Casa Manana Bocas del Toro

Beachfront Home and Tropical Garden

Pictures by Guest ashley

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Tropical Garden

Casa Manana on VRBO

Casa Manana on VRBO

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Guest Reviews

5/5

Family Trip

Guest: EDKA (Fort Lauderdale, Florida , USA)
Date of Stay: 07/02/11 Review Submitted: 08/08/11

Best family vacation ever ,You will be positvely surprised by this place . We have traveled all over the World and have never come home so relaxed and happy .What a Dream, the house was wonderful, Gundula is the perfect host and our kids , ages 10 and 13 , loved it too, despite no internet and TV , there is so much to do or not . Everything is excately like its described here on the page , the payment, the transport to and from the airport, flawless.

Recommended for:Age 55+, adventure seekers, tourists without a car, families with teenagers, families with young children.

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Helpful votes: 1/1

5/5

Paradise Found

Guest: Heather (Asheville, NC, USA)
Date of Stay: 03/08/11 Review Submitted: 04/20/11

Our little family has a longing for laid-back,off the beaten path, Caribbean adventures. Every year we somehow find a way to head down south to warm our chilly bones, and remind us how to slow down, breathe in the sea and partake in the moment. This land has it all from the beautifully hand-crafted home, the wandering brilliant gardens bursting with every color and smell to the fresh hand-picked fruit that finds its way to your kitchen, the lullaby surf, the lush jungle that surrounds you and calls you back to childhood as you spot a sloth, listen for a howler, notice a boa curled upon a tree. The descriptions and pictures can't equate to the reality. All of your modern creature comforts in paradise, away from it all, and with a mere asking you can breeze away on a boat through the archipelago, kayak out to mesmerizing bird island, or just stroll forever along the beach. We've been all over the Caribbean, even lived in Central America. This piece of paradise and Gundula are a treasure. There really is no need to look further. You won't be disappointed, except for the fact that perhaps you didn't stay longer. We will be back. Next time, I hope for a month, at least me and our 4 year old jungle boy, who still blows kisses to Gundula and her sweet dogs most nights. And also, don't miss out on the massage - amazing, I promise.

Recommended for:Age 55+, pet owners, adventure seekers, sightseeing, tourists without a car, girls getaway, romantic getaway, families with teenagers, families with young children.

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Helpful votes: 3/3

5/5

Outstanding jungle/beach getaway in paradise

Guest: Tom (Grand Rapids, Michigan)
Date of Stay: 03/25/11 Review Submitted: 04/12/11

We stayed here for a full week - an amazing bargain at the rates Gundula and Dave are offering. The house itself is clean and well-furnished - there is a big front porch with hammocks, chairs, and a big dining / cards table, where you can just sit and enjoy the sound of the ocean, the monkeys and tropical birds. The bathrooms and bedrooms were great, and it's easy to forget that the entire house uses solar power and has its own water system. This house lets you stay in the jungle and still have creature comforts. The property that the house overlooks is amazing - It is a large property with tropical plants, coconuts, and a long beach front. A short walk gets you to a beautiful tropical beach with a freshwater lagoon. You can swim in the 80 degree ocean, then cool off in the lagoon, or just lay on the beach with a good book. The other great thing about staying at this house is that there is no internet or (if you are on a CDMA cell phone network) no cell phone service. Some people see this as a drawback, but why would you go on vacation if you can't get away from it all? Gundula and Dave are excellent hosts, and have a lot of great information about Bocas Del Toro and things to do if you stop in Panama City. It's a place that really lets you get away from everything and recharge your batteries. If you want to have a more active vacation, there are a lot of recreational opportunities available. We took a boat trip with a local tour guide where we viewed dolphins, sloths, and howler monkeys, and we did some great snorkeling on the coral reefs in the archipelago. We also did a horseback ride through the jungle with a local tour guide, sea kayaking, and watched the locals race boats in Bastimentos. If you want to have a night out on the town, you can rent a room in bocas town for a night and go to one of the local bars built on stilts over the water. Overall, I would definitely recommend staying here. It lets you and your family get away from facebook, twitter, email, and phone calls, and really just reconnect, while providing abundant opportunities for recreational activities in the jungle, on the beach, and in the water.

