Name: Isla Palenque Member of the Cayuga Collection
Address: Isla Palenque, Chiriqui, Chiriqui, Chiriqui, Chiriqui, 507, Panama
Rating: 10

24-hour reception

Elevator/lift

Smoke-free property

Ticket assistance

Garden

Terrace

General

Laundry

Safe-deposit box

Concierge services

Services and amenities

Restaurant

Snack bar

Meals

Free Wi-Fi

Internet

Airport transportation

Transfer

Tour assistance

Tourist services

Picnic area

Sun Deck

Recreation

Pool facilities

Pool and beach

Conference Hall

Business

Beauty and wellness

Pets Not Allowed

Pets

Personal protection equipment for staff

Extra decontamination measures

Personal protection equipment for guests

Contactless check-in and/or check-out

Additional measures against COVID-19

Health and Safety Measures

Location

At the cottage

Enrique Malek Airport

Isla Palenque Member of the Cayuga Collection

Chiriqui

Isla Palenque was amazing! The staff is wonderfully friendly and helpful. We felt welcomed our entire trip. Our casita was comfortable and offered easy access to the beach. The food at the resort was delicious. The excursions the hotel offered were fun. We appreciated the different options we had. One of the more fun trips we took was to visit Boquete and the cloud forest there. That area was gorgeous. It's a great day trip to take before flying out from David. Highly recommend staying here for a few days if you're in Panama.

WOW, where to begin? This place is the true meaning of paradise, our time spent in this hotel was worth every second! 
We started our journey traveling from Costa Rica to the border of Panama, where we met with the hotel driver who was amazingly nice! He took us to the bay where we would be picked up by a beautiful boat that took us to Isla Palenque. The boat ride to the hotel is a whole experience itself! They received us with fresh water and fruit juice, and gave us a quick tour of the beautiful scenery to get to the island. As we arrived we were received by the staff of the hotel, such wonderful people! 
I was blown away by the facilities of the hotel: the restaurant is just by the ocean with stunning views of the beach, where you can have a delicious meal (like, REALLY delicious) while feeling the soft sand under your feet. You also have the option to have your meal inside the restaurant if you like! The pool is right beside the restaurant, where you can have a refreshing dip and unwind on the pool beds. 

Now, the bungalows: W O W! Each bungalow has a private entrance that leads you to the terrace, fully equipped with a lovely table, a rocking couch hangin from the ceiling and even yoga equipment for you to relax and submerge yourself into nature. The inside of the bungalow is just amazing! The most comfortable bed I have rested in, a small area for you to chill out and a mini bar stacked with delicious treats and beverages! The bathroom is another whole experience, it is located in back outside of the room, so you can connect with yourself and indulge in what I like to call a “luxurious rainforest”. There is a shower and also a bathtub where you can give yourself a relaxing bath surrounded by paradise. 

The food: the flavors and the combinations that the chefs use are simply remarkable, Each dish is carefully though through and made with so much love, you can sense each flavor balanced perfectly in each dish, the ingredients are amazingly fresh and tasty and the presentation is just another level. They offer plenty of variety and consider your food requirements as needed. I can guarantee you, whichever dish you choose will leave you in awe! I specially recommend trying the ice creams, the flavors are so creative and tasty!

The staff of the hotel is just amazing. They make you feel at home and like everything is magical while you enjoy your stay! They were always so attentive and the service was impecable! Very helpful when it came to information about tours and assisting you with anything you need! And how can I forget, one of the things that impressed me the most was that EVERY time I left the room and came back the room was all organized again! I’m telling you seriously - like a whole new set of clean towels, a made-up bed like if nobody had ever slept on it, water bottle filled up with fresh water - it was like magic! The timing was perfect, I never saw them enter or leave the room! Just came back from breakfast, lunch or dinner with a whole new fresh room just for me! 
It was so pleasant to be surrounded with such wonderful people, they are extremely dedicated to all of the guests and we were so grateful for their amazing attention! I even felt like moving into the hotel hahaha! 

The tours are also amazing! We went on a tour around the island to go see the natural blow whole and we even saw monkeys, birds and spiders! We felt really really safe the whole time with our guide! We also did the whale watching tour and it was just spectacular! It impressed me how well the locals know where to find the whales, we saw so many and also saw dolphins! We were extremely lucky! They also offered us beverages to stay cool during our tour! 

