This is a reader review, Nayara Bocas Del Toro review, by Louise.
If you are interested in booking this hotel, our luxury travel agent partners GTC can offer the following free perks:
- free breakfast
- upgrade on arrival subject to availablity
- early check-in/late check-out depending on availability
- $100 hotel credit
In this post:
Bocas Bali – A Hidden Gem in Panama
My husband and I have a tradition of exploring a new country every year, and Panama was our latest destination of choice. After a few wonderful days in Panama City, where we stayed at the affordable yet impressive Waldorf Astoria and explored the historic old city, we embarked on an adventure to Bocas del Toro.
Getting to Bocas del Toro from Panama City was an experience in itself. The Air Panama flight aboard a Fokker 50 was no luxury ride, with minimal air conditioning and limited facilities at both ends. However, the journey offered a surprise treat with a musical performance by the security guard before the flight, and the sharp banking manoeuvre before landing in Bocas had us in awe, especially as we spotted kids playing on a football pitch at the end of the runway.
Upon arrival at the Bocas del Toro airport, we were greeted by a hotel representative who drove us to the boat in a somewhat unexpected Cadillac Escalade. Bocas Town consists of a single potholed main road and mostly backpacker hostels, but with a Viceroy due to open in 2026 on another private island, the town may soon start to change. To reach our pier, we were led through a hotel and restaurant where our private speedboat awaited us. It was a truly unique arrival experience.
Our private speedboat was captained by a warm and welcoming individual who greeted us with a glass of bubbly, setting the tone for the next thirty minutes as we cruised to our private island.
Stepping off the boat, we were handed another cocktail and treated to a tour of the island. At the time, the island boasted 16 overwater bungalows, an overwater restaurant and bar, a clubhouse with a pool, bar, and casual dining, and an incredible aerial beach with its own beach bar. Four treehouses were under construction, but even at full capacity, the island accommodated just 32 guests, with staff far outnumbering them. This adults-only, all-inclusive island only required additional payment for excursions, but we found it hard to tear ourselves away from this paradise.
Nayara Bocas Del Toro Room
Our overwater bungalow featured a private plunge pool with easy access to the sea for paddleboarding or kayaking.
A spacious terrace with sun loungers allowed us to dine outdoors or in our room at our leisure. Half of the bungalows featured plunge pools, while the others had terraces with glass floors to observe the marine life below.
The Balinese-style bungalows were not only comfortable but also thoughtfully designed. While the air conditioning provided respite from the humidity, it was equally delightful to open the doors and listen to the occasional thunderstorm.
The four-poster bed offered stunning sea views, and the spacious bathroom included dual sinks and an open shower with coral reef-safe products. The wardrobe was stocked with an umbrella for tropical downpours and a flashlight for power outages. Luckily, the island experienced only one brief outage during our stay. The complimentary minibar featured beer, wine, and snacks, and once they learned our preferences, our favourite rose was constantly replenished.
Nayara Bocas Del Toro Pool
Throughout our stay, the food and drinks were exceptional. A standout experience was dining at the Elephant House, where we sat on the dock, watching fish and even the occasional reef shark pass by. The daily-changing menu featured a blend of local and international cuisine. The clubhouse, located next to the main pool on the island, offered breakfast, lunch, snacks, and drinks throughout the day and evening. The pool was perfect for swimming laps or simply unwinding.
One unique feature of the island was the aerial beach, a man-made beach on stilts with steps leading into the water. It provided a delightful way to spend afternoons, chatting with the barman who occasionally played tunes on his guitar. As we were the only guests at one point, we even had the chance to play our own music on the sound system.
Our entire stay on the island was pure paradise, but regrettably, it was too short. I highly recommend this hotel to anyone seeking an idyllic retreat. While prices start at around £1,000 a night, the experience felt like excellent value for the money.
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