House Rules

Casa Botanica is an exclusive retreat, a fusion of Caribbean architectural style, lush jungle and serene coastal surroundings. In striking contrast, Bocas del Toro and the islands of the archipelago offers an adventurous and rustic travel experience where you can immerse yourself in close encounters with a diverse array of wildlife, both on land and in the marine realm. Despite its somewhat primitive ambiance, this captivating destination provides opportunities to engage with local communities and experience the rich cultures that thrive among the islands of this diverse archipelago.

The natural swim pond is a delight to children, no red or stinging eyes and plenty of opportunity to learn about a pond ecosystem. The water is cleaned by UV sterilization lights and filters, however, because it is not chlorinated the pool appears emerald in color. Just like a pond found in nature, you may encounter small guppies or tadpoles. These tiny fish are an important part of the ecosystem and provide natural mosquito control. Learn more about natural swim ponds: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C4r9vW7xQYC/?igsh=Zm5pbHh1eHltcXB4

Please be prepared for:

• There is currently construction occurring surrounding the property. Please anticipate the possibility of some construction noise.

• Bugs

• Animal noises including monkeys, birds, geckos, toads, especially in the early mornings

• Occasional power outages (this includes internet)

• Occasional water shortages

• We are in a jungle and it requires constant upkeep. Regular grounds and pond maintenance is necessary

We have prepared the home to lessen the impact of these inconveniences but feel it's best for you to know this and decide for yourself if this is the right vacation for you. If during your stay, please notify us immediately if anything would keep you from writing us a Five Star review on all categories to give us a chance to immediately rectify any problem. Our goal is for you to be excited to rate us 5 stars!

-To comply with STR guidelines we must advise you that security cameras have been installed at all entrances to secure the property. Bocas del Toro is very safe so you should always feel very comfortable in the home or traveling around the island. Also, we have noise monitoring devices on the decks to help ensure a quiet jungle environment and that nearby property owners will not be disturbed by excessive noise. Tampering with the security cameras or the noise monitoring devices is not allowed and may result in the forfeiture of your security deposit.

-Both the pool and the household water are lab tested for safety and quality.

-No parties or events allowed. Casa Botanica is a very large house with lots of room for cooking and entertaining. While we don't allow large parties or events, please feel free to host intimate gatherings with friends and family. At no time may an event exceed 16 people.

-No smoking allowed in the house, please feel free to use the smoke of your choice on patios or decks.

-No pets or service dogs allowed.

-Suitable only for children that do not yet crawl or over the age of 5.

-Please respect the noise curfew of 11 pm to 7am.

-Please respect check-in and check-out times.

-Do not bring the pool/shower towels to the beach or remove from the premises.

-Conserve water at all times. Our water is collected by rain catchment and we never know when the next drought will begin.

-We are on a septic system. Please flush only human waste.

-Please do not remove keys from door locks.

-There is no on-site laundry. If you need additional sheets and towels, please let us know.

-Please take care of the furnishings and bed linens. Do not sit on indoor furniture or linens while wet or while wearing sunscreen or coconut oils. The Lead Guest or Booking Agent will be charged for any damages that exceed the security deposit.

-Please use the outdoor shower to rinse sandy clothes, bodies, sandals and gear before entering the house or using indoor showers.

-Please store surfboards, etc. on the outdoor racks.

-Please remove shoes and place them on shoe racks located at each door before entering the indoor spaces.

-Please shower before entering the natural swim pond. Do not use sunscreen before entering the pond as this will cause harm to the plants and fish that make up this natural filtering system. If sunscreen is needed, please use reef safe sunscreen as you do when swimming in the oceans here in Bocas del Toro.

-Please don’t rearrange the furniture as it can cause floor scratches that are expensive to remedy.

-Please take the trash out before you leave.

-Please notify us immediately of any damage and take photos. We understand accidents happen but this helps us to be proactive so we can be ready for our next guests.

Terms and Conditions

1) TERMS OF BOOKING AND SECURITY DEPOSIT

By placing a booking with us, and during your stay at Casa Botanica, you (the Lead Guest) and your booking party (Guests) agree to the following terms and conditions as listed herein. If you have any questions about booking with us, please contact us before making a booking.

2) BOOKING PROCESS

To place a booking with us, the Lead Guest must be at least 30 years of age.

The Lead Guest must provide proper identification.

