Accessible only by boat, La Loma sits in the heart of the Isla Bastimentos rainforest on a 55 acre property stretching from the mangrove shores of the Bahia Honda Bay, through tropical forest and groves of fruit trees, to the highest point on Isla Bastimentos, allowing for breathtaking vistas of the jungle and bay.
Lush, nectar-rich gardens attract a wide variety of unique wildlife. The land borders the spectacular National Marine Park, and idyllic white sand beaches are just a short boat journey away.
La Loma has grown out of a dedication to exploring, sustaining, and celebrating all that is unique to this area. We are passionate about sharing its beauty and natural luxury while protecting its precious environment and the lives of its inhabitants.
Sleep in the treetops
Each handcrafted bungalow is tucked away under the towering rainforest canopy, offering breathtaking views of the verdant jungle and inhabiting wildlife. Fall asleep to the unique sounds of jungle nights and awake to the dramatic symphony of its triumphant mornings.
Start your day with freshly ground coffee, one of our jungle teas, or hot chocolate from the farm, delivered to your doorstep each morning along with a freshly baked treat. Then relax in a private hammock with your favorite book before heading out on the day’s adventure.
…or in a spacious farmhouse
The Cacao Farm House is a spacious, three-bedroom, open air unit. It’s perfect for families, groups, and those with restricted mobility. The Farm House is located at sea level, with easy access to the dock and the farm.
Gaze out from your bedroom across tropical flowers and into the Cacao grove and relax in the spacious common area while watching hummingbirds hovering nearby.
Gourmet ‘off-grid’
Recognized for its freshness and authenticity, dining at La Loma is an unforgettable culinary journey. Each unique dish is lovingly crafted with bold flavors and textures, with ingredients–many grown in our organic gardens–matched in freshness only by their beauty.
Every night, we gather to share stories, celebrate life, and appreciate the abundance provided by our wild food forest.
Jungle to table
Inspired by local recipes, our menus are developed from the foods that are in season in our garden. We love watching our guests’ expressions as we introduce the locally grown fruits in all of the creative dishes prepared by our talented kitchen team.
We source many of our ingredients from our very own jungle farm, carefully cultivating trees by using organic compost, and never using pesticides or fertilizers. We always welcome a helping hand to harvest ingredients!
Permaculture Farm
One of the most rewarding experiences at La Loma is touring the jungle farm, learning about the permaculture process, and tasting the wide variety of tropical fruits we grow here. It is educational as it is inspiring as it is delicious.
We strive to grow and produce the majority of the ingredients for our meals directly on site, and you’ll taste the difference. Below is the main table at La Loma, beautifully set with fresh picks from the farm.
Cacao and Chocolate Processing
Walk amidst thousands of chocolate (cacao) trees as you learn about this sustainable tropical forest crop, native to the Americas, which thrives under the jungle canopy in compost-rich soil entirely free of pesticides and fertilizers.
It’s a favored food of White-faced capuchin and Western Night Monkeys who romp through the groves feasting on the pods. Unsurprisingly, chocolate works its way into many of our dishes, too.
From the vibrantly coloured pods to the fragrant fresh beans that are fermented, dried and roasted, you’ll be able to see up close the process of producing 100% pure chocolate.
Yoga
A perfect way to start your day or wind down after a day’s adventure, enjoy a private yoga class right on the deck of your cabaña. Experience a yoga flow immersed in nature and feel regenerated before stepping in to a cool rainwater shower.
Massage
Treat yourself to a relaxing massage in the privacy of your cabaña as you take in the rich sounds of the surrounding jungle. Choose between a one-hour full body massage or a 30 minute foot massage to ease your feet after a long day. To schedule a romantic couple’s massage, please message us prior to your stay.
Jungle adventures
Some of the best trails in all of the archipelago are located within La Loma’s vast property, available exclusively to our guests for uninterrupted appreciation. Hike through primary forest and visit natural rock pools and streams while spotting Capuchin monkeys, two and three-toed sloths, native frogs, birds, and butterflies.
For the more adventurous, set out on a guided hike across the island, through the stunning Bastimentos National Marine Park, to reach deserted Long Beach “Playa Larga” and other pristine beaches on the North side.
Beach trips
Cruise through deep green mangroves on a private boat, passing by a sloth island, and see starfish on the way to the unspoiled paradise of the Zapatilla Islands. Just a few minutes away by boat, Red Frog is a great option for a half-day beach trip. There are several bars / restaurants right on the beach.
Polo is one of the many wonderful beaches and coves to be explored while hiking along the Northern coast of Isla Bastimentos. It is famous for its cave formations, snorkeling, and for being home to local legend, Polo.
Cave tour
Accessible either by kayak or the La Loma boat, the best caves in the archipelago are located right in the Bahia Honda bay.
Navigate through narrow mangrove passages up the beautiful Bahia Honda creek and venture into the island where the jungle opens to the island’s incredible cave system. Let our guides lead you deep into the cave to explore its secrets.
Snorkeling & Fishing
Let us show you some of our favorite snorkeling spots on a half-day trip. Keep an eye out for friendly pods of dolphins on the way. Try your luck fishing using the traditional local Ngäbe hand-line style. If you catch something tasty, our cooks will prepare it for you.
Evening Cruise
Wind down your day with a tranquil cruise in the bay on the La Loma boat to enjoy the sunset with a bottle of wine.
Our involvement
We’re deeply committed to working with the Bahia Honda community to improve the lives of all who live here. In practice, this means a lot more than fair wages and charitable donations.
Over the past decade we’ve collaborated closely with residents to establish a number of community development projects. Through education, environmental awareness, heath, cultural pride, and income generation programmes, we hope to help empower people to overcome the many obstacles of daily life.
In 2011, our community work in Bahia Honda received a huge boost as we partnered with a non-profit organization, Education is Power, a foundation established specifically to fundraise for educational programmes in Bahia Honda.
We also work closely with Give and Surf, who recruit volunteers to work on the ground to deliver many projects both in Bahia Honda and throughout the Bocas del Toro archipelago.
Bahia Honda
Bahia Honda, the bay in which La Loma resides, is home to roughly thirty indigenous Ngäbe-Buglé families, with a total estimated population of close to 200.
The Ngäbe family homesteads of Bahia Honda are scattered around the deep mangrove bay on the leeward side of the island of Bastimentos. At the heart of the community is a small primary school with 50 or so students.
Help La Loma to continue making a difference
Many former La Loma guests donate generously to the Bahia Honda community, as do others who have heard about our projects. Through these gifts, and through the help of collaborative organizations, Bahia Honda now proudly has:
- A preschool, ‘Monso Chi’, with 20 delighted students
- A playground made from recycled materials
- An afterschool club with sports and arts activities and lots of English language conversation
- 10 families with new flocks of chickens and new coops
- Solar power installed at the school, 3 laptops, a projector and stereo
- A fully equipped junior baseball team
- Sponsorships for 10 high school and university students
- An adult English language group
- Countless donations of books, school supplies, clothing and medicines
If you’d like to support Bahia Honda, you can make a tax-deductable donation online. If you have a little space to spare in your bag, please consider participating in Pack for a Purpose, a wonderful initiative to bring low-cost and extremely beneficial items to local communities.