Residencia Natural

The natural houses are a little worn in places, but those small inconveniences fit the atmosphere. A shiny, brand-new version might lose some of the vibe, and the experience is well worth it. It’s a tiny place in a remote, fabulous setting, with sandy beaches, clear water, jungle, sloths and monkeys. Service is impeccable. Ismael gets things done, while Vincent, a Belgian exile, cooks gorgeous meals. Meals are shared with travelers from around the world, usually over food and wine. Go soon, before the place changes.

Al Natural feels special because of the people. Michel oversees the operation and makes sure your stay suits you, Ishmael runs the front of house and treats you like a VIP, and Vincent turns out Belgian dishes with French influences. Everyone in the Al Natural community is friendly and knowledgeable about the local wildlife, plants and area. The resort sits on the eastern side of the island’s southern shore, sheltered and private, with views of the Caribbean and both sunrise and sunset. There’s easy access to clear water and a beach, plus plenty to do nearby. Rooms are comfortable and well cared for, blending Panamanian culture with modern comforts, and all have ocean views. You’ll find bug nets, good restrooms, hot showers and places to lounge. On site, there are board games, water sports, snorkeling, badminton, ping pong and hiking trails. The resort also works with the local village on guided hikes, turtle hatching trips, dolphin and bird watching, chocolate farm visits and other sustainable, authentic outings. It’s a must-visit for a memorable stay.

Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve are real occasions here. The food, wine and decorations somehow appear on this remote island, year after year, and I hope you get to experience those dinners. I’ll always remember taking a small boat to a nearby island to watch more than 100 newly hatched Hawksbill sea turtles cross the beach and reach the Caribbean. I’m just as grateful to have seen the water glow with bioluminescence on dark nights. Al Natural Resort has become my family’s most cherished tradition. We first visited in 2004 when our kids were teenagers, then came back in 2014 and 2024. Through all three trips, Michel, the attentive owner, and Vincent, the capable chef, created the same kind of magic. The food is spectacular, and there are endless ways to spend time in nature. The mix of being pampered while still roughing it a little is just right for us. If I’m still traveling then, I hope we return in 2034. There’s still time to make this special resort part of your family’s tradition.

We spent a relaxing seven days at Al Natural resort over the winter holidays, and this was our second visit. Michel and Vincent are so welcoming, and the staff were wonderful. Thank you to Ismael, Jacob, Yan Carlos, Demetrio, Brenda, German, all the ladies in the kitchen and everyone else working there. My daughter looked forward to seeing Dulce, the dog, every day, and they played together throughout our stay. We loved the food, the beautiful apartment and the excursions. The Christmas party Michel and Vincent put together was fantastic, with fireworks too. We also enjoyed sharing meals and meeting so many lovely guests. It felt like living in paradise, and we can’t wait to come back.