Vacation Rentals by Owner

“A delightful home”

Guest: Steve
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.

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Peaceful getaway

Guest: Kathleen
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

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“Thanks for the memories”

Guest: Bill
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

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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

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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

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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.

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Guest: LR
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."

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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.

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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!)

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Over promised and under delivered

Guest: Gunnar (Atlanta)
Date of Stay: 11/21/10 Review Submitted: 01/19/11

Our family of four stayed at Starfish Reef for three and a half weeks at the end of 2010. We have two small children, ages two and three months. There were several things about our stay that were very nice, such as: - Jack and Kelly made dinner for us twice; - Jack and Kelly called water taxis for us whenever we asked; - A few times Jack drove us in his water taxi to places we requested (for a fee), and soon after we first arrived he took several hours to show us around Almirante and help us with our shopping there; - Jack picked us up in his mule (a small ATV) the last few days of our trip. For the first three weeks of our stay it was unavailable; - The snorkeling on Starfish Reef was very nice, and we saw an octopus, a manta ray, and lots of small fish; - Jack and Kelly installed a safety latch on the outside door of the room our two year old slept in; - Jack and Kelly recommended a lovely hotel in Panama City for our stay there, as well as a local tour guide who was knowledgeable and helpful. However, we would not recommend Starfish Reef for several reasons, including: - Shepherd Island, where Starfish Reef is located, has a terrible chitra (sand fly or no-see-ums) problem. However, Starfish Reef only offers mosquito nets for sleeping. Importantly, chitras are much smaller than mosquitoes, so the nets do not provide much if any coverage from chitras. Jack and Kelly do recommend using smoke coils to keep the chitras away (which we bought at our expense). These smoke coils do work well, however, it is a very heavy smell and not something we were pleased to use around our children, much less ourselves. We were very irritated that readily available finer chitra-repelling netting wasn't used for the beds. And no netting was provided for our son's crib initially, we had to ask for it. - Internet is very important to us, since Alysa has her own business, and since Gunnar is in the IT field. We specifically asked about internet coverage when deciding where we would stay in Bocas del Toro. Jack and Kelly informed us that their internet is in all of the houses. However, we had hardly any internet coverage for the first week we were guests at Starfish Reef. Gunnar repeatedly spoke with Jack about it, and Jack finally had it fixed approximately one week into our vacation. However, even then, it was not throughout our house... Read more at: http://hillert.blogspot.com/2011/01/review-starfish-reef-resort-bocas-del.html

Owner response:The sun is shining, taxis are running regularly, cacao (chocolate) is being harvested here, the internet works better than ever, the rain washed out steps have been repaired, we have had no problems with our laundry, the insects have dissipated, tours are open and issues are resolved. Being in a jungle island rainforest has its positives and negatives. Our only negative review and we did try to address their concerns as they came up but most was due to weather. We are sorry they did not enjoy their stay, mostly due to being here in our highest rainy season in El Nino-it rained A LOT which can increase issues such as internet connectivity, insects, tour availability, accessibility, cacao harvesting, etc. The guests asked for a refund as they felt there was nothing to do here after 3 weeks of rain (ice up North) and as clearly stated on our website-we do not give refunds for rainforest rain of which we have no control.. After our denial for a refund, she, an attorney, started listing in a battle aggressive attorney manner all of her negatives (a small hole in a baby outfit, a small stain on a well worn T shirt, two steps were washed out (rain), our place is not well lit at night (ECO-we use solar path lights), they tried to reach us all night starting at 6 pm (we are located 60’ from their house-easy walking or shouting distance) and threatened to give us a bad review if we did not give them a refund as they wanted to go to Panama City. Well here it is. We are very disappointed as we did do many xtras for them to befriend & try to ease rain pain. Their house had a plumbing issue right after she demanded a refund so badly deteriorated relations prompted us to help them move on as they wished rather than move them to a different villa. Our website says prices are subject to change at any time and when the gas goes up so do prices. We have to charge for taxi service as it costs us. We now have a disclaimer on our website regarding laundry as we offer this as a courtesy to our guests at cost. We live in a third world eco rainforest area and love it here because of nature. We are laid back and move slow island style which conflicted with her. We do provide netting for the crib & those who need it. Our internet is dependent on the company who provides it. . We always report issues immediately. They have since replaced our antenna and it is working very well-ALL villas have wifi. Come here for rainforest and sea eco adventures- Email any ?'s.

