Isla Palenque
Curated by Katy
Located on a tropical island in the Gulf of Chiriquí, Panama, this 400-acre private eco-resort is out of the pages of a fantasy travel novel.
In my Landscape Architecture graduate program, we had close ties with Panama and a focus on the country through projects and eco-tourism classes. Forming friendships with locals and learning about Panama's culture, environment, and tourism started my love affair with this colorful and soulful country. Since creating Good Trips, I've been searching for the hotel that would be our first in lovely Panama, and after Isla Palenque, the bar is set high…oh so high.
Isla Palenque is everything. Rich in lush forest, with seven secluded beaches, and sacred history of archaeological significance, Isla Palenque embodies a truly untouched tropical island experience.
The estate's nine accommodations, each on a different side of the island, overlook pristine beaches from their surroundings. Guests come here drawn by the pull of an undiscovered, faraway place. They get what they come for: the anticipated rejuvenation body and renewed spirit. But what we love about Isla Palenque is the wonder and curiosity it induces for the landscape and its people, which is not so easy to find in a luxury resort.
At a glance
Location: Isla Palenque, Panama
Price: from $780
Rooms: 9
Suitable for: Families (children of all ages) and people with disabilities
Nearest Airport(s): Enrique Malek International Airport (DAV): 1 hour by car and short boat transfer to the island
Arrive by: Small passenger airplane
Open: Year Round
Check in: 3pm Check out: 11am
The Hotel
At the heart of Isla Palenque lies Playa Palenque, the largest beach on the property. Located on the island's western side, spanning 1.3 km of pristine coastline, this is the spot to eat, drink, relax, and take in the best ocean views. Your days could include dips in the infinity pool overlooking the ocean, island hopping, reading from a hammock, learning artisanal fishing methods, building forts in the jungle with your kids, or dining on hyper-local, organic, and delicious Panamanian food while the sun sets over the waves at Las Rocas Restaurant & Bar.
Rooms
Eight beachside bungalows and a luxury estate are joined by forested walkways that immerse guests in the jungle of Isla Palenque. The bungalows, located on the island's west coast, are tucked away in palm groves steps from the beach. Each has an open-air bath, lounge area, and private path down to the pristine waters of Playa Palenque. The intimate six-room estate blends seamlessly with its tropical setting on the island's east side above Playa Primera beach. Tucked between ancient trees and boasting views of the beach below, the estate creates an environment that blends both rainforest and oceanfront.
Food and drink
Isla Palenque's beachfront restaurant Las Rocas is nestled in the palm groves overlooking the lapping waves of the Pacific. Sustainable and locally sourced (including produce from the resort's organic garden), seasonal dishes are designed to encourage the sampling of local specialties highlighting the island's culinary traditions. In addition, Las Rocas is Dock to Dish certified. This means they receive freshly caught seafood from the fishers down the road, ensuring sea life is protected, and local vendors' livelihoods are sustained.
The area
Isla Palenque has a rich history under its ancient forest canopy. The name "Palenque" comes from the word for "sanctuary." Home to a pre-Columbian community, the island's beauty made it a sacred ceremonial site. Hundreds of years later, the island remains a secluded natural reserve for hundreds of species of plants and animals and a sanctuary away from civilization.
What to do
It may be 5-star luxury, but it's certainly not stuffy. On the island, you can dig in and get active. Nature lovers can access the hotel's collection of outdoor gear. Guests can take kayaks and paddleboards down to the beach or explore the shoreline with snorkeling gear. Whether you're into whale watching or not, seeing whales frolic about in the sea is awe-inspiring. In August, the whales migrate into the Gulf of Chiriquí to calve and typically stay until October. For the foodies, the culinary team is ready to teach you artisanal and traditional methods for fishing and foraging for food in the jungle. Then, they'll use your ingredients to prepare a feast accompanied by local spirits, wine, and beers.
You'd also be on the right island for a trip of pure relaxation. For yoga enthusiasts, hidden, private spaces and platforms are perfect for developing your practice under the palms and coconut groves. You might follow any of your activities with a wellness treatment in the privacy of your room, with the soundtrack of Panama's Pacific ocean in the background.
Your hosts
Inspired by the adventures of protagonists like Robinson Crusoe, owner Benjamin Loomis was drawn to life on a tropical island. After spending five years exploring Playa Palenque and its surroundings, Loomis, the lead architect behind Isla Palenque, created a resort inspired by its environment.
He took detailed steps to ensure that the old-growth forest was preserved as much as possible in the development of the property. Artisanal carpenters were hired, and sustainable materials were used to create and sustain what they consider their greatest luxury amenity: the island itself.
Hiring and training locals is key to the eco resort's philosophy of sustainable hospitality. At the resort, the staff is almost entirely Panamanian, with many coming from nearby towns–– an ongoing commitment to the surrounding community.
Good to know
Your experience at Isla Palenque is all-inclusive. It includes arrival and departure via boat transfer to and from Boca Chica, three gourmet meals per day with non-alcoholic drinks, tours, and equipment such as kayaks and paddleboards. There is a minimum 2-night stay required during high or green season.
Isla Palenque is a perfect family destination! They've nailed the art of the multi-generational trip. They will give your kids imaginative experiences as safe and educational as they are entertaining. The waters are warm and calm, the hiking is child-friendly, there are cooking classes, especially for children, and (not to sound overly sales-y) so much more.
Good Trips perks
Welcome drink
Flexible Check-in & Check-out upon availability
Island activities included
Promo code: GOODTRIPS
Sustainability in practice
Sustainability is at Isla Palenque's core. A member of The Cayuga Collection of Sustainable Luxury Hotels, the property is part of various environmental awareness efforts and sustainability programs. They represent a new generation of hoteliers leading the way for intelligent luxury travel.
Food is local, seasonal, humane, and organic
Locally made, organic toiletries
Low-to-no plastic use
0KM Food
Conscious waste management
Runs on renewable energy resources
Involve locals in decisions that may directly affect them
Designed with the local surroundings (built and natural) and culture in mind
Construction materials are local and low impact
Locally designed/made furniture and/or secondhand
Supports local community and economy
Historic preservation of the original structures
Support community projects and initiatives
Inclusion, respect, intercultural understanding and equality are central within the workplace and relationship with the community
Provide meaningful and respectful connections between travellers and locals