Fen Retreat
Sun, 25 October | Sat, 31 October 2026
Facilitators: Katie Olsson & Michael Anderson
Hosts: Mari Nakama & Kit Cody
About the Retreat
Join us for a week of rest, relaxation, jungle immersion, joy, discovery, wachuma and connection at beautiful Bird Island eco-resort in Bocas del Toro, Panama.
Our home will be a magical retreat center, owned by friends of Fen Mari and Kit. This off-grid oasis is perched over the Caribbean, with a rainwater swimming pool, two private beaches, restaurant, bar, yoga shala, and 12 acres of lush jungle teeming with birds, monkeys, sloths, and reptiles.
Each day will commence with a hearty breakfast buffet, followed by opportunities to hike, swim, yoga, boat, and bond at the pool. Evenings will evolve with a four-course dinner buffet, music, dance, and story telling.
The week will culminate with a day-long San Pedro ceremony, facilitated by Katie and Michael. We hope you can join us for this unforgettable Adventure!
Time & Location
Sunday, October 25 - Saturday, October 31, 2026
Bird Island Bungalows
Drago del Mar, Bocas del Toro, Panama
Pricing (per person):
Shared Room with Queen Bed - $740
Shared Room with 2 Single Beds - $770
Shared Bungalow with Queen Bed - $800
Private Room with Queen Bed - $860
Private Room with King Bed - $950
Private Bungalow with Queen Bed - $1,040
Shared Deluxe Bungalow with 2 Singles and Queen Bed (3 people) - $770
Shared Deluxe Bungalow with King and Queen Bed (2 people) - $890
Shared Deluxe Loft with 2 Singles and Queen Bed (3 people) - $770
Shared Deluxe Loft with King and Queen Bed (2 people) - $890
Shared Deluxe Bungalow with Queen Bed (2 people) - $920
*price does not include 10% local tax
What IS Included:
Rooms - there are a range of boarding options at Bird Island -- with15 rooms total. There are seven ocean-view rooms; four smaller rooms with queen beds, and three larger rooms have king beds that can split into two single beds.There are two jungle suites, each with private balcony and king beds that can split into two singles. There are two deluxe ocean-view suites, one with a king bed, and a loft with a queen bed upstairs and a king bed that can split into two singles below. And there are four bungalows, three with queen beds, and one deluxe bungalow with a queen bed and king that can split into two singles. For more information, visit our ROOMS page.
Meals - two generous vegetarian buffet meals served daily. A brunch buffet from 8am - 10am, which includes eggs, fruit, beans, rice, tortillas, granola, pancakes, local coffee, tea, and orange juice. Sunset dinner buffets include appetizers, salad options, an internationally-themed main course (Indian, Mexican, Caribbean, etc.) and dessert. Meat options (shrimp, fish, chicken, burger, chorizo) can also be purchased separately to accompany any meal.
Ceremony - towards the end of the week we will gather in the shala to share our intentions, and join together in a ritual drinking of wachuma (San Pedro) medicine, facilitated by Katie and Michael. Then we will spend the day appreciating the natural wonder Panama has to offer -- including a guided hike to a nearby freshwater lagoon and turtle nesting beach. The day will end with a bonfire on our beach.
Transportation - ground transportation to and from from Bocas airport to Bird Island.
Exclusive Access to Eco-Resort - the entire property and facilities: pool, shala, beaches, jungle, bar and restaurant will available for the sole use of Fen retreat participants.
Travel Advice - Tips on getting to and from Bocas del Toro, and recommendations for enjoying Panama City!
What's NOT Included:
Air Travel - flights from Portland to Panama City are typically $600 - $1,000 round trip, and domestic flights from Panama City to Bocas del Toro range from $140 - $280 round trip. Domestic flights can be booked on Air Panama.
Panama City Stay - unless you are able to book a red-eye flight, travel through Panama City often requires an overnight stay prior to catching the domestic flight to Bocas del Toro. The good news is that Panama City is a beautiful, vibrant city, with wonderful restaurants, cultural sites (including the Panama Canal) and indigenous crafts. Check out our guide for places to stay and things to do in Panama City.
Beverages - coffee, tea, orange juice and water are included with the buffet meals. Otherwise all beverages (espresso, fresh juices, smoothies and alcoholic) are extra and will be added to individual tabs.
Lunches - vegetarian brunch and dinner are included. An a la carte lunch menu will be available for meals from 12:30pm - 3:30pm. Guests can also add meat (shrimp, fish, chicken, burger, chorizo) to their buffet meals for an addition fee ($4 - $6).
Yoga Classes - daily or twice-daily yoga classes, led by Mari or our manager Victoria, either in the yoga shala or on the front deck. The price is $8 per class.
Gratuities - tips for the onsite team working behind the scenes to ensure the Fen retreat goes smoothly. Suggested gratuity per person is $10 - $20 per day.
Excursions - there are several of excursions we'll facilitate:
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Starfish Beach - $10 for shuttle to Drago, and from there a 20-minute walk to the beach.
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Bird Island - boat tour to our namesake island, a bird sanctuary, then a visit to mangroves, snorkeling, and Starfish Beach. Price is $30 per person (minimum 4) and the tour takes about 2.5 hours.
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Las Zapatillas - longer boat tour to outer islands of Bocas del Toro for snorkeling and adventure. Cost is $60 per person (minimum 4) and the tour takes about 6 hours.
Massages - excellent massage therapists will be on site offering massages. Price is $80 per 60-minute massage.
Disc Golf - our neighbors have a super fun disc golf course -- $5 per round with rental discs included.
Surf & Scuba - trips to Bocas Town can be organized, to scuba dive or take surf lessons.
What to Expect
Seven days and six nights with like-minded friends and acquaintances, sharing insights, building community, and appreciating the pristine paradise that is Bocas del Toro.
Meals will be a communal affair: a chance to swap stories, and plan adventures. Evenings will be devoted to entertainment and group activities: live music, DJs, games, and night walks.
For the San Pedro ceremony, we'll gather at the beginning of the day to share intentions and drink the medicine. After that, guests are welcome to explore the property, hang out by the pool, or join us on a group walk to turtle beach. We'll close the day with a bonfire on our private beach cove.
The rest of the days will be open-ended. For those who want to venture out, we can organize shuttles to Playa Drago (a 15 minute drive) from where guests can walk to the renowned Starfish Beach (20 minutes), or take boat excursions to Bird Island or Las Zapatillas. We'll also plan group hikes from the property -- to the Freshwater Lagoon, and a half-day hike to Mimitimbi Jungle and the Blue Lagoon. For those who choose to stay closer to home, the pool, yoga classes, massages, and beaches are there for your enjoyment.
From meals to entertainment to off-site excursions; we'll cover the logistics, so you can invest your time and energy into deepening your connection with self, each other and the natural wonders surrounding us.
