I was fortunate (and smart) enough to have taken friends' recommendations and make sure Bocas del Toro was a stop during my Panama & Costa Rica excursion. Though the main island is rather small, there was absolutely no shortage of things to do on the archipelago -- from jungle and beach excursions, to great restaurants & places to go out, to sporting and underwater adventures. Really, it was something new everyday. And the Casa Bocas guys only made this plethora of options that much more enjoyable and unmatched by any other tour guide. However, even with this excess of options, time to unwind was aplenty. Bocas is the kind of place that not only invites relaxation, but it demands relaxation. I find it's the perfect balance of both worlds. I, unfortunately, never actually got to stay at the Casa Bocas "big blue house" in my two weeks there because it was being built at that time. However, I made numerous trips to the work site to see the blood, sweat, & tears these guys put into building this house, which was enough to warm the heart of a proud mother from one equinox to the next. Once you realize that on the plane to and from Bocas (to and from Panama City), you can see this beautiful creation as if it's personally greeting and/or sending you off only makes your experience that much more surreal. If you're going to Panama or Costa Rica, Bocas del Toro is a must go. And the Casa Bocas house and boys is just frosting atop the delicious cake. Make it happen. You won't be sorry.

Somehow I had the privilege to make it down to what I ended up calling "the large blue house" in Bocas for an entire month. I immediately became fond of the town. Everything was within walking distance downtown; bars, unusually good restaurants, and hostels for those of us who wanted to see some sun bleached hair, perpetual hangovers, and flip-flops of various colors. What I ended up enjoying most about the island was that although it was small it offered just about anything one would want on a vacation. You could go dancing all night if you wanted, or pay a friendly local to ferry you to a (somewhat) far-away island with almost no one on it, and enjoy a day of untouched sand without any other people. I was nervous soliciting strangers to take us to the middle of nowhere, but learned quickly that it was safe. Its their job. The Island can pretty much accommodate any mood you're in, which is great considering how accessible everything is. Lastly, the feel of the whole place is that it hasn't quite been exploited by annoying tourists (like myself) quite yet, so I felt like I was roughing it a bit, which made me seek out more adventure. We explored a vast cave that opened up on a secluded beach!- with a local guide.) The large blue house is on the water right outside of town, and we quickly became friends with the neighbors who were super friendly. The house is big, very cozy, and has that delicious caribbean breeze wafting through it at all hours. A true comfort for mellow lounging, or refuge after a long jungle hike.

There is no experience like that of Bocas del Toro. It's a true hidden gem in Central America. While tourists are starting to catch on, there is still a very raw, organic feel down there, and there is no better way to experience the authentic Bocas life than to stay at the casa Bocas and let these guys make all your activity arrangements for you. They have the in with all the locals and are adored down there. There's really no other way to "do" Panama, in my mind.