What Makes Isla Secas Private Island The Ultimate Off-Grid Adventure

When searching for an off-grid, remote travel adventure, it's difficult to find somewhere truly untouched and yet to be fully explored. But there are rare exceptions in this world, and if you are curious enough to venture off the beaten path and find them, you will be duly rewarded. 

In the Gulf of Chiriqui, on the Pacific coast of Panama, there is one such hidden gem. Here, intrepid travelers find an archipelago of fourteen volcanic islands with one of the most diverse marine ecosystems on the planet. The region is a refuge for sea life and a precious haven for those seeking a once-in-a-lifetime, off-grid travel experience. 

Among these tiny volcanic islands is Isla Secas, a low-impact sustainable paradise that has been designed to protect and support the largely undeveloped archipelago. The environmentally responsible but at the same time incredibly luxurious private island resort is a premium eco-destination that's bursting at the seams with extraordinary experiences and untamed natural beauty. 

Our CEO at EliteLyfe, Niko Contardi, traveled twenty miles from civilization to Isla Secas to personally vet the island for our clients. From the moment he first saw the tufts of wild jungle seemingly erupting from the water, he knew there was something special about this rugged yet pristine natural sanctuary.  

Wildlife & Environmental Stewardship 

Isla Secas and the surrounding islands have been uninhabited for hundreds of years. Home to the second-largest reef in the region and kilometers of jungle wilderness, the island presents a natural habitat for 750 species of fish, 128 species of plants, and 50 species of resident and migratory birds.

There are innumerable ways to connect with the natural world at Isla Secas. To start, you can explore its over two miles of trails, getting close-ups of rare flowers and plants, colorful birdlife, and scurrying iguanas while accompanied by an expert naturalist and bird-watching guide. Or, you may choose to be dropped off for the afternoon on one of the neighboring islands and completely wild, deserted beaches. 

The remarkable biodiversity of the region is largely due to the preservation efforts of the island's management. The private island resort is designed to exist in harmony with the environment and the privately funded Islas Secas Foundation supports marine and wildlife conservation organizations in the region as well as a local community effort.

Visiting Isla Secas is an opportunity to reconnect with our natural roles as environmental stewards. The island’s sustainability endeavors include:

• 100% of the property’s energy is solar-generated 
• 100% of food waste is recycled
• 100% of wastewater is reused for irrigation
• 75% of the archipelago has been left undeveloped
• Thousands of native trees have been planted to help restore the natural infrastructure and integrity of the islands 
• Every year, the team brings groups of local children from the mainland to observe whale migrations with visiting scientists to foster environmental education 

Adventure-Packed Amenities & Activities 

Everything at Isla Secas is set up to help you fully explore the pristine archipelago and immerse yourself in the remote wilderness. Whether you want to unwind in the wellness tents while soaking up the sounds of the jungle, or reawaken your senses with high-octane E-foiling, the private island resort has it all.

The only requirement at Isla Secas is intense curiosity. Even if you spend the whole time in the secret-garden spa exploring your inner world through different local treatments or practicing yoga and breathwork on the floating ocean platform under the moonlight, there is no limit to what you may discover.

For those who are more interested in exploring the outer world, Isla Secas is an adventure and water sports paradise. There is a range of activities to suit all ages and tastes, from bespoke marine safaris to scuba-diving with manta rays, and the environment is wild but calm enough to make it the perfect place for first times. 

A stay at Isla Secas includes several complementary activities:

• A half-day fishing trip and a full day touring neighboring Islas Pargo
• One complimentary spa treatment
• Daily yoga classes
• All non-motorized water sports including snorkeling, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and scuba diving (including instruction) within the Islas Secas archipelago
• Whale-watching boat tours
• All guided activities on property including nature treks and bird watching
• A day on a private island with a beach setup, picnic lunch, and water sports equipment

The full range of activities and watersports at Isla Secas includes: 

• Boat tours
• Snorkeling
• Scuba diving (include PADI center with scuba certification)
• Kayaking
• Stand-up paddleboarding
• Sea bobbing and E-foiling 
• Surfing
• Whale watching (seasonal)
• Nature hikes
• Birdwatching
• Private island beach experiences
• World-class fishing
• Excursions to Coiba National Park

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Fully-Immersive Accommodation & Hospitality

Staying at Isla Secas feels like the whole island is your home. Even when you retreat for the night, you will still feel like you are connected with the natural rhythms and hum of the environment. 

