Archipelago Dreams: Islas Secas
It’s time for you to settle into your new home: a casita at Islas Secas, a spectacular ocean wilderness set on a 14-island archipelago off Panama’s Pacific coast. Did we mention it’s an all-inclusive eco-destination to boot?!
Islas Secas’s main island from above (photo credit: Dominique DeBay Collection)
Islas Secas, an inspired eco-destination befitting even the most intrepid travelers, is an archipelago of effortlessly beautiful islands in the Gulf of Chiriquí on the Pacific coast of Panama. It combines the wonders of Panama’s incredible natural land and seascape with genuinely sustainable hospitality and once-in-a-lifetime opportunities for adventure.
The Heart of Islas Secas
Located on one main island in the Islas Secas archipelago, luxurious accommodations and facilities await you. Before we jump into accommodations (if you can bear the wait!), let’s take a look at the communal areas of the resort.
Terraza is the heart of Islas Secas. It functions as the resort’s restaurant, but it is so much more than that, serving as a place to relax over drinks and share meals along with tales of the day’s adventures, of which there are sure to be many.
You will also find a spa nestled in the jungle with two wellness tents complete with swing seats and soaking baths. The secluded jungle setting is sure to relax and intrigue you all at once, making you feel as though you have melded into your lush surroundings.
The resort features a main infinity pool and sun terrace offering picture perfect views of the gulf. There is also the PADI Dive Centre offering a full range of dive-related serviced from a free “Discover Scuba” experience right up to dive certification and specialty courses for those keen to achieve something on their trip.
While the resort is set on one main island, the rest of the islands are yours to explore, which—let’s be honest—could take up your whole trip! Islas Secas staff are happy to arrange anything you might need to head out and explore.
Say Hola to your Casita!
Seven casitas set in lush tropical gardens with spacious outdoor living areas and ocean views are yours for the taking. The only real challenge will be picking which of the seven you’ll call home for the duration of your stay. There are one-, two-, or four-bedroom options befitting couples, families, and groups of friends. Most of the casitas have their own private plunge pool.
Here is a list of the accommodations on offer at Islas Secas:
3 Tented Casitas (one-bedroom)
Casita Mirador (one-bedroom)
Casita Sombras (two-bedroom)
Casita Tres Palmas (two-bedroom)
Casita Grande (four-bedroom)
All-Inclusive Goodness
When you travel somewhere remote like Islas Secas, the last thing you want to worry about is all those pesky additional costs, so we’re happy to say that Islas Secas is a wonderfully all-inclusive experience. With more included than your average beach resort, you can truly relax and enjoy all there is on offer. Here is what you can expect to be included in your nightly rate:
All meals and snacks, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, and your mini-bar
All non-motorized water sports including snorkeling, kayaking, and stand-up paddle boarding
Scuba diving (including instruction) within the Islas Secas archipelago
Whale-watching tours
All guided activities on-property including nature treks and bird watching
A day on a private island with beach setup, picnic lunch, and watersports equipment
Daily yoga classes and one 60-minute spa treatment per person per stay
Transfers to Islas Secas from the city of David
Activities
If you can drag yourself away from relaxing in a private plunge pool, dining at Terraza, enjoying tasty cocktails, and the like, it’s important to know all the activities on offer. We can help you curate an itinerary to match this once-in-a-lifetime trip before you leave, or if you get a whim to try something out while you’re there, the friendly staff at Islas Secas can help as well. Most of the activities are included in your nightly rate (see above), with only a few coming at an extra expense. Here is a full list of activities on offer at Islas Secas:
Snorkeling
Scuba Diving
Kayaking
Stand-up paddle boarding
Sea bobbing
Surfing
Whale watching (seasonal)
Nature hikes
Birdwatching
Private island beach experiences
World-class fishing
Excursions to Coiba National Park
Yoga
Spa treatments
How to Get to Islas Secas
Your journey will begin with an international flight to Panama City’s Tocumen International Airport. Once you arrive there, the city of David is a short domestic flight from Panama City. After your short flight, you will be met by Islas Secas staff and driven to the nearby coast to embark on a 75-minute boat ride to Islas Secas. All of your transfers from David are included in your nightly rate, so there is no need to worry about the extra expense involved in this scenic transfer.
The Ultimate Sustainable Playground
It only takes a look around on arrival to understand the owners’ passion to protect the extraordinary forest and marine environment. Thus, they created this small, secluded resort—just 24 guests, 14 islands, and countless reefs, glassy bays, and tree-swathed hills to explore—as the ultimate sustainable playground. The island is 100% solar powered, and 100% of wastewater is filtered and reused for irrigation. Plus, the privately funded Islas Secas Foundation supports marine and wildlife conservation organizations in the region as well as local community efforts. Each year, we learn more and more about why sustainability is important, and we think it always feels good to travel somewhere that is not only conscious of this but embracing it!
COVID-19 Requirements for Entry to Panama
International flights have resumed to and from Tocumen International Airport in Panama City. Entry to Panama is open to Panamanian nationals, residents, tourists and business travelers with a negative COVID-19 PCR test certificate. The certificate must be obtained no more than 48 hours before you travel. If you cannot do this, a test can be taken at the airport on arrival at a cost of $50.00 USD. With a negative test result, you may continue on to your destination. If the test is positive, there is a mandatory requirement to quarantine for at least 7 days at a government facility.
If you would like to get away to Islas Secas (or anywhere else in the world), simply contact us, and we will set you on your way.