Islas Secas, Panama’s private island paradise, unveils CASA CAVADA, a stunning brand-new villa-style offering
August 5thPANAMA
Islas Secas is delighted to announce Casa Cavada, a staggering feat of engineering built in harmony with the natural splendour of the Eastern Tropical Pacific. This next-generation villa-style offering is the latest addition to the archipelago. A completely private, four-bedroom, four-bathroom indoor-meets-outdoor structure, complete with expansive sitting room, kitchen and dining room, gym, bar, semi-Olympic infinity pool, and secluded beach, Casa Cavada offers an unparalleled experience – and comes with a dedicated chef and house manager for the ultimate secluded, personalised escape.
Unfolding across 8,300ft2 (770m2), Casa Cavada showcases a one-of-a-kind architectural design by Hart Howerton, gorgeous interiors created by Studio Tre, and beautiful local craftsmanship throughout. Carefully attuned to the movements and patterns of its natural surroundings, Casa Cavada offers guests a sophisticated, relaxed oasis.
Views have been carefully framed by the architecture and orientation. From the siting of the building – atop the cliffs, where land meets sea – to the flow of rooms and spaces, every decision was carefully choreographed to accentuate the movement of the sun across the sky, the play of light throughout the day, and the starry night sky as the ultimate backdrop. Both the main sitting room and infinity pool track the path of the sun, creating perfect spaces to celebrate the end of each day.
Nothing communicates the ambition of this passionate endeavour quite like the approach from both air and sea. Casa Cavada sits in the space between land and sea, playing with gravity and mirroring the surrounding aerial and marine life. Vast eucalyptus pillars emerge from the rugged stone foundations, reaching upwards at all angles like a rainforest and supporting the massive undulating eucalyptus roof, built to reflect the wings of a frigate bird or the fins of a ray. Sitting perfectly in the topography and landscape, it captures the constant sea breezes to assist with passive cooling.
Eucalyptus, sustainably harvested in Brazil, carries through to the vast interior ceilings and impressive beams, while local coral stones sourced from the island cover the floors. A mix of custom tile evocative of indigenous motifs, Spanish, Anglo-Indian and European furniture, and reclaimed teak are woven throughout, while recycled textiles nod to the vibrant spirit of the archipelago, highlighting local patterns. Textures and colours drawn from shells, rocks, and Panamanian landscapes, and fallen tree trunks sourced from the island have been transformed into tables and stools, honouring the inherent beauty of natural materials. Rattan dining chairs blend with ceramic lamps and vases, while custom hand-woven tapestries display local flora and fauna, and a map of the islands. 24 traditional Molas, artworks commissioned and handmade in Panama by the Indigenous Guna Tribe, create an enchanting sense of place and are complemented by oil paintings from local emerging artists, Panamanian basketry and tableware sourced from the surrounding regions of Columbia, Mexico, and Costa Rica.
On the lower level, guests are surrounded by a gorgeous grotto constructed with lava stone boulders from the Chiriquí Highlands, creating a space that feels carved directly out of a mountain. Decorative paintings covering the stairwell, ceilings, and walls are reminiscent of cave murals and inspired by indigenous Panamanian art, featuring regional wildlife such as sea turtles, tree frogs, and birds. Wicker lounge furniture pairs with elegant Tuuci umbrellas and custom barware for the ultimate poolside afternoon or an evening beneath the stars.
The infinity pool is breathtaking. 25 metres long by four metres wide, with a sideward curvature facing west to provide a perfect, uninterrupted view of the sunset, the pool is a homage to the horizon beyond its missing edge, merging with the sea and sky. With water conservation in mind, a cistern underneath the pool deck collects rainwater to replenish any evaporation.
Panamanians have long used stones to make low, dry-stacked walls that divide farms and properties. Here, for the 180-metre-long sloping zigzag path, each stone was hand-carried and levered into place by expert local masons. The descent ends on a wooden deck suspended above the rocks, cantilevered over a private, tidal bay.
The extraordinary archipelago of Islas Secas is located 20 miles off the coast in Panama – a spectacular paradise where sustainability and conservation meet elegant design, exceptional cuisine, warm, anticipatory service, and a breadth of experiences. Perfectly situated in the Gulf of Chiriquí, Islas Secas is made up of 14 volcanic islands, promising a uniquely private and immersive experience. Casa Cavada joins a collection of seven Casitas and Tented Casitas. Accommodations celebrate indoor-outdoor living, encouraging guests to soak in the soul-stirring wildlife and vibrant waters. Delivering tailored experiences, the property promises the ultimate all-inclusive luxury getaway. Guests of Casa Cavada benefit from the exclusive inclusions at Islas Secas: fine wine and inspired dining at soaring, vaulted Terraza and the handsome Balboa Bar, thrilling adventures by land and by sea guided by a warm team of experts, a rejuvenating spa treatment per guest per stay, and daily yoga in a tropical setting.
Islas Secas is staunchly committed to sustainability and conservation. Surrounded by one of the most expansive protected marine zones in the world, in one of the most biodiverse areas on the planet, Islas Secas takes pride in prioritising sustainability in every thread of the property’s fabric. At Islas Secas, the property’s power is solar generated, food waste is composted, and wastewater is used for irrigation. There are over 114 bird species, 128 species of plants, and 750 species of fish in the surrounding waters, and endless opportunities for exploration and sustainable adventures. Guests discover aquatic wonders, rich tropical forests, and exotic flora and fauna around each corner. Activities range from whale watching in season, scuba diving and e-foiling, to kayaking, nature hikes, fishing, yoga, revitalising spa treatments, birding, and more. Opportunities for enrichment across the archipelago are truly endless. Culinary offerings at Islas Secas prioritise the freshest local and sustainable ingredients.
There are regular direct international flights into Panama City from across Europe, the USA, and South America. For seamless travel and expedited immigration, guests are invited to hop on Islas Secas’ private plane, whisking them directly from Panama City to the islands. The ultimate arrival and departure experience, the Twin Otter transfer can accommodate up to 12 people. Alternatively, guests can fly to the city of David, to be transferred via private van to boat, allowing for an aquatic approach to the breathtaking island escape.
For additional details please visit islassecas.com or call 800-377-8877.