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Paradise

Guest: Ladies from New York
Date of Stay: 07/20/10 Review Submitted: 01/28/11

“Paradise!” Starfish Reef Resort keschae 1 contribution Brooklyn, New York Aug 11, 2010 | Trip type: Friends getaway I recently spent a much-needed week away from New York City with Jack and Kelly at Starfish Reef in Panama. I've always wanted to travel to Panama, and these two made my stay with close friends a dream come true! Isla Pastor (or more commonly known as Shepard Island) is tucked away amongst the neighboring islands that make up Bocas del Toro. They provide a gorgeous villa containing better amenities than my own NYC apartment! With 6 others in tow, we were able to enjoy our own private, white-sand beach, snorkel gear, cayuko (local kayak) and private water taxi whenever necessary. Jack and Kelly answered my questions, prepared my friends and I for our much-needed relaxation and put us at ease with every turn leading up to our week away. I am very grateful to have found and experienced time on their island! I recommend days spent on the island snorkeling in the reef or on the boat touring the sea with nights in Bocas Town eating and drinking with the locals. A great time! My ratings for this hotel Value Rooms Location Cleanliness Service Sleep QualityDate of stay July 2010 Visit was for Leisure Traveled with With Friends Age group 25-34 Member since August 11, 2010 Would you recommend this hotel to a friend? Yes

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An Awesome Trip

Guest: Kgal
Date of Stay: 04/07/10 Review Submitted: 01/28/11

“An Awesome Trip” Starfish Reef Resort Kgal4 2 contributions Texas Apr 7, 2010 | Trip type: Family 2people found this review helpful My husband and I and our 4 children, ages 17-25, spent a week in Panama. We began our week at Starfish Reef and had an absolutely wonderful time. Jack and Kelly were there to greet us when we arrived and immediately made us feel at home. This area is so beautiful and we thoroughly enjoyed the tour of the property that Jack gave us on our last morning before we left for Panama City. As the other review stated , there is no need to look elsewhere for a great snorkeling experience as we saw the most colorful coral reef and fish at Starfish Reef. The accomodations were new, modern and very roomy for our family of 6. Thanks again Jack and Kelly for making our family vacation so special!!! Date of stay March 2010 Visit was for Leisure Traveled with Family with Teenagers Member since January 27, 2008 Would you recommend this hotel to a friend? Yes

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Guest: North Carolina
Date of Stay: 03/13/10 Review Submitted: 03/31/10

My husband and I, our daughter, son-in-law, and 2 children ages 6 and 4 spent the most relaxing week ever on Starfish Reef. True, we had plenty of exercise, walking up and down to the beach, snorkeling, swimming, walking the trails, paddling the paddleboat - but then there were the early mornings on the porch at sunrise listening to the birds, afternoon siestas, cocktails and dinner on the beach at sunset (with lots of bug repellent!), good sleep on comfy beds under a net tent with a gentle breeze. All the amenities from tiled open wall showers to the granite and stainless steel kitchen, lots of porches, comfortable furniture, games, TV(if you need it), beautiful landscape with flowers blooming outside our windows. And our hosts were great - helpful with all logisitics from planning a day outing to providing snorkle gear, boat rides, fires for a cookout, transportation by boat to meet a rented car, rides on the "mule" up and down the hill to the dock - whatever we needed they were able to provide or guide us to - and always with relaxed island good humor. This was truly the best vacation for three generations - good times together in a house with plenty of space and lots of fun things to do, twenty minutes by boat from the "bustle" of Bocas town, and a world apart from our daily lives.

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Wonderful place for our family vacation!

