Islas Secas – Panama
Surely one of Central America’s most exclusive retreats, Islas Secas is an entire archipelago, lying off the coast of Panama. Only one of the fourteen islands is inhabited – the rest are left to nature. And here you’ll find just a handful of luxurious casitas amongst tropical rainforest, secluded beaches all to yourself, ocean adventure abound and an exceptional team ready to customise anything you want to do.
The islands are a migratory route for all manner of bird species and whales, whilst the reefs are teeming with marine life. For those who love nothing more than to be as remote as possible, surrounded by wild nature, then this is for you.
At A Glance
Luxury Hotel
Why We Love It:
For its truly bespoke and unique island experience, amongst untouched nature.Style:
Castaway luxe.Location:
20 miles off the west coast of Panama, in the Pacific Ocean.Rooms:
Luxurious casitas and pavilions dotted around the island, with ocean views and some with their own pools and beach.Swimming:
The Terraza infinity pool and the Pacific Ocean from small, secluded coves.Children:
A family friendly retreat for those with slightly older children.Accessibility:
There are no facilities for guests with mobility issues.rooms
Scattered around the island, perched on cliff tops with dramatic ocean views, and tucked amongst the verdant canopy, are a handful of seriously luxurious and beautifully designed casitas and pavilions. Each comes with its own tropical garden and the larger ones have a plunge pool. Best of all, there are no TVs. The Tented Casitas sleep two guests, taking inside outside living to the max. Open plan with roll up walls, an outdoor soaking tub and total privacy, they are very romantic.
Casita Mirador has honeymoon written all over it, with its secluded location, ocean views and plunge pool on the thatched deck. Tres Palmas and Casita Sombras are traditional Panamanian designed havens, that both sleep four guests in two bedrooms. The larger Casita Grande has a clifftop position and sleeps eight in four bedrooms. With spectacular ocean views and luxurious privacy, it makes for perfect island living. Casa Cavada is an architectural wonder, standing prominently on the cliffs. Sleeping up to eight guests, it has very spacious living, an enormous infinity pool and its own secluded beach.
food
When you stay here, everything is included. And that goes for innovative, Panamanian food, morning, noon and night. The cathedral like Terraza is the heart of Islas Secas, where guests can sink their toes in the sand and enjoy freshly caught seafood and an ever changing menu. Vegetables and herbs are grown in the kitchen garden, whilst other ingredients are sourced from local producers. The team will pack you a picnic for one of your day-long adventures, and set up a private beach BBQ of an evening.
activities
Whilst there are many secluded beaches, it is unlikely you’ll spend too much time on them – there is just so much to experience here. The team can create a range of bespoke activities that you have on your wish list, from boat trips to one of the other islands, or to Coiba National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest island off the Pacific coast of Central America. It boasts the second largest reef in the Eastern Pacific and is covered in primary rainforest, making it home to many endemic species.
Thanks to the protected waters, the chance to spot whales, manta rays or hammerhead sharks is high, and the diving around the deep seamounts is truly spectacular. A day trip to Boquete, in the Chiriqui Highlands on the mainland can also be arranged. Here you’ll find ziplining, volcano trails and some first class bird spotting opportunities.
family
Islas Secas is most definitely a retreat for adventurous families. There’s rainforest to explore, scuba diving to experience for the first time and learning how to make fresh ceviche. The team will take you all out on kayaks through the mangroves, or speed out to other islands for a beach BBQ. The team here love nothing more than igniting a passion for nature in their younger guests.
sustainability
Panama has long been a leading light in marine and ocean conservation – fishing in the waters around Islas Secas is highly regulated, with commercial fishing restricted. This protects local communities, whale migratory routes, and all aquatic life in the surrounding waters. The resort itself is committed to setting a blueprint for sustainable tourism.
Remaining small-scale – only inhabiting one of the fourteen islands – running 100% on natural energy, recycling all food waste and water, the retreat is dedicated to preserving the area’s exceptional biodiversity.
Location
Panama, Central America
20 miles off the west coast of Panama, in the Pacific Ocean – a 90 minute boat ride from David, in the Chiriqui province on the mainland, or a short flight from Panama City to the island’s airstrip.
