Frangipani Island Bocas del Toro, Panama
Renovated
2023
Price
$$$$
Outside the door
The brand
NayaraOverwater bamboo hideaway
Speedboats cross Dolphin Bay to a private island where wooden boardwalks wind through quiet mangroves and over shallow coral reefs.
“guests live amongst the mangroves in overwater bungalows reminiscent of those in Bali.”
Where it shines
Remarkable
Bamboo treehouses crafted from reclaimed canal hardwoods join overwater villas framed in hand-carved Balinese woodwork.
Remarkable
Dedicated island staff provide private speedboat transfers, custom marine excursions, and seamless in-villa open-air dining.
Notable
An elevated overwater sandy beach, mangrove kayak trails, coral reef snorkeling, and guided bioluminescent night swims.
What they say
Two Michelin Keys
Michelin
Also in Condé Nast Traveler and AFAR.
Bocas Bali’s private-island setting means it’s a blissfully private escape, and the experience, in its low-tech immediacy, is just what the modern traveler needs.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Set on Isla Frangipani, the retreat looks out across Dolphin Bay with calm channels leading into Bastimentos National Marine Park.
The rooms
Overwater villas feature glass floor panels and carved Balinese woodwork, while towering bamboo treehouses conceal copper tubs in the canopy.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
A 70-foot freshwater lap pool sits bordered by chevron timber decking and canopied daybeds.
The spa
Massage pavilions sit tucked into the mangrove canopy, and treatments can also take place out on private villa decks.
Restaurant
The Elephant House
Set on an overwater pier, this century-old Balinese timber hall serves fresh Caribbean seafood on a nightly rotating menu.
Airy villas hover over the water, bamboo tree houses stretch into the sky, and a maze of trails winds around more than 80 acres of mangroves…
At the table
Coral Café serves casual poolside bites, and Tipsy Bar pours drinks along the elevated overwater sand deck.
How it began
The solar-powered island runs entirely off-grid, utilizing rainwater systems and canal-salvaged hardwoods dating back hundreds of years.
Good to know
Stay here
Nayara Bocas del Toro
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Bocas del Toro
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.