Casa Cavada

Casa Cavada is the flagship residence of Islas Secas, a private archipelago of 14 volcanic islands in Panama's Gulf of Chiriquí, where only one island is inhabited and the whole resort welcomes just a few dozen guests. Rising from the rocks above the Pacific, it is one of the most extraordinary villas in Central America.

Its undulating roof, shaped like the wings of a manta ray, is held aloft by great eucalyptus trunks, creating triple-height living spaces open to the sea breeze and the view. Below, a vast infinity pool spills towards the ocean, framed by daybeds, an open-air lounge and a dining terrace on the edge of the cliff. Interiors are warm and handcrafted, with reclaimed teak, furniture made from fallen island trees and artworks by the Indigenous Guna people.

Four en-suite bedrooms with four-poster beds and ocean-view balconies sleep up to eight guests, and a dedicated house manager, chef, housekeeper and bartender look after the villa.

Stays are all-inclusive, with every meal and drink, daily yoga, a spa treatment, snorkelling and scuba diving, kayaking, paddleboarding, e-foiling, a fishing trip and seasonal whale-watching. The waters around the archipelago are among the richest in the Pacific, and the resort's own plane flies guests here from Panama City in about an hour.

View full listing →