One of the Beautiful Villas-Villa Vista is 3 bedrooms and 3 baths
Location: Shepherd Island, Bocas del Toro, Panama, Central America (Boat 10 min-Hiway access to Costa Rica & other Panama) View Map
Accommodations: Villa, 3 Bedrooms + Convertible bed(s), 3 Baths (Sleeps 6-8)
Keywords: Villa, house, beach house,casita, bungalow, flat, condo, townhouse
Beautiful Caribbean Island Villas for Rent in Bocas del Toro, Panama on Shepherd Island. This Villa can be rented in whole or part. In addition, we have 3 similar Villas for rent adjacent to this one. Very comfortable accommodations with orthopedic mattresses sized for Kings and Queens. Quality linens in over sized guest rooms with incredible views of the ocean, mountains, and jungle. Coral reef wall skirts sand bar rimmed salt water lagoon off of the beautiful & small manmade white sand beach. Lush jungle hiking trails produce ample sightings of butterflies, birds, frogs, lizards, flora, and fauna. Paddle Boat, cayucos, snorkel gear, water skis available for use. Chocolate tours and jungle tours on site. Tours for beachcombing, dolphin sighting, botanical gardens, fishing, diving, butterfly farms, yoga/spa treatments, Zapatilla Keys (Survivor series filmed), Red Frog Beach, Bocas town shopping, Indian Village, to the mountains (overnight tours/3-4 hr drive each way) for white water rafting and coffee tours are all available, and much much more. Or you can relax on the beach and take in the view.
In relation to Bocas town . . . we are secluded from the 24 hr noise of Bocas yet only a 20 min. taxi ride away. In addition our beach water is calm for snorkeling, floating, swimming, canoeing without breaking waves or dangerous undertow.
We can accommodate small groups for yoga retreats, weddings, dive package vacations, family reunions, corporate retreats, fishing groups, etc. We are available for planning and setting up your Destination Wedding on site. The same goes for planning yoga,corporate retreats, dive, fishing, and family reunion vacation packages.
This Villa has high quality stainless steel appliances in the full kitchen complete with coffee maker, blender, toaster, and microwave. Laundry service is available, family style meals and/or romantic gourmet dinners can be purchased with advance notice, or you can hire your own cook with 2 wks advance notice to prepare meals in your villa. There is a movie and book library, snorkel gear is available for rent, or bring your own, great swimming, snorkeling, fishing, lounging, floating, paddling, exploring, birding, boating, relaxing, resting, hiking, learning, etc.
Starfish Reef is located on beautiful Shepherd Island which is 10 minutes away from Almirante on the mainland and 20 minutes by boat away from Bocas Town in tranquil waters. There are water taxis available for transportation between island and mainland locations. This is an ACTIVE Outdoor Lifestyle community. You will get exercise unless you do not leave your villa. Our calendar is almost never full as we have several accomodations very similar. We have a 3 night minimum stay.
About Us-We are from Austin, TX where we spend time when we are not here in Panama. We have a small cabin property on Lake Travis in Austin listed on VRBO #178554. It is in a great location on the lake with a lot of fun places to go nearby.We have just recently put in small comforts as it is a small cabin. Austin is the "Live Music Capital of the World" and there is ALOT of great live music. Check it out! Email any questions on either property.
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Air Conditioning : Starfish Reef is a small Caribbean island eco-community. By eco we mean ecological. We are totally self sufficient with our own power plant, running water, and sewer system. Living Room only AC if needed when the generator is on. It will not be on in the night but it is typically cool at night and we have plenty of fans.
- Linens Provided : Again-we are an eco island community. We conserve energy, water, and waste. Please help us conserve our resources by using the same linens for at least 4 days before requesting them to be laundered. We will provide extra if needed at charge.
- Washer : The washer and dryer are located in the Treehouse Villa where we will launder your clothing for $6/load separated. disclaimer-we will do our best to launder your personal laundry but cannot be responsible for any damage to your clothing
- Dryer : Same as washer
- Beds
- King Bed : King beds are in the large bedrooms.
- Queen Bed : The Queen sized beds are located in our Deluxe private bedrooms with private bath. These rooms also include a sofa.
