Named after a geologic era of abundance and transformation, Ordovician was built with a vision to create opportunity in one of Panama’s most naturally beautiful, yet historically overlooked regions. The resort is redefining purpose-driven travel, offering guests a high-end escape that directly supports local people, culture, and progress.

A VISION ROOTED IN PURPOSE

Once known as Bananas Village Resort, the property has been completely reimagined by Rick and Loan Hill, a husband-and-wife team whose successful tech careers in Silicon Valley ultimately led them to something more meaningful. Rather than walk away, they chose to build forward, creating a resort model rooted in purpose, impact, and long-term community investment.

“Ordovician isn’t just a resort, it’s a commitment to the people of this region,” said Loan Hill, co-founder and owner of Ordovician Beach Resort. “Our goal has always been to help shine a light on an area that’s long been overlooked, not by changing it, but by investing in what already makes it so special. This place boasts a rich history, vibrant culture, exceptional talent, and breathtaking beauty in every direction. We’re here to help it thrive.”

Built immediately after the pandemic, with 95 percent local labor, the resort employed over 300 full-time staff to bring the owners’ vision to life. It will soon launch a foundation to fund education, infrastructure, and wellness initiatives across nearby communities.

WHAT SETS ORDOVICIAN BEACH RESORT APART

• The only resort in the area with a private beach, offering calm Caribbean waters, rainforest trails, and total seclusion.

• First overwater bungalows in Costa Arriba, Colón, with private decks, floor-to-ceiling sea views, and direct ocean access.

• Direct access to nearby islands, including curated day trips to the stunning San Blas Islands.

• VIP arrivals, including boat transfers and private helicopter service via a new on-site helipad.

• A complete rebuild, constructed using 95 percent local labor and a 100 percent regional hiring model, now employs over 100 full-time staff, many of whom are from surrounding communities.

CULINARY EXCELLENCE, GARDEN TO TABLE

Ordovician’s immersive garden-to-table culinary program is led by Executive Chef Stiven Hernandez, emphasizing freshness, simplicity, and local connection with more than 90 percent of exotic produce grown on-site in the resort’s organic garden. Every dish reflects freshness, simplicity, and local connection, from exotic vegetables to fragrant herbs, shaping a truly place-based dining 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.

• Adventure with elegance through curated, concierge-led experiences: snorkeling mangroves, island-hopping, wildlife encounters, private picnics, guided Panama Canal tours, historic explorations of Portobelo Spanish Fort, and offshore sport fishing.

• A luxury Dive Center opens in September 2025, specializing in warm-water dives with curated excursions to coral reefs, caves, and historic shipwrecks.

A FAMILY ENTERPRISE WITH GLOBAL VISION

Ordovician is more than a destination – it’s a mission in progress. Since breaking ground in June 2022, the resort has created jobs, provided skills training, and served daily meals to hundreds of local workers. Plans include building a school and sports complex to further empower the region’s youth and support long-term growth.

REDISCOVERING PANAMA

Panama continues to attract global interest for its biodiversity, cultural diversity, and accessibility. However, the Caribbean coast, particularly the Costa Arriba region of Colón, remains one of its hidden gems. Ordovician Beach Resort introduces fresh vitality and increased attention to this remarkable area, positioning it as the upcoming top destination for discerning travelers.

“Panama has always had the potential to be a world-class destination, and now people are starting to see it,” said Rick Hill, co-founder and owner of Ordovician Beach Resort. “We want guests to say, ‘I’m going to Panama because I want to stay at Ordovician.’ That’s the vision, to create something so special it elevates the entire region.”

With its blend of refined design, cultural integrity, and community-rooted hospitality, Ordovician offers a boutique beach escape unlike anything else on Panama’s Caribbean coast. It’s more than a place to stay, it’s a place to connect, reflect, and be part of something meaningful. Designed for travelers who seek both luxury and purpose, Ordovician is poised to become a defining destination in the region’s next chapter.

