Susie and I revisited Isla Palenque last week and we got to see the newly opened casitas just down from the Las Rocas Bar which now has a hugely expanded lounging deck, swimming pool,  dining area and full commercial kitchen to serve 30 plus people .  The developer, Ben Loomis has added these amenities on Playa Palenque which is the finest beach on the island.  This is a private 400 acre island that will be a world class resort now that Cayuga has taken over as the operator.  After our short trip, I saw a level of service not found anywhere else in Panama or many places for that matter.  The Roosevelt Villa that was the  original hotel is available for group bookings if you want a private retreat.

Let me begin in the beginning as they say…..

Even back in 2013 we were greeted by the hotel manger and staff with a cold cocktail and wet napkin to freshen up before we headed to the resort by car.  Of course I could not get the picture out of my head that this was just like….

and I expected to see Tattoo at any moment and yes the hotel manager did look a little like Ricardo Montalbán.  Just kidding folks but the Fantasy continued.

Arriving at the hotel after driving through the jungle canopy and past the organic farm we saw what I expected, low impact and  incredibly beautiful world class design.  This is now the private group retreat Villa

The place beckons you to come down the path to see what is around the corner and you will continue to be impressed every inch of the way.

Susie had to dip her toes in the water right away as our luggage was brought to the room.

Yes this is indeed a reality, not a fantasy.  The rooms are very comfortable and huge with an indoor outdoor space to die for.  You feel like you are in a tree house fit for kings!!

As night wore on we decided to come down to the huge bohio for cocktails and dinner.   The infinity pool has two levels connected by a cascading waterfall.  The service personnel were extremely attentive and proud to be providing the finest service you can find anywhere in the world as you can see by the smiles on everyone faces.

Looking out over the ocean below while dining was an incredible experience.

 

 

There are several venues for dining that can bring the fantasy back in your life as it did in ours that week back in 2013.

We spent the day and into the evening at Las Rocas and it is a great beach bar and it is the restaurant for the island community.

Bennie the mixologist who is always smiling came up with some great concoctions.  You have got to try the Bitches Brew or Eqiuos if he still can make it for you.

Susie and I  celebrated our 15th wedding anniversary at Isla Palenque back in June 2015 and we have kept coming back for more.

I got Susie into her wedding dress and we strolled out onto the beach for some fun and pictures.

What a place this is with several miles of beach around almost 400 acres of paradise.  Monkeys, wild cats, wild horses and more are all over the island.

We have spent a lot of Island time at Las Rocas and now it has it all with casitas next door, a pool, lounging deck and restaurant/bar.

 

Yes we are having the best time in our lives right now as we watch the sun set.

The moon is coming up as the sun sets and you feel like you are experiencing that magic moment.

Yes this is a very special place and it is going to be a world class destination. For now, we get to experience a little of what my friend Ben did when he first came here and watched his first sunset.

And here it came with incredible beauty.

So let’s fast forward to May 2018 and explore the new resort.

Here are the rooms from above. You can leave your casita and walk down the beach to Las Rocas.

Each casita has a private path leading down to the beach but is set in the jungle.

These are rustic settings but with all the modern conveniences including an out door bathroom so you can listen to the monkeys as you take a shower!!

Ok, here is the money shot!!

Susie and I sat outside having tea and coffee listing to the howlers barking and the parakeets screeching.  What a great morning serenade.

The resort is really special and the beach bar pool and restaurant is second to none in Panama.  People ask why it is expensive here.  Well number one you are on a private 400 acre Island, number 2 you are in a group of probably  30 people who might be staying here when the rooms and Villa are full.    No screaming kids, no 4 wheelers riding up and down the beach, just peace and quiet except when the monkeys remind you that you are in their house.

I could show you more but that might spoil the soup so get in touch with the resort at Isla Palenque and book your visit now. Grand opening is in July and they will sell out.

Here is one of my favorite videos. Click on the following picture and enjoy