Luxury Hotels Atlas / Places / Panama / San Lorenzo (Boca Chica) / Isla Palenque Resort
Isla Palenque Resort
San Lorenzo (Boca Chica), Chiriqui, Panama · Cayuga Collection · Grand Luxury
Architect Benjamin Loomis lived on this 400-acre private island in Panama's Gulf of Chiriquí for five years, inspired by Robinson Crusoe, before opening the resort in 2018. Only eight beachfront casitas and one villa estate share seven beaches and primary rainforest, with pre-Columbian sites left intact inside the national marine park. Humpback whales pass the shore from August to October.
- 9 rooms
- Opened 2018
- Neighborhood: Boca Chica
- Rooms from 650 sq ft (60 m²)
- Architect: Benjamin Loomis
About Isla Palenque Resort
- Owner-architect Benjamin Loomis lived on the island for five years, often sleeping in a hammock on Playa Palenque, before building the resort.
- The 400-acre island keeps seven private beaches; only a small fraction of the land is developed, the rest left as rainforest reserve.
- Eight beachfront casitas plus one six-bedroom villa estate are the only guest quarters, reached by boat from Boca Chica.
- The island lies in the Gulf of Chiriquí National Marine Park, with seasonal humpback whales from August to October.
- Entry-level rooms start at 650 sq ft (60 m²).
History
Inspired by the novel 'Robinson Crusoe,' owner Benjamin Loomis lived on the island for five years before opening the eco-resort in 2018. The 400-acre property is a protected haven within the Gulf of Chiriquí National Marine Park, preserving both its primary rainforest and its rich pre-Columbian archaeological history. As a member of the Cayuga Collection, the resort emphasizes sustainable luxury and deep immersion in the island's diverse ecosystems.
Restaurants and bars
- Las Rocas Restaurant & Bar — Restaurant · Sophisticated take on Panamanian cuisine
Experiences
- Cooking classes — Cooking classes available on the island.
- Rum tastings — Rum tastings available on the island.
- Foraging hikes — Foraging hikes available on the island.
- Guided rainforest and mangrove hikes — Guided hikes through primary rainforests and mangrove trails to explore the surrounding nature.
- Whale watching — Seasonal whale watching in the surrounding Pacific Ocean.
- Kayaking, snorkeling, paddleboarding — Kayaking, snorkeling and paddleboarding in the surrounding Pacific Ocean.
Amenities
- All-inclusive gourmet farm-to-table dining at Las Rocas Restaurant & Bar
- Seven private beaches and extensive jungle hiking trails
- Guided naturalist tours, including mangrove kayaking and birdwatching
- Infinity pool, yoga pavilion, and beachfront massages
- Seasonal whale watching and dolphin spotting from the shore
- Complementary boat transfers from Boca Chica/David
- Spa
Awards
- MICHELIN Two Keys (2026)
Open Isla Palenque Resort in the atlas for live weekend rates, photos, and the full folio.