Secret archipelagos and privileged refuges In the intimacy of Panama

Gentle yet rich, this journey was designed for the curious who still want to take time to relax and escape everyday life. Above all, for pople who want to get to know Panama. Here, you’ll explore both city and sea, using the capital and precious islands as gateways to this little-known country. First stop: Panama City - where you’ll spend another night before your return flight. A cosmopolitan capital shaped by diverse influences, it also keeps pace with the times. And not far from the Casco Antiguo, its historic district with colonial charm, flows the legendary Panama Canal. Thanks to an ingenious system of locks, it saves ships from around the world from a detour the size of a continent. Still on the same coast, we’ll fly north to reach Bocas del Toro, a dreamlike archipelago floating close to the border with Costa Rica. Isla Bastimentos, Isla Caranero, Isla San Cristobal and Isla Colón - the island where you’ll stay - all exude a delightful Afro-Caribbean atmosphere. It’s a wonderful world of mangroves, red coral, giant tortoises, sloths and dolphins. Life here is laid-back - you move from a morning yoga session to breakfast with an ocean view, from a bike ride along the beaches to a surf session, from a nap in the shade of palm trees to a feast of grilled prawns, from a couples massage to watching the sunset with your feet in the sand. You then move on to the sands of the Pacific coast and settle in the Gulf of Chiriquí, on the secluded Isla Palenque, a 150-hectare tropical gem - one of those far-flung corners of the world you never truly return from, or at least not unchanged. Here, you can really enjoy everything - on the water, under the water, and along the beaches. Not to mention indescribable pleasures such as moments of pure idleness, daydreaming, letting go... those scents you notice and wish you could bottle to take with you, those unfamiliar sounds that together create an unforgettable soundtrack. All those “little things” we so desperately need and that make all the beauty of a journey. 

Your journey

To take all practical concerns off your mind, we have spared no effort with logistics. Not that Panama calls for any special preparations, but the itinerary we have chosen means venturing a little further into the archipelagos and using several modes of transport, without spending all your time travelling. In this way, all your transfers by land and sea have been arranged. Apart from international flights, you’ll only fly very briefly, just to travel from one coast to the other. Everything follows on smoothly. And on site, you can count on many other services, starting with Wi-Fi everywhere you go, including on the beaches of these wonderful islands that so few people know. You’ll also have access to a mobile app where you can view your trip details and our recommendations we suggest at each destination. Finally, you are accompanied by a private guide during your visit to the Panama Canal locks and your cruise on Gatún Lake, offering insights into this unique place. As for anything you haven't planned but might want to experience once you're there, or if you'd like to add something to your itinerary - a few days in the green Boquete region, for example - you can rely on the assistance of our on-site Concierge for this and much more. 

Your addresses

In Panama City - Upon your arrival in the capital, you’ll settle into an exclusive accommodation in the colonial district of Casco Viejo. It’s is a former department store from the 1920s that has been transformed into a grand house with charming Panamanian style, where mosaics and rocking chairs are perfectly at home. The swimming pool, one of the few in the neighbourhood, offers a gentle preview of the journey ahead. And when you return, you’ll stay in a contemporary hotel belonging to an international chain known for its very high standards in services, style and comfort. On

Isla Colón - A true tropical hotel, your hotel in the Bocas del Toro archipelago was designed and built like a temple. It draws direct inspiration from Thai and Balinese architecture, standing as a sanctuary of calm and wellbeing. It’s surrounded by a lush garden, where monkeys and sloths occasionally appear. On site, there is a spa as well as yoga and meditation, and of course swimming - either in the pool or at the nearby beach, which has a welcome beach club. Your room, with its minimalist design, is a cosy haven where you can unwind between walks, massages and delicious meals with your feet in the sand.

At Isla Palenque - Your Isla Palenque accommodation is simply the only one on the island. But don’t think we chose it by default! You’ll settle into a casita with a terrace, reminiscent of a treehouse, with elegant décor that uses natural materials and colours. Your bathroom is partially open to the outdoors - you’ll feel as if you are showering in the heart of nature, with added comfort and privacy. Hammocks, body treatments and hiking trails set the pace for each day, also marked by kayak or paddle outings and endless relaxation on the nearby beaches, where you can watch whales when the season allows.