Travelers and smaller groups in pursuit of a luxurious tropical getaway can veer off the beaten path to stay at a new private island eco-resort in Panama's Chiriqui Gulf, The Resort at Isla Palenque, opening February 14.
The Panama resort on 400-acre Isla Palenque combines sustainability initiatives with high-end amenities and services.
Guests of the resort can choose from an intimate collection of 16 immersed-in-nature rooms and luxury camping suites that provide comfortable living in the tropics through the use of passive cooling techniques.
The resort's design, which has earned recognition for its eco-sensitivity, immerses guests into the old-growth jungle for wildlife-spotting opportunities and access to over 10 miles of trails. Rooms perched among 100-year-old trees cascade down a bluff to meet the ocean, offering guests proximity to one of the island's 12 beaches and expansive views of the surrounding Pacific.
With local guides to lead over 20 tours of the island and surrounding area, the resort curates a guest experience that reflects the character of the region. Adventures include guided exploration of the island's coastal caves and hikes to natural landmarks such as the blowhole at Punta Ballena. Among the mainland tours is a day-trip to an indigenous village where visitors can enjoy native dance performances and a meal prepared by the local Ngobe–Bugle people.