This Boutique Resort in Panama Has Cloud Forest Hikes, Volcano Views, and a Very Different Kind of All-Inclusive Vacation

You wake to the scent of mountain mist and fresh-ground coffee. Outside your villa, a canopy of clouds clings to the peaks of Panama’s Chiriquí Highlands. But this isn’t a backpacker’s escape or a rustic cabin retreat. It’s a luxury all-inclusive — one that believes in hikes through cloud forests, private tours of working coffee farms, and evenings that begin with a five-course tasting menu and end with wine under the stars.

Travelers today aren’t just looking for places to stay — they’re looking for meaning. According to McKinsey & Company, more than 70 percent of consumers globally now prioritize experiences over material possessions, part of a sweeping shift in how people value their time and money. This trend is especially strong in travel, where immersive, hands-on experiences are becoming just as important as luxury or convenience. All-inclusives are beginning to reflect this change, moving beyond buffets and beach loungers to offer curated adventures and cultural connection.

This is where Los Establos Boutique Resort comes in — quietly redefining what an all-inclusive can be.

A New Kind of All-Inclusive

Tucked into the highlands of Boquete, Panama, Los Establos doesn’t look or feel like a traditional resort. Instead of sprawling towers or seaside pools, it’s a collection of just 17 rooms spread across a 16-acre estate. Every guest receives the full all-inclusive treatment — but here, that means curated daily adventures, fine dining with wine pairings, and a rotating selection of immersive experiences from barista-led coffee tastings to rainforest zip-lining.

There are no crowds, no schedules taped to the wall. You choose your pace — and your pleasures — each morning over breakfast on the terrace.

What It Offers Instead

This is where the Los Establos formula sets itself apart. Included in your stay is a different guided activity every day: perhaps a hike through cloud forests, a visit to a wildlife sanctuary, or a soak in the nearby hot springs. The property’s proximity to Baru Volcano National Park makes it a haven for eco-adventurers, while the town of Boquete — known for its world-famous Geisha coffee — adds a rich cultural layer.

What do we love? Each actvity also includes a difficulty rating, ensuring that you’re ready for whatever level of exertion and activity you want to experience. 

And yes, horseback riding across green hills is still on the menu. It is, after all, a former equestrian estate.

Included Experiences at Los Establos:

– Private nature tours, ziplining, or coffee farm visits
– Daily à la carte gourmet meals and cocktails
– Luxurious accommodations with mountain or garden views
– Bespoke service with a 4:1 staff-to-guest ratio

What else is included? Yes, there’s a state-of-the-art pickleball court, too. 

A Sustainable, Slow Luxury

Rather than compete with mega-resorts on the coasts, Los Establos leans into its setting and scale. The resort partners with local farmers, artisans, and conservationists to provide a deeper, more sustainable kind of luxury. The property also emphasizes wellness, with morning yoga and spa services available on request.

The result is a stay that feels bespoke — and far more grounded — and, for us, it’s one of the most unique, richest travel experiences in the wider region. It’s a different — kind of all-inclusive experience. 

What a Room Costs at Los Establos

A suite with a king size bed and glass enclosed sitting area overlooking the Volcan Baru starts at around $749 per room, all-inclusive.

How to Get There

Boquete is a one-hour flight from Panama City to David (DAV), followed by a 45-minute scenic drive through the highlands. Airport transfers can be arranged directly through the resort.