The maximum number of staying guests for the entire property is 10. If only the Villa is rented, the maximum number of staying guests is 6.

Where the person making the booking is different than the Lead Guest, the person making the booking, Booking Agent, may be held responsible for any fees and/or damages as described within.

Only the Lead Guest and the named booking party are allowed to use the property and its facilities. Third party visitors are only allowed access at our express permission.

3) BOOKING PAYMENTS

100% of the booking price must be paid up front to secure the reservation.

Payments can be made via Credit Card, PayPal or bank transfer. Any fees charged against us by our bank(s) for handling dishonored bank transfers or any other payments, must be reimbursed by the Lead Guest, or Booking Agent within seven (7) days of any request to do so.

We require the full amount of the booking. WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR any fees incurred during payment transactions. These must be covered by the Lead Guest or Booking Agent. If we receive less than the full booking amount due to fees during a transaction, we will subtract this from the security deposit.

4) CHECK-IN & CHECK-OUT

Please send us your arrival time information, connect with us via the messaging app, WhatsApp, so we can be in contact to ensure your smooth arrival to Casa Botanica.

We can be reached via WhatsApp at +507.6233.3832

• Check-in time: 3:00 pm

• Check-out by: 10:00 am on the day of departure.

5) CANCELLATION, SECURITY DEPOSIT & NON-ARRIVAL CONDITIONS

Guests who need to cancel a booking should contact us as soon as possible. Payments are only returned in accordance with the following conditions:

• Cancellation made 31 days or more in advance of arrival date = Full refund

• Cancellation made 30 days or less of arrival date = No refund issued

• If we can rebook the dates that you have cancelled, then we will give you a full refund. However, it is to our discretion what we do with your cancelled dates, including blocking them off, or reserving them for maintenance or other reasons; in which case there will not be a refund.

• Non-arrival guests who are unable to attend or fail to attend for whatever reason, the full amount of the booking will be due. It is suggested that booking guests take out appropriate travel / cancellation insurance.

In the rare event we need to cancel your booking with us, please be aware that we cannot be held liable for circumstances beyond our control and that our liability to you is limited to the refund of any payment already made.

6) DAMAGES & LOST PROPERTY

We reserve the right to charge the Lead Guest or Booking Agent for any damages caused through the course of a booking by any member of the booking party or third party visitors. This includes breakages, spillages, stains, damage to furniture or fixtures and fittings. Any accidental damages should be reported as soon as possible in order to minimize collateral damage and associated costs.

Any lost property left behind by guests during a stay, if discovered and found, will be held for a period of 1 month. While we will make our best efforts to reunite lost property with their owners, we accept no responsibility in replacing lost items and encourage guests to ensure they have all their belongings before checking out. We may offer to ship lost items via certified delivery at the cost of the Lead Guest or Booking Agent.

Prices to be paid by Lead Guest or Booking Agent for the necessary replacement of property:

• Pool Towel: $20

• Shower Towel: $15

• Hand Towel: $6

• King Flat Sheet: $26

• King Fitted Sheet: $24

• Pillow: $26

• Pillow Case: $10

• Blanket: $30

• Remote Controls $50

• Moving furniture can cause scratches and we will need to use your deposit for repairs.

Prices to be paid by Lead Guest or Booking Agent for Golf Cart issues:

• Lost golf cart key: $150

• Golf cart tow/rescue, remote charge - $250

7) SMOKING

Smoking of any tobacco products including, but not limited to cigarettes, pipes, e-cigarettes, e-liquids, cigars, snuff or chewing tobacco, is only permitted on the outside decks.

8) PETS & SERVICE DOGS

We do not accept pets or service dogs throughout the accommodation.

9) YOUR PERSONAL DETAILS & PRIVACY

Our policy surrounding the personal details you provide as part of any booking or inquiry through this website, or third party website, including the privacy of those details are explained and set out in our Privacy Policy.

You accept that any entries you make to an on-site guest book, if available, will not contain personal information or details you would not want disclosed.

We really enjoy sharing pictures of our guests having fun using #casabotanicamoments. If you do upload any pictures, you agree that this is not in consideration of compensation or royalties for your benefit. The photographs will be used solely on this website and you waive any rights or editorial control to the images. These policies were created with Website Policies.

10) OUR RIGHT TO CANCELLATION

We reserve the right to cancel any booking without compensation, refund or reimbursement if the terms of these conditions are breached.