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About
5.0
#1 of 1 hotels in Bluff Beach
Location
4.7
Cleanliness
4.9
Service
4.9
Value
4.8
Intimate beach resort located on one of Bocas' most gorgeous and unspoiled beaches in front of the warm Caribbean ocean with a lush jungle backdrop, just 20 minutes by car from Bocas Town on the main island. Island Plantation offers Deluxe-King and Twin rooms with Bali-style bathrooms and terraces all surrounding our tiled, in-ground pool ad all with beach views, on-site fine dining restaurant, Italian Pizza restaurant and the famous Beach Bar RIGHT ON THE BEACH, shuttle, and an ocean view jungle yoga platform with stunning views of the sea and jungle.
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Quiet
Trendy
Languages Spoken
Spanish
Location
Playa Bluff Road, Bluff Beach, Isla Colon Panama
Island Plantation
410 reviews
Getting there
Somewhat walkable
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travelers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
My wife and I stayed here for a few nights while working our way through the different islands of Bocas del Toro, everything about our stay here was outstanding. Agustin greeted us upon arrival. checked us in, gave us a tour of the entire property and was always available for anything we needed. His customer service and attention to detail was much appreciated. The grounds and property are beautiful and well maintained. The beach was perfect for long walks on beautiful sand and quick swims in between some incredible waves. We stayed in one of the Luxury Beachfront Suites named Jasmine which was an AMAZING space. No A/C necessary, cool breezes and cool ocean sounds all night long - we both slept like babies every night. Great breakfast in the restaurant every morning, great bar and drinks at the beach, the hand tossed brick oven pizza we had every afternoon as a snack before dinner was delicious and the service from everyone all around at Island Plantation was five stars. We also appreciated the location as there's a few great restaurants within easy walking distance of the resort for anyone who wants to venture out for dinner a night or two and check out something local and different. Also worth mentioning is all of the cool frogs, birds and wildlife here, it's the perfect combination of jungle and beach. We highly recommend Island Plantation, we couldn't imagine anyone having anything less than an outstanding experience here!
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Date of stay: March 2020
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Island Plantation is a long, bumpy ride from Bocas, but it's worth the effort. The rooms are terrific with king-size, super-comfortable 4-poster beds, front and back porches all surrounded by lush jungle gardens. The pool is warm and lovely and the beach is just a few steps away. We had all our meals there and each one was a delight. The staff is gracious and helpful. This is a quiet place with no planned activities and the beach is not safe for swimming much of the time. We had 1 sunny day and 2 cloudy/rainy days there, so would have appreciated a yoga class or a nature walk or some activity run by the resort since it is in a fairly isolated area. Nonetheless, it was the perfect place to "chill out" at the end of a long vacation trip for us.
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Date of stay: February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We spent two (2) nights at Island Plantation in June 2021. The grounds are absolutely incredible and something you would see out of a tourism guide. The caretaker, Choco, met us and showed us to our room and was available throughout our stay for any needs or questions we might have. Although the road to get to Playa Bluff is exceptionally rough (~20min each way, $15 cab fare), once you made it to Island Plantation you felt like you were in a completely different world.
Although none of the restaurants were open during our stay because of covid, we hope to one day return and enjoy the full atmosphere of Island Plantation. It was a bit of a challenge to find food since many of the hotels/restaurants in Playa Bluff are closed - make sure you WhatsApp ahead before you depart Bocas Town. Breakfast was served on site every morning!
Overall, Island Plantation was one of the most beautiful boutique hotels we have ever stayed in. Highly recommended!
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Date of stay: June 2021
Value
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We were privately (not commercially) together with our daughter in Panama over Christmas and New Year. New Year's Eve at Island Plantation. Bluff Beach and the surroundings there were really wonderful. A dream beach like out of a picture book.
