Panama Heritage & Island Haven Retreat
Panama Heritage & Island Haven Retreat
A 14 night trip taking in the striking skyscrapers, historic charm, vibrant culture and tropical coastline of Panama City followed by a stay on a spectacular private hideaway of 14 volcanic islands in the Gulf of Chiriquí, on the Pacific coast of Panama.

Day 1
Your journey begins with a smooth 40-minute private transfer from Tocumen International Airport to Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo, an exceptional historic property located in the heart of Panama City’s old quarter. The hotel occupies a beautifully restored landmark building that once served as the prestigious Union Club, blending French colonial elegance with elements inspired by Panama’s maritime and cultural heritage. Inside, you’ll find refined spaces featuring hand painted tiles, wrought iron balconies, graceful archways, and a tranquil courtyard accented with lush greenery and fountains. The hotel offers top-tier amenities including a serene spa offering French influenced treatments, a spectacular pool deck overlooking the Pacific Ocean, and multiple dining options from a chic rooftop bar to a seafood focused restaurant and an inviting café perfect for relaxed breakfasts. It’s ideal location in Casco Viejo places you within walking distance of many of the city’s most iconic sights and is part of UNESCO listed historic district.
Upon arrival and check in at the Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo, where you can unwind, explore the hotel, and absorb the elegant surroundings. Once settled, take a leisurely stroll through Casco Viejo, Panama City’s charming historic district with its cobblestone streets, pastel coloured colonial buildings, and atmospheric plazas. As the sun sets, the neighbourhood becomes especially lively, making it a perfect place to enjoy your first evening. You may choose to dine at the hotel’s rooftop restaurant with ocean views or at one of the many exceptional eateries located just steps away.
Day 2-3
Delve deeper into Panama’s vibrant history and culture. Begin with a visit to the Panama Canal Museum, located in Casco Viejo, where you can explore exhibits detailing the engineering feats, political complexities, and global significance of the Panama Canal. Afterward, continue your exploration of the old quarter by visiting its historic churches, plazas, art galleries, and boutique shops. In the afternoon, head to the Biomuseo, an architecturally striking museum designed by Frank Gehry, located on the Amador Causeway. Its colourful structure houses engaging exhibits celebrating Panama’s biodiversity and its role as a land bridge connecting two continents. Return to Casco Viejo in the evening to enjoy dinner at one of its acclaimed restaurants, offering everything from fresh local seafood to international cuisine.
Day 3 offers a beautiful blend of nature and local life. Start your morning with a visit to Cerro Ancón (Ancón Hill) for spectacular panoramic views of the modern city skyline, the Panama Canal, and the lush green landscapes surrounding it. This gentle hike or drive provides a refreshing contrast to the urban environment and is an excellent place for photography and wildlife spotting. In the afternoon, return to Casco Viejo to explore artisan shops, local craft markets, and charming side streets filled with small cafés and galleries. Take time to relax back at the hotel perhaps enjoying a cocktail on the oceanfront terrace or a peaceful moment by the pool. In the evening, savour a final dinner in Panama City, soaking in the vibrant ambiance of the old quarter before your journey into the islands begins.
After three memorable nights of culture, relaxation, and exploration in Panama City, you will be perfectly set to continue your adventure with a 10-night stay at Islas Secas, transitioning from historic elegance to pristine island wilderness.
Day 4
Your journey continues as you arrive at Islas Secas, a remote and ultra exclusive private archipelago located off Panama’s Pacific coast. After your short flight to David Airport and scenic boat transfer, you’ll be welcomed into a world of untouched natural beauty, refined barefoot luxury, and extraordinary marine experiences set within a protected marine reserve. Your spacious casita or villa blends seamlessly with the surrounding tropical landscape, offering sweeping ocean views, openair living spaces, and complete privacy. Over ten unforgettable nights, you have the freedom to do as much or as little as you wish, with every experience designed to showcase the wild, pristine environment of the Gulf of Chiriquí.
Days 5 -13
Your days begin with quiet mornings overlooking the water, often accompanied by the sounds of exotic birdlife and the gentle rustling of sea breezes through the palms. Breakfast can be enjoyed at the main lodge or privately on your terrace before you set out on the day’s adventures. Islas Secas is a gateway to the Coiba National Park UNESCO protected area, renowned for its extraordinary marine biodiversity. Guests can enjoy world class snorkelling and scuba diving, encountering vibrant coral reefs, rays, sea turtles, reef sharks, and schools of tropical fish. Seasonal whale watching expeditions, particularly during humpback migration, offer breathtaking encounters with these magnificent creatures
For those seeking further adventure, the resort offersdeep-sea fishing,guidedkayakingthrough hidden coves,stand-up paddleboardingovercrystal-clearwaters, andnature excursionson uninhabited islandswherewildlife roams undisturbed. Hiking trails reveal tropical flora, bird species, and panoramic viewpoints, whileprivate beachpicnics on secluded shores provide perfect island solitude. Each experience is curated by expert naturalist guides who share the ecological significance of the region.
Afternoons can be as active or as peaceful as you desire. You may choose to relax by the infinity pool, enjoy a rejuvenating spa treatment inspired by local botanicals, or simply sink into a hammock with a book as the sound of waves drifts across the island. Culinary experiences are a highlight at Islas Secas: the resort’s chefs craft fresh, sustainable dishes that celebrate Panama’s coastal heritage. Dinners can be enjoyed under the stars, paired with fine wines, or served privately in your villa for a more intimate island evening.
As your 10-night stay unfolds, you will develop a deep connection to the natural world that surrounds you. Each day brings a new opportunity to witness the raw beauty of the islands fiery sunsets melting into the Pacific, bioluminescence shimmering in the shallows, and clear night skies studded with constellations. The slow, effortless rhythm of island life becomes the essence of your experience.
By the end of your stay, you will have immersed yourself fully in the wild luxury of Islas Secas, a rare place where comfort, conservation, and natural wonder exist in perfect harmony. This idyllic escape concludes your Panama journey with unforgettable memories of adventure, serenity, and profound connection to one of the most pristine marine environments in the world.