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Fabulous vacation spot!!!!!
The house is just beautiful and well-designed, with glass walls all around, raised decks and separate buildings for the master bedroom, additional bedrooms and for the kitchen and common area. It is completely off-grid solar with generator backup, so it is necessary to keep the AC to a minimum (we only used it after dark and had the units set for 26 C), but with the breezes and the fans, we were always comfortable both inside and out (we live in NC though, and are accustomed to warmer weather). If you need to have the AC at 18 C and running all day, this isn't the place for you. It is slightly buggy (it *is* a rainforest!), but we only used bug spray one afternoon (we stayed 5 nights) when we ventured out to explore the island a bit. We found that at dusk the no-seeums would occasionally be bad enough to send us indoors, but most of the rest of the time, we were fine outside without covering ourselves in noxious smelling deet! The island is really spectacular, from dozens of different species of butterflies and moths, to geckos and howler monkeys (they really aren't terribly loud :) ) There are mango, lemon, coconut and avocado trees, and pineapple bushes. We were there when only the coconuts and lemons were available, but we enjoyed those! The hosts, David and Linda (and their son, Russell) were always helpful and available to answer questions or help with arranging for transport to other islands,etc. Speaking of transport - Victor, the boat captain - is great! He really knows his way around the islands and is a very experienced and careful navigator/driver. He took us out to see some hump-backed whales (a baby and mother!) and to a great snorkeling beach. I am a bit leery of small boats, especially when the water is choppy - but I absolutely trusted Victor. The only small negatives I can think of (which are easily fixed) would be a) more hammocks. We fought over the one that was there. I was very happy the day I got to it first, because as I was lazily reading and occasionally gazing at the butterflies, I suddenly noticed a howler monkey, almost at eye-level and about 20 yards away. There were several more that were nearby, munching on leaves. The other suggestion I have is b) more lounging furniture. The couch is a very stylish, but not great for a family of 4 to lounge on together. A couple of large chairs that someone could curl up in would be nice.
Martin S.Visited on "August - 2016
Gorgeous property on a secluded island
The picture doesn't do this house justice, the actual property is stunning! It's almost like you walked into something from a design magazine. The Smiths (caretakers) and Victor (boat driver) were both super welcoming and helpful. We took day trips to different islands including Marine Park and Secas Islands and did some swimming and snorkeling. Victor also caught us some fresh fish that we grilled for dinner. Only thing I have to recommend for future guests is please plan out what you need (supplies, food etc.), because there is no stores around just all nature.
Amy G.Visited on "June - 2016
Excellent place to enjoy the tropical islands
I found this unique house located at Isla Muertos t be very convenient for my fishing trips, since We usually leave from mainland, close to David and head out to the islands of the Gulf of Chiriqui to catch our dinner. I had a group of 6 fishermen staying at the house for 10 days and everything was as expected for a fishing trip. House was clean and well equipped, including generator, air conditioning and a full kitchen. Fresh water can be a problem when the rain is poor, but was not an issue as the manager could store enough for showers and so on. The air conditioners help to cool down the house and it was very nice to go back after a full fishing day and have a cool house to relax and enjoy the sunset. Internet was good and kept us connected with our families. Very nice place to explore the Paridas Islands and the mangroves around the Boca Chica and Boca Brava area.
Eduardo B,Visited on "May - 2016
Best Eco destination in Panama!
