An extremely small resort, the Punta Caracol Acqua-Lodge consists of only 9 overwater bungalows that are stretched off a lonely section of an island off Panama. It offers very good value to visitors who'd like to stay in an overwater bungalow but don't want to have to go to Bora Bora and pay twice as much. However, this is more of a simple facility that might disappoint those who rather stay in luxury.
The secluded location is very appealing, and the clear water beneath each bungalow is a novelty that's rarely found outside of the South Pacific of the Maldives. Each room also comes with breakfast and dinner in addition to a number of other activities and available equipment, so this is more or less an all-inclusive resort, which makes it an ever better value if that's the style you prefer.
The Punta Caracol Acqua-Lodge is located on the southwest coast of Isla Colón, near Bocas del Toro, just off the Caribbean coast of Panama.
Area: 538 sq ft (50 m²) plus 269 sq ft (25 m²) terrace
Beds: One kingsize (upstairs) plus two single beds
Area: 646 sq ft (50 m²) plus 323 sq ft (30 m²) terrace
Beds: One kingsize (upstairs) plus two single beds
Area: 1,076 sq ft (100 m²) plus 646 sq ft (60 m²) terrace
Beds: One kingsize (upstairs) plus four single beds
Rates include breakfast and dinner daily. Booking available through Punta Caracol official website
The main Punta Caracol restaurant and bar serves an included breakfast and dinner for each guest daily.
There is no on-site spa, but in-room massages are available.
To reach the Punta Caracol Acqua-Lodge you will first fly to Panama City and then take a 1-hour flight to the Bocas del Toro airport. Once there you’ll be met by hotel staff and taken the rest of the way. It’s also possible to drive to the Panamanian town of Almirante and then take a 30-minite ferry ride to the island.
Most reviews of the Punta Caracol Acqua-Lodge are quite positive, but there are also some by those who feel the resort is misrepresented on its own website. The staff and service seem to get great reviews from everyone, but the rooms and their upkeep don’t meet everyone’s standards. Some even feel that the rooms are too close together, taking away from the privacy factor.
It’s important to realize that this is a simple, and isolated, eco-lodge without the five-star amenities. Those who come expecting modern luxury bungalows seem to be unhappy, but those open to the simple concept of this resort seem to really love it.
