Palmar Beach Lodge

There's a lot going for The Palamar, with beautiful grounds, an amazing pool, and lovely views. My friend and I stayed 4 nights in the 10 bed mixed dorm while backpacking through Central America. The room needed more frequent cleaning: the bathroom floors were dirty and the bins often full. The restaurant has a good range of dishes, but it's basically the only option unless you go to the taco shop next door. Prices are high for backpackers, though portions are generous. Dinner service was much better than breakfast or lunch, which felt slow and distracted. The property has a great foundation, but paying attention to the smaller details would help it grow.

We had a great time as a family of 6, staying in the 3 bedroom villa and a king ocean villa. The property is beautiful, and the staff were wonderful. We ate all our breakfasts and most dinners at the resort, where both the food and wait staff were amazing.

We live nearby and visit Palmar often. The newly renovated space looks fantastic, and the new pool above the beach and sea adds a lovely resort feel. The Caribbean view is always beautiful, and the atmosphere is relaxed but still lively, whether you're there for lunch or a sunset meal. There's a nice variety on the menu, with options for a light bite or something more filling. The service keeps us coming back too. The staff are consistently friendly and helpful. Ismary looked after us today and was wonderful, attentive and pleasant as always. Palmar remains one of our favorite spots.

We booked a Jungalow for 2, but on arrival were upgraded to an amazing 3 bedroom apartment. The resort's jungle setting feels magical, and the hospitality, service, staff, food, and beach were all top notch. I'd happily book Palmar again and recommend it to anyone visiting Bocas. Bastimentos is a great island too. We had a fantastic stay.