Guest: Minnesota Vikings (Minnesota)
Date of Stay: 03/13/10 Review Submitted: 03/26/10

Six of us of various ages (77, 69, 50, 40, 7 and 5) spent one week on Shepherd Island in one of the three-bedroom, three-bath villas. It was wonderful! Highlights included: 1. seeing baby eagle rays almost every day 2. seeing huge sea stars just off shore 3. snorkeling on the nearby coral wall! We saw tons of brittle stars, corkscrew anemone, upside-down jellies, moon jellies, a nurse shark, huge crabs, arrow crabs, banded anemone shrimp, ctenophores and tunicates. 4. mastering the cayuco 5. seeing the bioluminescence in the water at night 6. getting a tour of the chocolate farm with Jack 7. Kelly's food! 8. trips to nearby islands and dolphin bay 9. beautiful views of the jungle and the ocean from our deck 10. hearing the howler monkeys at starfish beach 12. seeing sloths with Boy the guide 13. delicious panamanian rum! 14. hearing the oropendulas nearby Jack and Kelly are wonderful hosts. They are approachable and welcoming and a lot of fun. Kelly is an amazing cook. Cons are small are largely surmountable: 1. bugs! we hate to use bug spray but caved in quickly. bugs are particularly vicious late-afternoon. but it is the jungle so plan for creepy-crawlies. 2. the island is a distance from the nearest grocery store, so you really need to plan well for food 3. the short trek from the beach to the villas is a bit steep; one of us with knee problems needed help (and Jack was helpful with rides in his "Mule") 4. it's a cash-based society, so plan to have cash. we did and that made a big difference. We miss you, Jack and Kelly and Starfish Reef!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with young children, tourists without a car, sightseeing.

Guest: PW
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

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Guest: Dana Fingado
Date of Stay: 01/13/10 Review Submitted: 01/12/10

“Amazing Adventure with Jack & Kelly on Shepherd Island”Trip Advisor-Starfish Reef Resort sfdango1 1 contribution San Francisco, CADec 28, 2009 | Trip type: Family My family and I spent three days and three nights with Jack and Kelly on their beautiful slice of heaven located on Shepherd Island, and it was just awesome. For both relaxation and a fun adventure you need look no further. The islands of Bocas del Toro are all very beautiful, but Bocas town and Isla Colon is kind of dingy and touristy, plus the really nice places to stay aren't all that cheap. Isla Bastimentos is very pretty, but becoming also sort of touristy. Shepherd Island (or Isla Pastor) is still amazingly lush and wild (we saw wonderful wildlife - my aunt hunted down hundreds of tiny little poison dart frogs), but Jack and Kelly have managed to create a comfortable, modern paradise on this island. The villas are great for families, all very new and fully equipped for anything you may need. Kelly prepares the most fantastic food and their dogs Salty and Boney Maroney are incredibly friendly hosts. The reef along the waterfront is beautiful and thriving. We saw spotted eagle rays, octopus (little guy, very friendly), and the most colorful fish you can imagine. Starfish Reef is a great location, and I look forward to returning soon!My ratings for this hotel Value Rooms Location Cleanliness ServiceDate of stay December 2009Visit was for LeisureTraveled with Extended FamilyAge group 25_34Member since December 28, 2009Would you recommend this hotel to a friend? Yes

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Guest: Dave Fingado
Date of Stay: 01/02/10 Review Submitted: 01/01/10

Dear Jack and Kelly, I wanted to send a quick email to thank you guys for your awesome hospitality to my family. We all had such a relaxing time on your island paradise. My girlfriend and I are looking forward to taking advantage of your repeat visitor discount! haha. I know your villas are completely full right now but I was also wondering if you or your cleaners came across a digital camera memory card. It's a long shot but I figured I would at least check. Thanks again for being amazing hosts and it was great to meet you guys. Happy New Year. Best, -- David O'Hare Fingado

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Guest: Paul
Date of Stay: 07/22/09 Review Submitted: 07/21/09

7 months ago Paul I just stayed at starfish reef about a week ago and it was great. I dont even have words to describe its beauty. I would recomend the stay to anyone. Thanks Jack. Paul

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Guest: Fabiola (Panama city)
Date of Stay: 07/21/09 Review Submitted: 07/21/09

Starfish reef is one of the most rememberable visits of all time. There is so much things to do, theres swimming in the ocean and seeing the colorful reefs, to taking a hike and seeing the many cacao trees. There is always something to do with the family, there was never a moment where either the kids or the parents were bored. We always were busy. One of our favorite moments was snorkeling in the reef. There were such colorful reefs and one of the most amazing collection of starfish. Not only were there many things to do but the people on the island were great! Jungle Jack and Coconut Kelly really made it enjoyable, and a memorable visit. Oh, and can forget the great Salty the sea dog!(we love him!) Us kids had such a great time and thank you for such a great hospitality.

