Combining exceptional marine wildlife, wild fauna and flora and a little-touched, Jurassic Park-style setting, the Pacific Coast of Panama is one of Central America’s best-kept treasures.
Next year, 2020, is the optimal time to discover the region, as Islas Secas, a privately-owned archipelago of 14 beautiful islands in the Gulf of Chiriquí, will launch as a full-service resort on 20 December 2019.
A NEW LOOK
Islas Secas, reimagined, is a celebration of conservation, Panamanian culture and simple, elegant adventure hospitality.
All communal areas, existing Casitas and the Terraza, the heart of Islas Secas, have been redesigned and elevated with a stunning, bohemian luxury feel, keeping comfort at its centre.
In addition, there will be a brand-new Tented Spa immersed in the islands’ tropical forest.
South African-based LIFE Interiors & Architecture contributed to the resort’s new look, having garnered international acclaim for the firm’s multi-award-winning work in luxury resorts, boutique hotels and exclusive residential and restaurant projects in both far-flung exotic destinations and urban centres.
A number of signature satellite experiences exclusive to the resort will also launch in December: outdoor movie night under the palms, beach scrabble, strand swings, Central American ‘pachamanca’ beach barbecues, floating pool brunches, and other guest surprises.
In addition, three new Tented Casitas will be completed in March 2020. This new accommodation will truly invite nature in, with canvas canopied roofs and louvered natural wooden doors.
A four-poster bed will look out onto the spectacular jungle landscape, and will be accompanied by a large outdoor hammock and lounge area on an expansive wooden deck for stargazing.
The outdoor en-suite bathroom will be a true highlight, protected by the shade of an external canopy, bamboo privacy divisions and a deep-soaking outdoor bathtub that is reminiscent of the color of a coconut shell.
The colour palette throughout will be made up of soothing creams, hints of ochre and calming pale greens, to complement the island’s scenic, verdant surroundings.
AND, RELAX
Islas Secas has a raw beauty and natural energy, making the resort the perfect springboard for a holistic wellness experience. In line with its rugged, wild setting, The Spa at Islas Secas celebrates the islands’ time-stood-still appeal, where authentic simplicity becomes the ultimate indulgence. This is subtle luxury in an elemental environment.
The spa will have two luxury couples’ treatment tents with a calming cream aesthetic and flashes of Panamanian colour. Set within lush jungle foliage that creates a sense of seclusion and serenity, the spa will be at the centre of the resort, evoking the feeling of being in an ethereal secret garden. The tents will be open to the elements and immersed in the jungle, inviting its visitors for a truly tropical, restorative and grounding wellness experience.
In keeping with the resort’s eco-conscious ethos, products will be ethical, organic where possible and natural, taking inspiration from plants endemic to the island such as coconuts, wild jasmine and ylang ylang.
Signature treatments will include the Big Chill massage; a relaxing way to experience the tropical climate. It will feature cold stones to and ease muscles and headaches; aromatherapy misting to cool and rehydrate; and elements of Thai massage and bamboo rolling to stretch and gently work muscles.
The Top to Toe treatment will include a head massage and natural coconut oil hair mask, as well as foot scrub and rub. In addition, each Casita bathroom will come complete with a unique, highly bespoke Secascent Mixology Case, which will contain pipette bottles of essential oils so guests can create their own scents for shower gel and body lotions.
An in-room recipe booklet will inspire guests to turn bathing into an interactive and very personalised wellness experience.
SET THE SCENE
Set off-the-grid, 33 nautical miles from the nearest town, Islas Secas is currently home to four individually-designed Casita
Islas Secas is also an excellent base from which to undertake thrilling marine safaris and immersive natural experiences: snorkelling and diving amidst the aquatic wonders of the Gulf of Chiriquí; exploring the biodiversity of Coiba National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site; swimming and paddle boarding the archipelago’s fish-storied waters; or, witnessing the beauty of a migrating Humpback whale.
With strong eco-reserve credentials, Islas Secas is powered by and in harmony with its surrounding environment. The property’s energy is solar-generated; food waste is recycled; wastewater is re-used for irrigation; and three-quarters of the archipelago has been left untouched and undeveloped by the human hand. A sincere commitment to sustainability is at the core of Islas Secas’s ethos, infrastructure, operation and heritage every day.