- Twin/Single Bed : Whenever needed, Twins can be combined to make a King.
- Bunk Bed : Can be added wherever needed.
- Child Bed : Pack & Play for babies and toddlers.
- Entertainment
- Sauna : The Natural Rainforest we are in is a wet sauna.
- Cable/Satellite TV : Treehouse Villa has satellite Sky TV-English and Spanish in community floor.
- TV (No Cable/Satellite) : Panamanian Television in Spanish. US English television in community area of the Treehouse Villa. And Slingbox via internet.
- DVD
- Video Library : We have several DVDs to choose from or you may bring your own.
- Private Pool : Our sand bar rimmed salt water lagoon. This is a human friendly salt water pool in the lagoon.
- Shared Pool : Our salty pool is the beautiful Almirante Bay with a coral reef to explore.
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen : Stainless Steel appliances and granite countertops. Includes toaster, microwave, coffee maker, and blender on request.
- Cooking Utensils Provided
- Refrigerator
- Microwave
- Catering Available : With 2 wks minimum advance notice.
- Outdoor Features
- Gas/Electric BBQ Grill : Upon request
- Charcoal BBQ Grill : upon request
- Deck/Patio
- Balcony
- Lanai
- View/Location
- Ocean View : 250' of Cacao Tree Grove, Large Mangos, Coconut Palms, tropical flowers, and a tree canopied walk/hike/ATV trail are all that is between your villa and the beach
- Mountain View
- Communications
- Telephone
- Computer : There is a computer with hi speed internet available in the Treehouse Villa.
- Broadband Internet : High Speed Wireless internet is available free of charge in the Villas.
- WiFi (Wireless Internet)
- Other Amenities
- Small Manmade White Sand Beach, Sand Bar rimmed Salt Water Swimming Lagoon, shallow Coral Reef & 20' coral Wall for diving snorkeling, chairs for sunbathing on the sand bar in the water
- Suitability
- Kid Friendly : The salt water swimming lagoon is max depth of 5' with gradual slope into the water and calm water. We also have shallow water snorkeling for beginners or children. Bring childrens snorkel sets & toys.
- Smoking Not Allowed : inside villas-
- Activities
- Boating
- Waterskiing
- Swimming
- Surfing
- Wildlife Viewing
- Fishing
- Horseshoes
- Shelling
- Hiking
- Other Activities
- Tour Boat, Paddle Boating,Cayucos (dugout canoes, Sun/Beach Bathing, Floating, Chocolate Tours, Bird and Butterfly Watching, Rain Forest, Jungle, Hiking Trails, darts, water volleyball, croquet, washers, ring the nail, etc
Rate Details (In US Dollars)
3bed/3bth Villa-LOW Season $180/nt(min 3)& $1050/wk. HIGH $200/nt & $1175/wk.
2bed/2bth Villa-LOW Season $155/nt(min 3) & $900/wk, HIGH $170/nt & $975/wk.
Holiday Rates 12/15-1/15 3/3 $225/nt(min 3)& $1300/wk, 2/2 $190/nt & $1100/wk.
Other options are Main Floor Suite and Queen Suite-ask for rates.
We also have monthly and annual rates. Any form of payment can be made thru
PayPal (its easy & ask if you don't know), cash, or direct deposit to our
US Chase Bank account or Banco Nacional in Panama.
Discounts given for longer stays. See website for details.
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
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Credit Cards Accepted:
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Map & Owner's Profile
Breathtaking Views-Caribbean Island Villa at Starfish Reef
Year Purchased: 2006
Why the Owner Chose Shepherd Island
It was love at first sight for the archipelago of islands. Then, it was love again at the sight of Shepherd Island (Isla Pastor in Spanish), located within that same archipelago. We looked at many properties and kept coming back to this island where we decided on 25 acres on the leward side. In 2006, Jack and I were elated to buy beautiful lush jungle/rainforest island property surrounded by a colorful coral reef. In 2007, we began building four villas. In 2008, our first guests had come and gone and in 2009, we really enjoyed our life on this island. It is 2010 an we are busier than ever. It is beautiful here . . . a National Geographic nature experience everyday. We are here as hosts to our guests to help them learn and enjoy this incredible place as we have.
