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supermod

“The BEST in Bocas - A Five Star Experience”
(from TripAdvisor)
December 23rd, 2009 - I just returned yesterday from a week at Bluff Beach Retreat. Ron and his staff deserve the highest ratings we can bestow. I'll share a few observations regarding why I think they went above and beyond.

First of all; honesty. Ron's a guy whose word can be trusted. When traveling internationally you need honesty and Ron was super. You don't want someone feeding you B.S. just to get you to stay there and then once you arrive it's brown water for showers (or drinking water). Our group of 10 bombarded Ron with email questions BEFORE we arrived and he responded immediately in all cases with useful information and tips that proved factual. No tricks - no surprises - nice.

Right up front, let's talk about money. Ron provided many services he simply didn't charge for. The rates we negotiated for the stay were fair and he certainly could have charged for many other value adds he made available. There were bikes available to ride, high rubber boots for the "genuine rainforest experience" (your shoes would have been trashed), books to borrow for leisurely reading, DVD's to watch, Internet access... the point is he didn't nickel and dime us on each thing. If you stay in town, it's not as personable and expect everything else to be a ticket item.

Ron offered the option to have our own cook onsite and WOW - this was fabulous. If this is offered to you - DO THIS and beg for Nicole! Nicole is a world class chef (really!) and she handled meals for 10 with ease. The food was superb (we were picky and loved the organic local produce) and we all ate like we were on a cruise ship (including fattening deserts made with local chocolate!). Believe me, when on vacation who wants to cook PLUS Nicole is very friendly and fun to chat with as she whips up her masterpieces in the kitchen. Spend the dough and hire Nicole. Absolute deal.

The rest of the staff is trustworthy, courteous and treated us like family. One can get really muddy in a rainforest and it was pretty cool to have laundry services available onsite (you don't get those kind of 5 star options in town).

Ron has also assembled reliable folks to use for associated services. Roberto became our personal boat captain - reasonable prices and safe transportation on water. William was on time with his cab (when he said he'd be there at 1:00 pm, imagine that - he WAS there!) Omar guided us in the dense and thick rainforest. BYOM (bring your own machete...)

On your way to Bluff Beach Retreat you will most likely stay in Panama City to layover and subsequently connect to the Air Panama flight into Bocas del Toro. Ron hooked us up with Jose who acted as our guide, bodyguard (um... personal safety consultant), and driver while under his care in Panama City. He's a good man and acted as expert liaison and street smart advisor as he showed us the sights. Again, like all of Ron's contacts, his word was gold and he was there waiting when our plane touched down. (Ask Jose to take you to tour the older areas of Panama - we visited churches erected in 1875 - breathtaking and a must see for those who can appreciate the hand crafted heritage.)

Our group is composed of animal lovers. We were all missing our dogs at home and we must give a thumbs up for the Official Animal Ambassador of Bocas del Toro - Cassius the boxer. He smells like hell (give him a break - he lives in Dog Paradise, after all) and is full of love. If your a prickly princess ("oh my gawwwd - get him away") then he's not for you. He'll bring sticks for you to throw, walk with you on the beach, and bring an overall feeling that all is well in the jungle.

Oh, and one last thing I gotta mention - bugs. As in... there were hardly any. This was my first time in the jungle and I expected "mosquitoville" and, although we did bring repellants, no one in our group complained of bugs. In fact, we hardly experienced any bugs at all (even in the dense rainforest - perhaps the mosquitos were on vacation visiting northern Minnesota?). Anyway... no bug problem - good. That I can do without.

In conclusion, hosting ten folks at one time was a challenge and Bluff Beach Retreat rocked! Have fun in Bocas del Toro!



Jody Johnson

One of the most if not the most pleasant vacations we have ever taken,
Ron was so accomodating , picking us up at Bocas, arranging the taxi and room in Panama,

We thourougly enjoyed the main house, ( as a free upgrade ) and enjoyed Ron's company and his great boxer buddy - Cassius,,
Horseback riding was great fun, boat trip and lunch, all very reasonable,

A beautiful home and setting, We intend to come back, want to bring my daughters,

thanks again to Ron Dennis for a delightful experience at a gorgeous setting,,

Jody Johnson, Charlotte ,N.C.



Hatton Littman

We LOVED the house at Bluff Beach. Our group of 5 women surfed, snorkeled, walked the beach, and dined fantastically every night. We loved the comfort of the house and the quiet away from town.

We were in total luxury! And then if we wanted to get into town it really wasn't a hassle to drive and of course we had some fun adventures biking in and out. Ron and Christine are fabulous hosts!

Hatton Littman, Big Sky, MT



Anonymous

Bluff Beach is beautiful and perfect for walking/running/sunbathing. The house is fabulous and so are it's owners. We had a wonderful time and would recommend a week or more stay to all!



