I had the most luxurious stay of my life in Panama. Now, I want every tropical vacation to include a private island.

22.08.2024 - 00:28 / insider.com

As I pushed open the passenger door and stepped out of the air-conditioned Toyota Fortuner, my senses were immediately overwhelmed.

Humidity clung to the back of my neck. The sweet scent of nearby tropical flowers filled my nostrils. The faintest bit of sea salt coated my tongue, and the sound of crashing waves was closer than I imagined.

In front of me was a sign for casita seven, my home for the next three nights at Isla Palenque, a five-star island resort off the coast of Panama.

As I walked the sandy path to the casita's entrance, the thatched structure came into view for the first time. Every other sense — the saltwater, flowers, and nearby tropical birds — vanished.

In front of me was a stunning one-bedroom building. Daniela, one of the island's concierge representatives, said the inspiration was a coconut with its brown roof and bright white exterior.

It was the most extravagant version of a coconut I've ever seen.

Daniela gave me a quick tour of the property's amenities. There was a small tub to rinse off my sandy feet, a mini bar with complimentary snacks, two outdoor showers, and all-natural soaps.

Meanwhile, my focus was still on the sight of the casita. It was easily the most captivating place I've stayed.

I woke up bright and early on a Sunday in April, waiting for a driver to cart me away from the lush valley of Boquete, Panama, and bring me to the Pacific coast for a three-night stay at Isla Palenque.

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To get to the resort, visitors hop on a 15-minute boat ride. As my driver, Carlos, said goodbye, Francis, the resort's lead naturalist guide, welcomed me onto the boat.

As we traveled through the Gulf of Chiriquí, Francis noted where dolphins are often spotted, shared the names of nearby islands, and chatted about the morning weather.

Then, he pointed to our destination, a long wooden dock. No other structures were in sight, an intentional decision to blend the resort's buildings with the surrounding jungle. After walking the dock, Francis and I hopped into a parked car and headed to my casita.

Isla Palenque is home to eight casitas and one six-bedroom villa. During low season, a night in a casita starts at $512, including meals, non-alcoholic drinks, boat transfers, outdoor gear, yoga classes, and daily excursions.

Every part of the property was a purposeful choice made by Benjamin Loomis, the property's architect and developer, who spent five years living on Isla Palenque before turning it into a resort.

The casitas were built at the jungle's edge. Steps away is a private beach, shared by a maximum of 32 guests at a time. Along with the beach, there's a communal area with a pool, a splattering of shaded day beds, and Las Rocas Restaurant and Bar, a thatched pavilion