Al Natural Resort

Isla Bastimentos


This relaxed desert-island hideaway lends a bohemian twist to all-inclusive. If you love nature, it's sublime. Based on traditional Ngöbe-Buglé architecture, the seven driftwood-and-palm bungalows have an open design that delivers sea views – even from some toilets – and good swimming in tranquil waters. The hosts are uncommonly gracious, and the meals (including wine) are well prepared by the Belgian owner Vincent.

The center of the action is the two-story restaurant and bar with a chilled-out upstairs game room. Onsite, there's Bocas' only remotely located dive operator (two-tank dives US$120), and the resort loans kayaks to paddle out to choice snorkel spots. The fourth night is half-price and the seventh free. Militantly internet-free.

They also have an excellent small on-the-water lodging in Bocas town, ideal if you arrive too late to transfer.