The Unique Benefits at this Villa
Starfish Reef, as we call it, is a small Caribbean Island Nature Retreat with eco-villas which have comfortable accomodations with orthopaedic mattresses sized for Kings and Queens. Quality linens are provided in over sized guest rooms with incredible views of the ocean, mountains, and jungle. A colorful coral reef wall skirts the lagoon. We have a beautiful private, small, and secluded manmade white sand beach from which you can enter the sand bar rimmed, family friendly, salt water swimming lagoon. Here you can put chairs in the water for a cool sunbathing experience. Lush jungle hiking trails produce ample sightings of butterflies, birds, frogs, lizards, flora, and fauna. Paddle Boat, cayucos (dugout canoes), snorkel gear, water skis are all available for use. Chocolate tours and jungle tours on site. Our own Private Tour Boat is available for custom excursions of relaxation, beachcombing, dolphin sighting, reef snorkeling, surfing, botanical gardens, fishing, diving, butterfly farms, bat caves, Zapatilla Keys, Red Frog Beach, Bocas town shopping, and a Land Rover for land tours to a model Gnobe-Bugle Indian village . . . all available and much much more . . .
For larger groups, we offer Cacao to Chocolate Vacation School where groups up to 20 work on the plantation participating in the fruit harvest and following steps to creating chocolate. Also offered are Cacao to Chocolate Hiking Tours culminating with a heavenly treat made from our homegrown chocolate. Private 4 Wheel Jungle Tours for small groups available on Hibiscus, our red Kawasaki Mule. Afterward cool off on the sand bar, relax on the white sand beach, and snorkel our colorful reef. We are here to help make your Caribbean vacation as pleasant as possible.
This area is where The Villas at Starfish Reef of 2 and 3 bedroom are located
was the home of Old Man Shepherd, an Englishman in the early 1800's. Legend has it he blazed a trail from Chiriqui Grande to Changuinola,now highway, and was given title to the island.
Headquarters for Shepherd Island Organic Estate Chocolate Plantation.
Owner's Map of Shepherd Island
Jack and I fell in love on the shores of Lake Travis in Austin, Texas and were married there in 2005. both of us were Real Estate investors looking for our next and best great adventure. Together we pursued our dream and landed on Shepherd Island in Bocas del Toro, Panama. We never had any idea we would end up multi tasking farmers growing chocolate (cacao) and other tropical fruits while creating a beautiful oasis for ourselves and others to co-habit with nature.
Property Photos
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- One of the Beautiful Villas-Villa Vista is 3 bedrooms and 3 baths - Bocas del Toro, Panama Vacation Rentals
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- Underwater beauty seen here snorkeling-purple brittle star, zoanthid, sponge - Bocas del Toro, Panama Vacation Rentals
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- A Day at our Beach - Bocas del Toro, Panama Vacation Rentals
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- Villa Vista comfortable King Room with walk out to beautiful veranda and VIEWS!
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- Beach Night Dinner & Campfire Party with a very fun group of Argentinans or YOU
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- Beach & outline of sand bar rimmed pool which has gradual slope to 5' & reef
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- Jungle Walking Tour cacao plantation (chocolate) and other fruits and fauna
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- Beautiful juvenile Eagle Ray swimming in the lagoon. They often swim close by
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- Wet weather waterfall in the back hiking area of the property
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- Cruising in one of our cayucos- still the most common form of indigenous travel
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- Upper Veranda Views from villas
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- Blue star on yellow sponge in the lagoon snorkeling
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- Beach party limbo dancing-doing the crab walk
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- A kitchen in one of our villas with modern appliances
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- Living area of Villa Vista
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- Kids play jungle jim on ATV-used for carrying humans,luggage, groceries to villa
Traveler Reviews (29)
“A delightful home”
Guest: Steve
(Bocas del Toro, Panama)
Date of Stay: 01/01/12
Review Submitted: 01/15/12
Jack and Kelly have created a fabulous small group of villas, with ocean views, modern conveniences and plenty of room. This place has a wonderful mix of jungle, ocean access and just the right balance of solitude and community. The review by Bill P, below, put it well. Our family of 6 was very comfortable in the three bedroom villa. The views from the balcony and porch are spectacular. Imagine waking up to the sound of birds, the view of the water below and tranquility. We love to cook, and the kitchen was remarkably well outfitted for its remote location. We spent some days at home -- swimming and snorkeling off the dock, reading on the beach or on our porch, or making tasty meals (often incorporating what we could collect on the property, including bananas, mangos and coconuts). Some days, Kelly would arrange a boat driver for us for the day, who took us to Dolphin Bay, to Krawl Kay for lunch and snorkeling, to Zapatillos Cays for great beaches, to Red Frog Beach for body surfing, and into town. Jack and Kelly could not have been more hospitable -- available to help, schlepping our groceries from the dock up to the house, or giving advice on local sites, but never intrusive. We ended our time with a fire on the beach, a pot luck New Years Eve dinner and Kelly's Sangria. My only advice: don't wait until your last day to ask Jack to tell you some stories. Or maybe that requires a booking over New Years.