For more information and reservations, please visit www.ordovicianbeachresort.com and follow the resort on Instagram at @ordovicianbeachresort.

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Taking place over Memorial Day Weekend, the concert will serve as the official kickoff to summer at Atlantis Paradise Island, offering guests an unforgettable evening of live music in paradise. The EGOT-winning, critically acclaimed, multiplatinum artist and producer, who has garnered 13 Grammy Awards, an Academy Award, a Golden Globe Award, a Tony Award and three Emmy Awards, among others will deliver a special solo performance featuring songs, stories and intimate reimagining’s of his greatest hits (“All of Me”, “Ordinary People,” “Tonight”), unexpected stories from Legend’s life and career, and selections from LEGEND (“Nervous,” “Wonder Woman”).

“Atlantis Paradise Island remains dedicated to bringing world-class entertainment to The Bahamas, creating extraordinary live music experiences for both visitors and the local community. We look forward to welcoming the incomparable John Legend as he kicks off our highly anticipated Music Making Waves series. With his soulful voice, timeless hits, and our stunning oceanfront setting, this concert promises to be a spectacular way to start the summer,” said Audrey Oswell, President and Managing Director of Atlantis Paradise Island.

For nearly three decades, Atlantis Paradise Island has offered top-tier entertainment, attracting global superstars and offering unparalleled concert experiences for visitors and local residents alike. The resort has hosted an impressive lineup of music legends, including Bruno Mars, Doja Cat, Ellie Goulding, Janet Jackson, The Jonas Brothers, Justin Bieber, Kesha, Lady Gaga, Lil Jon, Lizzo, Pitbull, Ricky Martin, and Taylor Swift. Legend’s upcoming concert continues this tradition, solidifying Atlantis’ reputation as the ultimate entertainment destination.

Ticket prices range from $99 for bronze seating to $239 for diamond seating. A complimentary round-trip shuttle service is available to Atlantis’ hotels as well as designated parking areas for all concert attendees. Beyond the music, concertgoers will enjoy local food trucks serving Bahamian favorites, interactive activities, and exclusive pop-up experiences, ensuring a captivating and unforgettable night in paradise.

A portion of the concert proceeds will support the Atlantis Blue Project Foundation, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization committed to protecting marine life and preserving vital ocean habitats throughout The Bahamas and the surrounding Caribbean waters. For more information on Atlantis Paradise Island, please visit www.atlantisbahamas.com.

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Myriad of Lodging Options

With its unrivaled meeting and convention space and the well-appointed Atlantis Marina overlooking Marina Village, the Atlantis experiences are endless and unique to each traveler. Additional resort amenities include the renowned Atlantis Casino, the tranquil Mandara Spa, a newly opened tennis and pickleball center, indoor and outdoor regulation basketball courts, a 500-seat movie theater, Atlantis Kids Adventures (AKA) for children ages 3-12, a gaming arcade, CRUSH, a teen nightclub, Jokers’ Wild comedy club, an award-winning 18-hole golf course designed by Tom Weiskopf, and an array of luxury and boutique duty-free shopping.

Since its debut 25 years ago, Atlantis has also remained dedicated to sustainability and environmental conservation. Through its purpose-led efforts with Dolphin Cay and the Atlantis Blue Project Foundation (ABPF), Atlantis has committed to a meaningful connection with the ocean, marine life, sustainability, and environmental stewardship through marine education, animal rescue and rehabilitation, and restoration of sea species and their habitats throughout the Bahamas and the Caribbean.

More information, visit them online at www.atlantisbahamas.com.

