When it comes to travel in Central America, Costa Rica and Mexico often take the spotlight, but for those seeking a more unique and off-the-beaten-path experience, Nicaragua and Panama offer incredible options. In fact, Conde Nast just named Panama as one of the Best Places to Go in Central and South America in 2024. Recently, I had the privilege of visiting these two countries and staying at exceptional properties in each location: Rancho Santana in Nicaragua and Isla Palenque in Panama. Both places captured my heart for different reasons, making it a tough decision to choose a favorite.

Isla Palenque: Where Wonder Awaits

Nestled on its own private island off Panama’s Pacific coast, Isla Palenque isn't just a destination, it's an experience. It's a place that sinks in and stays with you long after you leave it. It's where you go to disconnect in order to reconnect - with yourself, loved ones, nature and the world around you. You’ll unwind to the sound of the ocean under a starlit sky, and you’ll awake to the sounds of monkeys, the peacefulness of your casita, and a gorgeous outdoor soaking tub.

The island is steeped in history, once serving as a sacred site for ancient ceremonies. Today, it remains a sanctuary for primal forests, diverse wildlife, and hundreds of species of flora and fauna. With 7 private beaches and 8+ miles of hiking trails (don't miss the night hike to discover the bio fluorescent scorpion), lush jungle, hidden coves, and howler monkeys, Isla Palenque is a wildlife and nature enthusiast's paradise. Sustainability is at the heart of Isla Palenque and only 5% of the island is developed. You won't find any plastic on island and much of the wooden furniture is made on site from trees that have fallen.

With only 8 modern luxury casitas and a 6 bedroom villa, Isla Palenque offers privacy as well as understated authentic barefoot luxury. You’ll always feel you have the 400 acre island to yourself. There's also an option to buyout the entire island, which makes it a perfect location for a destination wedding or ultimate friend/family getaway. All casitas are ocean view and beachfront (literally steps from the beach) and large enough for a family of 4. They also have everything you could ever want to relax - an outdoor soaking tub, hammocks, yoga mats, and meditation cushions.

Isla Palenque is all inclusive (alcoholic drinks are separate). The food is delicious and fresh. Many of the menu ingredients are grown on the island.

There's plenty to do like paddle boarding, kayaking, guided hikes,and yoga. They also offer cocktail, dance and cooking classes. Off island tours include snorkel/island hopping and humpback whale watching (in September and October). I was fortunate to go in September and was able to see a humpback whale nursing her calf - one of the most beautiful natural experiences I've ever seen. If you or your family loves fishing, Isla Palenque is an exceptional choice as it has access to some of the best fishing in the world.

Isla Palenque is perfect for those seeking a tranquil escape and a deep connection with nature. Some of my favorite memories from Isla Palenque were waking to the noise of howler monkeys and walking home from dinner on the beach with a flashlight and nothing but nature and the sounds of the ocean around you. There's not a lot of places in the world where you can feel so present in nature yet be in such comfort and luxury. However, it might not be suitable for partygoers or those looking for options off island such as a bustling nightlife, shopping, or other restaurants. It's great for families looking to disconnect from technology (there are no televisions in the rooms) but it might not be great for larger families as the casitas only hold 4 people and are a short walk between each. However, for the right travelers, Isla Palenque is what you've been dreaming of.

Getting There

Getting to Isla Palenque is a journey in itself and sets the tone for your island retreat. The adventure begins as you touch down at Panama City's Tocumen International Airport (PTY). From there, take a short 60-minute domestic flight to David. As you arrive at David Airport, a private transfer will take you on a scenic 60-minute drive to the dock in Boca Chica. Once there you will set sail on a quick 15-minute boat ride to Isla Palenque. Feel the gentle sea breeze, witness the rugged rocks, and let the anticipation build as you approach the island haven.

We recommend breaking up the travel to Isla Palenque by spending a night or two in Panama City. Conde Nast agrees, as they recently mentioned pairing Panama City with Isla Palenque as an ideal combination. This beautiful city boasts Casco Viejo (the old town) which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as a fantastic culinary scene with four of Latin America's 100 best restaurants calling this city home. (I ate at Fonda Lo Que Hay during my stay and loved it). And, of course, no visit to Panama is complete without witnessing the marvel of engineering that is the Panama Canal. There is no shortage of wonderful hotels to choose from in Panama City, my personal favorite is the Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo, a brand new 5 star hotel in the heart of the old town and once host to Queen Elizabeth II.

