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Islas Secas
Islas Secas, Panama · Independent · Grand Luxury
Louis Bacon bought the former Michael Klein fishing lodge in 2009 and spent years turning Islas Secas into an off-the-grid reserve on a 14-island archipelago in Panama's Gulf of Chiriqui, opening in December 2018 with Hart Howerton architecture and Tom Scheerer interiors. The resort runs entirely on solar power, recycles all its water, and permanently protects about 75 percent of the archipelago.
- 8 rooms
- Opened 2019
- Neighborhood: San Lorenzo
- Architect: Hart Howerton
- Interiors: Tom Scheerer
About Islas Secas
- American billionaire conservationist Louis Bacon bought the property in 2009, transforming a former no-frills fishing lodge owned by entrepreneur Michael Klein, who died in a 2007 plane crash.
- The resort opened in December 2018/2019 as an off-the-grid reserve on a 14-island archipelago in the Gulf of Chiriqui off Panama's Pacific coast.
- Architecture is by Hart Howerton, with interiors by Tom Scheerer; casitas host around 18-24 guests.
- Named to Robb Report's 50 Greatest Hotels on Earth for 2025.
History
Islas Secas is a private-island eco-resort on a 14-island archipelago in the Gulf of Chiriquí, off Panama's Pacific coast. Previously a no-frills fishing lodge owned by entrepreneur Michael Klein (who died in a 2007 plane crash), it was bought in 2009 by American billionaire conservationist Louis Bacon, who spent years transforming it into an off-the-grid luxury reserve that opened in December 2018/2019. Architecture is by Hart Howerton, with interiors by Tom Scheerer.
Restaurants and bars
- Terraza — Restaurant
- Balboa Bar — Bar
- Hemingway-inspired bar — Bar
Experiences
- Marine safari and snorkeling — Guided snorkeling, reef exploration and sea-bound trips to outlying islands, with manta rays and dolphins.
- Private Island Marine Safari — Personalized marine safaris to spot humpback whales, whale sharks, hammerheads, sea turtles and manta rays. Humpbacks seen May to September.
- Private Twin Otter arrival — Flight from Panama City on the resort's private Twin Otter, landing on the short island runway.
- Scuba diving — Expert-led diving at over 20 sites, with introductory and certification options.
- Watersports — Kayaking, paddleboarding, e-foiling and sailing with premium equipment.
- Guided hiking and birdwatching — Miles of groomed trails on the main island, birdwatching guides, and visits to the Cedro Grande cedar tree and a blowhole.
Amenities
- In-room minibar (daily-replenished, in Casita)
- Housekeeping, nightly turn-down, high-speed Wi-Fi in Casitas and common areas
- Complimentary laundry (no dry cleaning)
- Reef-safe sunscreen, mosquito repellant, aromatherapy kits
- Beach kit: flip flops, water bottle, beach bag, board games
- Activities & Watersports Center
- Private island buyout available
- Private Twin Otter aircraft transfers from Panama City
- Private beaches
- Outdoor showers
- Private terraces
- Private pools in some casitas
- All-inclusive dining
- Tailored meals to guests' wishes
- Personalized Marine Safaris
- Romantic celebrations and intimate barefoot weddings
Awards
- Robb Report 50 Greatest Hotels on Earth (2026)
Open Islas Secas in the atlas for live weekend rates, photos, and the full folio.