Recommended for:
“Thanks for the memories”
Guest: Bill
(Bocas del Toro, Panama)
Date of Stay: 12/21/11
Review Submitted: 01/15/12
The villas at Starfish reef are beautifully designed and built. The things that need to be "like home" are that. That is, the two washrooms in each villa are modern, large, clean and well laid out. In the kitchen, the appliances are top grade, with lots of cooking area. Small appliances like coffee makers and mixers are supplied. You do not have to worry about the basics. The villas have a nice "local" flavor with lots of wood and tile, and the beds are comfortable (in the master bedroom, there is a queen size, with two single beds and a bunk in the second bedroom and a double bed on the main floor). The setting is beautiful, with the jungle coming up to the villas that are set up on the hill with breathtaking views of the ocean from the main floor balcony and the upper floor balcony. We founds bananas in the jungle, and the kids drank coconut milk that they picked from the trees. There is a beach were one can relax and the ocean is warm at all times of year for swimming. One night, the family was on the upper balcony, counting shooting stars with the sounds of jungle nightlife in the background. At night, you can sleep with the windows open and the sounds and smells of the jungle coming through the screens. It does not get better than that. Jack and Kelly are wonderful. They cooked Christmas dinner for the families. Their natural warmth creates a really nice atmosphere. We met the other two families staying at the villas and this sense of small community added to the place. There are lots of day trips one can take to the different sights. However, this is the best place to call "home base". Room Tip: All the villas are identical and offer good views. See more room tips Stayed December 2011, traveled with family
Recommended for:
Peaceful getaway
Guest: Kathleen
(Bocas del Toro, Panama)
Date of Stay: 12/25/11
Review Submitted: 01/15/12
Left on 01/09/2012 Our family enjoyed our peaceful getaway on this lovely island. Isla Pastora was a welcome change from the hustle and bustle and cold of city life in Toronto! As this was our Christmas vacation, we were lucky to have such wonderful hosts and enjoyed a tasty Christmas eve dinner at Jack and Kelly's villa surrounded by other lovely guests! I need the sangria recipe from Kelly...best sangria ever! There are many adventures available to enjoy if you wish to take day trips
Recommended for:
Paradise Found
Guest: Cathy
(-)
Date of Stay: 02/11/11
Review Submitted: 12/10/11
“paradise found” Reviewed February 28, 2011 This was not my first visit to Starfish Reef so I anxiously awaited this trip. The weather was gorgeous with the exception of 1/2 day of rain. Jack and Kelly are incredible hosts who seem to think of everything right down to the basics like rum punch and bug spray! We went with other guests to a local restaurant, snorkeled their beautiful reef, had a beach party, ate a LOT of good meals made with fresh local food. If you want to get away from it all in a tranquil environment this is the place to go. The flora and fauna (not to mention waterfall) abound. you can bird watch, check out beautiful flowers all over the property or just swim all day. I did it all with a lot more time on the beach than anything else. If you are looking for malls or disco's then maybe it's not the place for you but it brought back my sanity after a stressful few months at home in the US working. Night life is playing games with others and having a good old fashioned party. I will add beach party pictures shortly. (When someone shows me how to get them off my camera on to this site!)
