One Unique Island Escape in Bocas de Toro, Panama

It’s a must do! Very relaxing. Off the grid with a wonderful hostess and those monkeys! Treat yourself to the spa and relax on this private mangrove.

Our stay at Urraca Private Island is the most awesome, memorable lodging experience we’ve had (and that’s saying a lot, because we travel frequently and have had many fantastic experiences). The place is amazing, kind of a cross between Swiss Family Robinson, Robinson Crusoe, and a high end Africa-style resort with adventure amenities like kayaks. And monkeys! This is the only place we know of that enables us to directly interact with sweet monkeys, even having one jump on our shoulders. The lodging is very comfortable (with steps to the water right off our deck, as well as an outdoor shower!), the food is excellent, staff is great, and there were surprisingly very few of the itchy no see-ums that are so common in this region. This setting allows you to meet and share the dinner table with your fellow travelers (great stories!), or dine on your own. The owner, Francine, is amazing. She has incredible life stories and her passion for the monkeys, the area, and her guests’ comfort is remarkable. We’re so happy we stayed here, and plan to come back because once was not enough!

Francine and her team have created a magical place!! Francine welcomed us in and ensured we had a faboulous stay. She has created a special place and the whole experience was like no other. She and her team were incredible. You can't not feel relaxed. The cabins were clean and very nice. The food not only tasted incredible, the presentation was amazing. Each staff member went out of their way to ensure we were taken care of. The monkeys were beautiful - and so well looked after. The whole experience was fantastic. We look forward to returning! Thank you Francine.

My husband and I have always tried to find adventure and relaxation in our travels. This particular spot may have ruined us for the rest of the world. Francine saw to our every need. We now adventure travel with our 4 yr old girl and 8 yr old boy. When we arrived - starfish galore, a monkey climbing into my little girl's lap, a natural fish nursery - with no need for snorkel equipment. Fresh Noni juice, a chef brought in special for us - lobster almost everynight ( if we wanted it) and travels to private beaches were just the more mundane activities provided. I am a fiber artist and wanted to desperately learn from the Ngobe women there. This was arranged. We spent 2 days at their house - learning from each other. Our children laughing and playing with theirs. Comfortable nights, great hostess and wonderful learning experience. I wish many of you to experience this magical place and leave as I did with tears running down your cheeks.

I spent two weeks at Urraca. This was a fantastic vacation, a mix between the Amazon and the Caribbean, between the adventure and tranquility. My bungalow has direct views of the ocean where I could see dolphins. The food was excellent. Francine, the owner is very nice and shared his passion for his corner of paradise. She also has a funny pet monkey named Touti, he is very cute ... I recommend you to go on the island of zapatillas, the paradise and also a fantastic excursion Baya Azul. I had the chance to meet Indian Ngobe, and to know more about their way of life .. if you want to get out of the ordinary, without sacrificing comfort, Urraca is the place.