A very beautiful and well maintained complex. The food in the restaurant was very good. The hosts were very friendly and courteous. On New Year's Eve we had dinner there. The ravioli and tuna sushi were delicious. Also the desserts were all excellent. Breakfast was always a perfect start to the day. A small buffet with fruit, small pastries, coffee, tea and juices. The rest is ordered according to the menu and individual taste (see photos) You immediately get the impression that everything is done to make the guest feel comfortable. The hosts are always present and take care that everything runs very smoothly. The team is also very attentive and helpful. The prices also for the wines and other drinks are reasonable. We would recommend this place to any friend and will surely be there again this year. Many thanks to you and your team. We will see you soon again.
Nicole & Oliver
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Date of stay: January 2020
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from R7198NOchristopherb, Owner at Island Plantation
Responded Jan 13, 2020
Dear Nicole and Oliver, Hello and once again Happy New Year from all of us at Island Plantation! Thank you so much for your wonderful and positive review! We are thrilled that you and your daughter had such a great time at Island Plantation, the Terrace Restaurant and BomBom Beach Bar. I have passed on your inspiring comments to our team as truly, they really do make Island Plantation what it is. We are also working with James, our amazing Executive Chef, to offer even more delicious food choices for breakfast, lunch and dinner which should be on the menu shortly. We are also partnering with one of the largest wine distributors in Panama City to bring a greater selection of wines to Bluff Beach! Positive comments such as your really do motivate all of us here at IP to keep doing what we do in the hopes that all guests have a truly happy and memorable experience! Once again, thank you so much for staying with us at IP, and we sincerely look forward to your return! Biggest hugs, Christopher- Owner Island Plantation Resort Bluff Beach, Bocas del Toro Republic of Panama
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
The staff were all excellent, from checkin to checkout. This was our 5th accommodation on our trip in Panama and we were ready to stay and relax in one spot for 5 days. Island Plantation was perfect for this. We had all our meals in the restaurant and each was satisfying.
Coffee and fresh fruit was also available in the morning at a self service area along with menu items. Lunch items were served at the Bom Bom Beach restaurant.
The pool was perfect when the surf was too strong. We stayed in a beach front bungalow. Beds were comfortable, rooms very clean, great shower and bathroom. No AC but fans kept the room decent for sleeping along with breeze from the ocean.
Also communication prior to checkin with Herolf was excellent, he provided advise and responded to all our questions promptly.
Remember this is not an all inclusive resort. This is an eco property and is in an area where nature is still number 1. For us that along with the staff is what made it so good.
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Date of stay: February 2020Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This place is a gem. A destination resort on the edge of the jungle, on the beach, on a tropical island. It is designed in a Balinese, Island theme that is tasteful and serene. The rooms are large and the beds are comfortable. Love the open air, screened in bathroom that overlooks the jungle. There is a spectacular open air yoga studio with mats, on top of the hill. The pool is warm, but just cool enough to be refreshing. The restaurant serves good meals and drinks at reasonable prices. There is no reason to leave. I have been looking for a place like this ever since Kona Village closed in Hawaii.
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Date of stay: January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Seriously perfection. Greeted immediately by the sweet manager Chaco who eased us into the experience. The property is zen like and well tended. The pool and lounge areas are gorgeous. The room was stunning-canopy bed, artisan furniture, everything you need down to rainbow umbrellas for afternoon rain spells. Then you have the idyllic beach 20 meters in front of you with their restaurant serving you exactly what you need. We will be coming back again soon to relax and recharge. Thank you Island Plantation for giving us the perfect vacation!
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Date of stay: August 2022
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The Island Plantation was truly one of my favorite hotel experiences ever. From the moment we arrived, we were greeted by the kind staff. Herolf was also there when we arrived, and we also met his husband Chris who was just as welcoming and kind.
The property itself is indescribable. Our room was spotless, quiet and the bed was incredibly comfy. There is not one single thing about this place that isn't great - the beautiful pool, amazing restaurant (including the complimentary breakfast) & the beach club.I didn't want to leave! Don't think twice - book this place! It is pure perfection.
