Islas Secas – a secluded eco-conscious and private island hideaway in the Gulf of Chiriquí, Panama

Tucked away 20 miles off the coast of Panama and in the waters of the Pacific Ocean, Islas Secas sits as a secluded archipelago of 14 islands, 13 of which are untouched.

For those looking for ultra-private, eco-conscious untamed nature without sacrificing comfort then Isla Secas delivers on all fronts whilst operating with sustainability at its core. Naturally beautiful Islas Secas offers a spectacular setting with lush forests, hidden beaches and excellent marine life.

I had been invited twice before to visit and sadly wasn’t able to make the trips but it was most certainly on my “to visit list” and was delighted to finally visit this year. What makes Islas Secas exceptional isn’t just its natural beauty—though the setting is spectacular, with lush forests, hidden beaches, and exceptional marine life. It’s the resort’s commitment to preserving that beauty while offering an elite travel experience.

Islas Secas provides intimate yet authentic luxury, unpretentious design yet elegant, with organic materials and local craftsmanship. There are only seven luxurious but beautifully designed cassitas tucked into the jungle canopy or perched above the sea. Each casita offers panoramic views, plunge pools, and indoor-outdoor spaces that allow you to be absorbed in nature.

With over 100 species of resident and migratory birds, guests can spot a huge range of exotic species around Islas Secas. A highlight for me was boating over to Isla Coco. We had the best views of one of Panama’s largest colonies of soaring frigatebirds, as well as blue footed boobies and peregrine falcons. Never did I consider seeing blue footed boobies in the Isla Secas archipelago, this was something I was anticipating for a visit to the Galapagos Islands only. That particular day the charming Beny, one of the leading birding experts and nature tour guides in Central America, was ecstatic at the vast number of blue footed boobies sitting on the cliff tops. He even got us all counting so he could log the days sightings!

Nature was constantly all around, large iguanas frequently visited my outdoor deck and I regularly came across them wandering the paths and lazing on the driftwood on the beach. Beautiful hummingbirds gathered too daily, fluttering over the pool whilst showing off their vibrant coloured bodies. I was slightly too early for whale season but if you visit between May and September you are likely to be blessed with seeing two separate populations of migrating humpback whales.

If being on or in the water is your thing then Islas Secas is a playground for water sports enthusiasts. The water sports team is truly fab and all activities are included in your stay and range from surfing, kayaking, SUP, snorkelling, E-Foil, Seabob, sailing, wakeboarding, sunset cruises and diving. Having a go on the Seabob was a fun first for me and I particularly liked the hike through the rainforest and the kayak back to the water sports centre. I can’t forget to mention the sunset cruise on board Cavada, their 50-foot yacht, which gave us just the best dramatic Panama sunset on our last night.

I loved the beach picnic and ceviche cooking class on Isla Pargo. There is no better way to spend an afternoon; feet in the sand, eating barbecued lobster and delicious ceviche that you had prepared yourself. Then spending the rest of the afternoon relaxing on the private beach, snorkelling, swimming and doing some more water sports should you choose.

At Isla Secas you won’t find crowded pools or formal dining rooms. Just genuine warm hospitality and attentive service in a beautiful secluded location where you can expect fresh, seasonal meals served in oceanfront palapas or at locations under stars, with a private chef tailoring menus to your preferences. It is the perfect destination for families, groups of friends and couples looking for a unique experience, exclusivity, nature and purpose-driven travel. Flying over the Panama Canal to get there was cool in itself.

Helen travelled to Islas Secas, Panama in April