The first phase of Amble Resorts' Isla Palenque resort in Panama, which features a 16-room boutique hotel with 12 beaches and a luxury spa, will open in early 2013.
Isla Palenque is an island of tropical jungles and volcanic beaches in the Gulf of Chiriqui.
Six of the 16 rooms will be estate rooms, built between old growth trees to blur the line between built space and the natural surroundings with floors and decks of hardwood and bamboo.
Ten of the rooms will be tented suites, with the aim of providing a luxury camping experience in the wild jungle. The only walls surrounding the outdoor living room are the leaves of heliconia, palm and tree trunks.
The spa, located off Playa Palenque the largest beach, will use locally sourced mineral clays, aromatic oils, and fresh botanicals.
Treatments on offer include an arrival day massage that aims to replenish travel fatique and a morning massage to 'align' the body. Also available are pre and post hiking and adventure massages as well as couple massages and wraps featuring natural ingredients and techniques inspired by local wellness practices.
Other facilities include an infinity pool, gourmet beach dinners and cooking and cultural classes as well as several miles of hiking trails in the jungle preserve.
Dining options include Edén, serving Panama cuisine with a modern edge, and Las Rocas, a beachside restaurant serving fire-grilled food and cocktails.
There are around 25 custom tours available to guests including island hopping, scuba diving, snorkeling, hike to waterfalls and jungle fitness.
The resort is the first phase of a 10-year development process. Upon completion of all phases, the project will have 220 homes on more than 400 acres (162 hectare).
Benjamin Loomis, president of Amble Resorts, founded the company in 2007 and the Isla Palenque marks its first resort. Amble has also acquired a second destination in Belize.
