Nature-Based Hospitality

Isla Palenque

8.178506° N 82.257364° W
GULF OF CHIRIQUI, PANAMA


SCALE: 150 hectares
SCOPE: Masterplanning + Full Service Landscape Architecture
CLIMATE ZONE: Tropical wet forest

A 3-day VIDA Session with the existing resort ownership, Cayuga Collection and Sphera to analyse the existing operations and develop a design strategy to better capture the spirit of this private island experience that’s since been declared a National Geographic Unique Lodge of the World. Fortunately the island is already home to stunning natural landscapes: pristine tropical forests, lagoons, mangroves and empty beaches. A ‘barefoot luxury’ and ‘less is more’ approach informed the now highly-recognized outcome: upgrading of the existing lodging, an additional 8 beachfront cabinas, a new pool, lounge areas and improved food and beverage offering to improve the existing common areas of the property.