We chose Mango Bay Villa so work couldn’t find us! We decided on Panama as a destination because it is in the same time zone as the East Coast of the U.S, is on the dollar and, with direct flights to Panama City, we were able to relax more than travel during the week. Shawn (the owner), David and Linda (the caretakers), and Jose (David-town taxi driver) communicated with us regularly before we even left the States which eliminated much of our travel anxiety and made our arrival in David-town and transition to the Villa seamless. Jose took us to a grocery store for our staple items then showed us the best place to get amazing fresh fruit and local Panamanian cuisine before we left the mainland. Once in Pedregal we were introduced to Victor and his son Victor Jr. who transported us to the Villa via a breathtakingly beautiful water taxi trip. His knowledge of the mangroves as he maneuvered through the many islands and around the sand bars made our 9 year old daughter comment more than once, “this is better than going to Sea World.” (She had never been on a boat before—and enjoyed being on the open water). Upon our arrival, we were met at the dock by David, Linda and Perro (Mango Bay Villa’s unobtrusively sweet resident pooch), who were very helpful in getting us settled on the island. Once we were situated, David and Linda oriented us to the Villa’s amenities and explained how we could be in contact with them if needed. Our time at Mango Bay Villa proved to be exactly what we wanted from our family vacation. We woke each morning with the sun, to the sounds of the water in the front and the howler monkeys in the trees behind us, and to the sights and sounds of parrots who roosted near our bedroom. On our second day at Mango Bay Villa, Linda and David arranged for “the Victors” to pick us up early to explore Parqué Nacional Marino Golfo de Chiriquí. Our first stop was a beautiful beach on an island that felt as if no person had stepped foot onto it in years. We found several wonderful large and intact shells, interesting volcanic rocks and even discovered a massive and natural swing created by a mangrove tree (great for family selfies!). We then traveled out further into open water where “the Victors” followed the pelicans to schools of fish. With “the Victors” as our trustworthy guides, we were able to snorkel offshore from another amazing island, see beautiful white coral amidst a backdrop of a black volcanic floor, startlingly colorful and crazy-lo
Jill Z.Visited on "February - 2016
Beautiful home amidst amazing scenery
My family of seven had an amazing vacation at Mango Bay. We were met at the airport in the city David by Jose who transported us and our groceries (Jose purchased groceries for us in advance so we could get to the island asap) to the boat landing. Captain Victor, picked us up with two boats at the landing, and we had our first exciting boat ride. The islands are so beautiful. Caretakers David and Linda met us at Mango Bay, gave us a tour of the villa, and we got settled in. Each day was an adventure. One day, David & Linda setup a tent and chairs for us on the beach on Isla Boca Brava! Victor and his son, Brian, transported us there and back. We played in the ocean. Hunted for shells. We found abundant sand dollars! Make sure to plan activities early in the day! Then you can rest in the afternoon at the way cool Mango Bay! And prepare wonderful meals. We used the grill for most of our cooking. The solar system is way cool too! It is a good thing to be off the grid. We worked carefully with David and Linda on timing of AC usage, so we could minimize the use of the backup generator. One afternoon Victor cut down fresh coconuts for us all, and he skillfully used his machete to prepare them. We were able to drink the coconut water! Another day, Captain Daniel took us way out in the ocean to many islands! Daniel knows the people here. He is intuitive about what we would like to experience. With him we went to great island get aways. We saw crocodiles, sting rays, 100 year old trees, eco lodges, hidden beaches, dolphins, pelicans, two places where he has lived, his dear friends... We were able to snorkel, catch big fish, eat awesome watermelon, and experience way out there ocean and island stuff! Daniel also helped us with the boat ride back to Pedregal, which is close to the city of David. The fish that we caught with Daniel provided two wonderful evening meals. One day we just chilled at the Mango Bay Villas. Enjoyed the cool breeze, the warm sun, the high and low tides, the relaxing shaded decks, the magical howler monkeys that became our good mysterious friends and guardians through the week. We added a trip to Boquete on the end of our adventure. Jose was the perfect driver and guide to Boquete, and back to the David Airport. Shawn helped us connect with wonderful dear people who guided us in Panama City, in the city of David, out at Mango Bay, and in Boquete. We learned unexpected things from the people and nature every day!
Cindy L.Visited on "February - 2016
A Unique Travel Adventure
We just came back from Panama and we had a fabulous getaway at this villa. It is remote, quiet and a true taste of what Panama is really about. The owner Shawn was extremely informative. Everything was organized from the time we landed in David airport. Our diver who speaks English picked us up and drove us to the grocery store to get our necessities for the visit. We then drove to Pedegral Marina where we met the boat captain who drove us through the channels surrounded by mangroves to the Villa. We were welcomed by the house keepers who were very helpful showing us the villa and all the features of the property. The place is tastefully decorated and the views of the bay and mountains are incredible. The glass walls and thatched roof of the villa offer an amazing tropical experience inside and out. The Villa is well equipped with all of the amenities including a full kitchen, large en-suite with an amazing outdoor shower, Internet and TV. The deck is quite large and was great for dining outdoors. We used the boat services for a full day going to several beaches within the marine park(nice snorkeling) as well as isla Palenque where we saw a lot of monkeys. We went to lunch with our boat captain at the Boca Brava Hotel restaurant where we found affordable and good food. The ridge trail hike in the jungle on the island is quite the experience! I recommend this beautiful villa and location to anyone looking to experience the nature and natural beauty of this amazing country and live the natural experience.
Neill K.Visited on "February - 2016
3 Nights Wasn't Enough!
We stayed at the villa for 3 nights and it was nothing short of an adventure-filled, exciting visit. The villa itself is beautiful, nestled in pristine rainforest and surrounded by a wide variety of tropical fruit trees. For adventure seekers like us, there was no shortage of activity. We spent a day and a half exploring the island by foot. We also spent a day out on the boat exploring the Chiriqui marine park, which is a quick ride away, where we practically had the whole ocean to ourselves. We were surprised by how few people we came across in such a beautiful place. Besides all the activities away from the villa, we also enjoyed the accommodations. The villa is comfortable and well-appointed. The kitchen is well-equipped for any cooking - there's no take out there! The deck around the villa has a gorgeous view out to sunrise. There is a small beach just down the hill near the dock for a quick dip after a sweaty day in the jungle. The bay is very quiet, with only the occasional fishing boat passing by. The local wildlife is very entertaining too!
