| Date | Rating | Comment
[Guest Comments: 18 positive, 0 negative]
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| 04/12/09 |
Positive
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If it is simplicity, tranquility, and beauty you seek, you will find it here at this magical water retreat. I stayed here for 5 days completely alone exploring my inner pirate. The water slapping against the rocks, tropical birds stopping by for a rest, and the occasional fish jumping reminded me of being out at sea on a sailboat. With absolutely no concern of time or responsibility I was able to tap into the incredible energy that this retreat emanates. The kitchen was piled high with the freshest tropical fruits, coffee, chocolate and rum, all local fare. If it was a lobster I craved Tavo the caretaker could have it to me in a few hours. Between yoga, books, journaling and snorkeling the colorful reefs, I was always entertained. I returned again a few weeks later with my boyfriend for another 5 days, he reminded me of how it felt like Thailand yet so much closer to home. I look forward to returning next winter to host a yoga/wellness retreat. Jon,Viki, Tavo, and Onilda treat you like they do their own family and will do what ever they can to accommodate your needs. As a single woman traveling alone I always felt safe and even left with several new friendships.
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Theresa, Asheville NC
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| 02/16/09 |
Positive
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This was an absolutely perfect place for our family with two grown sons. What an incredibly beautiful place; so quiet, peaceful, and private. All four of us thoroughly enjoyed it. We swam, snorkeled, kayaked, and fished right off the walkways, enjoyed wonderful meals under soft evening breezes and glorious sunsets, and slept like babies to the sound of water lapping under the floorboards.
Tavo and Onilda were so sweet and took good care of us. Their little boy and his friends enjoyed hanging out with us and even took my sons fishing in their inflatable boat. Jon was a huge help in getting us organized with groceries and supplies.
Thank you for providing such a lovely spot to relax and contemplate the beauty of the area. |
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BJ Semmes, Atascadero, CA |
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| 06/29/08 |
Positive
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| Not sure how much I want to advertise this little piece of heaven on earth...but if you are ready to "be nowhere and do nothing" and feel spiritually connected, this is the place. Great snorkling, great fresh fish and lobster. We highly recomend spending some of your valuable time, here to re-coup, relax and enjoy your life. We will be back...soon we hope. I have more pics if anyone is interested. |
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Susi and Ken
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| 05/15/08 |
Positive
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| I stayed at Punta Laurel in January 2008, I needed some rest and relaxation and that is exactly what I found!! Viki and Tapio were incredible hosts who had an uncanny ability to sense when I desired company and when to honor my privacy. The food was prepared fresh and with a native touch...delicious!. My favorite memories are swinging in the hammock in the open breeze while reading books and being able to see all the stars at night. Punta Laurel is truly a place to reconnect with nature. I am looking forward to my return trip! |
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Barb Harkins, Portland OR
999-999-9999 |
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| 04/23/08 |
Positive
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| We had our wedding at Punta Laurel in April 2008. The place is litteraly a piece of heaven for any caribbean lover! The privacy of the location, the staff and the food made it an unforgettable event for our families, my wife and I. The only word that comes to mind when thinking of Punta Laurel is: PERFECT! Thank you Jon and Viki for all our attention and for throwing such an awsome party! |
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Vincent & Solanyi, Panama City |
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| 04/06/08 |
Positive
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Well, I guess the secret is out! We have had the
extreme pleasure of staying at PL on a number of
occasions. Each visit has only gotten better. If you
are looking for a genuine 'get away' from all of the
entrapments of modern life, while retaining your
creature comforts: This is the place. Tapio, Carol
and Viki make this the perfect experience. This is
paradise. |
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r f , NYC, NY
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| 03/27/08 |
Positive
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The owners have created a truly impressive water retreat at Punta Laurel. The photos made it look too good to be true but in fact it is too good to be true. Tapio and Carol, the managers are seasoned skilled and deeply caring people. Viki and Jonathan and others share credit for an ambitious and inspired creation.
This is also part of a truly beautiful project to work in harmony with native culture and habitat. Bless these people for their inspiration and for providing such a special experience for the five of us. Know that this is more than a vacation. It is a chance to experience and support a vanishing part of Earth's treasure.
Not a place to go if you want artifice.
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Anonymous, Holderness, NH |
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| 12/26/07 |
Positive
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| My wife and I spent our honeymoon out at Punta Laurel in early November. We were very fortunate to have the entire property to ourselves. It was an amazing experience! The property is all very well maintained. Tapio and Mendoza were great in helping us whenever we needed anything. Punta Laurel is by far the most unique, wonderful lodging we've ever stayed in! |
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John, San Francisco
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| 09/17/07 |
Positive
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| I spent 7 glorious days at Punta Laurel with my cousins in August. We didn't want to leave, and, in many ways, our hearts are still there. It's the most beautiful place we have ever visited (and we have traveled around!) Between the gentle lapping sounds of the water, the always-present breezes,and the fabulous meals, we were content, peaceful and happy. Tapio and Carole took very good care of us; their love for Punta Laurel shines through. Would we go back? We are counting the days.... |
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Chris Kennedy, New York, NY
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| 04/26/07 |
Positive
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My friends and I stayed at this beautiful retreat for
one week in March 2007. It was a magical and
wonderful experience I doubt I will ever have the
pleasure to experience anywhere else in the world.
