Islas Secas Resort
Boca Chica, Panama
Vibe
Powered entirely by solar energy, the secluded Pacific archipelago pairs raw marine wilderness with barefoot luxury for just a few dozen guests.
“Private archipelago sanctuary”
Open-air bamboo cathedral palapas, custom reclaimed teak furniture, and canvas-walled ocean casitas by Tom Scheerer.
Private Twin Otter flights, dedicated hosts, and tailor-made dock-to-dish meals for just thirty-two guests.
Guided humpback whale expeditions, private diving at Coiba National Park, and boat picnics across fourteen private islands.
On a private volcanic island in the Gulf of Chiriquí, reached only by charter flight or boat.
Rooms
Canvas-walled casitas feature wraparound timber decks and open-air soaking tubs, while premium villas add private plunge pools overlooking the Pacific.
Wellness
Open-air garden treatment pavilions offer botanical therapies scented with local ylang-ylang, flanked by a dedicated seaside yoga deck.
Backstory
Set across fourteen volcanic islands, only Isla Cavada is developed, leaving the surrounding archipelago completely protected for wildlife conservation.
Eat & drink
Beneath a soaring bamboo palapa, The Terraza serves dock-to-dish Panamanian seafood alongside bespoke cocktails beside the oceanfront infinity pool.
The neighborhood
Surrounding waters host migrating humpback whales and vibrant coral reefs, with the marine reserve of Coiba National Park easily reached by boat.
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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.