International Living discovers Boca Chica, Panama, but leaves Isla Palenque eco-resort and vacation homes out of the picture.
When an article about our pristine corner of Panama hits my desk, I never know whether to rejoice or cry. Hearing others delight in their discovery of Panama’s Chiriqui coastline and its smattering of jungle islands makes me happy, but I also secretly hope that not too many people decide to crowd the empty beaches or dot the perfect coastline with concrete hotel towers.
In this month’s issue of International Living, splayed across a two page spread and proudly displaying a stunning photo of an island that could easily be Isla Palenque, was a great piece on the area by IL writer Dan Prescher.
Boca Chica: Panama’s (Still) Hidden Paradise explains it all — the empty white sand beaches, swaying palms and lush green jungles that make the Gulf of Chiriqui one of the most promising undiscovered beachfront vacation home destinations in the world.
And we had to smile over here, because among mentioning the wide expanses of empty beachfront for sale, as well as our friends at Seagull Cove Lodge and Cala Mia, Dan paints a romantic picture of the islands he passes but cannot identify.
So let us fill in the gap: that mystery-filled island just past Boca Brava, dotted by peacefully swaying palms, with unobstructed views of the turquoise Pacific and miles of perfect beaches without a soul on them — is the one and only Isla Palenque.
So while International Living just introduced the Gulf of Chiriqui to the world, only Isla Palenque fans know Panama’s real (still) hidden paradise.
We still remain the best kept secret in Panama – and we’re okay with that.
TAGS: Chiriqui Living Abroad Panama Press/News
My dad has a saying, normally used to reference a restaurant or popular bar – “No one goes there anymore because it’s too crowded.”
Places like Isla Palenque are special due in large part to their anonymity. Their anonymity is in large part due to their undeveloped nature. That feeling you get when you walk in to a place and you can’t help but think for a second that you’re the first person to ever see it. If Amble can be successful at developing WITH the island and not just ON it, Isla Palenque has the potential to be one of the more amazing places Mother Nature has left to share.