If you’ve ever dreamed of escaping to a private island that feels both wildly remote and luxuriously welcoming, let me introduce you to Islas Secas. Nestled in the Gulf of Chiriquí off Panama’s Pacific coast, this eco-luxury hideaway is where adventure, barefoot luxury, and sustainability all come together in a truly unforgettable way.

When our founder at The Hello Agency, Beth Simms, visited with her husband, she called it a “guilt-free island paradise.” It’s a place where you can fully unplug, reconnect with nature, and feel good about the footprint you’re leaving behind. Islas Secas isn’t just beautiful. It’s deeply intentional, and that’s what makes it so special.

A Destination with a Purpose

Islas Secas is owned by conservationist Louis Bacon and was built with a mission: to offer meaningful travel experiences that support the environment. The entire resort is powered by solar energy. It recycles all food waste, reuses water, and maintains a light footprint to help protect the surrounding marine ecosystems and native wildlife. Guests aren’t just vacationing here, they’re participating in a model of responsible tourism that makes a positive impact.

You’ll arrive via a scenic 90-minute flight on a private Twin Otter from Panama City. From the moment you land on the resort’s private airstrip, the pace shifts. You’ll feel the difference in the air, the sounds, the rhythm. Everything slows. Everything invites you to breathe and explore.

Barefoot Luxury Meets Natural Beauty

Accommodations at Islas Secas are spread across seven casitas that host no more than 24 guests at a time. Each casita is designed with a deep sense of place and privacy. Think handcrafted teak wood, local textiles, shaded decks, plunge pools, outdoor showers, and panoramic views of the Pacific. Some casitas are tucked into the hillside while others open right onto the sand. There are one-, two-, and four-bedroom options, perfect for couples, families, or small groups of friends.

The rooms include thoughtful touches like curated in-room libraries, artisanal bath products, personal iPads with digital guides, and Bose sound systems. What truly stands out is how effortlessly indoors and outdoors flow together. It feels natural, calming, and easy.

Dining with a Sense of Place

Meals at Islas Secas are vibrant and fresh. Dining takes place in the open-air Terraza, overlooking the ocean. The culinary team takes its cues from Panama’s natural bounty, blending Latin American traditions with global flavors. The chefs work closely with regional farmers, fishermen, and artisans to create menus that change daily and reflect the seasons.

From just-caught seafood to fresh produce and housemade breads and desserts, every dish feels personal and thoughtful. Guests can also enjoy snacks and drinks throughout the day in the Terraza Lounge or opt for private meals at hidden spots across the islands. The bar is always stocked, and the mixologist crafts custom cocktails based on your preferences.

Adventures on Land and Sea

Everything at Islas Secas is designed to make you feel like you're part of the landscape, not just a visitor. The best part? All excursions are included in your stay.

Beth and her husband Brian loved experiencing it all, especially the deep-sea fishing and watersports like Seabob and snorkeling. Guests of Islas Secas have the ability to join in on activites such as…

Deep‑Sea Fishing Excursions

Beth and her husband’s favorite outing was a half-day fishing excursion around legendary spots like Hannibal Bank and Isla Montuosa. Guided by expert captains, they tried catch-and-release marlin and tuna fishing, and hooked snappers and roosterfish. Guests of any skill level can enjoy these trips, which emphasize sustainable practices and respect for the ocean. The fishing excursions run around half a day and are included in your stay.

Seabob, Snorkeling & More

The resort’s watersports center was one of their daily stops. Zip through crystal-clear water on a Seabob, propelled by silent underwater jets, it’s an exhilarating way to explore the reefs and marine life. Beth said it felt like seeing the ocean from a dolphin’s point of view.

For quieter moments, they snorkeled off protected coral reefs around the archipelago, spotting parrotfish, angelfish, butterflyfish, eagle rays, and even loggerhead turtles. Guides also take guests for snorkeling at offshore sites like Isla Montuosa or Coiba National Park for more diverse marine encounters.

Paddleboarding, Kayaking & SUP

They also loved stand-up paddleboarding along Islas Secas’ four-mile protected coastline. On calm mornings, gliding silently over reefs and caves gave them a peaceful yet immersive way to explore the shoreline. Kayak excursions led them through hidden coves, bird-nesting cliffs, sea caves, and to secluded beaches, always with friendly knowledgeable guides, or at your own pace from the well-equipped watersports center.

