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

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.

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!

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.