What's Happening?
Ordovician Beach Resort has officially opened on Isla Grande, located within Panama's Portobelo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The resort features 47 rooms and is the only resort in the area with a private beach, offering overwater bungalows with direct ocean access. The property, previously known as Bananas Village Resort, underwent a complete reconstruction using 95 percent local labor, employing over 300 full-time staff during construction. The resort now employs over 100 full-time staff, many from surrounding communities. It offers curated day trips to the San Blas Islands and features a new on-site helipad for private helicopter service and boat transfers for VIP arrivals. The resort includes a garden-to-table culinary program led by Executive Chef Stiven Hernandez, emphasizing locally grown produce. Dining options include The Shell Bistro, El Acuario, and Rick’s Café Americain. Wellness facilities include an overwater yoga studio, sauna, and personalized spa treatments. A dive center is scheduled to open in September 2025, specializing in warm-water dives. The resort plans to launch a foundation to support education, infrastructure, and wellness initiatives in nearby communities.
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Why It's Important?
The opening of Ordovician Beach Resort is significant for the Costa Arriba region of Colón, which remains less explored compared to other parts of Panama. By employing local labor and sourcing ingredients from the region, the resort supports the local economy and community development. The planned foundation aims to further enhance local infrastructure and education, potentially improving the quality of life for residents. The resort's focus on sustainability and community engagement reflects a growing trend in the hospitality industry towards purpose-driven travel. This development could attract more tourists to the area, boosting local tourism and increasing international interest in Panama's Caribbean coast.
What's Next?
The resort plans to open a dive center in September 2025, which will offer excursions to coral reefs, caves, and historic shipwrecks. Additionally, the resort's foundation will focus on building a school and sports complex to support local youth development. These initiatives are expected to further integrate the resort into the local community and enhance its appeal to travelers seeking both luxury and meaningful experiences. The success of these projects could serve as a model for other resorts in the region, encouraging similar investments in community and environmental sustainability.