Gabrielle C.Visited on "January - 2016
Check out our web site to see all the great acttivities your group can do while staying at Mango Bay. villasatmangobay.com
Mango Bay is like arriving at Jurassic Park. We are on a 400 acre nature preserve, we are the only full time residents on the island. If you like to see Dolphins, eagles, parrots, monkeys & catch & eat fresh fish, then you will love it here. This is nothing like an all inclusive resort. This is natural Panama, no discos or gambling. But we do have fantastic sunrises & calm water, perfect for paddling or water skiing. We give our guests great service (see our 5 star reviews) & have on site American managers & a knowledgeable local boat captain. We have 3 boats to get you to all the amazing spots so close to our island.
The villa is comprised of three 800 foot Steel, Teak & Bamboo platforms. Each of the rooms has an incredible view, as the walls are glass. The first room has 2 sets of bunk beds, end table & lamp. It also has a large armoire for clothing. The second room on the same platform has a nice queen bed, cool hardwood chair, armoire & two end tables with lamps. Both rooms are 200 square feet each. They share a bathroom right beside the rooms & it has a huge outdoor shower. The master is on its own 800 foot platform & has an attached 3 room master bath & its own covered porch with teak deck furniture. This room has a king bed, armoire, desk for your laptop, two end tables, chest & another ornamental cabinet. The walls are glass, which will give you the feeling of living in the jungle, but of course you have all the conveniences. AC in every room, high speed internet, Netflix's & crushed ice.
The home has a Bali theme, furniture is also that theme & so is the thatch covered bamboo post & beam roof system. This 60 foot long roof covers the villa's three 40 foot long pavilions & the bodega which houses the laundry room, sporting equipment & the off grid power system. Yes, we have a large array of solar panels & a new large set of batteries to store the power of the sun in Panama. There is a back of generator for cloudy days.
We are just making out 2 bedroom cottage available to rent to compliment the big villa or it could be rented on it's own. It also features a 240 foot covered veranda & a large table for dining. It has a convection oven, large fridge, 3 burner stove top, induction element & a barbecue on the large veranda. It is also found on this site. Cute Cottage on the bay. It can be rented seperately or we can combine the two momes to give a total of 6 seperate areas we can use as bed rooms. If there is large group of fishermen, they do not want to sleep in the same bed as another one of the group members.
There is a deep freeze in the attached boat garage for putting your catch of the day. The pier is just 50 feet in front of the cottage & at high tide, we often just pull the boat out behind the place. Then walk onto our cement boat ramp that comes up behind the attached boat garage.
We have our new high efficiency Perkins diesel generator. To ensure there is always a way to keep the rooms cool at night. We do not intend for our guests to stay in their rooms all day under the AC. That is NOT possible in an off grid environment. Not with out running a fossil fuel generator 24 hours a day. But we want to ensure guests a comfortable nights sleep.
The property was inhabited years ago, but was never logged off. So it has incredible trees, some fruit bearing, (Mango, Avocado, lime, coconut, bananas, pineapples & Plantains to name a few. View birds & monkeys for a truly tropical ambiance. The calm, warm waters are accessed by our 150 foot long pier. It is great to go for a swim, paddle from or to water ski off of. Access to all the fishing in the bay & out into the Hannibal bank is a must. One of our boats can get you right into the marina at Petragal in about 40 minutes. Petragal is just 4 minutes from the airport & only 10 minutes from the city of David. However it is only a 12 minute boat ride to the community of Chorcha. They just paved the road there & that cuts the time to town down to just over 20 minutes. I just love all these infrastructure projects being completed in Panama!!
About The Area
We are situated on Isla Muertos. Which is in a protecvted bay. The big island of Boca Bravo shelters the bay. On the far side of that island is wehere the Chiriqui Marine Park begins. Our property is the perfect launch point to explore the mafrine park & the world famous Hannibal bank. 200 world records have been set in Sports fishing in this area.
We have boats that can transport you to check out these spots or to get you back & forth to the mainland in just 15 minutes. the port Of Chorcha is only a 20 minutes ride to the bustling coity of David. David has more than 100,000 inhatants & has everything you might require from shopping to restaurants.
House Rules
No smoking in or near the thatch roof as it is flamable.
Suitability
We have a baby crib, so a baby can be brought with you. However I do not thiink it the ideal place for toddlers.
The Pacific side has considerable tide & with that is a current. So caution is required.
You can certainly hop off the dock or wade in but you need to know how to swim or the kids need to be superviced at all times.