Islas Secas Resort

Islas Secas Resort Review

Constant exposure to the bounties of nature, gourmet food, spa services, and other pampering are what you get at this all-inclusive luxury eco-lodge on the Islas Secas. To limit environmental impact, accommodations are in seven spacious yurts (round tents of Mongolian origin), with a hot-water bath, minibar, and other amenities that run on solar power and propane. Walking paths, made from washed-up coral and seashells, wind past lush jungle and towering palms to the dining area where meals are served in an open-air restaurant overlooking a cove. Snorkeling, scuba diving, surfing, whale watching, use of catamarans and kayaks, and light-tackle fishing are included, as are meals and drinks; deep-sea fishing and spa services are extra. Popular with honeymooners is the casita that can be reached only by kayak during high tide. Typically there are no more than 14 guests and 14 staff members on the island at any given time. The downside is rates are more than double those of any other hotel in Panama. To reach this island paradise, you can either fly directly from Panama City to the resort's landing strip, which takes one hour, or you can take a commercial flight to David and travel two hours by boat. Since the resort's owner purchased the entire 16-isle archipelago, there are no plans to develop the pristine islands that surround Isla Secas. New owners are considering converting the yurts to more permanent units at this writing, but the resort will still remain eco-sensitive.