Marcy Fitzpatrick

FIREFLY

  • Where:
  • Why:Vacation exploration.
  • When:May 2016
  • Who:Me + @el_squid
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FIREFLY View from the hills of Bastimentos Island.

View from the hills of Bastimentos Island.

FIREFLY Firefly outdoor deck.

Firefly outdoor deck.

FIREFLY Bungalow in the trees complete with canopy bed and hammock chair.

Bungalow in the trees complete with canopy bed and hammock chair.

FIREFLY Private balconies and outdoor shower dreams.

Private balconies and outdoor shower dreams.

FIREFLY Breakfast view and surf check from the Firefly communal deck.

Breakfast view and surf check from the Firefly communal deck.

FIREFLY House breakfast of local eggs and Panamanian coffee served daily.

House breakfast of local eggs and Panamanian coffee served daily.

FIREFLY Treat yourself to a sunset cocktail at the hotel bar.

Treat yourself to a sunset cocktail at the hotel bar.

FIREFLY Outdoor jungle pool and loungers, yes please!

Outdoor jungle pool and loungers, yes please!

Highs & Lows

  • Homemade citronella & coconut oil in rooms makes for a nice bug repellent and skin soother.

  • The outdoor shower is making me seriously rethink my current indoor shower situation at home.

  • A taste of luxury in the middle of the jungle. Hot showers, memory foam mattresses and double sinks.

  • Restaurant has limited hours so you might find yourself having to adventure elsewhere for meals.

  • Cash is king. Very few places accept credit cards, including the hotel, and you’ll only find one ATM on the main island.

  • Seclusion means limited amenities. Don’t expect AC in your rooms. You’re in Central America and you’re in a bungalow. Enjoy the simple living!

The Barometer

  • Design

  • Website

  • Mini Bar

  • Environmental Consciousness

  • Night's Sleep

  • Service

  • Amenities

  • Takeable Treats

  • Refer a Friend

  • Overall Value

  • Life Changing

Total: 43/50

Important Bits

  • Type

    Ocean front bed & breakfast.

  • Vibe

    Upscale seclusion. The boho beach style bungalows’ white wooden walls and the sounds of the frogs in the trees make the property feel like your own chic treehouse. Day loungers on the main deck and hammocks on your private balcony are an added relaxing bonus.

  • Location

    Bastimentos Island. The locals call it “Basti.” It’s a 35-minute ferry ride to Bocas Del Toro’s Isla Colon from mainland Panama followed by a short 10-minute water taxi to the island of Bastimentos. From the dock, it’s a quick five minute walk down the beach’s rock path. Seclusion at its finest.

  • Rooms

    5 rooms total (2 of them are stand-alone bungalows with private decks).

  • Music

    Bamboo iPhone speaker system in each room for tunes.

  • Year Opened

    2013

  • Designed By

    Owners and Los Angeles transplants Ryan Kelly & Lauren Ziemski.

  • Health & Wellness

    Outdoor infinity pool with lounge chairs fits perfectly in the jungle setting. Yoga classes are offered multiple times per week on the property’s private deck.

  • Restaurant

    Breakfast is included and it is definitely one of the highlights of the stay. Banana pancakes, papaya and pineapple smoothies, fresh Panama coffee. Yes, please. The restaurant is open nightly for dinner with dishes including spicy tuna tartar, green curry shrimp and popcorn fish with a sriracha, coconut sauce.

  • Bar

    The restaurant bar serves up killer local concoctions made with fresh watermelon juice, ginger and pineapple. The rum punch is a favorite.

  • Minibar

    No

  • Children

    Leave them with grandma.

  • Price

    Reasonable. $90/night for the smaller rooms. $170/night for the nicest private bungalow. Splurge, it’s worth it.

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