the way of life in the area. Thank you!

This is my second trip to Bocas and to this property, but this time I sent my good friends and room mates to visit for their honeymoon (after Panama City and on the Way to Limon Rain forest).  Again, couldn't be happier. For those that cringe at the idea of staying at a Sheraton hotel, welcome to a real getaway.  See my earlier review for my last trip details.

This is a fabulous and special place! It's not for everybody - It's not for someone that doesn't like the outdoors and wants to be pampered in a resort. There are plenty of those places, but this is quite unique and special. This is is for people that want to see and be close to all kinds of fabulous nature in a gorgeous and largely unspoiled area, where you might get fish for dinner from an indigenous fisherman paddling by. You will get coconut water a minute after it was chopped from the tree. You'll see an amazing coral reef that's underneath your feet and your bed. I counted at least a half-dozen corals, a dozen invertebrates, and lots of different fishes.  All this with good internet (Skype video works well), good solar power and rainwater or bottled water. I used the Internet to keep up on some work things, learn about coral and the area, and to post pictures that made my friends want to join me.  The hosts, Dorene and Lazare, are friendly and helpful. I took the meals option, which I would recommend, especially for a short stay. As others mentioned, you should read the advice about preparations. By all means take precautions against bug bites. The rooms are well screened, but when you go out, especially morning or late afternoon, use your favorite bug protection method. I got complacent after a couple days and then they got me! But I would go back in a heartbeat and I miss it already. So maybe next year another visit!

With a place as amazing and complicated as this retreat on Cristobal it's hard not to leave an equally complicated review.  Overall our stay was fantastic.  Dorien, Lazare and Edgar picked us from our previous cabin on Bastimentos and then took us over to Bocas to pick up some supplies and food, which you will also need if you choose to cook for yourselves.  D&L offer meals if you're interested.  Crystal and I chose to both eat with our hosts and cook for ourselves.  This really worked out perfectly.  We stayed in the Reef Cabin which D&L had recently fixed up for us.  They gave us the option of staying in the Hill house if we wanted and were across the board more than gracious to help us out with any problem we might have.    Dorien and Lazare are long term guests helping to run the BnB.  They are still learning about the area and the property with the help of Edgar (who is a total bad ass) and Ricardo (whom we never met).  It actually presents a really amazing opportunity for anyone looking to stay because they are quite eager to learn more and this enthusiasm rubs off easily.  There are dogs, mosquitos, chitras, ducks, chickens and a whole slew of other wild life so if you don't like animals and insects this might not be the right place for you....BUT...if you do....IT'S INCREDIBLE and you won't likely have another experience like it.  

The description does not match where you will be staying! My sister and I were reluctant to leave a review because we were taught that if you have nothing nice to say you should not say anything at all. Now that we have nursed ourselves back to health from the ridiculous amount of chitra bites (take bug spray, calomine lotion and benedryl just in case) we received while on Isla Cristobal, we can truly relay the positive notes of our trip:  1) Amazing care takers that were always willing to help with anything one might need. 2) Hearing the dolphins in the evening 3)Bio- Luminescent algae and jelly fish right off the dock!!!! 4) Fresh coconuts right off the property  A Belgian couple has taken over the air bnb business for Ulrich and we were their first guests. When we arrived in Almirante to meet our transportation we waited 45 minutes for them. We then had to hike around Almirante for 2 hours (with our luggage) while our host purchased the finishing touches for the reed cabin that was not even complete when we arrived. Our first night we spent sharing the hill house with our hosts because the reef cabin still needed work. They said we could still stay in the cabin that evening but we were so tired that all we wanted to do was shower, eat and sleep. Our last full day in Panama, the reef cabin was still being worked on.....no siesta that afternoon.   We knew that Lazare and Dorien were newbies but we felt that since they had already been on the property two weeks before our arrival that the cabin would have been ready. At first we were very exited to explore with them but as time went on we realized that they knew very little about the area.   They may offer you a $12 pp rate on daily meals but I wouldn`t accept it. You are better off getting your own groceries and cooking for yourself. The hill house kitchen is in a state of constant bug attraction. Food is left in the sink for way too long and the insects are all over.   Wifi does not work in the reef cabin so if you need to connect, you will have to hike up the hill to the hill house and hang out in a shared area in order to email, skype or whatever. The hike is just a few minutes but you will surely feel it in your legs as it is steep! Bring extra flashlights just in case.  The composting toilet is just a fancy term for outhouse...also another 2-3 minute walk in the mud from the reef cabin.  If either Ricardo or Edgar end up driving the boat for any of your tours they deserve a hefty tip. There guys go above and beyond to make sure you enjoy your stay.....they are Lazare and Doriens life-line and were by far the high light of our stay.

