Carmen's Place

Your Home Away From Home
on Isla Bastimentos

Welcome Home to
Carmen's Place on Isla Bastimentos

Carmen’s Place is a family-style B&B run by Carmen and Marcel, a couple from the Netherlands who have called Isla Bastimentos home since 2016. Our B&B is located on the Caribbean Sea, just across the water from the Afro-Caribbean town of Old Bank on Isla Bastimentos in Bocas del Toro, Panama. We feature 5 rooms, daily breakfast, a dinner option on site, kayaks, and we are solar-powered and catch our water from the rain! Marcel is also a great fisherman and is ready to take you fishing in Bocas del Toro! Come and see what the Isla Bastimentos way of life is all about!

Property Gallery

Our Rooms

Carmen’s Place B&B on Isla Bastimentos features 5 total rooms immersed in the rainforest and just steps from the Caribbean Sea. We have 4 private rooms with queen beds and one private jungle cabin that sleeps 4 people.

Our Reviews

Jose angel S
Jose angel S
6 August 2022
LUGAR ESPECIAL CON GENTE ESPECIAL El destino nos ha llevado a este rincón del mundo donde confluyen una tierra espectacular con un alojamiento perfectamente integrado en el entorno y unos hospedadores, Carmen y Marcel que aunque parezca mentira están por encima de todo lo anterior. Gente especial que derrochan buen rollo, atenciones y cariño. Hacen de la estancia un recuerdo inolvidable. Muchas gracias
Alex C
Alex C
7 January 2022
A Truly Wonderful Experience My wife and I had the best time at Carmen’s place. Before we even arrived, Carmen ensured to get in touch and let us know how best to get to her place and to offer us to stay for dinner. Don’t think twice on accepting; Carmen is an amazing cook and it’s a great way to learn more about the area or other guests’ experiences and to also taste some amazing fish that Carmen’s partner Marcel catches nearly on a daily basis. We were also on our honeymoon and when Carmen found this out, she went above and beyond to make us feel welcome and so very special during our stay with her. Upon arrival we had champagne waiting for us, beautiful flowers from the jungle garden and a picture of us from our wedding day on our door, and she also then moved us into her jungle cabin for a few nights when it was available on day 2 of our stay. The views of the ocean and sounds on the jungle were truly amazing! It’s rare to find such kind and generous hosts such as Carmen and Marcel and we wouldn’t think twice about staying again. Alex & Pippa Xx
Meli
Meli
8 November 2021
great stay / lovely hosts / amazing food We had an amazing stay here. carmen & marcel made us feel so welcome and are such lovely hosts. we would definetely recommend this place and make sure to have dinner at this place. the food was absolutely extraordinary (food restrictions / diets were no problem). the breakfast was outstanding especially marcel‘s famous pancakes. thank you very much for this great experience!
James D
James D
23 April 2021
In search if the most romantic hideaway in Panama In search if the most romantic hideaway in Panama...ask for one of the treetop rooms at Carmen's Place high above the bay. You'll be enchanted by the feeling of seclusion, the breathtaking view of the archipelago, and the chance to see a live, wild, brown-throated, three-fingered sloth (bradypus variegatus)! Full-disclosure: I didn't stay at Carmen's Place. But, Marcel was generous enough to give me a personal tour. Honestly, he could charge for the tour. He and Carmen transformed a basic Caribbean residence into an off-the-grid marvel of ingenuity, creativity, and artistry. The treetop habitacions are cosy and have all the essentials. Bed, ceiling fan, indoor plumbing, and that awesome view. They are so perfect you won't want to leave! (Did I mention how romantic they are? 😉) But you'll want to leave, at least long enough to enjoy Carmen's kitchen magic. (I recommend the pumpkin soup if she's got it on the daily menu. Sensational!) The steps up to the treetops are steep, so be forewarned. However, as steep as they are, they are structurally sound and well built by master builder-in-residence, Marcel. The stairs are the closest to U.S. standards that I found in all of Bocas del Toro. So, hold on to the handrails and head on down to one of Carmen's creative meals. On the way notice how Marcel took care to avoid disturbing the natural lay if the land. Well, not quite completely undisturbed. He and Carmen planted some awesome flowering greenery for your enjoyment. There is a little stream of fresh water running under the landing. Stop for a moment to admire the rainwater collection system to the left just before you walk through Marcel's magical workshop. The workshop is the birthplace of many of the chairs, tables, and works of art that you'll find throughout the property. The workmanship and artistry of Marcel's creations are alone worth the price of admission...if they charged one! So, do leave your romantic room long enough to savor Carmen's cuisine and Marcel's masterworks! If you have any knowledge or interest in things electrical, ask Marcel about his off-the-grid solar installation. Is there no end to his talents? Volumes could be written, and have been written, about the things to do in Bocas del Toro. But, ask Carmen for recommendations. She loves Bocas and generously shares her favorite adventures. Stay at Carmen's (and Marcel's) Place. You won't want to leave. You'll want to come back!
RuudKok
RuudKok
22 March 2020
Best hosts ever! Thank you very much Carmen & Marcel for a wonderful stay. You have a lovely spot in paradise, and we really loved the atmosphere. The food is also very amazing, we felt so spoiled! See you next time, cause we’re definitely coming back!
sylvie300860
sylvie300860
18 March 2020
très bon établissement Superbe journée de pêche avec le mari de Carmen. Super logement dans la "cabane in the jungle". Logement exotique, équipé d'un hamac sur la terrasse :-) Carmen propose des repas le soir en tablées sympathiques avec les autres voyageurs;
Terry
Terry
14 March 2020
Friends, fishing, food and more What an amazing couple Carmen and Marcel just wonderful people. So accommodating, friendly and welcoming. The rooms are fresh and clean and food is great and we even had a chance to go out fishing with Marcel. I would recommend this place to everyone. Breakfast is always fresh and yummy. We also took advantage of the dinner that is offered twice while we stayed here. Carmen you are a wonderful cook. The property is nestled in a bay with the foliage all around you. We even saw a sloth outside of our window. Can't thank you both enough.
Lenesia F
Lenesia F
6 November 2019
A WOW plus more!! Most enjoyable time ever no matter the weather. Come rain or shine one would always have a great time. Super people with a superb passion for the hospitality industry. No request is too much effort for Carmen and Marcel . From breakfast time to coconut time and then some more and more! If you want rest or/and fun Carmen's Place in Panama is just perfect! This is where guests become family! Love Nidene the Super Sloth and Lenesia

Fishing Charters in Bocas del Toro

Marcel, co-host at Carmen’s Place, is one of the leading fishing charters in Bocas del Toro. He captains a 21′ Boston Whaler and can custom tailor each charter to fit your needs. Tarpon, Tuna, Mahi Mahi, Mackerel and more are on the menu! We will cook up what you catch for dinner at Carmen’s Place!

Fishing from Carmen's Place with Marcel

Things To Do In Bocas del Toro

map of old bank on isla bastimentos

Carmen’s Place is located just across the bay from the Afro-Caribbean town of Old Bank on a relaxed corner of the island. We are just a 1 minute water taxi from Old Bank where culture and good food abound. Isla Bastimentos is the largest island in the Bocas del Toro archipelago and is home to some of the area’s best beaches, surfing, hiking, and activities!

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