Recommended for:Age 55+, adventure seekers, sightseeing, tourists without a car, girls getaway, romantic getaway, families with teenagers, families with young children.

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Helpful votes: 2/2

5/5

The ultimate nature experience with all the comforts of home!

Guest: Ginna (Raleigh, NC)
Date of Stay: 01/28/11 Review Submitted: 02/10/11

The benefits you receive for the distance you must travel to arrive at this house are totally worth it. You may have your doubts as you traverse the dirt road upon arrival, but the house comes with access to a delightful stretch of nearly private beach; and the insight gained by having hosts as knowledgeable about the local ways as Gundula and Dave is priceless. We were welcomed as guests instead of tourists; and were even invited to join them at a birthday party for some local twins who were turning 70. If you are looking for nightlife, this is not the place for you, but if you are into making you own action, cooking meals, reading in a hammock while listening to the ocean, and getting out once or twice a week for boating, snorkeling, and island exploration- this place will fit you nicely. Make your own nightlife sitting by a fire on the beach or watching a movie on your laptop- there is no TV here. All of the other comforts of home are provided: hot showers, full kitchen, clean linens, and comfortable beds. Bugs are not an issue as the beach is breezy, the jungle is cleared on the property, and it is beautifully maintained. There are plenty of areas to walk around and explore the birds and animals if you can find them. Gundula checked on us regularly to make sure our needs were met; and at the same time, was respectful of our privacy. Highlights of our stay included: exploring the gardens and partaking of the fresh bananas, arugula, papaya, pineapples, and coconuts that grow here, cooling off in the peaceful lagoon that connects with the ocean, drinking coffee on the porch in the morning and watching the parrot couples fly by, boating 10 min. to Swan’s Cay to see Tropix birds that (in the whole wide world) are only found here, and walking on the beach with the dogs finding seashells and coral pieces. We would definitely return, given the opportunity.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, sightseeing, tourists without a car, romantic getaway.

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Helpful votes: 4/4

5/5

Fantastic Tropical Getaway

Guest: Kristin (Northern CA)
Date of Stay: 01/12/11 Review Submitted: 02/09/11

Stayed with our family of five, children ages 18, 14, and 9 in mid-January 2011. The house is remote, but that is what we wanted. The house was kind of dark inside, but gorgeous, because everything was hand-crafted and natural wood and tile. BTW: ample water and towels. All the shutters (even the doors are shutters) open to an enormous panoramic view of the garden down to the Caribbean Sea and Bird Island. Never tired of looking at that view. The grounds are stunning and there are edible foods growing on it. We stayed there for six nights. What did we do? We practiced the art of doing nothing and cooked wonderful meals together, hiked to a restaurant, body-surfed and kayaked in the rough waves (at that time of year), did a snorkel day trip, read in the hammocks, wrote in our journal, played games and went to town for a second run of groceries. The owners are sincere and helpful. Their dogs are scary looking, but friendly and fun to have around. Animals (sloths, vine snake, frogs, geckos and parrots) were visible from the porch so bring your binoculars and camera. If you want pristine surroundings, peace and quiet, this place is truly awesome.

Recommended for:Age 55+, adventure seekers, tourists without a car, girls getaway, romantic getaway, families with teenagers, families with young children.

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Helpful votes: 4/4

5/5

Casa Manana is Beautiful Secluded Beachfront Paradise

Guest: My Pink Lawyer (Gulf Breeze, FL)
Date of Stay: 12/18/10 Review Submitted: 01/09/11

My husband, 2 kids (ages 9 & 11) and I stayed at Casa Manana the week before Christmas 2010. It was just what we were looking for--a private beachfront paradise to get away from the world and "unplug" for a while. It was the perfect paradise to unwind and spend time together as a family without the distractions of computers or cell phones. We played lots of board and card games, played on the beach, took jungle hikes and snorkeling trips. Our hosts, Gundula and Dave, were wonderful. Gundula is very knowledgable about the local habitat and taught my kids so much. They can't wait to go back! I highly recommend this house if you truly are looking to get away in a beautiful Carribbean paradise. Be prepared to disengage from the world for a while. It will still be there when you return--I promise!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, romantic getaway, families with teenagers, families with young children.

