The hotel has existed since 1985. Drake Bay Wilderness Resort was founded by Herbert and Marleny when Marleny's father, Jose Manuel, convinced them to move, buy him the property and start a hotel. When they started, they were among the first pioneers of tourism in an extremely remote area where the only way to get in or out was by boat and where electricity did not reach until after 20 years. They raised their three children in the wonderful tropical paradisiacal setting while building and operating the hotel. Currently, the family continues to operate the hotel.