Isla Palenque, Panama: Our Hidden Paradise

My husband, Eddie, and I had the opportunity to visit a private jungle island, Isla Palenque, in the Gulf of Chiriqui, Panama. Our visit was a possible business venture and other than the owner’s parents, we were the only guests on the entire island.

Isla Palenque is a luxury eco-resort being designed with eco-tourism and cultural preservation in mind. It was quite the experience. The founder/owner, Ben, has a beautiful and sustainable plan in mind for Isla Palenque.

The Unspoiled Beauty

Eddie and I were brought to the island of Isla Palenque, Panama by boat from Boca Chica and then driven to the resort by mini-van. The roads were still undeveloped and in bad condition. Upon arrival, we were shown around the property and taken to our room overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Our location was just east of Costa Rica.

The enormous estate room featured beautiful pieces of handmade furniture, made by employees of the island property with local materials. I loved the ornate bathroom countertop and bedside tables. Decorations were brightly colored, yet functional with lots of personal touches.

Photo courtesy of Isla Palenque.

What to Expect at the Resort

The resort provided us with iPads and free Wifi to use during our stay. The windows lining the seaside were floor to ceiling so the views were dynamic.

Eddie and I had a large covered patio with several chairs and tables for enjoying the wildlife and scenery. Maid service was impeccable and the cleanliness of the resort was impressive. My favorite part of our room was the huge bathroom with a giant soaking tub, rain-head shower, and wall to wall sliding doors providing a stunning view of the jungle. There was even a private outdoor shower area. Isla Palenque, Panama: Our Hidden Paradise

Isla Palenque resort has six Estate Rooms, with three types of rooms: Garden, Jungle, and Ocean Suites. Ours was the Ocean Suite totaling 500 square feet.

We ate all of our meals at Eden, the onsite restaurant that had a lovely thatched roof. The restaurant had daily special meals that rotated.

Isla Palenque’s Food Options

I felt the choices of meals at Isla Palenque could have been better. Some days we had three beef choices and one vegetarian option, which doesn’t work for my husband at all. I would have preferred a wider variety such as vegetarian, beef, chicken, pork, and fish choices. Regardless, the meats were tender and flavorful. We especially loved the fresh ceviche.

Eden’s food always consisted of local fresh fruit and vegetables. The tropical desserts were simple, yet tasty. Drinks and fruit were available throughout the day for purchase.

The common area at Isla Palenque was a large room with oversized furniture that offered spectacular views where guests could visit, read, play games, and such. A small, but gorgeous plunge pool offered an escape from the intense Panamanian sun. The pool’s water was very cold.

Below the plunging infinity pool, water ran over the rocks into a pretty water fountain that was on a deck where lounge chairs sat. The view looking up at the resort from below was amazing!

What is There To Do on this Private Jungle Island?

Isla Palenque is decent in size, around 400 acres, with beautiful coastline and beaches. There were hiking paths to explore, some with a guide only due to the terrain and wildlife. My favorite thing about the island was the howler monkeys that came between 2 and 3 PM each day. The energetic monkeys gathered, 20-30 at a time, in the trees around us. I made recordings of them and it never fails to bring a smile to my face at how exciting it is hearing them.  

The resort at Isla Palenque can arrange any activities you may wish to do such as ocean kayaking, scuba diving, fishing, and snorkeling.  Just a short distance past this island is one of the most famous sport-fishing destinations. If weather permits, I recommend taking this fishing trip as you may catch rooster fish, mackerel, and snook.

At Isla Palenque, there is an abundance of sea life so diving and snorkeling are sure to satisfy. Another fun excursion is island hopping to nearby Islas Secas where you can watch blowholes erupting as well as possibly seeing sharks and whales along the way. During the season, mostly August through November, the humpback whales will be traveling this route and can almost always be spotted.

Restore, Reenergize, and Refuel

In a nutshell, a visit to Isla Palenque, Panama will restore, reenergize, and refuel your senses and soul.

Eddie and I enjoyed the tranquility, which should almost be bottled up and marketed. It was so overpowering! The island is a very romantic getaway so why not venture there and stay with your special someone?

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Check out our other Panama posts:         

• Casco Viejo, Panama City
• A Walking Tour of Boquete               
• Eating My Way Through Boquete