Islas Secas

A private 14-island archipelago, 20 miles off Panama's Pacific coast

About Islas Secas

Islas Secas is an all-inclusive private resort on a 14-island archipelago about 20 miles off Panama's Pacific coast, in the Gulf of Chiriquí. Seven casita sites and the four-bedroom Casa Cavada hold the guests. Scuba diving and the forest-ringed Secascent Spa stand out. Guests arrive on the resort's own Twin Otter, just over an hour from Panama City.

Islas Secas is a private archipelago of 14 islands, 20 miles off Panama's Pacific coast. Guests sleep in one of seven casita sites set among forest and shoreline, or in Casa Cavada, a four-bedroom residence of 8,300 square feet that comes with its own chef and house manager. Meals, most drinks and a long list of activities are part of the stay, on an island with no neighbors.

The days are built around the water. Certified divers have about 20 dive sites to choose from, and a three-hour Discover Scuba session is there for those without a card. Kayaks, paddleboards, e-foils and wakeboards are on hand. Humpback whales can be watched from July to September. Birders can look for more than 100 species, including Panama's second-largest colony of frigatebirds.

Evenings gather at Terraza, a thatched, open-sided dining space on the beach, then at Balboa Bar, where chess boards sit beside the sofas. The Secascent Spa hides in the forest, with soaking baths and hanging daybeds. Arrival is by the resort's Twin Otter from Panama City, a flight of just over an hour.

At a glance

Size: 7 casita sites + 1 residence
Airport (PTY): about 1 hour by the resort's scheduled Twin Otter flight

Perfect for

Couples and honeymoons
Families
Nature and wildlife

Hotel Facts

Type

Private island resort

Facilities

Pool
Spa
Restaurant
Bar / Lounge
Airport Transfer
Internet access / Wi Fi

Room Types

Casa Cavada

The owner's residence: 4 bedrooms, 8,300 square feet, infinity pool, private gym, chef and house manager.

Ocean

Casita Mirador

One bedroom hidden in the foliage, with a terrace and private plunge pool.

Ocean

Casita Sombras

Two treetop casitas joined by a terrace; steps lead down to a private beach.

Sea

Dining

Terraza: Beachfront thatched dining room serving a daily-changing, seafood-led menu.
Balboa Bar: Cocktail lounge next to Terraza, with chess and sofas for reading.
Beach BBQ on Pargo Island: Freshly caught seafood grilled over an open fire on the sand.

Spa and wellness

Secascent Spa: Forest-enclosed spa with massages, sound baths and a copper soaking bath.
Daily yoga classes: Teacher-led sessions in changing outdoor spots; breathwork and sound baths also offered.

On the property

Infinity pool: Short walk from Terraza, with loungers under palms and snacks or lunch served poolside.
Scuba diving: About 20 dive sites for certified divers; a three-hour Discover Scuba session for beginners.
Kayaks, paddleboards and watersports: Also e-foiling, wakeboarding, wake surfing and sailing; snorkeling trips within the archipelago.
Birding and nature trails: Guided hikes and birdwatching; over 100 species recorded, including a frigatebird colony.

Good to know

The Twin Otter flies on set weekdays rather than daily, landing between 12 and 3 PM and leaving between 8 and 10 AM.
Only the resort's Twin Otter may land on the island strip; private flights use Enrique Malek Airport in David, a 20-minute flight away.
Terraza is an eight-minute walk from the casitas, and some casitas sit uphill, which can be hard for guests with limited mobility.

Questions travellers ask

How do I get from Panama City to Islas Secas?

The resort flies a Twin Otter from Tocumen Airport directly to its own island airstrip, a trip of just over an hour. The resort can also book a hotel night in Panama City beforehand.

What does the stay cover?

All meals, most drinks, guided hikes, snorkeling trips, watersports, one half-day fishing trip, daily yoga and one 60-minute spa treatment per adult guest. Excursions beyond the archipelago, such as Coiba National Park, are extra.

Can children stay at Islas Secas?

Children of any age are welcome, with close adult supervision around the plunge pools and balconies. No nanny service is offered, and spa treatments are for ages 18 and over.