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Adventure Themed Activities:

A taste of history is discovered through a walking tour to The Saddle Hill Battery, which was used by British Admiral Lord Horatio Nelson as a lookout point in the late 1700s. Other tour packages include tranquil hikes around the island’s natural water falls.
For travelers with a need for speed, Queen City ATV tours provide all-terrain vehicles to steer the way through the trails.
The Around The Garden Tour takes place at a 5-acre fruit farm in Cades Bay built on a park model, with picnic benches.
Guests enjoy the full farm experience, which includes a sampling of a wide variety of in-season fruits such as starfruit, passion fruit, watermelon, pineapple — and, of course, mangoes, the island favorite.
For travelers with dreams of riding horseback through the Caribbean, Nevis Equestrian Centre has been guiding travelers through beach and sunset trail rides for nearly two decades. This adventure is unmatched because of the center’s highly experienced trainers to help lead the way.
Sea Lovers…
For sea lovers, Leeward Island Charters includes a relaxing sail to the southern end of the bordering island of St. Kitts with frequent stops to swim and snorkel in the protected waters of the Caribbean sea. Catamarans are provided in an array of sizes for ultimate comfort and to suit the amount of guests.
Nevis also offers a world of possibilities for scuba diving, with dozens of reefs, wrecks, and volcanic vents to explore just minutes offshore. Biking tours are also another wonderful way to spend a morning or afternoon along Nevis’ coastline, giving a unique perspective on the island’s green landscape and the towering Mount Nevis.
Wellness Experiences
For more wellness experiences, the spa treatment at one of the island’s excellent spas heightens the sense of relaxation and well-being.
At the Four Seasons Resort and Spa, travelers recharge with an array of massage services incorporating locally infused blends of Caribbean oils, scents, and spices, like The signature Nevisian Massage. Your own private paradise is offered in the Spa Under the Stars massage, which includes a romantic, outdoor, candlelit dinner in a private spa. The relaxing Ocean Breeze Beachside Treatments use the gentle breeze and the calm, crashing sound of waves to ease guests into a tranquil state of mind.
Back 2 My ROOTS SpaTique is located within the Hamilton Estate’s lush green heights near the Nevis Peak. They offer a holistic approach through organic skin care services, including: massage therapy, herbal facials, hydrotherapy, thalassotherapy and heliotherapy treatments. Guests relax in nature, as all the treatments take place outdoors, and enjoy organic refreshments from the onsite juice bar. Mountain breezes, wind chimes, and water fountains are sure to create a sense of true calm and serenity.
Montpelier Plantation Spa, surrounded by tropical gardens, is the ideal setting to revitalize the spirit. Visitors can choose from a wide range of body and facial treatments performed by certified therapists. Located on a lush plantation, the soothing sounds of nature accompany guests throughout every treatment.
For more information about Nevis, please visit them online at:  www.nevisisland.com.

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Among the wonders of the Mexican Caribbean, its islands stand out for being tropical oases where a great variety of activities and unforgettable landscapes envelop visitors in a unique experience. Each has a particular charm – Cozumel, for example, offers a wide range of adventure activities; Holbox dazzles travelers with spectacular sunsets; while Isla Mujeres captivates with its cheerful Caribbean atmosphere. Isla Mujeres is one of the smallest yet most visited islands in the region thanks to the popularity of Playa Norte. Snorkeling is the most recommended activity here; the colorful reefs as well as the submerged statues – part of a conservation project — make for an incredible view of marine life. To the south is the Garrafón Reef Natural Park, a place for travelers to discover the island’s natural wealth. Park activities include snorkeling, kayaking, zip-line and island tours, plus relaxation activities like a temazcal, panoramic pool, and lounge chairs. A few minutes further is the Manchones Reef, which hides one of the most significant monuments for the island: La Cruz de la Bahía, or the Cross of the Bay. This structure is made of bronze, measures about three meters high, and is 12 meters deep, making it a site of great interest for divers. Over the years, this island has been surrounded by stories that have formed a cultural lore, such as the story of La Trigueña, a woman originally from Isla Mujeres who was wooed by a highly recognized pirate in the area. It is said that when the pirate Mundaca met her, he fell in love and built a large hacienda to prove his love. The monument dedicated to La Trigueña can be found downtown, just steps from the sea. Holbox effuses a casual spirit and an atmosphere of serenity, where the days pass slowly, and each sunset is admired swimming on the quiet beaches of smooth waves. Viewing the sunset in one of the island’s laid-back beach clubs is a must, whether a bohemian spot like Maruva or a place of authentic Caribbean flavor like La Playa de Ñaña. Visitors shouldn’t skip time for nature on their itinerary in Holbox, with the island being home to natural phenomena like bioluminescence. This stunning spectacle is best appreciated at night during low moonlight on beaches further from central Holbox. One exciting way to experience this is Luminescence by Pandora Holbox, a multisensory experience that combines a gourmet dinner with an outdoor show reflecting the colors of bioluminescence.

