Isla Palenque
Boca Chica, Panama
Vibe
A 400-acre private island where seven secluded beaches, dense primary rainforest, and open-air thatched pavilions host fewer than thirty guests.
“Pacific island hideaway”
Thatched-roof casitas showcase handcrafted driftwood furniture, screened open-air walls, and stone soaking tubs set in sand.
Inclusive private island service features personalized boat transfers, attentive local hosts, and tailored guided excursions.
A four-hundred-acre island campus offering seven beaches, marine park boat excursions, and guided rainforest trail adventures.
On a private four-hundred-acre island in the Gulf of Chiriquí, reached by boat from Boca Chica.
“This 400-acre private island off the Pacific coast of Panama is an extraordinary escape, offering no fewer than seven secluded beaches.”
Rooms
Thatched-roof beachfront casitas feature artisan furniture made from fallen timber, private sand pathways, and outdoor bathrooms with soaking tubs.
“This 400-acre private island retreat off western Panama is an exercise in tropical, barefoot chic, with eight design-forward beachfront casitas”
Wellness
A freshwater infinity pool borders Playa Palenque, complemented by beachfront yoga sessions and open-air botanical massages in your private garden.
“There are just eight beachfront casitas and one Villa Estate on the 400-acre island, so privacy is a given.”
Backstory
Architect Benjamin Loomis lived on the uninhabited island for five years, sleeping in a hammock while studying the terrain before building.
Eat & drink
Las Rocas serves Dock to Dish certified seafood caught by local fishermen alongside produce harvested from the island's organic farm.
The neighborhood
Reached by a fifteen-minute boat ride from Boca Chica, the island borders the protected marine waters of the Chiriquí Gulf.
More like this
Islas Secas Resort
“Private archipelago sanctuary”
Secluded
The app
This is one hotel. The app has every one we rate, in your pocket, for the whole trip.
Our shorthand
What makes a hotel special, how well they pull it off, and what it feels like outside the door.
How well they pull it off
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
They did this well. You’ll notice.
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Architecture and interiors lead. There’s a creative vision at work.
The guest is conspicuously well cared for. Requests met before they’re made.
Rooted in place. Local character runs through the whole stay.
Energy and scene. Where the city goes out, whether or not it’s sleeping here.
A building with history. The story of the place is part of the stay.
Built around feeling better. Rest, sweat, soak, spa.
A hotel the city grew up with. Same rituals, same regulars.
A world of its own. No reason to leave the property.
Scene — what’s outside the door
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
A place apart: the property is the destination.