Wow! I could not have had a better experience. The hill house was lovely  and Ulrich couldn't have been more hospitable. I played a set at the local eatery at Sunday lunch to a great group of people. It was a wonderful adventure; snorkeling, kayaking and wake boarding. The deck hammock was my favorite spot to relax and write songs. I highly recommend this retreat to anyone.

I am a pretty experienced traveller who visited more than 50 countries backpacking, for business and vacation with family.  I am impressed with the comfort Ulrich has been able to bring to such a remote and nature intense location. 3KW of solar panels, drinking water in a quantity to let 8 people take shower, clean cloths and cook without problems. A good internet connection though a wifi bridge to the continent. Daily cleaning service and a boat driver to take you around the islands looking for great beaches, dolphins (many!) or simply exploring.  The location is also very good for snorkelling (note that underwater visibility in Bocas is never excellent, but the corals are great) and safe swimming.   We stayed there with 4 friends and our 2 kids (3 years old and 1 year old). The water house is not the place where you would leave them alone if they don't know how to swim. We end up by taking the boat to go to close beaches during the day and that worked very well.   You can keep insects out of the house easily if you manage the nets and lights correctly. But if you are too much scared about bugs, this is probably not the right place for you.   I strongly recommend this place to any world traveller looking for great nature, privacy and good conforts. I recommend to read Ulrich notes very well because it helps you understand how to take the most from your stay.  Thank you Ulrich for the great experience!

Had an amazing time. The weather was great. My brother and I went swimming in the bioluminescent water in the evening and it was totally amazing. While walking on the dock we could see the shockwaves of our footsteps as ripples of light in the water. Totally surreal. We went wakeboarding and snorkelling. The water was clear and warm and wonderful to swim in.  We had some farm grown bananas in our pancakes (and just as snacks) and they were excellent. The caretaker brought us a jug of fresh coconut water a couple times. It's very refreshing on a warm day.  The place was clean, power and water were non-issues and the wifi was surprisingly fast - it's nice to be able to stay in touch while being totally remote.  In the evening it was awesome watching the geckos on the screens just walking around eating up the bugs trying (in vain!) to get in.  I went for a hike around some small chunk of the property and was just captivated by the beauty of the jungle. It's lush and warm. There's life everywhere - just an amazing experience overall. I'm already trying to figure out how I can come back for a longer stay.

I'm a traveler, and I know the area moderately. I scoped out Ulrich's spot as a place to send my best friends on their honeymoon this winter. WOW. The pictures don't do it justice.  It's a great location. Details matter down here and this guy knows what he's doing. He picked a spot that has everything, including BIOLUMINESCENT ocean water (you know, sparkles like Avatar when you swim at night??... I'm not kidding), fruit trees, coral reef, and a naturally low insect load. I can tell you from personal experience that you will find properties around here that are sand flea hell.  His accommodations are high up on the hill and out over the water on a causeway, and the paths in between are clear of brush (there is literally a walkway lined with palm trees on either side).  He was smart about where he put waste, septic and compost, he has twice as many solar panels (24) and water tanks (6 giant) as nearby places.  These are all things you WONT notice, because your stay will be comfortable, and you'll be relaxing in a hammock and not running out of power and water.  Another mark of respect, the locals that live on a small house on the property are great people, and actually like him (they were bringing up fruit and presents, chatting us up, making coconut oil, and coconut water in the mornings and even speaking some English). He used traditional joinery and construction techniques where possible and hand hewn natural braces and trusses in the architecture.  I am so impressed with this guy, he is clearly a great human.  Definitely excited to send my friends Jim and Chante down here for their honeymoon :)

Ulrich is an extremely nice person who will go out of his way to make sure things are in order, whether he is there or via skype. The cabin perched above the coral reef is beautiful and the Hill House has an incredible view of the area. You will find care takers living on the island who also go out of their way to make you happy. Gina, a very gracious woman, kept us well supplied with coconut juice, dried coconuts, and water. She was also a delight to chat with. There are many little excursions you can do around the island. I went to relax with my girlfriend and read in a hammock for a few days. For that, it was great. My only warning has nothing to do with the place, but rather the summer months are really hot. The trade off however is hard midnight-early morning thunderstorms with beautiful lightning. I would love to come stay again.

7BR Villa