If you were to sail past Islas Secas, you wouldn’t necessarily realize there’s a luxurious getaway hiding among the mango trees. And that was on purpose. The stunning private island property, located 20 miles off of Panama’s Pacific coast, was designed to blend into the landscape and make guests feel one with nature.
Once you step off the private plane, you’re whisked away on a golf cart ride through the jungle before arriving at the striking Terraza. The open-air pavilion was designed in the Gamboan style, with traditional five-foot overhangs constructed using wood and bamboo. It soars above the beach, making it the focal point, and is where guests enjoy their chef-prepared meals, can have a drink at the dark-wood library bar, or simply lay in one of the many hammocks cone-like pods overlooking the ocean.
The rest of the resort branches off from the effortlessly grand hub. Head up one winding path to the quiet infinity pool surrounded by a tropical landscape. Follow another wooden walkway to the secret garden-esque spa that features two open-air treatment suites complete with an outdoor soaking tub. Then, the accommodations are along another pathway, the winds along a beach and through more soaring greenery.
Keeping in line with the intimate vibe, there are only seven housing options—for a maximum of 24 guests—ranging from one-bedroom tented casitas to a four-bedroom Casita Grande. Each one has views of the ocean and some come with private pools, enhancing the secluded experience. Plus, keeping with the eco-friendly ethos, the renowned Hart Howerton design team constructed the villas on floating decks to allow wildlife to move freely below.
That wildlife includes 50 bird species, crabs, lizards, and 128 species of plants. So, protecting the local ecology is paramount. That’s why all construction materials were sourced not to disturb the islands. It’s also 100% solar-generated and 100% of wastewater is reused for irrigation.
And if you weren’t sold yet, the property is not just one island; it’s 14 private islands. Yes, the owner decided to keep 75% of the archipelago undeveloped to allow guests to enjoy an untouched paradise. It’s an eco heaven on Earth.
