Morrillo Beach Eco Resort Blends Rustic Charm and Eco-conscious Luxury
Panamanian paradise.
Iguanas greet you from the ground; howler monkeys, from above. With warm smiles, hosts Cari and Ryan Mackey welcome you with open arms and a refreshing tropical drink. You’ve arrived at the Morrillo Beach Eco Resort: an exotic, jungle-wrapped enclave along Panama’s sublime Pacific coast. At its core, it’s a place where every experience is enveloped in a deep-rooted respect for nature. From surf and snorkel to rest and relaxation, adventures are maximized, and ecological footprints are minimized.
In a treehouse-inspired suite, you can swing on a hammock on your private balcony while enjoying views of the surrounding estuary. Cotton sheets and French linens soothe the body, while the sounds of nature soothe the soul. Here, spacious rooms feature bright and soulful Latin-American design elements and comfortable locally made wooden beds, not to mention private bathrooms with high-pressure, solar-powered hot showers and handcrafted sinks. All cleaning products and detergents used are handmade and devoid of chemicals to minimize skin sensitivities, while local, handmade goats-milk soap and shampoo are available.
On land, in the water, or on your plate, enriching experiences await courtesy of Morrillo Beach Eco Resort. Book a cooking class and learn how to make traditional Panamanian dishes using timeless techniques inspired by the region’s sustainable growing environment. Immerse yourself in the culture and craftsmanship of the Ngäbe Buglé Indigenous tribe and learn the art of weaving a chácara. These handwoven bags are crafted from locally harvested plants and dyed using natural plant-based materials, connecting ancestral techniques and sustainability. Need new kicks with a traditional twist? Book a shoemaking experience with the resort’s local artisan and learn to make cutarras: centuries-old, handwoven leather sandals. Considered the national shoe of Panama, they reflect the country’s rural heritage and are made with time-honoured tools and locally sourced materials.
Embark on a hiking excursion to nearby Cerro Hoya National Park and spot exotic wildlife ranging from monkeys to scarlet macaws, not to mention idyllic and refreshing waterfalls. Fish the Tuna Coast on a panga boat or enjoy one of the world’s most beautiful tropical coastlines at leisure, snapping pictures of everything from jagged cliffs and white sand beaches to sea turtles to dolphins. Paddleboard or kayak among the most biodiverse mangrove ecosystems in the Americas, head to nearby Beginner Beach for surfing lessons led by ASI-certified instructors, and dive underwater for a day-long snorkel in a secluded paradise teeming with beautiful coral and rich sea life.
When building the resort, the Mackeys prioritized nature, making sure to reforest, minimize tree root damage, and avoid using chemical fertilizers. Today, guests can explore the resort’s rich biodiversity trail and even contribute by planting a tree in the thriving jungle where more than 3,000 tree species flourish around the property. All water used on the resort comes from a private well and is filtered and UV purified, making it safe to consume. While low lights illuminate guest areas, red lights are used on terraces, making it more animal friendly. By 9:30 p.m., all lights go out, making the resort a dark night sanctuary.
While the goal is to be 100 per cent solar powered by 2026, the duo behind Morrillo takes great pride in conservation through community collaboration and combining philanthropic principles and practices. Beach-cleaning programs ensure hazardous materials don’t harm the environment, food is locally sourced, food scraps are composted, single-use plastics have been eliminated, and just about everything is recycled. Working closely with a local conservation group, FUNDAT (Fundación Agua y Tierra), the resort’s yearly sea turtle programs—including baby sea turtle releases—have added another layer of environmental stewardship in which locals and visitors can celebrate, learn, and preserve.
