Casa Comunal

A Private Tropical Oasis with Eco Sensibilities

Designed by a self-taught architect, avid surfer and world traveler, the values of this vacation home rental in Panama are firmly rooted in an eco-conscious celebration of nature, culture and community. A modern design environment built with down-to-earth sensibilities, we love the handcrafted pieces and sense of understated luxury - all set within a private tropical oasis.

Located along an idyllic tropical coastline on Isla Colon, this vacation home rental in Panama celebrates both design and nature with a uniquely constructed compound surrounded by lush gardens and large enough for up to fourteen guests.

Enlisting a team of friends, locals and industrial designers, the owner, a self taught architect, has crafted a modern home of steel, glass and concrete that manages to be both contemporary and very down to earth. Comprised of two complete units connected by a shared atrium entryway and large doors that roll away, the spaces are mirror images of one another, both facing the shoreline with panoramic walls of glass that invite the outside in. With jutting roof lines, clerestory windows, double height ceilings and simple clean lines, the structure takes it style cues from mid-century residential and industrial design.

The interiors are welcoming and stylish with a laid-back appeal and decorated with one-of-a-kind handcrafted furnishings, textiles and decor designed by local artisans, sourcing everything as locally as possible.

The north suite includes three double bedrooms and two baths and also includes two unique hanging beds and a suspended hammock in the main area, while the south suite features two double bedrooms and two baths. Each have two large eat-in kitchens and dining areas.

Outside the two spacious covered decks face the ocean and there's a firepit just above the water line. The property practices sustainability with rain water catchment, greywater filtration and irrigation systems, and an abundance of organic fruit from the surrounding trees for guests to enjoy.

Thoughtfully and stylishly designed, this architectural home is a retreat for the senses that celebrates nature and local culture.

ADDITIONAL FEATURES

Wifi throughout, kitchen and bath essentials, laundry facilities, on site parking. 

AROUND

The largest and northernmost island in the Bocas del Toro archipelago in Panama, Isla Colon like its neighbors, is blessed with an abundance of cultural and natural biodiversity. The town center is just a short taxi ride or a 20-minute bike ride away and is a vibrant and tightly knit community with delicious local cafes, pubs and a lively nightlife scene. 

The inland hills are great for hiking, and the coastal mangroves for exploring, with several pristine white sand beaches. Known for its excellent breaks, there are also expert waves just a few minutes from the house and around the island during the winter months. Comprised of five separate islands each within a quick boat ride of one another, the Bocas are both culturally and geographically diverse with an abundance of different indigenous, immigrant and expat communities that all contribute the the unique beauty of the islands.

LOCATION

Isla Colon, Panama. Nearest Airport: Fly into Tocumen International Airport, Panama City. Taxi to Albrook Airport- 30 mins with a connecting Air Panama flight to Bocas del Toro- 1 hour. Or: Via San Jose, Costa Rica, Fly into Juan Santa Maria International Airport in San Jose, Costa Rica with connecting flight via Nature Air to Bocas Del Toro.

BEST TIME TO VISIT: For Surfing: January-March, For Beautiful Weather: August-October