Sydney & Jeff Lynott

Wow! Where do we begin? We could NOT have asked for a better place to enjoy our honeymoon. Ron, you made it so easy from beginning to end, whether it was answering our hundreds of emails before coming out or ensuring we had access to everything Bocas has to offer. Your ability to host/entertain/tour guide/bartend/provide history is what sets Bluff Beach apart from the rest. What's more, your place is stunning & the location could not be more perfect! We will never forget riding in the "dirty bitch",
Iris' breakfasts, the nights at the Coralina, the sound of the waves & nature all around us and your good company. We are so sad to leave & can't wait to bring our families back someday. What an incredible paradise you have here. Thank you for everything!

Sydney & Jeff Lynott
married 4-18-09

PS. Cassius will always be near & dear to our hearts!

Sydney & Jeff Lynott
Portland, Oregon



Eve & Mike White

I can't say enough how much we all thoroughly enjoyed staying at Bluff Beach. Actually, the kids can't stop talking about it. Even the girly-girls came around and made peace with nature. We each came away with many awesome lifelong memories.

Between two families we had four adults and five teens so we took over the beach house. It was so comfortably laid out that it lent itself so that each of us did what our little hearts desired: nap in a hammock, watch a movie, jump the waves, take Cassius for a walk on the beach, snack on pineapple, play cards, whatever.

Ron is an excellent host and we appreciate the laid back hospitality. From arranging transportation, the catamaran tour, horseback riding, to making food & supply runs in town and giving tips & information about the local "stuff". "Muchas gracias!" again to Iris for starting our days off with a super & delicious breakfast. It was truly a relaxing adventure that was difficult to leave. Cassius (the dog) was a great touch to really making it feel like home.

Thank you for a wonderful experience. Next time we'll definitely stay longer."

Eve & Mike White
Milwaukee,WI



Jason,Debbie,Bates

25)The amazing house
24)Parrot Alarm Clock
23)Coffee and Tea in am
22)Hot breakfast eggs, bacon, pancakes
21)Tropical fruits
20)Old fashion softdrinks with cane sugar
19)Can you say Rum
18)Hammocks for naps
17)Ceiling fans and ocean breeze
16)La Piscina is close by :)
15)Strong surf
14)Cassius Clay aka meathead the dog
13)Brooke the Cook
12)Iris the souschef
11)Inabina
10)Ron the host, part-time chef,part-time cabbie, cruise director, information minister and Spanish translator
9)Jungle environment
8)Monkeys!
7)Excellent food
6)Beer PANAMA
5)Restful stormy days
4)Vicious games of hearts
3)Reading on the porch
2)Long beach walks
1)Sound of the waves

Jason,Debbie,Bates,Jason,Dave,, Vancouver WA



Wanda Lalonde

Dear Ron And Christine

The first words that come to mind are, "Oh My God What a Wonderful Place to Be".
and "CAN I COME BACK".
Your home is wonderful. My daughter Carlin and I enjoyed our stay with you very much.

I can not get over your setting. It is the Island Paradise get-away that we only have in our
minds but are never able to actually find. Laid back and elegant at the same time,not an easy feat.

I know at first Carlin was a little uncomfortable with the local wildlife but by the end of the week it was "what wild life?".
I don't think I have ever been on a more secluded and beautiful beach. Where you can hear the earth breathe and wash away all your stresses.
Your Yoga instruction Christine is always the very best. As Carlin said to me "Mom you never have to go out and explore teachers, you have found the very best". Carlin is working to your instruction now, every day.

As she said and I feel, it is such an elevated practice when it is done in the rain forest beside the waves of the sea.

I thank you for such a wonderful time. I am sure I will be back with as much of my family and friends as possible. I always like to share the best.

Wishing you and yours a wonderful, happy and peaceful 2009.

Very Gratefully Yours,

Wanda Lalonde
Toronto, Canada



Carlin Lalonde

I attended one of Christine Dennis’ yoga retreats at Bluff Beach Retreat. The experience was amazing; Christine is by far the best yoga instructor I have ever had. The house is stunning, with a huge outdoor living space overlooking Ron’s gorgeous gardens, and a beautiful, very private beach. Ron and Christine were great hosts, very funny and knowledgeable as island tour guides. There is so much to do on the island and the town of Bocas is great, with lots of shops and restaurants in a relaxed environment. It was one of the best trips I have ever been on and I hope to return as soon as possible. Thanks to everyone at Bluff Beach Retreat for such a great time!

Carlin Lalonde
Toronto, Canada



Orphee & Denis Laprise

This place has everything we expected Panama to offer! Perfect blend of jungle + beach + hospitality. The only thing we had to worry about were sunburns! Thanks to our hosts.

A la prochaine...