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Date of stay: January 2020
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from R7198NOchristopherb, Owner at Island Plantation
Responded Jan 7, 2020
Dear Zae123, Hello and sunny greetings from Island Plantation! Wow!!! Thank you so, so much for your positive and kind words! Me, Herolf and the entire team are so happy you enjoyed your stay with us! I will be sure to inform the entire team of your experience as reviews such as yours makes the job not only worth it but also fun! As you already know, Herolf is very detail oriented, so we try to ensure the “little things” all add up to one big one: that is that you, our guests have a memorable and enchanting experience. Currently we are offsite (taking a couple days to recharge) but we are also taking this time away to plan some new things (increased breakfast, lunch and dinner options, upgrading amenities, etc.) so that Island Plantation can offer an even better experience. Once again, thank you SO much for your kind words. I can’t stop smiling! Sincerely, Christopher, Herolf and the entire IP Team
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Island Plantation is a bit of heaven. Bluff Beach is golden sand, clean and idyllic. The hotel rooms are big, airy and very comfortable with huge king beds, fresh flowers, canopies and at least 2 outdoor spaces if not 3. The pool is super clean and warm. Breakfast at Bom Bom beach bar is an incredible way to start your day having coffee and made to order breakfast while watching the ocean. Herolf and Chris have made this hotel a beautiful relaxing experience.2
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Date of stay: March 2023Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Room Tip:If your ideal vacation is barefoot and laidback this is the place
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Christopher Bybee, Owner at Island Plantation
Responded Mar 20, 2023
Dear Relax, Wow! Thank you so much for your kind words! We are so happy you enjoyed your stay and that the team took such good care of you. I will definitely pass your review on to the team, as they really are passionate about their work and it’s guests like you that affirm and acknowledge their hard work. Again, thank you so much and we sincerely hope to see you back at IP soon! Hugs, Christopher and Herolf
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We went to Bom Bom Beach looking for a perfect location for my daughter and her fiancé to Propose. We found PARADISE in Paradise, what a great location. The hotel is beautiful, and the beach is amazing, We fell in love immediately with the location. My future son in law and I thought it was the perfect location. We set up the after proposal celebration with Jesus the Supervisor, who was amazing, he was so professional and attended to our every need. From flowers, to cake, to food, to the champagne, to the atmosphere, service etc, him and his staff made sure everything was perfect for my daughter and her fiancé and family to celebrate the engagement after the proposal. I want to thank them from the bottom of our hearts for such an amazing treatment and excellent customer service. We look forward to coming there again, and we recommend this amazing and beautiful place to anyone! You won’t regret it.
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Date of stay: January 2020Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HI....there are no water taxis close to this property.....you will need to use a truck taxi or local shuttle down to another location on the coast....or back to town if you want to go to another island by water taxi. Have fun!
Los Angeles, California25 contributions12 helpful votes
Eric's reply is great- the only thing I would add is sometimes the flights can get delayed in and out so don't plan any international flights too close to your Air Panama Bocas flight. Our last trip there the 6pm flight didn't leave until 9pm (so we walked into town and had dinner). From what I hear this is a common occurance. Plus you have to drive from Panama City airport (PTY) to small domestic Albrook Airport on the other side of Panama City so depending on traffic that can take 30 min to over an hour. So just don't book your international and domestic flights close together. We always fly in and enjoy Panama City (Casco Viejo- 'Old Town' is fun) for the night then take the Bocas flight the next day (try to arrive in daylight to Bocas since you'll want to see it all flying in and driving to resort). Then we plan a night in Panama City again before our international flight back just in case there are flight delays or cancellations.
There are more places to choose from in the Bluff Beach area.
PRICE RANGE
$157 - $186 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
PanamaBocas del Toro ProvinceIsla ColonBluff Beach
NUMBER OF ROOMS
10
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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