Punta Caracol redefines sustainable relaxation. Located in the ever-more-popular Panamanian islands of Bocas del Toro, this Acqua-Lodge resort is as tranquil as vacation comes. Punta Caracol is built on top of the Carribean Sea and nestled 30 minutes by boat from the main island town of Bocas. Nine exclusive cabins stand on stilts along a coral reefed coast - built from natural materials of the region, powered by solar panels, and equipped with bio-digestors to avoid damaging the environment. Each cabin has a porch with a hammock and a sunset to die for, along with access to kayaks for snorkeling and exploring.

While undoubtedly perfect for a honeymoon or anniversary getaway, one sustaintheplanet contributor found Punta Caracol equally suited to three twenty-something young men just looking to relax after several weeks of backpacking. Take your kayaks out behind the dining lodge a few hours before dinner and you can watch the day’s lobster shuttled in by local fisherman or hang with the chef as he feeds schools of fish with the afternoon’s leftovers. Speaking of leftovers, as if the tranquility wasn’t enough, the food is mouthwatering and much of it is either pulled directly from the sea or from the organic garden on the premises.

If you haven’t read a book in years and you can’t seem to get the kayak to remain upright, there are also a number of activities that the gregarious staff (make sure to chat with Asisi at the reception desk) can arrange for the more energetic traveler. Scuba diving, fishing tours, and dolphin-watching are highlights.

http://www.puntacaracol.com/