What to Pack for a Jungle Retreat

BEFORE YOU TRAVEL

Items & Apps to Consider for Your Trip

TECHNOLOGY & ELECTRICITY

1. Download WhatsApp Messenger

Most people in Panama use WhatsApp for communication. WhatsApp is a free messaging app that allows text messages, voice calls, video calls, and sending images, documents, and location.

What does this really mean for you? You’ll easily communicate with locals and with friends/family back home—anyone who also has the app. It works on both WiFi and mobile data

2. Consider Purchasing a SIM Card or eSIM

This is absolutely not required—many guests choose to disconnect and enjoy being off-grid. But if you prefer local data, we recommend Mas Móvil, which works best at ROAM.

SIM cards (often referred to as “chips”) cost around $1 USD, and you can recharge them in $1–$5 increments. We suggest a $3–$5 recharge for a week-long stay. The recharge card (“recarga”) includes simple instructions. You’ll find them at most convenience stores on Isla Colón and in many supermarkets. ESIMs are easy and a great tool when island hopping, we recommend Ubigi for cheap and reliable service

3. Electricity On-Site

We are fully off-grid and powered by solar energy—a system we consider precious. While we rarely lose power, very heavy rainstorms can cause brief internet interruptions (we use Starlink for reliable connectivity).

To support our shared energy system, please turn off lights and fans when leaving your room. Together, we can enjoy sustainable living and modern comfort

4. Consider Limiting Your Screen Time

Your stay can be a deeply spiritual and restorative experience. You’ve done the research—now let yourself live it. If tech is tempting, consider bringing an old-school battery-powered alarm clock or wristwatch.

Excessive screen time impacts sleep, creativity, and presence. This Harvard article explains more (link available on request). We invite you to use your trip as a gentle digital detox from an overly plugged-in world

5. LUGGAGE & BELONGINGS

Portable luggage is highly recommended. While we’re always happy to help carry your bags, please remember you’ll be traveling by boat, and rolling luggage will be going “off-roading” across wooden, stone, and grassy paths.

If you prefer not to risk damaging brand-new or beloved luggage, consider bringing an alternative. We actually recommend purchasing the cheapest, ugliest thrift-store suitcase you can find—it’s inexpensive, comedy gold, and guilt-free if it gets dirty or wet. Plus, it’s a form of recycling.

This frees you to focus on your inner journey and island adventure—not your suitcase.

6. CLOTHING

Lightweight, breathable, quick-dry clothing is ideal for island, jungle, and rainforest life. Bring comfortable pieces that bring you joy but not your most delicate favorites.

We recommend:

• One lightweight long-sleeve shirt

• One pair of light pants

• Items that dry easily

• Avoid leather—it molds remarkably fast in this environment

Laundry services are available.

7. CLIMATE

Island in the Jungle

Though we are an island, we are rich with wildlife: strawberry poison dart frogs, toads, parrots, sloths, boa constrictors, fascinating insects, and more.

Mosquitoes fluctuate with rainfall. If you’re prone to bites, bring a natural bug repellent with lemongrass, citronella, clove, or similar botanicals. We replace window screens regularly and spray rooms daily with essential oil repellent.

You may also encounter chitres (also known as no-see-ums). These tiny biting insects are most active at sunrise and sunset, especially near mangroves and water. We sell mint-infused coconut oil on-site to help minimize discomfort.

The island is never silent. There’s a constant, soothing hum of life. From birds to insects to the soft lap of water—and occasionally a distant note of music from Bastimentos—this soundscape becomes part of the magic.

8. WEATHER

No matter what the forecast says—you will get wet! We live in a rainforest-jungle beside the sea. Expect water everywhere.

Footwear: flip flops or Crocs (we’re convinced Crocs might be Panama’s real national shoe!)

Rain gear: a poncho or very light rain jacket

Heavy-duty rain gear will leave you hot, sweaty, and miserable.

We love the rain—it feeds our gardens and keeps our water system full. We invite you to enjoy the sun, the rain, and everything in between

9. FOOD & WATER

Our entire property runs on rainwater collection. All tap water is triple filtered, and the restaurant water receives an additional UV filtration. You may refill your bottle at any time. We are proudly single-use plastic free!

Because we practice water conservation, we will guide you on simple conservation techniques upon arrival.

Each accommodation has a refrigerator. Please store snacks and leftovers inside to avoid attracting curious jungle visitors.

PACKING LIST

What to Bring

• Lightweight, quick-dry clothing

• Headlamp for night walking

• Reusable water bottle

• Beach towel (a pack towel or quick-dry towel is best)

• Bathing suits

• Lightweight long sleeve & pants

• Medications/probiotics

• Poncho/light rain gear

• Sunblock

• Bug repellent

• Dry bags for boat excursions

• Biodegradable toiletries (we provide biodegradable body wash/shampoo; all products used here go back into the earth)

• Hat (for sun and rain)

• Book or magazine

• Musical instrument (if you’d like to share your gifts

What Not to Bring

• Multiple disposable bottles/cans/baggies

• Hairdryer (too power-heavy for our solar system and ineffective in the jungle humidity)

• Excessive technology (humidity is not tech-friendly; this is your chance to unplug)

• Leather items (they mold quickly)

• Yoga mats or props (unless you prefer your own—we have a full studio of Manduka mats, blocks, straps, and blankets