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Casa Selva del Mar: Traveler Reviews

Frente Mar (On the Water) | Isla Cristobal, Isla San Cristobal, Panama
Hotel amenities
Casa Selva del Mar
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27 reviews from our community

    Trip type
Traveler rating
    21
    5
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    0
    1
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Montreal, Canada
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
3 hotel reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
32 helpful votes 32 helpful votes
“A short boat ride to paradise....”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed October 6, 2012

Dear Trip advisor friends,

As I always write in my reviews, we are a couple in their early 30's and that want to be quiet and peaceful in our trips. We both work in high stressed jobs and want to get away from it all.

After three days spent in Panama city we drove to David to spend one night before heading up to Casa Selva Del Mar. We drove to meet Izzy at a private dock with arrangements made easy by Susan (Izzy and Susan both owner of the property).

We were greeted by Izzy at the dock with his boat and parking arrangements for our car had already been made. Once that was done we loaded our groceries in the boat towards the villa.

WOW!!!!!! WOW!!!! & RE-WOW!!!!

We have both traveled extensively and are quite used to renting places all over the world but Casa Selva Del Mar has a unique charm. Situated right across the town of Almirante and west of the main island of Bocas Del Toro this place is paradise....

Have you ever thought that Tom Hanks would have been in paradise in the movie Cast Away only if he had electricity, food, loved ones and a way to come and go..... This is the place where you will be charmed by a Cast Away feel but in 5-star accommodations.

From beginning to end we couldn't stop wondering how this place was possible... Solar power, water from the sky, and yet paradise every day.... Reading, cooking, watching DVD'S (thank you Susan) and if you want adventure in front of the villa; Sea Kayaks, Snorkeling in the reef, shopping in Bocas and more....


Really TripAdvisor friends..... This place is paradise..... If you want to party and be wild.... NO.

If you are a people who want a great retreat away from it all and be fascinated by the jungle, the sea and more while being in a 5-star house...... GO!!!!

The hosts are wonderful and we will definitely be back!!!!


I write this and it's been three weeks we've been back,,,,, It took me 3 weeks to get back in a city mode..... HAHAHAHA!

THank you Izzy & Susan!!!

David & Julie

  • Stayed September 2012, traveled as a couple
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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Ask David B about Casa Selva del Mar
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Cookeville, Tennessee
2 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
“Just what we wanted!”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed September 11, 2012

I have to second what other reviewers have said. Susan and Izzy have created a wonderful place by the sea. We truly marveled at what it took to build what they have on an island with no infrastructure. We loved every minute and could certainly have stayed longer. They are wonderful hosts. One or our favorite memories is of Izzy and Susan taking us and the guests from the other villa by boat on Sunday to a restaurant - only accessable by boat - for lunch. The place was packed - the food was great - and it was a really fun time. If you like to kick back, snorkel, kayak, fish and photograph, this is your kind of place.

  • Stayed August 2012, traveled as a couple
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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Ask estuber about Casa Selva del Mar
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Bristol, United Kingdom
Contributor
11 reviews 11 reviews
3 hotel reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
“Unique, fabulous and relaxing”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed February 5, 2012

We've never stayed anywhere quite like this place, with a large villa on the edge of the jungle overlooking palm-fringed waters, packed with amenities - full kitchen, large bedroom, hammocks on the balcony, TV and DVD player, free access to kayaks and snorkel gear to explore the reefs close to shore. Susan and Izzy did us a delicious and great value meal for our first night and were fun and friendly hosts, pointing out wildlife, helping us with the kayaks and Izzy even took us out on his sailboat for a few hours of relaxation and snorkeling! Just be aware that if you want to go to Bocas town you need to give your hosts plenty of warning as the only way back to the main island is in their boat (we thought we could get a water taxi but apparently it would have cost us hundreds of dollars). On arrival they'll take you to a great little deli so stock up on enough treats to see you through your stay and then just chill out and enjoy the island lifestyle!

  • Stayed September 2011, traveled as a couple
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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Ask VictoriaandAlex2011 about Casa Selva del Mar
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Georgia
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
5 hotel reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
“Our favorite accommodation in Panama”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed August 17, 2011

This is an awesome, relaxing and comfortable place to stay. Susan and Izzy have attended to every detail to create a perfect Villa overlooking the sea. Prior to arrival Susan sent a very informative and helpful email about what to bring, how to get to Almirante, where to safely park the car, etc. Her advice to bring bills no higher that 20.00 was especially helpful throughout our trip. Besides snorkeling Izzy took us out on his sail boat which made for a serene afternoon. Susan cooked both of our evening meals, each was delicious and generous. There is a lap top in the room. The well equipped kitchen had breakfast things; fresh fruit, juices, milk, banana bread, granola...everything that we could possibly need. This is a spot I can imagine returning to someday for a much longer stay. We could have taken a boat over to Bocas town for 'more action' but we were looking for quiet and peace which Casa Selva del Mar has in abundance. Thanks for a wonderful stay.

  • Stayed August 2011, traveled with family
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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Ask dornesdaughter about Casa Selva del Mar
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Bocas Del Toro, Panama
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
“Beautiful, peaceful serenity!”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 30, 2011

My spouse, my mother and myself spent 2 nights and 3 days at this beautiful location. Wonderful ocean views from all rooms. The rooms were well appointed and spacious. The queen size bed was super comfortable and the netting around the bed was very cozy and romantic.
Continental breakfast was provided, yogurt, cereal, fresh tropical fruits, several fruit juices, bread, butter, jam, milk, coffee and tea. Fully stocked kitchen.
The bathroom was very spacious with double sinks.
Wonderful breezes and ocean views. Access to the water. Beautiful reef directly in front of the dock. Wonderfully warm water and almost total seclusion.
Owners very friendly and helpful. Susan and Izzy provided a lovely meal on our second night there. Beautiful table settings and wonderful conversation.
Our hosts took us sailing and we spent many ours just swimming and snorkeling in the calm ocean.

  • Stayed May 2011, traveled with family
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
Was this review helpful? Yes 1
Ask lioness5000 about Casa Selva del Mar
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Bahia Del Sol
Great value on a similar hotel
Bocas Town, Isla Colon
4.5 of 5 stars 202 Reviews
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Additional Information about Casa Selva del Mar

Also Known As:
Casa Selva Del Mar Panama/Bocas Del Toro - Isla San Cristobal
Address: Frente Mar (On the Water) | Isla Cristobal, Isla San Cristobal, Panama
Region: Panama > Bocas del Toro Province > Isla San Cristobal
Amenities:
Kitchenette
Hotel Style:
Ranked #1 of 1 Specialty lodging in Isla San Cristobal
Price Range: $$
Official Description (provided by the hotel):
A private villa bed-and-breakfast on a rainforested island overlooking the sea. Located on Isla San Cristobal in the Bocas del Toro archipelago of Panama, 15 minutes from Bocas Town by boat. Two 1-bedroom solar-powered villas each with kitchen, luxurious furnishings, satellite TV, wireless internet. Each perfect for a couple, but can sleep up to 4. Coral reef 150 feet from shore, free use of snorkels, fins, kayaks. Owner lives on site nearby, service 24/7. ... more   less 

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