www.casaserenitybythesea.com
Come experience the mellow vibes of Isla Bastimentos and the boat-centric lifestyle of Bocas del Toro, Panama. If you are chill, at least partially feral, seek adventure in an authentic place, and are up for a challenge to be submersed in a slice of rugged paradise…we’ll see you there.
At Casa Serenity By The Sea we have 3 waterfront Cabins built on a steep hillside. We have a natural staircase within the giant Mango tree roots which goes up the hill to access the cabins.
This is not a place for the weak of heart. There is a lot of hiking and there are no cars. This will not be for anyone with health or ambulatory issues. WATERPROOF HIKING SANDALS AND HEADLAMPS/FLASHLIGHT HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!! Rolling luggage is NOT RECOMMENDED as the walking path you will be on is partly unpaved. This public walking path runs along the seashore and is the main point of access to all the waterfront properties. Sometimes there are sections that can get quite muddy when it rains so be prepared!
Casa Serenity By The Sea: Reef House is a private, rustic waterfront Cabina on the Caribbean Sea. Located on Oceanside in Isla Bastimentos, Bocas del Toro. It has a 320 sq ft studio layout with a Queen size bed.
Our seaside property is bordered by smooth cobblestones and has crystal-clear water out front with a beautiful reef. There is wonderful snorkeling and (depending on swell direction and energy) surfing, but it is not a sandy beach. There are large boulders and coral out there...if you choose to surf here YOU NEED REEF BOOTIES!!! There is a visible, defined walk-out area to help easily enter the sea. Beautiful coral heads and sea life are abundant on the reef that lines Oceanside BUT PLEASE BE RESPECTFUL OF THE ENVIRONMENT!!! We have created a sandy beach on the property with 6 lounge chairs which is perfect for laying out and getting a tan or playing games down by the water! Our 34' sea-side deck with 6 rocking adirondak chairs is the perfect spot to watch the sunset!
The property is walking distance to boat taxis for other local surf breaks, and we are a 25min hike to the majestic Wizard Beach (which has excellent surf over soft sand and crystal clear water). We are next door neighbors with “The Firefly” which has excellent dining in a tropical setting on the water (but is seasonal, by reservation only, & cash only***). Other local restaurants & bars are right around the point in Old Bank. Chill in the hammock 70’ up on the front deck or in the hammock down by the water while listening to the lapping waves and tropical birds. The water is particularly clear in the “Off-Season” months of May, Sept-November. When the waves are down…the Snorkeling is UP!!! REEF BOOTIES & REEF/LOBSTER GLOVES ARE HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!! Multiple world class surf breaks on the nearby islands including Carenero Point and Paunch’s are visible from the property. Float your worries away out front while you watch epic sunsets in true paradise-style. The communal seaside hammock is on carabiners and can be removed for full, unobstructed use of the circular Meditation Clearing (we highly recommend doing this during your stay).
We have amazing natural sea breezes. We utilize screened windows as well as magnetic door screens to let the cabins breathe. Powerful fans have been installed inside and on the deck for comfort. We have AC units.
A full kitchen is available for cooking meals with options for electrical or gas powered. Tea kettle and French Press are available for making coffee. Dimmable lighting has been installed inside and out for ambiance. The mattress is 12" cooling gel memory foam accompanied by down pillows and 100% Bamboo linens. There is no closet, but we have a luggage table, floating shelves, coat hooks, and a driftwood branch for hanging clothes. There is a table and bench system for dining. Outside on the deck there is a full size hammock, hammock chair, and a small dining table and chairs set. The beautiful furniture is made from repurposed Nispero and locally grown/hand-hewn Black Laurel wood.
Go for a surf and get barreled in crystal clear water. Re-align yourself with nature in this very special place. Everything you really need is either right in front of you or a short boat ride away.
We have (4) 2600L rainwater collection tanks. These feed the faucets and showers (we have one indoors and one outdoors) and is 4x filtered for our drinking water. We have a septic tanks and do not flush anything but human waste. Bidets have been installed to reduce paper waste. We recycle.
***Our Caretaker, Yeison, is a Basti local who grew up and lives just minutes from Casa Serenity By The Sea. He can help schedule assistance with local knowledge, boat excursions, and carrying luggage. (Please keep this to a minimum. You should come with the mindset of bringing only what YOU can carry to Basti!) Please tip the locals well for their services!
There may be guests staying at "Tree Frog House" or "Sea Glass House" during your stay. The natural pathway/staircase is communal and you may run into other adventurous souls who have also chosen to spend their time in Paradise. It's completely up to you how much you interact with the neighbors, but you are certainly not obligated. The Meditation Clearing/Outdoor Hammock by the water is also communal.
Also...our property is surrounded by jungle foliage, but we do have neighbors. Please be respectful of their property and privacy. However, you will you will most likely find smiling faces with similar mindsets around you, and you may even meet a new friend!
We cohabitate with Gecko families. We love them very much, and they provide a wonderful service in return for their safe lodging. Please do not harm them. ***Our reptilian friends make it so that the term "spotless" is next to impossible to achieve. We have chosen to paint the interior of our cabins white to brighten them. However...white shows everything. We do our absolute best to keep the cabins as clean as possible...but if you are looking for "spotless" this will not be the place for you. This is the jungle...we have critters...and they make a mess sometimes.***
***Yes we have AC in each casita. They are small units which put out a limited amount of cold air. It is recommended for use only while sleeping and only if you "need" it. We have screened windows and screened doors which harness wonderful ocean breezes due to our geographical location. We also have powerful industrial strength fans installed inside and outside the casitas for comfort.***
***Wifi can be spotty in our remote location (especially during bad weather). NOT guarantee it will work full-time. If you work from your computer and must have reliable internet during your stay, we recommend bringing your own Starlink system.***
***We have 24hr video surveillance***
***The archipelago is connected to the mainland's power grid. However, the quality of the electricity is not as solid as the US or other first world countries. This can lead to phasing and other issues. Loss of electrical power may occur sometimes. However, it's usually back up in short order if it happens. Be advised that loss of power will affect the electrical water pump for the casita. We do have a generator for the worst case scenarios.***
***This is Old Bank...which is known for its vibrance and love of music. Sometimes they play it quite loudly! We are tucked away on the other side of the hill, but town is pretty close by. Enjoy the rhythms of the Caribbean as they drift across the island!***
Also…going to Bastimentos is like going to another world...This is Old Bank. 500 years of Afro-Caribbean culture and history resides here that is to be respected and admired. This mixes with the indigenous Naso Tjër Di & Ngäbe-Buglé tribes that have been here for thousands of years longer. The local dialect is Guari-Guari (a mix of Creole English Patois, Spanish, and Ngäbere), and no you won't understand it...but they speak Spanish and English as well. This is a small town with kids and free-range chickens and little lazy island pups roaming about. Terracing walking paths have been carved out of the hillside that the community have used for generations...this may put a spin on the ideology of "private property"...but it also connects the people to the island in a in a very grounded way. Be humble & be kind in this place.
***All 3 Casitas can be rented in tandem to hold larger groups.
