Our Story
It all began one quiet night, as we lay in bed watching “House Hunters International.” Amid the routine of our busy lives in the States, Bocas del Toro appeared on the screen—an oasis of calm and tropical allure. I turned to my husband, feeling the weight of exhaustion, and half-joked, “What about Bocas del Toro?” His response was swift and filled with possibility, “Your birthday is coming up, let’s go.” That trip, my birthday adventure in 2013, was just the beginning.
The person I was back then, and the story I thought I would tell, is one reserved for long talks over cocktails and bonfires on the beach when we meet. Originally, we never planned to stay longer than a vacation. But there’s something about the island—its slow pace, the warmth of the community, and the simplicity of life here—that enchants you. It’s what locals call being “Bocatized.” The life here draws you back, again and again, with its endless summers, starry nights, tropical rains, and sunny days. You learn to cherish each moment.
Often, people ask if we were afraid to make such a drastic change. Honestly, my biggest fear was continuing to live a life I wanted to escape—watching my children grow up in a system, raised more by others than by us. So, we took the plunge and bought our first little beach house, and brought our three young children, aged two, five, and eight. We planned to spend just one winter homeschooling them on the beach, trying to slow down the years that seemed to rush by too quickly.
Back in the US, our business was booming, expanding rapidly and bringing in more money than we ever imagined. Yet, with growth came complexity, and I found myself yearning not for more, but for much less—a simpler way of life, where comparisons and materialism faded into the background.
Bocas del Toro isn’t just a place; it’s a way of life. It’s about finding happiness in nature, living simply, and creating opportunities—not just for financial gain, but for a richer, freer life. It’s about teaching and sharing your skills with those who need them, giving a hand up, and nurturing a community.
Investing in property here might just be the best decision you make, not only financially but also as a gateway to the life you’ve always dreamed of. If you’re seeking a break, a path to freedom, Bocas del Toro offers more than just a return on investment; it offers a return to yourself.
Google US
Our journey might have started with a glimpse of Bocas del Toro on “House Hunters International,” but our story didn’t end there. You can catch a glimpse of our own adventures by Googling “YOLO in Bocas del Toro,” where we starred in our own episode, showcasing our leap into this new lifestyle. Our transition and life here have also been featured on CNN’s “Destinations” and a European version of “House Hunters,” sharing with the world our pursuit of simplicity and joy. Each feature captures the essence of our decision to trade the familiar for the freedom and beauty of Bocas del Toro, inviting others to explore what it might be like to do the same.
