Isla Palenque
Four hundred acres of Panamanian Pacific jungle, with eight casitas on one beach of seven.
Isla Palenque lies in the Gulf of Chiriquí on Panama's Pacific coast, reached by flight to David and then boat. The island covers about 400 acres of primary and secondary rainforest with seven beaches, and one property occupies a small part of it — the rest is left to howler monkeys, sloths and the forest.
Eight casitas and a larger villa make up the accommodation, under the Cayuga Collection with its documented sustainability practice. The island can be taken whole at eighteen guests or more. The Pacific here is cooler and richer than the Caribbean side of the same country, with whales in season.
Four hundred acres for eight casitas. The forest is the property, and the accommodation occupies a fraction of one beach.
Pacific rather than Caribbean. Cooler water, more biomass, whales in season and almost no other hospitality within reach.
Who it is not for
Isla Palenque is wrong for guests expecting warm, glassy Caribbean water, which the Pacific here does not provide. It is wrong for travellers wanting a resort's facilities at eight casitas. And it is wrong for those uncomfortable with insects and jungle at close quarters. And it is wrong for guests who need reliable connectivity or a spa complex. Those wanting Panama's Caribbean side should look at Nayara Bocas del Toro.
Sources
- islapalenque.com — eight casitas plus a villa, 400 acres, seven beaches, Cayuga Collection
- Casita count and island area unverified. Confirm before publication.
Booking
Private Island Resorts arranges each stay on request, quoting the rates available for the island and dates. No benefit should be assumed unless it is confirmed in writing for the individual reservation.
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