This is one of the underappreciated aspects of Isla Secas. Everything from the accommodation to the service is meticulously designed to be homely but unrestricted, attentive but spontaneous, and invisible but accessible.

Such attention to detail defines the travel experience at Isla Secas. The sensitively-built accommodation is nestled in tropical gardens with astounding views, giving guests both privacy and intimacy, while the staff learns your habits, gets to know what you like at what times, and works for you and around you.

The accommodation at Isla Secas private island resort consists of seven independent casitas:

• Casita Grande (four bedrooms): Ideal for families and friends, Casita Grande comprises four separate ocean view Casita units and a private plunge pool, sleeping up to eight guests in king or twin beds.

• Casita Mirador (one bedroom). Tucked away in a remote corner of the island overlooking an idyllic sheltered bay, Casita Mirador is a romantic escape that enjoys total privacy. Its open-air living areas, including a spacious oceanfront terrace and a plunge pool, provide a uniquely immersive experience into the tropical setting.

• Three Tented Casitas (one bedroom): Offering a highly intimate setting, the luxurious tented casitas merge inside and outside living, with expansive terraces, outdoor soaking tubs, and incredible ocean views.

• Two Casita Sombras (two bedrooms): Ideal for couples or kids both big and small, Casita Sombras has the feel of a luxury treehouse, with the bonus of a plunge pool and private path to the beach. Two private Casitas sleep four guests in king or twin beds.

• Casita Tres Palmas (two bedrooms): With two separate Casita units and plenty of space both indoors and outdoors, Casita Tres Palmas is ideal for families who like to be together but also appreciate privacy. Two bedrooms sleep up to four guests in king or twin beds. 

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Ocean-to-Fork Food & Catering 

At Isla Secas, culinary expertise meets the freshest, highest-quality ingredients. The Executive Chef, Saul, was trained in San Sebastian by a Michelin Star chef and ensures everything from a casual beach barbecue to a breakfast sandwich is like a five-star meal. 

Islas Secas works with an organic farm on the mainland to ensure all fruit and vegetables are grown naturally and served fresh. Fish and octopus are caught daily right off of the island, and all dishes combine the finest local ingredients with a true flavor of Panama.

Menus adjust with the days and the seasons, incorporating the freshest ingredients, the catch-of-the-day, and just-picked produce. With an unbeatable landscape, the dining options at Isla Secas are as unique and diverse as the food: Formal banquets, sunset barbecues, deserted beach picnics, room service, and anything you can imagine can be arranged. 

The culinary experience and dining options at Isla Secas include: 

• All-inclusive meals. Your stay includes complimentary daily made-to-order breakfast, lunch, and dinner including beach picnics and barbeques.

• Drinks included. Your stay includes most beverages, including soft drinks, beers, house wines, and spirits (drinks on the reserve list are not included but are available at additional cost). Plus a fully stocked minibar replenished once daily.

• The Terraza. With its cathedral-like A-frame structure, The Terraza is a grand, open-air structure with ocean views that's perfect for both formal and more relaxed occasions. 

• Balboa Bar. Adjacent to The Terraza sits Balboa Bar, an elegant lounge and bar with a tasteful interior and an incredible choice of drinks thanks to the resident mixologist. 

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Staying at a private island resort is typically considered a high-end, premium experience. However, Niko believes Isla Secas is one of the best value private islands he has ever visited. The combination of welcoming staff, luxurious accommodation, amazing food, and above all, an unbeatable setting, provides a unique experience that is more than worth the price tag.

Isla Secas private island resort is now available to rent through EliteLyfe, exclusively for groups of twenty-four Guests. Contact our luxury travel team today to find out more and book your stay.