The Islas Secas Resort (U.S. tel. 805/ 729-2737, www.islassecas.com, starts at US$1,089 d, all-inclusive) is the most exclusive place to stay in all of Panama. It consists of 16 small private islands far away from just about everything.

The resort itself is on Isla Cavada, where there are six casitas (little houses) for guests, a dining/lounging area, and a spa. There are generally no more than 14 guests at a time. The casitas are on a cove facing the ocean and are circular, yurt-style buildings that provide a panoramic view of the surroundings. Each has a queen-size bed, minibar, and bathroom. The largest, the Casa Grande, has a full kitchen.

While it’s possible to do nothing but relax on a deserted beach, the resort’s location is spectacular and lends itself to lots of nature activities. Possibilities include scuba diving or snorkeling, surfing near Morro Negrito, ocean kayaking, deep-sea and inshore fishing, and hiking on the islands. Diving and fishing in this region are outstanding.

There’s a two-person and four-night minimum per casita. This includes room, all meals, and excursions. These excursions include scuba-diving, snorkeling, surfing, fishing, and boat trips to surrounding islands. Sportfishing and spa services are extra, as are transfers to and from the island.

Getting to Islas Secas Resort

There is an airstrip on Isla Cavada. While boat transportation from David (about 1.5 hours) is sometimes available, nearly all guests arrive by private plane from Panama City (1 hour, US$850 pp round-trip). Charter flights from other airports can sometimes be arranged.