This is one of the very few places actually on the beach, and what's more, it's on Boca del Drago, Isla Colón's prettiest. You're a fair piece from town, but that can be a good thing, especially in light of the waves lapping at your door and the killer sunsets out this way. Full Lonely Planet Review ›

Pulling up to the porch dock that serves as Casa Acuario's welcome mat, you'll see why they named it "Aquarium House" - the crystal blue waters here teem with tropical fish. Short of pitching a tent on Cayos Zapatillas, you'll be hard pressed to find accommodation that takes such… Full Lonely Planet Review ›

Bright, airy and spacious, with good facilities and great prices, this new place on a rise above the shoreline of Bastimentos is on track to become the island's preferred backpacker place. Stay here now and beat the rush. Full Lonely Planet Review ›

Hotel Angela is a perennial seaside favourite in a quiet section of Bocas town. The problem is, it's so popular, you might not be able to get one of the better upstairs rooms with balcony or view. Full Lonely Planet Review ›

Hidden behind gorgeous flowering tropical vines is this belle of Bocas, housed in a 1910 wooden building with all the Caribbean trimmings - wrapround porch, sea breezes and intricately carved transoms. If you smoke the evil weed, look elsewhere: the entire property here is non-sm… Full Lonely Planet Review ›

Like a beacon for sailors (or better yet, surfers) at sea, the new Hotel Olas shines bright yellow from the southern tip of Bocas town. It's a beautiful three-story wooden affair built on stilts and is a magnet for travellers looking for simple comfort with great seaside atmosphe… Full Lonely Planet Review ›

This small hotel capitalises on an interesting location on Isla Carenero that marries privacy and placidity - an uncommon coupling around Bocas. It's also Panamanian-run, another rarity for mid-range (let alone top end) hotels in this ex-pat playground. Full Lonely Planet Review ›

Intimate and wild. Comfortable, classy and thoroughly enchanting. Thoughtful, thought-provoking and truly sustainable. Can tourist accommodation really deliver on all this? We had our doubts until the boat slipped between the mangroves, dropping us on the winding wooden path to L… Full Lonely Planet Review ›

Catering to a specific niche - baby-faced surfers and backpackers from El Norte - this place is killer if you fit it, less so if not. Be ready for basic accommodation, sand in the bathroom and all-night parties at the raucous bar. Full Lonely Planet Review ›

While calling this a 'club & resort,' is a bit of a stretch, this new place has some unique features that will be attractive to travellers - especially those with kids. For starters, it's got a delicious pool (perfect for laps), and faces a clean, calm strip of beach. Full Lonely Planet Review ›

You'll see people in the Bocas airport returning from their stay at Punta Caracol - they're the ones floating on air, with the uncontrollable blissful smiles. This place is designed for serious relaxing (there are no TV, radios or computers), eating well and exploring the island… Full Lonely Planet Review ›