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Helpful votes: 4/4

5/5

Amazing Family Vacation

Guest: jenn (Boise, Idaho)
Date of Stay: 10/09/10 Review Submitted: 11/06/10

Our family had a wonderful time at Casa Manana. The kids played in the surf, looked for shells, and hiked through the jungle. Enjoyed laying in hammock on the beach, kayaking to Bird Island, bird watching, wildlife viewing, warm ocean, and relaxing with a drink. Dave and Gundula's house and property was fabulous...all the amenities of home surrounded by the beautiful and natural enviroment of Panama. Dave and Gundula were great hosts and very helpful. Can't wait to return for another vacation! Jenn & Dave of Boise, Idaho

Recommended for:Age 55+, adventure seekers, tourists without a car, girls getaway, romantic getaway, families with teenagers, families with young children.

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Helpful votes: 4/4

5/5

A little slice of heaven!!

Guest: Sue and Stan (Boise, Idaho U.S.A.)
Date of Stay: 10/08/10 Review Submitted: 11/06/10

When our accommodation plans for our Panama holiday fell apart we were referred to the Hofers and "Casa Manana". We met a new friend and a wonderful host in Dave Hofer, and were sorry his wife was in the USA since everyone told us she is the epitomy of a gracious hostess! Dave met us at Bocas del Toro airport. He had pre-arranged transportation for us and a grocery buying stop. We spent a lovely week at their beautiful home..our own little piece of rainforest, jungle, tropical flowers and an impeccably groomed Caribbean beach. The entire property was pristine and wellmaintained. Dave brought us fresh bananas, coconuts and passion fruit and introduced us to his neighbours, parrots and monkeys. He arranged a fishing and sightseeing boat trip where we snorkeled, waded in star fish pools and watched dolphins close up. We found the elusive red frog (with the help of small local Indian boy who befriended our grandsons) on the beach where Survivor was filmed. We would SO recommend the Hofers and Casa Manana at Bocas del Drago to anyone visiting Panama. We loved our visit, every day..the beach, the ocean,the home...a thrill for all ages..our little boys are 5,3 and 1 and they had as much fun as both generations of adults. it was a memorable family vacation. Thank you...we miss you and your warm weather!! Sue and Stan Fornander, Boise, Idaho USA

Recommended for:Age 55+, pet owners, adventure seekers, sightseeing, tourists without a car, girls getaway, romantic getaway, families with young children.

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Helpful votes: 3/3

5/5

A tranquil get away

Guest: Adventure Family (Hong Kong)
Date of Stay: 07/23/10 Review Submitted: 08/14/10

We are world travelers coming from Asia for the fist time to Central America. Casa Manana provided a get-away-from-it-all experience for our family with 4 kids (age 15, 13, 11, and 6). With no internet, TV, phones, it was pure family time with beautiful grounds, private beach, beach bonfire, and tree climbing fun. Gundula and Dave are gracious and thoughtful hosts who made our stay very comfortable and much more rewarding with sightings of Howling Monkeys, Leather back turtles, and even Lion Fish hunting! Thank you.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, tourists without a car, families with young children.

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Helpful votes: 4/4

5/5

Island paradise

Guest: worldtraveler (Ann Arbor, MI USA)
Date of Stay: 07/22/10 Review Submitted: 07/22/10

I've been to a lot of places around the globe, but this is the most beautiful I have ever been to. Maybe its watching the monkeys jump from tree to tree from the back porch. Maybe its the gorgeous sunsets, or having bonfires on the beach, the walks to the cold refreshing fresh water lagoon or taking a boat ride to see wild dolphins playing. Gundula and Dave you guys have what feels like one of the last pure places left in the world. Thanks for letting us stay with you, and tell Strider and Kenya everyone said hello!

Recommended for:Pet owners, adventure seekers, sightseeing, tourists without a car, girls getaway, romantic getaway, families with teenagers, families with young children.

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