Owner response:This was a family of 7 with kids up to 15. We really enjoyed the whole family. Their laughter was contagious. Thank you for your comments.

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Guest: Texas
Date of Stay: 07/15/09 Review Submitted: 03/31/10

The place was sooo beautiful that I walked into the ocean with all my purse still on me! Lost the phone, but found some peace. We snorkled the local areas, but there really was no reason to go any further than your front door. Starfish Reef resort, literally, had the most beautiful starfish and colorful reefs. A true "Five Star" vacation!!!

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Guest: Dolly4 (Houston, Texas)
Date of Stay: 07/10/09 Review Submitted: 07/10/09

PARADISE FOUND!! Starfish Reef is truly "Paradise Found!!" My husband and I have spent 2 months living at Starfish Reef Resort. What an experience. The views from every room in our Villa are breathtaking. The sunsets over the water in the morning can be seen from our bedroom window and we enjoy the relaxing sunset from our beautiful screened porch. Jack and Kelly ( the owners) out did themselves in the thought that it took to construct these beautiful Villas. Everything that you could possibly want is here for the asking. The property has great hiking paths for exploring the island and an incredible protected pool to splash around in. The snorkeling here is fantastic and right outside your door!!! There are numerous other activities to partake: paddle boat, kayaking w/ cayuko, swimming, skiing, fishing, etc... We have stayed at several other hotels in Bocas Town but nothing compares to Starfish Reef. Jack and Kelly have put their hearts into this resort and it shows!! They are fantastic hosts and by the time you leave here, you will call them your friends.

Owner response:Thank you Dolly for your wonderful comments. We are going to miss you two and your puppies. Dolly is a wonderful photographer. You can see many of her photos on our website or our Facebook page.

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Guest: Jane
Date of Stay: 06/12/09 Review Submitted: 06/11/09

“Peaceful, tranquil, tropical paradise, great back and snorkeling.”Starfish Reef Resort fiberjane 1 contribution TexasJun 12, 2009 I only spent a weekend Friday through Sunday but, I felt like I had been therefor along time as I was so relaxed and did alot in that short amount of time!The beach is so nice, I loved the fact you can sit in a lounge chair put on your fins and snorkel on and just take off swimming over the sand pool right onto the reef. When I was there the tide was exceptionally high and Kelly and Jack the owners said we got to snorkel and see reef beds they had never gotten to see before it was beautiful.This is a great place for large famlies to come and rent a couple of houses, or a group of friends,bascially have an island to themselves. I enjoyed the company of Kelly and Jack and had my meals with them, Kelly is a great cook and we had a variety of things, becuase I was the only guest at the time they really looked after me and made sure I was doing okay. I met several of their friends who came by, people are very friendly. In the evenings the stars were incredable. This is off the beaten path and well worth the visit as it is pristine and the houses they have built are super comfortable and have all the luxeries of a house in the states. I really enjoyed the fresh coconuts opened up and rum added to them! I will come back and next time with a friend or two.My ratings for this hotel Value Rooms Location Cleanliness Service Date of stay November 2008 Visit was for Leisure Traveled with Solo Traveler Age group 50_64 Member since yesterday Would you recommend this hotel to a friend? Yes

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Guest: Storm and Amy Zbel
Date of Stay: 06/08/09 Review Submitted: 06/07/09

