Fodor's Expert Review Casa Grande Bambito

The setting here is idyllic: massive trees shade the wooden buildings and lawns, the Río Chiriquí Viejo is a stone's toss away, and everything is surrounded by dense forest. Suites have hardwood floors and living rooms, and even the most basic standards have flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, big windows, tall beamed ceilings, and porches with hammocks or plastic chairs and tables. Two-bedroom suites are bigger and brighter and sleep up to eight people; those up the hill offer more privacy and nicer views. The vast property includes 400 acres of forest, part of which can be explored on a hiking trail, and the list of activities includes mountain biking, horseback riding, river tubing, fishing, and a zip-line canopy tour. There are also two swimming pools and a spa with reasonably priced treatments. The restaurant serves international food, including pasta, burgers, paella, and fresh trout. Royal suites can request to have s'mores and hot chocolate brought to their private patio overlooking the river.