Frommer's Review
Located on a secluded shore of Isla Grande, this "boutique" resort is not luxurious, but it is the nicest place on the island. Bananas is a pint-size resort backed by steep jungle, with a thin strip of beach and rooms that have oceanfront balconies. There are enough activities (even if it's just lounging by the pool) for the place to be equally appealing to families and couples. The resort recently added two cabinlike stand-alone units near the water; each cabin houses two attractive suites that have a kitchenette. The rest of the guest rooms at the resort are within cheery, lemon-yellow A-frame units set slightly above the pool and activities area. Each has three spacious rooms with two double beds, and the two on the ground floor interconnect, if necessary. If you're a couple, choose the top floor, which provides the most privacy. The resort opened in 1998, but they haven't been scrupulous about upkeep on these guest rooms: they're comfortable, but a tad worn. The grounds, however, are meticulously groomed, and there are a nice pool, open-air restaurant and bar, volleyball court, sports gear, and day excursions (the latter for an additional cost). Swimming conditions at the narrow beach are less than ideal owing to lots of rock and coral, and sometimes the sea here can be too choppy. If you're traveling with a group, consider renting their private villa 5 minutes away, with its own pool, kitchen, terrace and outdoor dining area, and four rooms. The nightly price is $300 for one to six guests, less if you stay 2 or more nights. All rates include boat transportation, lodging, and breakfast, with meals and excursions ordered a la carte. Transportation from Panama City is once a day in the morning, for $20 per person, with a minimum of four passengers. There is a heliport here if you feel like jetting in VIP-style. A single steep trail leads to the village on the other side of the island; otherwise, you'll need a $3 water taxi.
Bananas offers a day pass to visit the resort and use their pool and facilities; the cost is $35 per person, and includes round-trip boat transportation, lunch, and a cocktail. This also means that weekends are busier here, so think about visiting on a weekday. In general, service is friendly but lackadaisical, and the food is hit-or-miss (usually depending on what's in season), but it's still the best on the island. Their collection of small bird cages with ratty macaws and toucans is a little unsettling to eco-conscious travelers.
Facilities:
Restaurant; bar; outdoor pool; volleyball court; kayaks; free snorkeling gear; kids' games; excursions
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without
notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before
planning your trip.
