Isla Palenque Boca Chica, Panama
Renovated
2023
Price
$$$$
Outside the door
The brand
Cayuga CollectionPrivate island lodge
Primary rainforest and untamed Pacific shores frame a low-impact hideaway built for barefoot detachment and jungle solitude.
“There are just eight beachfront casitas and one Villa Estate on the 400-acre island, so privacy is a given.”
Where it shines
Remarkable
Thatched beachfront casitas hold carved driftwood furnishings and outdoor tubs in the sand.
Remarkable
Boat arrival greetings, dedicated local hosts, and inclusive dock-to-dish oceanfront dining.
Remarkable
Seven private beaches across a 400-acre island with guided marine park excursions.
What they say
Two Michelin Keys
Michelin
Also in Condé Nast Traveler and AFAR.
It’s owned by an architect who spent five years living on site, and it shows; each thatched-roof casita is tucked away in the forest.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
The island borders the Gulf of Chiriquí National Marine Park, reached by boat from the fishing village of Boca Chica.
The rooms
Screened sliding doors open thatched casitas to coastal breezes, with private sand paths leading directly to the surf.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
A freshwater infinity pool curves beside palm trees and shaded daybeds steps from the sand of Playa Palenque.
Yoga and massage
Open-air pavilions host morning meditation, and botanical massages take place in private casita gardens or right by the beach.
At the table
Las Rocas serves dock-to-dish seafood under a thatched rancho, alongside evening rum tastings at the wooden bar.
This 400-acre private island retreat off western Panama is an exercise in tropical, barefoot chic, with eight design-forward beachfront casitas and one six-bedroom villa.
How it began
Architect Benjamin Loomis lived on the island for five years in a hammock before designing the property.
Good to know
Stay here
Isla Palenque
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Boca Chica
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.