Hacienda del Mar

Arriving by 25-minute flight from Panama City or two-and-a-half-hour boat crossing, guests reach San José Island — 44 km² of rainforest in the Pearl Islands archipelago, 90 km offshore in the Pacific. Hacienda del Mar operates 17 cabanas distributed across the property, each with a private balcony fitted with wooden louvres that open onto views of either the ocean or the triple-canopy forest inland. The island shelters iguanas, macaws, dwarf anteaters, two deer species, dark-lipped peccaries, and resident bird populations. More than 57 beaches ring the coastline. Toucan Standard cabanas hold two double beds and a tiled bathroom. Junior suites add a king bed, sofa bed, and small refrigerator. VIP suites separate a king bedroom from a living room with sofa bed. The Admiral Suite on the third floor of the administration building holds two bedrooms — one king, two twins — plus a living and dining area, Jack-and-Jill bathroom setup, and a balcony spanning the beach. A spring-fed pool overlooks the Pacific. The clubhouse contains a sports bar, pool table, and restaurant serving international dishes with a focus on seafood. Whale sightings run July to October. Kayaks and snorkel equipment are included.