Carol is the best cook in Panama, and Tapio in such
a great guide and person we loved them both.
There were no bugs! The owners are
environmentally conscious too. All the staff were as
friendly as we could have hoped. An awesome
experience! |
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David Brown, Santa Barbara, CA
805 962 3945 |
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| 04/26/07 |
Positive
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| Our stay at Punta Laurales was Awesome! I can't think of one negative thing to say about it. The accomodations, the food, and the boat tours were amazing. Our guide Tapio was not only knowledgeable about the area but also a really nice guy and his wife Carol cooked by far the best food I ate while on my month long tour of Panama. Overall an incredible experience. |
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Tim Lindemann, Santa Barbara, Ca
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| 04/24/07 |
Positive
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| Heaven, Heaven, Heaven. No words can describe the 5 star treatment in the middle of the ocean. Cheers to Bocas Beach Resort for creating the vacation and experience of a lifetime. VIVA PANAMA!! |
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Milo Quintero, New York, New York
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| 04/17/07 |
Positive
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| My friend and I stayed here for six nights and it was absolutely heaven. The pictures do not prepare you for what you will find here. If you really want to get away from it all, this is the place for you. The accomodations are the best. Get up in the morning, throw on your swim suit and dive in. The food! The food was without a doubt the best anyone could wish for;lobster,fresh caught snapper, johnny cakes, plantains, yampi,some things I had never heard of and it was all wonderful. I can't say enough about our vacation, it was the best I've ever had, Can't wait to go back! |
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Paula Gehres, Sacramento, Ca.
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| 04/09/07 |
Positive
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| I have traveled all over the world, including American Samoa, the South of France, Hawaii, Denmark, Finland, China and Hong Kong and have never enjoyed a vacation more than this. The accomodations are fabulous, the Indian Guide very informative and friendly. The people were warm and welcoming. But my favorite was the FOOD! I have never been more well fed in my life! We dined on fresh fruits, vegetables, fish, including lobster daily. It was all prepared by natives and delicious ! I WILL return again and again, and again ! Thank you ! |
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Anne Robinson, Modesto, California
(209)534-9019 |
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| 03/17/07 |
Positive
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| No more Mexico for me. The people in Bocas are the best and speak perfect English when my limited Espanol lets me down. Tapio, born and raised in Bocas, speaks several languages, has a degree in horticulture. He amazed me with his knowledge on any subject and some of the best experences in Bocas began in the morning when Tapio greeted me with "Senior, what would you like to do today?" BEST VACATION EVER!!!!! |
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john townes, steamboat springs, co
970-879-5521 |
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| 03/11/07 |
Positive
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We stayed at Punta Laurel for a week at the end of February, and we had relaxing and fun experience there. First of all, Punta Laurel is unique in that is built around a rocky boulder jutting out of the water and its completely surrounded by the azure water of the bay. The dining hall is large,palm-thatched, and open-aired in order to get a panormanic view of the bay and surrounding islands. The cabins are small but comfortable, and some even have swim ladders attached to them. One of the major highlights of Punta Laurel is the opportunity to go snorkeling just several yards from the docks and seeing a variety and abundance of fishes, corals, and other marine life. Overall, Punta Laurel is a unique and beautiful place where what you do - whether it be snorkeling, swimming, or just sitting around the dining hall to talk with friends and family - will leave memories to last a lifetime.
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Charley and Bob Elias, Rye Brook, New York
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| 03/07/07 |
Positive
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| I have been to vacation resorts all over the world but none compares with Punta Laurel for sheer relaxation and get away from it all pleasure.You can be truly alone with your friends and family or you can take a short boat trip over crystal clear blue water to Bocas for a rousing good time in the restaurants and bars there.Yuo can buy lobster,squid and fish from the natives that they just cuaght and at very modest prices.Fresh fruit is abundant and Punta Laurel has all the amenities to make for a comfortable and relaxing stay.If you don't go down there you are missing a truly great experience. R.B.Davis |
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Russell Davis, Richmond,Va.
804-614-4972 |
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| 02/21/07 |
Positive
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We stayed for a week at Punta Laurel in April 2005, and had a wonderful time. The private secluded island was very restful, comfortably appointed, and well stocked. We had access to the "Yemaya" speedboat everyday, and Tapio took us to many beautiful places. His wife Carole cooked delicious lobster and local fish dishes for dinners, and fresh fruit for breakfast. I would recommend Punta Laurel, and the other properties operated by Bocas Tai Chi for family groups, couples or corporate retreats.
We enjoyed our time on Punta Laurel so much that we are booked to return again this April, 2007. Larry and Maggie Glueck |
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Larry Glueck, Steamboat Springs, Colorado
970-879-7560 |
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