Recommended for:
A Quiet Escape
Guest: Shirl
(-)
Date of Stay: 02/21/11
Review Submitted: 12/10/11
Reviewed March 9, 2011 We (4 of us) spent 3 days/nights at Starfish Reef Resort. The space was large and comfortable. Great quiet sleeping with comfortable beds. Nice bonus to have good snorkeling right off the beach in front of resort. It is quite a hike up to the resort so be prepared. Jack and Kelly were friendly and very helpful in answering questions and arranging transportation for our day trip to Crawl Cay.
Recommended for:
Relaxing
Guest: Mitzi
(-)
Date of Stay: 03/20/11
Review Submitted: 12/10/11
“Relaxing!” Reviewed March 20, 2011 If you are looking for a place to get away from everything and everyone, this is the place to stay. Great place to enjoy a nice book, hearing the parrots flying by the island in the morning, pick up some fresh mangos and coconuts and go down to sit by the calm waters. However, if you are looking for some adventure, go to the beach or go party every night, take in count that all other islands are kind of far and you'll need a boat ride to get anywhere.
Recommended for:
Beautiful and Relaxing
Guest: Raina
(-)
Date of Stay: 03/25/11
Review Submitted: 12/10/11
“beautiful and relaxing” Reviewed March 25, 2011 We enjoyed our stay with Jack and Kelly for 4 nights. The villas were nice and comfortable with a beautiful view. We enjoyed snorkeling and hanging out the 1st day and did a few tours with a guide the rest of the time. It is very relaxing, quiet, and remote. But it is quite a boat ride to make it anywhere. Would reccomend for relaxation and peaceful surrondings with good hosts. But not if you want to hang around the city. Stayed March 2011, traveled with family Value Location Sleep Quality Rooms Cleanliness
Recommended for:
Peaceful and Beautiful
Guest: Shells
(-)
Date of Stay: 11/25/11
Review Submitted: 12/10/11
“Peaceful and Beautiful” Reviewed November 30, 2011 This place is a nature lovers delight-just what the doctor ordered. The views are gorgeous, the sounds are bird and frog songs, you can put your fins on and start snorkeling right from the beach. The snorkeling is very colorful and there are a lot of fish. It was very relaxing and we had fresh papaya and bananas. We got to try the cacao beans which are very tasty. Our villa had great views from every room and it was quite spacious with comfortable beds. Thanks Jack and Kelly for a wonderful vacation! Stayed November 2011, traveled with family
Recommended for:
Guest: PW
(Bocas del Toro, Panama)
Date of Stay: 01/20/10
Review Submitted: 03/01/11
“Buenos” Date of review: Feb 27, 2011 - New I am not the usual tourist, as I have owned land and spent much time in the Bocas area for the past 6 years. I am now building a house on my property, it seemed reasonable to stay a month on the island where my land is located, despite the cost. Starfish Reef is really a beautiful eco resort. I stand in awe of their beach and homes, as I appreciate the difficulty in building American-type structures in tropical rural Panama. They should be applauded for their accomplishment....because it is quite grand. Initially, I was struck by the American antique furniture....the canopy bed in my room was magnificent. The room was airy, spacious and comfortable, with everything but a stove to make my stay economical. Hot water was not always available, but hardly missed. Internet was sufficient for anything short of day trading stocks. The staff cleaned my room every week, asking my permission before entering. Kelly and Jack were very accomodating to my particular set of interests. I accompanied them to several social events, and met all the fine people in the southern part of the bay. No price can be put on that, and I will always be thankful. The resort's location on a less populated island lays open the reality of the fauna....along with the hawks, hummingbirds, starfish and stingrays, there are a smattering of annoyances.....it's part of the reality of the area. January 2011 Visit was for: Business Traveled with: Solo Traveler Member since: February 27, 2011 Would you recommend this hotel to a friend? Yes Was this review helpful? Yes less
Recommended for:
Guest: LR
(Bocas del Toro, Panama)
Date of Stay: 02/28/11
Review Submitted: 03/01/11
"I second Cathy's review. There are few places on earth that offer such unspoiled slices of paradise like Shepherd Island. Kelly and Jack's hospitality & ammenities are just icing on the cake."
Recommended for:
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Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #171658
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