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Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya
Over in Tulum, the new Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya Resort boasts sweeping sea views from the private balcony in each of the resort’s 349 rooms. The Conrad also hosts a Mayan-inspired luxury spa, five pools and 11 restaurants. Also in the city, the Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya All-Inclusive Resort will open this summer with 735 rooms, nestled in a secluded bay overlooking white sand and blue waters. The eco-chic property will house a luxury spa, 13 restaurants and bars, a private beach, and family zone.
The Secrets Moxché Playa del Carmen Resort
The Secrets Moxché Playa del Carmen Resort is set to open its doors in February with 683 suites set on a pristine strip of white sandy beach, offering a contemporary experience with an earthy feel including luxurious amenities, stunning views, an in-room rolling bar, and the signature Unlimited-Luxury premium all-inclusive experience.
Another addition from AMR Collection, Dreams Cozumel Cape Resort & Spa will open in April on a blissful stretch of Cozumel beach, offering adventure, romance and relaxation for the ideal getaway to this island. With 154 Preferred Club suites, a world-class spa and adults-only options, the resort will balance adventure and serenity.
Paradisus Playa Mujeres
Opening early this year, Paradisus Playa Mujeres promises to blend nature and contemporary architecture in a “Nature Included” open concept, offering spectacular views of the gardens, the marina, and the sparkling Caribbean Sea. Resort features include a Greg Norman golf course, 12 dining options, the Reserve VIP upgrade and other luxe amenities.
Set to open in March, the Hilton Garden Inn Cancun Airport is the perfect stay for those who want easy access to Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Tulum. This pet-friendly property will have 186 rooms, an outdoor pool, an on-site restaurant, and a business center.
The latter half of 2022 is packed with exciting debuts and luxury additions to the Mexican Caribbean. The Royal Uno All-Inclusive Resort & Spa, also opening later this year, will include endless ocean views reaching into 540 rooms just steps away from Cancun’s finest beach. The family-friendly property will invite guests to five-star amenities and activities for all ages.
The Waldorf Astoria Cancun Resort will premiere this September on 100 acres of the secluded Mayan coastline. Exclusive experiences include the signature Waldorf Astoria Spa, 24-hour room service, pet-friendly rooms and access to over 55,000 sq. ft. of event space.
Located further north in the state is one of Mexico’s best-kept secrets, the car-free island of Holbox. Later this year, this special destination will be home to the new Margaritaville St. Somewhere Resort Punta Coco, Holbox Island, where guests can expect an intimate location among the raw beauty of Holbox, combined with distinct guest experiences for couples and families. The resort will blend the classic laid-back Margaritaville lifestyle with yacht-inspired architecture and a boutique luxury twist.

About Quintana Roo
Part of the stunning Mexican Caribbean, the state of Quintana Roo is one of Mexico’s top tourism producers, including destinations both world-renowned and off-the-beaten-path. From Cancun, Riviera Maya and Playa del Carmen to Isla Cozumel, Isla Mujeres, Holbox, Tulum, Maya Ka’an and Grand Costa Maya, Quintana Roo is known for its idyllic landscape, diverse activities, unique cuisine and the incomparable beauty of its Mayan ruins. The destinations that make up Quintana Roo have options for all kinds of travelers, from ultimate luxury in five-star resorts to close encounters with nature including swimming with whale sharks and cenote diving and international music, sporting, and gastronomic events.

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