Panama Island Fitness & Adventure Retreat: Snorkel, Hike, Paddle, Yoga

The retreat starts with transport from David Airport. You are met and driven to a nearby marina, then taken by boat through the mangroves to Selva Terra, with a good chance of seeing humpback whales, dolphins and exotic birds on the way. The journey takes about 75 minutes from David Airport to the island. Once there, you are shown to your casita and the schedule begins.

Each day has a fitness session built in. Instructors lead yoga, Pilates and HIIT classes, and there is guided hiking and trail running on the island's trails. The water is a big part of the week: a half-day snorkelling and island-hopping tour to Islas Secas is included, and certified divers can add a scuba dive for an extra fee. There is also a surfing lesson, paddleboarding clinics, guided SUP or kayak paddles through the ocean and mangroves, and SUP yoga. The resort has a full dive centre and sportfishing operation on site.

Wildlife is everywhere. The island sits between jungle and sea, and you can expect to see sloths, howler monkeys, toucans, humpback whales, dolphins and Hercules beetles. The howler monkey hiking tour is a specific outing, and the mangrove paddles get you close to birds and marine life. The island is completely solar-powered, which fits the off-grid feel.

Food is a highlight. The resort chefs cook seasonal, locally sourced Panamanian and international fusion dishes, and the meal plan covers breakfast, lunch and a three-course dinner, plus soft drinks, smoothies, local wine and beer. Dietary needs are catered for. The beach bar hosts a BBQ farewell party on the last night.

What sets this apart from a standard fitness retreat is the setting: a private island with a dive centre, sportfishing, and a spa, so you can fill your days with activity or book a treatment and do very little. The group is capped by the size of the casitas and beach house, and the L2S crew are known for making solo travellers feel included. The optional two-day Panama City extension with a Panama Canal tour is a straightforward add-on if you want more.

What's included

- 5 nights and 6 days accommodation at Selva Terra - Round-trip transportation from Selva Terra to David Airport - Ground transport from David Airport to the marina - Boat transfer through the mangroves to the island - All meals: breakfast, lunch, and 3-course dinner - Soft drinks, smoothies, local wine and beer - Half-day snorkelling and island-hopping tour to Islas Secas - Howler monkey hiking tour - Guided hiking and trail running - Surfing lesson - Beach Bar BBQ farewell party - Daily yoga, Pilates and HIIT workouts - Paddleboarding clinics - Guided SUP or kayak ocean and mangrove paddles - SUP yoga - Unlimited use of surfboards, kayaks, and paddleboards - Games room and private beaches

What's not included

- Airfare - Taxes and fees - Spa offerings - Additional excursions not listed - Bar drinks - Gratuities to staff - Scuba diving (additional fee, certification required) - Optional 2-day Panama City extension