E‑Foil, Wakeboarding & Surfing

For high-energy fun, Beth tried the e‑foil—gliding above the water with an electric hydrofoil board. A real adrenaline rush and available for guests over 12. She also watched others try wakeboarding off the island’s boats and even organized a short boat ride to Morro Negrito for surfing and bodyboarding, which involves an additional fee.

Boat Tours & Marine Safari

Their first morning included a guided boat tour around the archipelago to get acclimated. They toured bays, beaches, mangroves, and lagoons while spotting tropical birds, iguanas, and reptiles along the cliffs. This Marine Safari approach highlights the whole ecosystem—including a chance to meet conservation researchers and contribute to citizen science projects.

On Land: Trails, Wildlife & Picnics

Water adventures can be alternated with nature hikes that pass by Cedro Grande (a 300-year-old cedar), a blowhole that shoots water high, orchid groves, and Frigatebird nesting colonies. Trails lead to panoramic viewpoints over the islands. Lunches and snacks were often served as beach picnics on hidden islands stocked with ceviche, salad, fresh fruit and cocktails.

Dive Deeper

For those who love diving, this is one of the best spots in Central America. The on-site PADI-certified Dive Center offers full equipment, boats, and instruction. You can join guided dives, take specialty courses, or even get PADI certified if you’re just starting out. Courses for kids 10 and up are also available. And because diving is included in your rate, there’s no pressure to cram it all into one day. You can take your time and explore at your own pace.

The diving here is next-level. Nutrient-rich waters support a kaleidoscope of marine life including vibrant coral, butterflyfish, parrotfish, grouper, eels, and more. Some of the best sites are just minutes from shore. It’s like your own private marine safari.

Wild Encounters: Whales and Beyond

One of the most awe-inspiring aspects of visiting Islas Secas is the up-close access to Panama’s remarkable marine life. From mid-December to mid-April, the Gulf of Chiriquí becomes a front-row seat to the Pacific’s annual humpback whale migration. Guests can set out on guided whale watching excursions where breaching whales, mothers and calves, and tail slaps often steal the show. It’s not uncommon to witness these gentle giants from your boat, or even from your private casita deck with a pair of binoculars in hand.

But the magic doesn’t stop there. This region is teeming with biodiversity both above and below the surface. Snorkel or dive and you might spot turtles, rays, reef sharks, and vibrant schools of tropical fish in the protected waters of the marine reserve. On land, keep your eyes open for coatis, howler monkeys, and a wide range of bird species, from frigatebirds and pelicans to dazzling toucans and parrots. The island’s remote location and commitment to sustainability mean the ecosystem remains intact and thriving, a dream for wildlife lovers and photographers alike.

A Jungle Sanctuary for Body and Soul

If Beth and her husband found bliss in adventure, they found balance in the spa. Islas Secas’ wellness offering, called the Secascent Spa, is a true jungle hideaway — a pair of tented treatment pavilions tucked into lush greenery and open to the sound of the jungle breeze.

Designed like a secret garden, the spa features two luxury couple‑treatment tents beneath a canopy of wild jasmine, coconut palms, and ylang ylang. These open-air sanctuaries let you feel fully connected to the surroundings as you rejuvenate. Every product used is eco-conscious, organic when possible, and locally inspired from sea-salt scrubs made with bay water to botanical oils crafted from endemic plants.

Wellness Beyond the Spa

Rejuvenation at Islas Secas doesn’t end at treatment. You’ll find daily guided yoga and breath‑work classes in scenic spots across the island, from a beachfront platform at sunrise to moonlit sessions in the hummingbird garden. You can also use the yoga mat and essential-oil kits in your casita to continue your practice privately.

Peace That Lasts

What Islas Secas offers, above all, is space. Space to think, to rest, to reset. With no crowds, no noise, and no pressure to plan or coordinate, you’re free to just be. The all-inclusive model allows you to fully let go. Every detail is handled, every moment designed with care.

Whether you're heading off on a family adventure, a romantic escape, or simply seeking a quiet corner of the world where you can reconnect with yourself and the natural world, Islas Secas is a place that stays with you.

It’s rare, it’s real, and it’s waiting for you.

Ready to book your own island adventure?

Additional photos courtesy of Islas Secas

Escape to Untamed Luxury at Islas Secas, Panama