I stayed on a private island off the coast of Panama. Take a look at the resort, where my room cost $980 a night.

Monica HumphriesSep 6, 2024, 17:11 IST

The author outside her casita at Isla Palenque. Monica Humphries/Business Insider<ul class="summary-list"><li>I spent three nights at Isla Palenque, a private island resort off the coast of Panama.</li><li>My trip was spent dining on three-course meals, relaxing on private beaches, and swimming with sea turtles.</li></ul>I let out a blissful laugh after arriving at <a target="_blank" class href="https://www.islapalenque.com/">Isla Palenque</a> and seeing where I'd call home for the next three days.I've been lucky enough to stay in <a target="_blank" class href="https://www.businessinsider.com/luxury-overwater-bungalow-belize-photos-2024-2">overwater bungalows in Belize</a>, tiny homes in New Zealand, and <a target="_blank" class href="https://www.businessinsider.com/nine-hours-capsule-pod-hotel-tokyo-narita-airport-review-photos-2023-4">pod hotels in Japan</a>.But seeing a one-bedroom casita and knowing there were only 12 other guests on the 400-acre private island was a completely new experience.For three days, I'd alternate between swimming in salty ocean waters and a stunning infinity pool. I'd adventure into the jungle and learn about the island's Indigenous past and natural ecosystems. I'd spend nights listening to rain while sleeping in a king-size bed as soft as a cloud.Simply put, it was magical. Take a look.

In Panama's Gulf of Chiriqui sits Isla Palenque, a five-star private island resort.

The shared pool and cabana at Isla Palenque.Monica Humphries/Business Insider

I was one of the lucky people to experience Isla Palenque earlier this year.

The author in her casita at Isla Palenque. Monica Humphries/Business Insider

The morning of my stay, my driver, Carlos, arrived in Boquete to take me to the coast of Chiriqui, where I'd catch a boat to Isla Palenque.

The dock at Chiriquí, Panama. Monica Humphries/Business Insider

Francis, the resort's lead naturalist guide, welcomed me onto a boat for a 15-minute ride to Isla Palenque.

Francis joins the author on a boat ride to Isla Palenque. Monica Humphries/Business Insider

When a thatched roof and long wooden walkway appeared, Francis declared we'd arrived.

The dock at Isla Palenque. Monica Humphries/Business Insider

Francis pulled out a map at the dock and walked me through the island's landscape.

Francis describes the features and landmarks of Isla Palenque. Monica Humphries/Business Insider

Then, we hopped in a car for a short ride through the jungle.

Much of Isla Palenque is composed of lush jungle. Monica Humphries/Business Insider

I arrived at casita seven, where Daniela, the island's concierge rep, was waiting to give me a tour of the space.

The entrance to the casita. Monica Humphries/Business Insider

I pushed open a gate to the casita, and another thatched roof came into view.

The exterior of the author's casita. Monica Humphries/Business Insider

The casita had a shaded deck. One side was home to a porch swing.

The casita's outdoor deck. Monica Humphries/Business Insider

The other side had storage for yoga mats, towels, and umbrellas.

Each casita is stocked with yoga mats, umbrellas, and towels. Monica Humphries/Business Insider

At the front of the deck was a wooden tub for washing off sandy feet.

The casita's wooden washing station. Monica Humphries/Business Insider

Two glass doors led to the one-room casita.

A view of the author's casita. Monica Humphries/Business Insider

The single room had two floors creating a separation of space. At the front of the room was a spacious couch.

Each casita has a couch. Monica Humphries/Business Insider

Adjacent to the couch was a credenza with games, snacks, glassware, alcohol for purchase, and a minifridge stocked with complimentary sodas.

A credenza was home to some additional amenities. Monica Humphries/Business Insider

Behind the couch was a king-sized bed.

The author's bed. Monica Humphries/Business Insider

Next to the bed, two wardrobes had plenty of space for luggage.

Each casita was equipped with wardrobes, fans, and AC. Monica Humphries/Business Insider

From the bed and couch, I could look through the floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing a vibrant green jungle.

The author's view from inside her casita. Monica Humphries/Business Insider

If I looked hard enough, I could see the beach less than a hundred feet away.

A path leads to the beach and ocean. Monica Humphries/Business Insider

My room also had a map, a book on the history of the island, binoculars, and a writing pad.

A row of reading materials in the author's casita. Monica Humphries/Business Insider

Naturally, the best parts of the casita were outdoors.

The backyard area of the casita at Isla Palenque. Monica Humphries/Business Insider

A back door led to the casita's bathroom, which included a spacious vanity, walled-off toilet, and outdoor shower.

The casita's bathroom was outdoors. Monica Humphries/Business Insider

Down in the sand was another outdoor shower and outdoor bathtub.

The casita's outdoor tub and shower. Monica Humphries/Business Insider

At the front of the casita, lounge chairs continued to entice guests to spend time outside.

The exterior of the castia. Monica Humphries/Business Insider

Each casita also had a hammock.

An outdoor hammock was also available to guests. Monica Humphries/Business Insider

Steps away was the ocean.

One of the seven private beaches on Isla Palenque. Monica Humphries/Business Insider

A short walk down the beach led to the rest of the resort's amenities.

The island's other structures. Monica Humphries/Business Insider

Here, a pool offered a freshwater escape from the salty ocean.

A view of the island's pool. Monica Humphries/Business Insider

Shaded cabanas lined one area, and a pavilion with yoga mats and hammocks filled another.

A view of the pool's cabanas and loungers.Monica Humphries/Business Insider

There was also a concierge desk where you could plan activities and excursions for your stay.

The concierge desk at Isla Palenque. Monica Humphries/Business Insider

The largest thatched pavilion was home to Las Rocas Restaurant and Bar.

Las Rocas Restaurant and Bar.Monica Humphries/Business Insider

A rotating menu shared on iPads featured each day's selection.

The day's menu was displayed on an iPad.Monica Humphries/Business Insider

For three days, I dined on seafood-forward meals, including the freshest ceviche of my life.

On of the author's many meals. Monica Humphries/Business Insider

When I wasn't dining on delicious food, I could be found lounging near the pool, paddleboarding in the ocean, or exploring one of the island's seven private beaches.

The author in the pool at Isla Palenque.Monica Humphries/Business Insider

I also embarked on a handful of excursions during my stay.

A chalkboard displayed each day's activities. Monica Humphries/Business Insider

One day was spent snorkeling, spotting sea turtles, and picnicking on a nearby island.

A snorkeler in the ocean.Monica Humphries/Business Insider

Francis and I spent an evening hiking into the island's jungle, where we spotted wolf spiders, rainbow beetles, and scorpions.

Francis explores the tidal pools on Isla Palenque. Monica Humphries/Business Insider

Each morning and evening, yoga was offered to guests.

A view of a yoga class on Isla Palenque. Monica Humphries/Business Insider

Each evening featured a stunning sunset.

A sunset on Isla Palenque. Monica Humphries/Business Insider

After three nights, I was convinced I never wanted to leave Isla Palenque.