The Resort
A veritable picture postcard of the exotic tropical island setting of the South Pacific
The 4 Elements on Isla Contadora is located in Panama’s illustrious Pearl Island Archipelago. 4 Elements is a “Balinese” inspired property in one of the most exclusive destinations in all of the Americas. Contadora Island is a veritable picture postcard equivalent to the exotic tropical island settings of the distant South Pacific. Contadora combines the breathtaking beauty of the unspoiled nature of Panama with all of its first world services and amenities.
The resort pairs both the exquisite traditional Balinese design and that of modern 21st century stylings. The property boasts breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean from each of its resort villas. The villas sit perched just above the sand atop our 6 meter-high clifftop over our beach and sea. It has proven to be the ideal location to launch the first 4 Elements Eco-Luxe Resort Property.
The Design
The resort was designed by Co-Founder Richard Kiibler along with renowned and award winning architect, Eduardo Quintero of Forzacreativa. The goal was to marry resorts overall design and natural elements of the property and Isla Contadora with that of the island of Bali and its cultural expressions. The resort was designed, built and furnished setting the bar at the highest level in terms of being authentic in every way possible.
Materials of the villas all coming from the island of Bali…
The materials used in each and every villa all come from the island of Bali, Indonesia. Inclusive of the hand-cut volcanic stones, exotic hard woods, art and even tapestries. Natural lava stone statues and fountains adorn the entire property and garden areas. The villas themselves are built with the highest quality bangkirai hardwood, natural green sukabumi stone to clad the outdoor swimming pool and oversized Jacuzzi. A collection of Balinese antiques and exotic art pieces adorn the entire resort property. All furnishings and decorative details, from the stemware, flatware, ceramics and woven fabrics, were designed and produced in Bali by a team of local artists and designers in collaboration with the resort’s architectural design team of Annamaria Zampogna Quintero and Roxanne Durham Mouynes.
The Beach
The white sand beach between our cliff and the water’s edge is inaccessible to the public from both ground and the sea. It is protected by a coral reef with the only access being from the Resort’s 6 meter high stairwell that takes our guests to and from the beach as well as to the Beach Club Gazebo and fire pit. The lack of development and ease of access is often taken as an invitation by both schools of dolphins and pods of whales to frolic in this stretch of sea, visible to our guests from each of our ocean view villas as well as our beach.
The Pacific Ocean beaches in Panama experience great tidal highs and lows. On a rising, falling and at high tide our beach is wonderful for swimming diving and snorkeling. Normally there are 6 to 8 hours each day (between sunrise and sunset) to enjoy and swim on our beach. Sunbathing, walking the beach or relaxing in the beach gazebo is always available. The few hours each day of very low tide our guests can take a five-minute golf cart ride to one of the many other beaches where low tide doesn’t affect swimming in the ocean. There are several amazing alternatives on the island just not as private or exclusive as 4 Elements beach. The beach gazebo was designed to provide guests with the ability to be on the sand, enjoying the cool ocean breezes but protected from the ELEMENTS rain or shine. Comfortably and stylishly furnished our beachfront gazebo has electricity and running water. Many find it their favorite spot on property to relax, eat, drink and truly become one with the beauty that surrounds you.
Social Awareness
Partnering with The Orphan Starfish Foundation
4 Elements and its owners believe in giving back. Helping to try and change a child’s life by giving them the tools and hope for a better and brighter tomorrow.
4 Elements on Contadora Island is committed to investing in the future of children and young people by partnering with The Orphan Starfish Foundation.
All hotel guests will be invited to participate in making a difference and helping a child in need by making a simple donation when they check out. The donation will go to help underprivileged children’s dreams of a better future come true at the four Orphan Starfish sponsored homes in Panama.
The focus of the Orphan Starfish Foundation is built around providing training, technology and educational opportunities and establishing curriculums to abused children living in welfare homes, orphanages such that they can rise above the circumstances beyond their control and can obtain the training and skills to better their situation through trades and furthering themselves towards higher education.