Red Frog Beach Island Resort

Every part of Red Frog Beach Island Resort impressed us, from the front desk and Market to the Club House and golf cart drivers. The staff went out of their way to make our stay special. While taking our luggage to the Villa, Kenny showed our boys, who are 7 and 9, how to spot red frogs and sloths in the trees. We loved starting each morning with a view of the beautiful Carribean and birds outside.

The room was the best part: our jungle casita had a lovely layout, separate sleeping and sitting spaces, a plunge pool, and a distant ocean view, all surrounded by jungle. The grounds were clean and well kept, with lots of wildlife nearby. We saw sloths, monkeys, and red frogs, and walked to Polo Beach and nearby restaurants at Palmar Hotel. We were greeted warmly from the boat in Bocas town through to reception. Since the casita wasn't ready, we waited at the beach club, where we used the pool and ordered lunch and drinks. Food and service were fine, though not quite at the 5 star level they claim and charge for. I question the 5 star rating and pricing overall. Service lacked care, efficiency, and courtesy. Checkout took over an hour. Red Frog is a large, hilly resort with some unpaved roads, so getting bags around without a golf cart is difficult. We usually carry our own, but with a flight to catch, the wait made me anxious and meant we couldn't have lunch in town. If you want top 5 star service and food, this isn't the place. If what matters more is a secluded setting, nature and wildlife, a beautiful room, and well kept grounds, you may enjoy it.

The staff made our stay a wonderful start to our trip. We spent several days of spring break in March at the resort, and everyone was patient and helpful. We didn't have a negative experience with any staff member. My kids, aged 18 through 26, are still talking about how cool it was. Thanks to the whole team. Jimmy at the Beach Club was a favorite with them because he remembered their drinks and had them ready. They spent a lot of time there with him. Our 3 bedroom villa had a pool, and on the first morning we watched a couple of sloths in the trees and a family of 10 monkeys cross over the top of our place. The beach is beautiful, with white sand, warm water, and so few people that it felt like we had it to ourselves. We felt spoiled. It's a bit of a journey from Western Canada, and I'd recommend renting a golf cart with your place to get around. The grocery store is well stocked, with more options and prices more comparable than we expected. We brought lots from Bocas Town, but you could shop there instead. Beyond the Beach Club, there are restaurants along the beach a short walk or cart ride away, including Nachyo Mama's, which isn't part of the resort and was a nice change. There can be little glitches on any trip. When our golf cart battery wouldn't charge, the people out front quickly brought us a replacement. We also want to mention the Point restaurant. They're working to get it busier, and helped celebrate my daughter's birthday on a day they were barbecuing on the beach. The food and drinks were excellent. There are lots of adventures around the area. I'd wait until you arrive and book through the front desk, where staff can match you with a trip and guide who speaks the language you need. People may try to sell tours from the airport or water taxi stop, but we found the front desk helpful. Our Zapatilla Islands trip included a great lunch stop and excellent snorkeling. We also spent a few days in Bocas town and visited nearby beaches, one with a private water taxi for two families and another by land taxi. If you have enough time, a few days at Red Frog is a great way to unwind and enjoy some privacy before exploring more from Bocas Town. Starting our trip at Red Frog Resort was wonderful.

The villa and its setting were exotic and interesting, but the service and amenities fell short. It felt like there was little to do besides drink, with no entertainment beyond TV and WiFi. On arrival, guests are sent to the bar and restaurant because rooms aren't ready until 3pm. Our welcome was tacky: after we said we were there for our room, a greeter told us, “It's all booked up,” despite our reservation. Another man then rushed out apologizing and telling us to follow him. The restaurant and bar staff seemed inexperienced, and some menu items weren't available. The food itself was well prepared, so the kitchen knows its craft. Housekeeping never showed up. It felt like so much went into landscaping the huge, awkward property that service, quality, and details were neglected. I was unimpressed and kept watching the clock until I could leave. This isn't a world-class resort, and I won't return.