A bold new chapter in Caribbean hospitality begins with the opening of Ordovician Beach Resort, a 47-room luxury retreat located on Isla Grande within Portobelo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Overlooking Panama’s northern Caribbean Coast, the newly reimagined Resort blends elevated design and environmental sustainability with a deep commitment towards community.
Ordovician, named after a geologic period of abundance and change, was built to create opportunities in one of Panama’s most beautiful natural regions, but historically overlooked. The resort redefines purpose-driven tourism, providing guests with a luxurious escape that supports the local culture and people.
A VISION BASED ON PURPOSE
Rick and Loan, a husband-and wife team who have had successful careers in Silicon Valley’s tech industry, completely reimagined Bananas Village Resort. They wanted to do something more meaningful. They chose to continue building, rather than walking away. Their resort model is based on impact, purpose and long-term investments in communities.
Loan Hill is the co-founder and proprietor of Ordovician Beach Resort. He said that Ordovician Beach Resort was more than just a hotel. “Our goal was to bring attention to an area that has been neglected for a long time, and not change it but invest in the things that make it special. This area boasts a vibrant culture, a rich and varied history, and awe-inspiring beauty from every angle. We’re there to help it flourish.”
The resort was built immediately after the pandemic with 95 percent local workers. It employed more than 300 full-time employees to realize the vision of the owners. It will soon launch its own foundation to support education, infrastructure and wellbeing initiatives across local communities.
What makes ORDOVICIAN RESORT stand out?
- The only resort with a private sandy beach in the areaLocated in the heart of the rainforest, this resort offers tranquil Caribbean waters.
- First overwater bungalows in Costa Arriba, ColónWith private decks and ocean views from floor to ceiling, these units offer direct access to the ocean.
- Access to nearby islandsIncluded in the package are curated day-trips to the San Blas Islands.
- VIP ArrivalsA new on-site helicopter pad offers private helicopter service and boat transfers.
- Rebuilding a home from scratch is a major undertaking. Having been built with 95 percent local workers and using a 100% regional hiring model, the facility now employs 100 full-time personnel, many of them from nearby communities.
CULINARY PERFECTION, FROM GARDEN TABLE
Ordovician’s immersive Garden-to-Table culinary program is headed by Executive Chef Stiven Hernández, who emphasizes freshness and simplicity as well as local connection. More than 90% of the resort’s exotic produce is grown in its organic garden. Each dish is a reflection of freshness, simplicity and local connection. From exotic vegetables to fragrant herb, each dish is a place-based experience.
Signature venues include
- The Shell Bistro – A vibrant all-day venue offering colorful breakfast and lunch dishes that fuse bold Panamanian flavors with global influences.
- El Acuario – An elegant dining destination where Japanese, Vietnamese, Caribbean, and Panamanian cuisines come together in refined, flavor-forward combinations.
- Rick’s Café Americain – A breezy over-the-water tapas bar where guests enjoy gourmet tapas-style plates, inventive cocktails, and relaxed coastal vibes.
WELLNESS, NATURE & CULTURE COMBINED
- Elevated Wellness offerings include cryotherapy, an overwater yoga studio, sauna, and personalized spa treatments, all within a car-free(pollution-free), coastal sanctuary that creates an uninterrupted, relaxing oasis free from noise and light pollution for ultimate relaxation.
- Enjoy the elegance of adventure Through curated experiences, concierges will guide you through: snorkeling in mangroves and other aquatic habitats, island hopping, wildlife encounters with locals, private picnics on the beach, guided Panama Canal tours as well as historical explorations at Portobelo Spanish Fort. Offshore sport fishing is also available.
- The best Dive Centers Opens in September 2025Specializes in warm water diving with guided excursions to caves, coral reefs and historic shipwrecks.
A FAMILY BUSINESS WITH A GLOBAL VISION
Ordovician is more than a destination – it’s a mission in progress. Since breaking ground on the resort in June 2022 it has created thousands of jobs and provided training to local workers. The resort plans to build a sports and school complex in order to empower youth and promote long-term growth.
PANAMA: REDISCOVERING PANAMA
Panama’s biodiversity, cultural diversity and accessibility continue to draw global attention. However, the Caribbean coast, particularly the Costa Arriba region of Colón, remains one of its hidden gems. Ordovician Resort brings a new energy and attention to the region, positioning it at the top of travelers’ lists.
“Panama always had the potential of being a world class destination and now people start to see that,” said Rick Hill. “We want to hear guests say, ‘I’m going to Panama because I want to stay at Ordovician.’ “That’s our vision: to create something special that elevates the entire area.”
Ordovician is a boutique beach resort unlike any other on Panama’s Caribbean Coast. It offers a blend of refined design and cultural integrity with a community-based hospitality. Ordovician is more than just a place for guests to stay. It’s also a place where they can connect, reflect and become part of something meaningful. Ordovician, a luxury hotel with a purpose is geared towards travelers looking for both luxury and meaning.
