Our next destination was still in Bocas Del Toro - but some overwater villas that can only be reached by boat called Punta Caracol. We were collected from our accommodation at midday in a van, and taken to an obscure dock where we were directed onto a boat. 15 minutes later, we were greeted by all the staff, given the run down and taken to our room.

Whilst this is a honeymoon destination, we have scored a room next to a noisy family playing really loud Spanish music. They had all the gear...blow up toys for the kids, huge speakers for the music and a drone. In a place that positions itself in the market for peace and quiet and asks guests not to bring anything that will disturb others. Seriously? It was so loud getting their attention to turn it down wasn’t easy. But they did...thankfully. 

The lodges are in a beautiful location, but are quite rustic. There are dim lights, ceiling fans and hot water that run off 12 volt power but charging appliances can’t be done. And WiFi is only accessible at the restaurant. I do have phone signal in the room so we are not totally off the grid! Albeit I’m only getting one bar..

I call this camping actually - and to me it is...but Tim said I am being ridiculous.

We had a swim off our deck in the beautiful clear water, and then went to the restaurant for lunch. I was on the tail end of my tummy upset so I was able to eat about 1/3 of my meal, and now Tim isn’t feeling well so he ate very little too. At least we can chill for the afternoon in our villa!

The accommodation rate includes 3 course meals for dinner and the food is very good.

And then to bed! The villas themselves don’t have flyscreens so we have a mossie net around the bed. We were in bed at 8.40! 

We had a dreadful nights sleep. Not as bad as the River Kwai river rafts...but close! It was so hot! And our bedroom is on the 2nd floor and heat rises so I lost Tim to the downstairs couches at 4am. 

The next day was another beautiful day. We ate breakfast, and then relaxed in our villa. We then took a water taxi to Starfish beach, where, there are lots of starfish. This was a lovely spot to spend a few hours with beach chairs, beach restaurants and bars etc. We saw a couple of sloths, lots of starfish and had pina coladas that were half full of rum. Rum is cheap over here but we needed a nap when we got back! We also saw a dolphin on the 10 minute boat ride back to our villas.

More swims off our deck, checked the obligatory work emails, and it was time for dinner. Another 3 course dinner (but we declined the first course). There are only 9 villas here but 3 birthdays tonight...but they brought me out a lovely cake, and my babies had organised me a present and bottle of Sav Blanc so that was lovely. The couple at the next table are from San Francisco and had all 3 courses. They kept trying to give us food to taste but we had enough food! 

Tim and I decided to sleep downstairs tonight - it’s a few degrees cooler down there - and I can’t hear the critters crawling over the thatched roof (or perhaps under it near my head) so that’s a good thing. It really is camping!

The next day, we didn’t have a flight to Panama City until 3.40....so we were hoping we would get a late checkout. Thankfully this was ok - so we chilled out for the whole morning on our water villa deck. In fact, the staff gave us free beers and a free lunch whilst we waited for departure.

We have enjoyed both Bocas Town and the water villa. It is a beautiful, and very chilled, part of the world - which is cheap with warm, clear water. The airport in Bocas is very basic but it did have aircon and free WiFi! While Punta Caracol got us to the airport, it is only a 10 minute walk from Bocas Town.