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

Before stepping onto the island, I realized the resort’s hospitality and team would be five-star.

In the weeks and days leading up to the trip, concierge representatives requested preferences — ranging from food to activities.

They also ensured I could get to the island and coordinated a driver to take me from Boquete to Chiriqui for an additional fee.

From early on, I knew I was in solid hands.

Francis pointed out Isla Palenque from a distance. I squinted hard, looking for any structures or buildings on the island.

It wasn’t until we were seconds away from the dock that a thatched roof finally appeared.

I realized the resort’s description as an “untouched tropical island experience” wasn’t an exaggeration.

There were no high-rises in sight and no sounds of traffic.

From the dock, Francis drove me to the main area of Isla Palenque, where the casitas and shared area are located.

Daniela shared that the entire building was inspired by a coconut. The thatched roof mimicked the brown, rough exterior, while the walls of the casita were the bright-white portion of the tropical fruit.

It was clear that every detail had already been considered.

Thunderstorms can happen daily during the rainy season, so an umbrella was thoughtfully placed in case I needed one.

Additionally, the deck had plenty of space for stretching out. I could host my own solo yoga class, or, for a fee, the resort could send an instructor to my casita for a private class.

The entrance to the casita included two glass doors and two screened doors.

With the screen doors closed and the glass doors opened, it felt like I was still experiencing the island’s nature in the comfort of a king-sized bed.

On my first night, a thunderstorm arrived on the island. Instead of falling asleep with closed doors, I left them open to hear the sound of rain.

Like many luxury hotels, my casita had elevated basics like a French press, fresh juices, and complimentary snacks. There were also a handful of games, including Uno.

Above the wardrobes was an AC unit. Since there were three fans and plenty of circulation, I rarely turned on the unit throughout my stay.

Just 80 feet away was one of the island’s seven beaches.

While the interior was filled with luxury details, the casita’s main appeal was its outdoor space.

A few steps away were an outdoor shower and tub. I could call the concierge to have someone fill the tub if needed.

Four pillars pulled the ropes tight to create a spacious hammock outside the casita.

Guests could take a short jungle or beach walk to get to the rest of the resort’s amenities.

With only a handful of guests at the resort, a cabana and lounger were always free to use.

While alcohol is extra, your stay includes food. Depending on the weather, guests could dine under the large pavilion or at tables in the sand.

Beyond breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the restaurant offered a snack menu.

With local fish caught every morning, I spent my three days at Isla Palenque dining on seafood-forward meals like prawns and ceviche.

A chalkboard displayed a schedule of activities each day. While some excursions, such as guided hikes, bird watching, and paddleboard classes, were included, others, like snorkeling, rum tasting, and massages, had additional costs.

On another evening, I joined Francis on a night walk around the island. We navigated the island’s shores and jungle, looking for species unique to the region.

While the amenities and excursions were a highlight of the trip, so were the sunsets. My stay included one of the most breathtaking sunsets of my life.

While I’ve slept in stunning tiny houses in New Zealand and backpacked in Colorado’s pristine nature, Isla Palenque was a stay I won’t soon forget, thanks to the island’s welcoming staff, fresh ceviche, and flawless sunsets.