This experience was a 10000/10! Easily one of the best hotels I have visited in my whole life, this is not just a simple hotel, it is a complete experience full of luxury and nature that inspires you to want to come back every time.

Paradise found! The most amazing experience

What a truly amazing place and staff.  You really do feel like you shipwrecked on a deserted island that just happens to have beautiful casitas with outdoor showers, air conditioning, and a staff of people eager to make the best possible experience.  Travel was flawless both in and out and you feel the seclusion with the flights and van rides and boat ride.  Staff all speak English and Spanish.  Food is amazing.  Setting is amazing.  Laid back holiday.  Only 8 casitas (and one large villa) at this point so it never feels like there are too many people around.  10/10 would return.  Jens and Benny were fantastic concierge staff.  The restaurant/bar staff were fantastic Derek,Michael, Guillermo, Carlos, and Obdiale.  Paco and Francis were fantastic and a lot of fun.  They taught us a lot about the island and panama.

Secluded luxury

We have traveled a lot - all over the US and all over the world both as business travelers and for vacation. Been to more fixe star properties and resorts than I can count - both urban and remote - and Isla Palenque is one of the best places we have ever stayed. 

You need to understand you are in jungle, and thus realize there will be some bugs, some rain, etc, but once you get past that geographic reality, you realize this is a remarkably special place and you just need to take it all in. The setting is spectacular…your bungalows are steps from a gorgeous beach with spectacular sunsets teaming with wildlife. The beach is PRISTINE. 

The rooms are wonderful, spacious and designed for where you are…huge outdoor living spaces. I got up early every morning and had to work for a couple hours w coffee, sunrise by the beach and perfect wifi. Because of the location right on the water there is usually a breeze that keeps the mosquitos to a relative minimum. I spent the vast majority of my time there with no big spray on and only got bit twice (my wife was less fortunate, but, again, you have to remember where you are).

In all our traveling, though, one thing we’ve learned is that a place can all be made of golf but if the service isn’t 5 star you feel pretty quickly like the place is terrible. In the case of Isla Palenque, if there were ten stars, I would give it that. 

The activities were fantastic, largely organized at your discretion, totally flexible and run in a very efficient, organized manner. The guides, Paco and Francis, we’re super knowledgeable, very friendly and fantastic with kids. I would give highlights…but they were all highlights.

The concierge/ “front desk” staff was amazing. If you wanted it, they took care of it with the biggest smile. They repeatedly offered to watch our smaller kids that didn’t want to go on some of the excursions (we have 4 - 12, 9, 7 and 4, and often some didn’t want to go). We took them up on that and they all had a fantastic time - they didn’t just make sure they didn’t get ripped away by the tide…they built sand castles with them and really bonded. Our kids were soooooo sad to leave them. 

The food was outrageous. We have a family of young athletes who eat a ton…and the food was all hyper local, fresh, healthy and delicious…we probably ate ten times what they are used to and they were always super gracious, provided it all and it was exceptional. Truly some of the best food you’ll get anywhere, from chefs that were trained con su abuela…it was amazing. Highly recommend the cooking class. The kitchen staff and waiters were all top notch. 

The place was sooooooo family friendly and you just cannot put a value on that. We were welcomed like kin and left so sad that we had to move on. A fantastic experience and, honestly, despite its price tag, great value for money. We’re already talking about when we can go back…

Flawless…one of our best vacations ever

Isla Palenque is perfection.  We stayed for 8 nights and could have easily stayed longer.  The island is absolutely beautiful with its lush jungle and sandy beaches.  The casitas are very private and well maintained.  We always had plenty of snacks, beverages and towels available to us.  Everyday there were a variety of activities like yoga, hiking, cooking class, salsa dancing, kayaking, fishing, among other things at no additional charge.  The restaurant was lovely and food was delicious and plentiful.  The staff was extremely warm and friendly and made you feel welcome at all times.  I honestly can't say a bad thing about Isla Palenque.  It truly is an island paradise.  We hope to come back sometime soon.

