National Geographic Traveler USA - 08.2019 - 09.2019

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2019

MIKE DELL

GO WITH NAT GEO

CENTRAL AMERICA

PANAMA

Treasure Island

Taking a cue from conservationists, eco hoteliers are trickling into this Central

American country, where nearly a third of the land is protected in nature

reserves. In 2017 the Costa Rica–based Cayuga Collection, a leader in sustainable

lodgings, brought some of its innovative initiatives to a private island resort in

the Gulf of Chiriquí. At ISLA PALENQUE, artisans at the on-site woodworking

shop upcycle fallen trees into furnishings for the lodge’s thatched bungalows.

Meanwhile guests play pampered castaway, discovering hidden caves, hump-

back whales, and pre-Columbian pottery shards on jungle and ocean jaunts,

then recharging with island-sourced fare and swinging daybeds back at the

beachfront abodes. Bring island vibes but no single-use plastic—it’s one of the

few things banned from this welcoming wonderland. —Alena Hadley

COSTA RICA

Inland Hideaway

Separated from the nearest

road by rushing white

water, Pacuare Lodge

gives guests a chance to

truly disconnect from civili-

zation. Arrival is by hanging

gondola or helicopter—

or by tackling the river’s

Class III and IV rapids (a

seasoned guide helms your

raft). Keep the adrenaline

pumping with canopy

tours and waterfall hikes,

and power down each

evening in your tree-house

suite lit by the glow of

BOOK NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC UNIQUE LODGES natgeolodges.com/explore candles. —Lindsay Kuczera

COSTA RICA

Seaside Heights

Near the sandy shores

of the Osa Peninsula,

Lapa Rios Lodge sits in one

of the most wildlife-rich

areas of a country famed

for its biodiversity. The

Cayuga Collection pro-

perty protects a thousand

acres of rainforest, and

guides lead excursions that

range from birding tours

and night hikes to dolphin

watching. But the best

view—of land and sea—

may be from one of the

17 bungalows perched

above the jungle. —LK

Isla Palenque’s

beachfront pool

lies next to a

hammock lounge.