Rancho Santana: The Adventure and Wellness Oasis

Rancho Santana is nothing short of amazing. This 2,700-acre world-class resort and residential community is nestled on Nicaragua's breathtaking Emerald Coast. It offers private access to 5 unique beaches, 17 miles of trails, 4 dining options, a horse stable, and spa. It boasts a range of accommodations, from boutique hotel rooms to beachfront condos/villas and private homes, catering to all budgets and preferences. With a kids’ club, babysitting services, and various age-appropriate activities including monkey scouting and farm tours, it's perfect for families.

What sets Rancho Santana apart is its dedication to outdoor adventure and wellness. The activities available are authentic and well run, including horseback riding, surfing, yoga, sandboarding, mountain biking, hiking, fishing and more. And best of all you don’t have to leave the resort to do any of them which makes for an easy and stress free vacation.

Surfing is essentially what put this part of Nicaragua on the map. Rancho Santana is blessed with near constant off shore breezes combined with a perfectly angled coastline which creates world-class surf conditions.There is a surf school on site and lessons for all skill levels. The surf community lends itself to a luxurious laid back, friendly and authentic vibe that's hard to beat. My surf lesson was one of the highlights of my trip - I even managed to surf a wave all the way in (granted it was a very very small wave). I celebrated my brief Kelly Slater moment with post surfing tacos and beers at the beachfront taqueria. The instructors are patient and super knowledgeable while also making it fun. Even if you don't surf, you can enjoy watching incredible surfing from many comfortable locations around the resort.

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And to help you recover from all the fun, there's the incredible spa, The Spa in El Bosque. I had maybe the best massage of my life here (maybe because my body was so sore from being so active). One of my favorite parts of the spa was the private cold plunge /hot tub experience prior to the massage. The intimate plunge rooms with views of the trees are perfect for couples. It was a fun experience to share with my husband, encouraging each other to endure the freezing cold then the relief of the hottub.

Rancho Santana is also a food lover's paradise, with farm-to-table dining and tours of on-site farms and gardens. Over 80% of the food served is produced on-site and is delicious. Food and drinks at the four restaurants are reasonably priced, especially for the quality.

Rancho Santana is an excellent choice for travelers who want to stay active, experience various adventures on site, be surrounded by beautiful nature, and enjoy a family-friendly atmosphere. If your idea of a vacation includes lounging on the beach with chairs, umbrellas, and beach side service this might not be the right fit. However there are excellent oceanfront pools with this same service.

Getting There

There are two options for getting to Rancho Santana, the first is to fly into Managua (Augusto Cesar Sandino International Airport MGA). From the airport you will be greeted by either a private or group ground transportation and driven 2-2.5 hours to Rancho Santana. (A new road is under construction and will cut travel time to 1.5 hours once completed.) Alternatively, you can fly into Liberia (LIR) in nearby Costa Rica. The driving time from Liberia to Rancho Santana is 4+hours. We recommend immersing yourself in the Rancho Santana experience by spending a minimum of 5 nights and including a day trip to the beautiful colonial town of Granada as well as visiting the nearby majestic volcanoes.

Rancho Santana or Isla Palenque: Which Is More Family Friendly?

While both Rancho Santana and Isla Palenque are very family-friendly, Rancho Santana has the advantage because of their kids club, countless activities, kids menu, babysitting services, accommodation options for larger families, and that it’s logistically easier to get to Rancho Santana than to Isla Palenque. Isla Palenque is better for families looking for authentic interactions with nature and less structured activities.

Choosing between Rancho Santana in Nicaragua and Isla Palenque in Panama is a delightful dilemma. Both destinations offer unique, memorable experiences, but the choice ultimately comes down to your travel preferences. Isla Palenque beckons those seeking a serene, nature-filled retreat, while Rancho Santana caters to adventure enthusiasts and active families.

What both places have in common is their exceptional service and genuine, warm, friendly staff. The people who work at both Isla Palenque and Rancho Santana have a great deal of pride in their work and their place of work. This not only shows but it can be felt. It creates a welcoming environment with attentive personal service.

Whichever you choose, you're in for an unforgettable journey in Central America. Here at Craft, we’re ready to make your dream vacation a reality, no matter which paradise you choose. Contact us to start planning your unforgettable Central American adventure.