Isla Palenque

Low key 400-acre private island resort in Panama's Gulf of Chiriqui

This 4Yogis a rare gem, where you can immerse yourself in pristine nature, enjoy secluded beaches and explore ancient history. With only 14 casitas and villas, each with stunning ocean views and direct beach access, you’ll feel like you have the island to yourself. Whether you want to relax by the infinity pool, hike through the rainforest, kayak around the mangroves or learn about the local culture, Isla Palenque has something for everyone.

**Unique or special aspects** Isla Palenque is not just a resort, it’s a sanctuary. The island has a rich and sacred history, dating back to the pre-Columbian era, when it was home to an indigenous community that used it for ceremonial purposes. You can still see traces of their presence in the stone circles, petroglyphs and pottery shards that dot the island. The resort also preserves and protects the island’s biodiversity, with over 80% of the land designated as a nature reserve. You’ll encounter a variety of wildlife, from monkeys and sloths to toucans and hummingbirds, as well as rare plants and trees. The resort also supports local communities by sourcing organic produce from nearby farms, employing local staff and artisans, and offering cultural experiences that showcase the traditions and heritage of the region.

**Setting** Isla Palenque is located in the Gulf of Chiriqui, off the western Pacific coast of Panama, near the border with Costa Rica. The island is surrounded by turquoise waters and coral reefs, and boasts seven beaches of different sizes and characters. Some are ideal for swimming and snorkeling, others for surfing and fishing. The island is also part of the Chiriqui National Marine Park, a protected area that hosts diverse marine life, including dolphins, whales, turtles and manta rays. The island’s interior is covered by lush tropical rainforest, crisscrossed by trails that lead to hidden waterfalls, caves and viewpoints.

**Style** The resort’s design blends seamlessly with the natural environment, using local materials such as bamboo, stone and wood. The casitas and villas are spacious and airy, with high ceilings, large windows and sliding doors that open to private terraces. The décor is minimalist and elegant, with neutral tones and pops of color inspired by the island’s flora and fauna. The furniture and accessories are handmade by local craftsmen, using sustainable techniques and materials. The resort also features a stunning infinity pool overlooking the ocean, a cozy lounge with a library and games, a restaurant serving delicious fusion cuisine, and a spa offering relaxing treatments using organic products.

Sustainability

Isla Palenque is committed to sustainability in every aspect of its operation. The resort uses solar panels to generate electricity, rainwater harvesting to supply water, composting toilets to reduce waste, and biodegradable products to minimize environmental impact. The resort also grows some of its own fruits and vegetables on site, and sources the rest from organic farms in the area. The resort also educates guests about the island's ecology and history through guided tours and workshops. The resort also supports conservation projects on the island and in the marine park, such as monitoring wildlife populations, restoring coral reefs, planting native trees and protecting endangered species.

Isla Palenque is not only a luxury resort, but also a social enterprise that aims to empower local communities and promote cultural exchange. The resort employs over 90% of its staff from nearby towns and villages, providing them with fair wages, training and opportunities for growth. The resort also works with local artisans and entrepreneurs to showcase their products and services to guests, such as pottery, jewelry, textiles and coffee. The resort also offers cultural experiences that allow guests to learn about the traditions and heritage of the region, such as cooking classes, dance workshops, rum tastings and visits to indigenous villages.

Rooms

The resort offers two types of accommodation: casitas and villas. The casitas are ideal for couples or solo travelers, offering 650 square feet of space, a king-size bed, a bathroom with an outdoor shower, a walk-in closet, a minibar, an iPad, a yoga mat and a terrace with a hammock and ocean views. The villas are perfect for families or groups, offering 2,500 square feet of space, two or three bedrooms with king-size beds and en-suite bathrooms, a living room with a sofa bed, a dining room, a kitchenette, a laundry room, a minibar, an iPad, a yoga mat and a terrace with a plunge pool and ocean views.

Food and drink

The resort's restaurant, Edén, serves fusion cuisine that combines local ingredients and flavours with international influences. The menu changes daily, depending on the availability of fresh produce and seafood. You can enjoy your meals in the indoor dining room, the outdoor terrace or the beachfront deck, with stunning views of the ocean and the sunset. The resort also offers a bar, where you can sip on cocktails, wines and beers, as well as smoothies, juices and specialty coffee. You can also request room service, picnic baskets or private dining experiences for special occasions.

Things to do

You can enjoy the island’s beaches, where you can swim, snorkel, surf, fish or sunbathe. You can also explore the island’s rainforest, where you can hike, birdwatch, wildlife-spot or visit archaeological sites. You can also kayak or paddleboard around the island’s mangroves and lagoons, where you can see dolphins, turtles and crocodiles. You can also join a boat tour to the surrounding islands and reefs, where you can snorkel, scuba dive or whale watch. You can also participate in cultural activities, such as cooking classes, dance workshops, rum tastings and visits to indigenous villages.

Wider region

Isla Palenque is located in the Chiriqui province, one of the most diverse and beautiful regions of Panama. The province offers a range of attractions and activities, from mountains and volcanoes to rivers and lakes. You can visit the Baru Volcano National Park, where you can hike to the highest point in Panama and see both the Pacific and the Caribbean coasts. You can also explore the Boquete Valley, where you can enjoy the cool climate, the lush scenery and the famous coffee plantations. You can also discover the Ngobe-Bugle Comarca, where you can meet the indigenous people who live in harmony with nature.

Kids

Isla Palenque is a family-friendly resort that welcomes children of all ages. The resort offers a kids’ club, where children can enjoy games, crafts, stories and movies. The resort also provides babysitting services, cribs, high chairs and toys upon request. The resort also organizes family activities, such as treasure hunts, beach games, nature walks and star gazing. The resort also has a family villa, which can accommodate up to eight guests and has a plunge pool and a kitchenette.

Getting there

The easiest way to get to Isla Palenque is by flying to Panama City and then taking a domestic flight to David, the capital of Chiriqui province. From David, you can take a taxi or a shuttle to Boca Chica, a small fishing village on the mainland. From Boca Chica, you can take a 20-minute boat ride to Isla Palenque. The resort can arrange all the transfers for you upon request.

Ethical credentials:

Actively reduces consumption
Ecosystem preservation
Solar powered or renewable energy
Employs local people
Promotes local businesses
Local or organic food
Education

Good for:

Nature
Luxury

Setting:

Beach or coast

Facilities:

Spa
Pool
Restaurant
Bar
Wifi

Room capacity:

Up to 2
Up to 4

Suitable for:

Family

Type of property:

Cabin
Villa

Activities:

Watersports
Yoga

Tags: Beach, Birdwatching, Luxury, Spa, Watersports and Yoga

Price range: ££££

Website

Email: reservations@islapalenque.com

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