Isla Palenque

"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 (renovated in 2023), all fringed by empty beaches and jungle foliage. Each casita sits on a private swath of sand with furnishings etched from washed-up driftwood, a highly Instagrammable front porch swing, an oversized net hammock, and a fully outdoor bathroom that includes a tub in the sand. At the sole restaurant and bar, half- and full-day guided activities are announced on the chalkboard every evening, from snorkeling trips to wildlife hikes to visits to nearby coffee farms. There are also daily on-site activities such as cocktail-making classes, or the option to explore this paradise on your own (marked trails and a continuous shoreline help). Another standout of this property is its price point. While many private islands require the deepest of deep pockets, rates at Isla Palenque begin at $980 per couple per night in low season, inclusive of the roundtrip boat ride in and out from Boca Chica (the launch point on the mainland), activities, and meals (but not alcohol)." - Paul Rubio

"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 (renovated in 2023), all fringed by empty beaches and jungle foliage. Each casita sits on a private swath of sand with furnishings etched from washed-up driftwood, a highly Instagrammable front porch swing, an oversized net hammock, and a fully outdoor bathroom, including a tub in the sand. At the island’s sole restaurant and bar, half- and full-day guided activities are announced on the chalkboard every evening, from snorkeling trips to wildlife hikes to visits to nearby coffee farms. There are also daily on-site activities such as cocktail-making classes, or the option to explore this paradise on your own (marked trails and a continuous shoreline help). Another standout of this property is its price point. While many private islands require the deepest of deep pockets, rates at Isla Palenque begin at $980 per couple per night in low season, inclusive of the roundtrip boat ride in and out from Boca Chica (the launch point on the mainland), activities, and meals (but not alcohol)." - Paul Rubio

"A resort set on a private island in Panama, providing an exclusive and luxurious stay." - Travel + Leisure Editors

"Isla Palenque Why we love it: A private island resort where guests can truly disconnect The Highlights: - Just eight casitas and 400 acres of nature - A strong commitment to sustainability - A hyper-local culinary program The Review: Off the Pacific coast of Panama, near the border withCosta Rica, floats a lush island that indigenous people dubbed Palenque, or “sanctuary.” Once home to an ancient, pre-Columbian community, the island stood empty for hundreds of years—save for the all the wildlife, birds, and flora—until Ben Loomis arrived. For five years, the architect and designer lived on site, sleeping in a hammock by night and getting to know the land by day. Eventually, he put both his background and love for nature to use by creating this private island resort, dedicated to the principles of sustainable luxury. There are just eight beachfront casitas and one Villa Estate on the 400-acre island, so privacy is a given. Each of the 650-square-foot casitas has direct beach access, an outdoor tub, organic bath products, daybeds and hammocks, artisan-made furnishings, and a mini-bar stocked with local juices, snacks, and beers. Standout amenities include binoculars, a yoga mat, and a meditation cushion, plus a water bottle to use around the resort; Wi-Fi is free, but “island speed.” In addition to the main beach that fronts the casitas, guests have access to six other sandy stretches, along with nature walking and hiking trails, a main infinity pool, a spa, and complimentary use of kayaks, snorkels, and paddleboards. Meals are full of fresh, sustainably sourced ingredients and vibrant Panamanian flavors; rates include three meals a day, along with snacks and non-alcoholic drinks. An Island Foraging experience brings you closer to the culinary process as you learn to fish using ancient techniques, pick goodies from the island’s orchards, and hunt for wild ingredients along rainforest trails. Off-island excursions like whale watching, island hopping, and more can also be arranged, but with the run of a place like this, it’ll be hard to leave."