Amazing Experience

My two sons (18 and 14) and I had THE BEST trip to Isla Palenque in August. We hiked, they fished, we kayaked, swam every day is the incredible ocean, snorkeled, and even learned how to salsa dance...kind of! (thank you Benny and Jens!). The staff was so kind and helpful, and the on-site tours incredibly informative. We were there for 5 nights--the accommodations were super comfortable and the outdoor shower and bath area....still dreaming about it. The howler monkeys visited every morning and we heard and saw all kinds of wildlife. Plus, my kids being teenagers, could still take some chill time in the cabana to watch a video or stream or WhatsApp a friend--great island wifi! And the food....I miss ceviche every day! Truly a special, incredible experience that I'll forever hold close to my heart. We now want to explore other Cayuga resorts. Thank you to all the staff for being so special and welcoming. You made the trip that much more wonderful. 

Incredible trip with teenagers

Outstanding Resort!  We had been here before in 2021 and it was fantastic, and given that it is one of the best resorts in Panama, we decided to come back.  It was an even better experience food wise and the services and the facilities were as great as before.  I believe it’s the Best Resort in Panama for the price!!

Maintaining Its High Rank!

If you want to experience a true natural island paradise immersed in the tropical jungle with remote beaches and world class service this is the place for you. Our group of eight (4 adults and 4 children) stayed at the villa for five nights. Right away upon arrival at the Boca Chica dock, we were treated to a level of service that we never experienced. Every single one of us had an amazing time staying at the villa with its own private beach and hiking trail and also enjoyed all of the amenities of the main resort. Each room is spacious and very comfortable. We were surprised to learn that we will have our own chef and bartender. Jorge and Chef Jerrod provided amazing service and tasty high end food. All of the included tours are must do, highlights included birdwatching, kayaking, secret of the island tour, tropical dancing, and rum tasting. The guides, Rodolfo, Paco, and Francis were amazing. The folks at Las Rocas like Carlos, Guillermo, Jhown, and Marvin were great and very attentive. At the concierge, Jens, Dreshler, and Yari Lee helped ensure all activities were well coordinated and they were super friendly and accommodating. The manager Xavier was great. I know I am missing more people, honestly I can’t remember a place with this amazing level of service by every single person. There was so much personalization of services, we truly felt pampered. My only recommendation is to be prepared with good bug spray and also clothing if you are going to trek in the jungle. I really look forward to another visit to this secluded paradise.

Secluded island paradise with world class service

We had an absolutely amazing 5 nights at Isla Palenque!  They arranged our family of 4 into one casita (which helps our family spend better time together than when we separate into 2) and we loved the food, fresh juices, friendly staff & honestly the absolute peace, serenity & do-nothing of the place!  Walking barefoot on the beach to/from each meal was delightful...the option of activities to do or not to do was also nice.

The only drawback...the mosquitoes!  Don't come when the rainy season begins (May?) they said they are the worst then because they are coming out and hard to get under control when the rains begin...but once things are leveled out, they are better controlled.  They use organic care there & were spraying regularly, but I don't know who ate more at dinner...us or the mosquitoes!  Definitely bring repellant..they have some you can purchase if you forget.  and the non-deet kind doesn't really work that well...you can always grab a towel and wrap up in it at meal-time.  They were worst at dinner, second-worst at breakfast.

We took one snorkel trip with picnic lunch that was really nice, but I don't know that it was really that worth it...they have a picnic beach trip on the island that was really nice & would be similar in experience (sand is just browner, but still beautiful!)

Anyway, we definitely recommend this place...or any other Cayuga property (4 in costa rica) for that matter...would be fabulous for a honeymoon if you stay in any casita except number 1....

Amazing place to unplug & unwind!  But beware mosquitoes in May!  (they say July-August is better)

Do not go here, UNLESS:  You want to meet the greatest staff, best food and magic of an island that truly makes you sad to leave.  We have not had such service, ever.  The staff cannot be complemented enough.  The management made themselves available even when you did not plan on seeing them.  Sitting on the beach watching the sunset every night was incredible.  With drinks in hand, and a menu fresh with the Panamanian flare made this an incredible journey.  The literature states you should stay " four days", to get the effect.  I disagree, we stayed 8, and were not ready to leave.  Some stayed less, and all agreed, they should have stayed more.  If you truly want to have the vacation of a life time look no more.

Isla Palenque Member of the Cayuga Collection

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