“Awesome family vacation!”Starfish Reef Resort tiotormenta DominicalJun 8, 2009 | Trip type: Family I spent a week at Starfish Reef with my wife and three boys and two other friends of ours. Man, what a cool place. It's like having your own private island. And yes! There's lot's of starfish. My kids thought they were great. There's also a paddle boat, snorkeling gear, waterskiing, day trips into Isla Colon, bonfires on the beach and a beautiful house with all the comforts one expects when going on a nice vaction. Your hosts Jack and Kelly have done a really nice thing there!-Storm and Amy ZbelMy ratings for this hotel Value Rooms Location Cleanliness Service Date of stay May 2009 Visit was for Leisure Traveled with Family with Young Children Member since June 08, 2009 Would you recommend this hotel to a friend? Yes

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Guest: N/A
Date of Stay: 04/16/09 Review Submitted: 04/15/09

“first class all the way”Starfish Reef Resort skinnydipper_9 1 contribution tennesseeApr 16, 2009 | Trip type: Family Jack and Kelly are first class all the way. My family and I met them while we were looking to move down there. Their dream was still in its first stages, we walked and dreamed with them and now it is amazing what they have done. You will not meet a better couple. After visiting 27 different countries I picked that very spot on earth as my interpretation of the garden of eden.My ratings for this hotel Value Rooms Location Cleanliness Service Date of stay September 2007 Visit was for Leisure Traveled with Family with Young Children Member since April 16, 2009 Would you recommend this hotel to a friend? Yes

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Guest: Nicole and John, Sailors (-)
Date of Stay: 01/14/09 Review Submitted: 01/14/09

My friends from Switzerland couldn't have chosen a better place for our annual holiday. We just loved it. Great house with stunning view, amazing trees, great snorkelling and wonderful hosts. We could really feel how much you love this place and yow much care you take of it. I'll never forget the waterskiing lesson - I still brag how I managed to get up on the skis the first lesson of my life. Thanks Jack, for the wonderful driving, Kelly for your "skin" and your great outboard! We hope to drop our anchor in front of your propery soon! Nicole and John

Owner response:Thanks Nicole & John. We hope to see you in a few days:). You guys are alot of FUN!

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Guest: Cesar3 (-)
Date of Stay: 11/03/08 Review Submitted: 11/03/08

These folks (Jack n' Kelly) are down to earth. Great place to stay and make you feel right at home. When ever I get some time will do it again. Make sure you try Jack's punch!

Owner response:Thanks Cesar! We look forward to seeing you again soon.

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Guest: jay wilson (galveston teaxs)
Date of Stay: 07/30/08 Review Submitted: 07/30/08

hope anyone that feels the need to get away from the every day blues that life sends your way, will visit jack and kelly and starfishreef to get away from it all.these folks make you feel like you now live on the island full time as soon as you step on shore. hope you have as much fun as we did,jay and bonnie wilson

Owner response:Thanks for your comments Jay and Bonnie. Yall were laid back great guests and a pleasure to be around. We hope you will come back soon!

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Guest: Christina & Catherine (Eugene, Oregon)
Date of Stay: 04/25/08 Review Submitted: 04/25/08

A beautiful island and wonderfully designed villa. An excellent place to read, hike, bird watch and just kick back. Jack and Kelly are the perfect hosts. We made one trip to Almirante to food shop and another to a chocolate farm and small island to horseback ride (though were rained out) and eat lunch in the resturant. We do recommend bringing an ample supply of food if you plan to do your own cooking as you may not want to waste a day shopping. Jack and Kelly are there to make every thing you want to do happen! We loved the peace of Starfish Reef and hope to return.

Owner response:Christina and Catherine were the perfect guests. They seemed to be here to enjoy nature and we think they did just that. Thanks for your comments.

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Guest: Barry gustafson (Loveland Colorado)
Date of Stay: 04/14/08 Review Submitted: 04/14/08

We stayed for 4 nights in this quite Villa on Shepard Island. Nice hiking trails, lots of birds. We did a boat trip to Dolpin Bay & Red Frog Beach which where great day trip. It is a good hike from water to Villa.. They have a mule (ATV) for you & luggage. Jack & Kelly Have a great place away from it all. We will be back again. Barry Gustafson

Owner response:Thanks Barry for adding your comments. We enjoyed having you, Lynn, Terry, and Gail as our first guests in that particular Villa which is Villa Brisa, the highest of all the villas. We hope to see you again soon. Jack and Kelly

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