La Coralina Island House
Panama
La Coralina Island House
Ruta Principal a Bluff, Paunch Beach.
1001 Isla Colon. Bocas del Toro. Panama
www.lacoralinaislandhouse.com
HOTEL INFORMATION
Group
N/A
Shareholders
Privately Owned
Date of Creation
December 1st, 2021
Hotel General Manager
Ariel Barrionuevo. Seasoned hospitality executive with over 30 years of experience in the luxury travel and hotel industry. He built a distinguished career managing high-end properties within renowned hotel chains such as Faena, Sofitel and Luxury Collection by Starwood.
As Managing Director of La Coralina Island House, he leads the property’s strategic vision, focusing on luxury, sustainability, wellness, and cultural immersion. Under his leadership, La Coralina has positioned itself as a premier destination for high-end travelers seeking a holistic and nature-integrated experience.
Hotel Positioning
4-star Hotel
Development Strategy
Targeted International Marketing. Positioning as a Luxury Wellness Destination.Strategic Partnerships
Exclusive experiences and Elevated Culinary Offering
Eco Conscious Expansion, marine conservation, and Community Engagement
By executing this strategy, La Coralina will solidify its position as a benchmark for sustainable luxury and wellness tourism in Latin America.
La Coralina Island House
History & Story
La Coralina Island House is a luxury eco-retreat nestled in the heart of Bocas del Toro, Panama. Designed as a sanctuary for travelers seeking harmony between nature, wellness, and exclusivity, La Coralina blends rustic elegance with modern comfort, offering a unique island escape where sustainability and luxury coexist. The vision for La Coralina was sparked by a passion for luxury hospitality and a deep connection to nature and the ocean. One of its founders, an avid surfer, spent years traveling through Indonesia, where he was inspired by boutique resorts seamlessly integrated into their tropical surroundings. The concept of indoor-outdoor living, traditional craftsmanship, and barefoot luxury resonated deeply with him, and he dreamed of bringing that ethos to another untouched paradise. His search led him to Bocas del Toro, a remote archipelago known for its biodiversity and world-class waves. When he discovered the pristine bay in front of Paunch Beach—one of the most famous waves in the Caribbean—he knew he had found the perfect spot. Together with his partners, including hospitality expert Ariel Barrionuevo, they set out to create a one-of-a-kind retreat that combined the laid-back charm of surf culture, the refined elegance of Indonesian resorts, and the natural beauty of Panama.
Date Renewal
N/A
Date added extensions
N/A
Main Strengths, Special Touch
Seamless integration with nature, holistic wellness & healing offerings.
Hyper-personalized service, curated wellness retreats, bespoke adventure experiences. A destination, not just a stay
Location
Paunch Beach, located on Isla Colon just a short distance from the town of Bocas, this beach is known for its laid-back atmosphere, golden sands, and lush jungle backdrop. World-class surfing, tropical beauty and biodiversity, relaxed beach culture,
Top-tier destination for luxury and nature-focused travelers.
Key sites/activities in the area
Zapatilla Islands, a pristine paradise. Starfish Beach. Dolphin Bay. Bird Island, a birdwatcher’s dream.
Surfing, snorkeling, scuba diving in coral reefs, sailing and private boat tours, indigenous community, jungle hiking and wildlife watching, holistic and wellness retreats.
Fun Facts
Historical Significance: Christopher Columbus visited the Bocas del Toro archipelago during his fourth voyage in 1502. He named several islands, including Isla Colón, after himself.
Name Origins: The name « Bocas del Toro » translates to « Mouths of the Bull. » One theory suggests Columbus named it after waterfalls resembling a bull’s mouth. Another theory points to a large rock formation on Bastimentos Island that resembles a reclining bull.
UNESCO World Heritage Site: Part of the region, including Isla Bastimentos National Marine Park, is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its rich biodiversity and cultural significance.
Banana Trade Legacy: Historically, Bocas del Toro was a hub for banana and chocolate trade. While tourism has become the main industry, remnants of old plantations can still be explored.
Children’s Corner
La Coralina Island House is an adults-oriented property, designed for guests seeking a peaceful and sophisticated environment.
We welcome children over the age of 12, ensuring that all guests can fully appreciate the wellness, luxury, and natural surroundings that define our experience.
HOTEL FEATURES
Accommodation
Number of villas: 8
• One Bedroom Villa: Quantity 4 units. 80m2 / 861ft2. Front ocean and lush gardens views. King size bed, private terrace. Sunlounges
• Superior Villa: Quantity 3 units. 180m2 / 1937 ft2. Two-story villa, stunning ocean views, king size bed, comfortable living space, two bathrooms, outdoor lounge, private deck, and plunge pool.
• Deluxe Villa: Quantity 1 unit. 215m2 / 2314 ft2. Exclusive two-story villa, stunning ocean views, king size bed, comfortable living space, two fully equipped bathrooms, outdoor lounge, private deck, and plunge pool.
Number of Luxury rooms: 23
• Standard Room: Quantity 3 units. 30m2 / 323ft2. Tropical garden view, Queen size bed, private terrace.
• Superior Room: Quantity 15 units. 35m2 / 377ft2. Garden or Rainforest view, king size bed, private terrace.
• Deluxe Room: Quantity 5 units. 35m2 / 377ft2. Front Ocean View, king size bed, private terrace direct sunrise view.
Number of rooms, (keys) in all: 31
All rooms & villas offer, WIFI, air conditioning, safety box, minibar, coffee machine, bottled water, luxurious linens and bathroom amenities.
Restaurants & Bars
• La Coralina Island House offers an exquisite dining experience, blending local Caribbean flavors with international influences, all set against the backdrop of breathtaking ocean views. Whether you’re enjoying a refined meal in our signature restaurant, a laid-back cocktail by the pool, or a casual beachside dining experience, each venue promises a unique culinary journey.
• La Coralina Restaurant / La Coralina Bar Lounge & Pool Bar / Bluff Beach Club / Paunch Beach Club
Wellness
• Eight (8) indoor and outdoor treatment rooms, gym, sauna and polar plunge pool, swimming pool facing the rainforest.
• Daily complimentary sessions of yoga, stretching and guided meditations.
• Our Holistic Center & Spa offers a unique blend of ancient therapies, modern techniques, and immersive wellness experiences, all set within the tranquil surroundings of Bocas del Toro’s lush rainforest and ocean breeze.
Corporate & Celebration Events
• Nestled in a secluded bay with breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea, La Coralina Island House offers a truly magical setting for weddings and special events. Whether you’re planning an intimate ceremony, a grand celebration, or a luxury social gathering, our exclusive venues provide an unforgettable atmosphere where nature, elegance, and romance intertwine.
• Exclusive use of our venues, including our Beach Club & Garden areas
• Customized wedding coordination & decoration services
• Gourmet dining experiences
• Luxury accommodations for you and your guests in private villas & suites
Capacity: Weddings & events for up to 150 guests
Extra Notable Features
• Water & Marine Activities: Scuba Diving & Snorkeling, surfing, private sailing, kayaking & paddle boarding.
• Wellness Activities: Daily yoga & meditation classes, ice work & cold therapy, holistic treatments, temazcal and ancestral healing rituals. • Culinary & Cultural Immersion: Cooking classes with our Chefs, cacao & chocolate making, traditional indigenous encounters.
• Land-Based & Adventure Activities: horseback riding , ATV jungle tours, hiking & wildlife spotting, outdoor movie nights.
Hotel and restaurant Awards
N/A
Number of employees
116