Panama Welcome Pack
The ultimate guide to everything you need to know about our Panama Edition...
Posted on Mon 13 Feb 2023
Preparing for your arrival
Getting Here:
The countdown to adventure is on! By now, you may have already organized your flight to Panama. If not, here's a quick guide:
If you're flying from outside of Panama, there's no direct flight to Bocas Del Toro. We suggest you fly into Panama City to Tocumen International Airport (PTY).
From Tocumen International Airport, you will need to get a taxi or Uber to Albrook International Airport (PAC). Here you will be able to catch a local flight to Bocas Del Toro, we recommend flying Air Panama. The flight from Panama City to Bocas del Toro is 50 minutes and you will land at the International Airport of Bocas del Toro (BOC)
Arrival Process
For those who opted for our transportation service, a driver with a NOMA COLLECTIVE sign will be waiting at the International Airport of Bocas Del Toro to whisk you away to Nowhere Hotel, your home for the next few weeks.
If you wish to make your own way there, it's super easy to arrange a taxi, which are available 24 hours. It will cost around USD $2-5. Once arrived, please head to the hotel reception area and check in as you would a normal hotel visit.
Orientation
Now, once you've arrived and checked in, this is where the fun really begins. Our welcome/kick-off ceremony will provide you with all the necessary information about your stay and give you the chance to meet your unique Noma community.
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Before You Go
Weather:
Bocas del Toro has an average yearly temperature of 86°F (30°C). Be prepared that there will be occasional light showers mainly through the night. But don't worry, you'll still have beautiful sunny days.
Some helpful Spanish phrases for your trip to Panama include:
Gracias - Thank you
Por favor - Please
Buenos días - Good morning
¿Dónde está…? - Where is…?
La cuenta, por favor - The bill, please
¿Cuánto cuesta? - How much does it cost?
No entiendo - I don’t understand
¿Dónde está el baño? - Where is the bathroom?
Me gusta - I like
Packing List:
Raincoat or light waterproof jacket
Lightweight t-shirts
Long-sleeve shirts for sun protection or hiking
Shorts and skirts
Long pants
Swimwear
Sunglasses and Hat
Hiking boots/Water shoes
Sandals/flip-flops
A dry bag for water excursions (not a necessity, but useful)
Eye mask
Earplugs
Toiletries
Reef-safe sunscreen
Bug repellent
International credit/debit card
Cash - USD is accepted everywhere
Water bottle
Laptop
Chargers
Portable Charger
Headphones
Communication
Important - all guest communication is on Slack.
Please click on the below image to join our Noma Slack channel
Slack App is available on Web, Android and iOS. Please join Noma Collective on Slack clicking on the Slack logo above.
When you join Noma Collective, please DM @teamnoma letting them know the Edition & month you are attending. We will add you to the correct channels:
News And Events - For anything related to on-site events and activity sign-ups. @teamnoma uses this channel to let you know about the onsite event programme and daily announcements.
Onsite Chat - Think of this as your community conversation space, where you can share memes, have casual chats, see what people are up to and more!
#alumni - Once your trip is over you’ll get a VIP backstage pass to the entire Noma Collective Community. You’ll have access to exclusive perks, recommendations, advice, and alumni-only Editions.
You can also DM anyone by selecting their name in the bottom left which will enable you to discuss anything in private.
Add a profile picture, pronouns and a short bio of current/previous job roles and any personal information of interest that you’d like to share in the ‘what I do’ section. This will help your fellow community members get to know you better!
If you have any questions for us, or any issues with anything on-site, please DM @TeamNoma. Also, if you’d like to flag anything in a general chat for our attention, simply add @TeamNoma to your post and we’ll pick it up.
We will monitor Slack between 8 am and 8 pm daily (apart from the Community Manager's day off) if there’s anything urgent outside of those hours then please contact the front desk at the resort.
Location
The Neighborhood - Bocas Del Toro
Located close to Costa Rica, this Caribbean utopia has a laid-back, relaxing vibe. The archipelago features stunning forests, unoccupied islets, indigenous tribes and Panamá's oldest marine park, the Parque Nacional Marino Isla Bastimentos.
Aside from its natural beauty, Bocas Del Toro is known for its live music, floating bar and lively nightlife. A 15-minute cycle from our location, you'll find the center of Bocas town bustling with bars, clubs, restaurants, and supermarkets. We'll also be just a 15-minute bike ride from beautiful palm-fringed beaches and amazing surf spots. After a day of digital work in the jungle, grab one of our boards and go surfing with your friends.
Nowhere Remote - Our Noma Home
You'll stay in breathtaking eco-friendly domes that are a testament to sustainable living. Each dome has views of the extraordinary tropical jungle and a private workspace; you’ll also have access to co-working spaces, a communal kitchen and a spectacular pool. A fully curated digital nomad experience with everything you need to work and play in paradise!
There are two Nowhere Managers of the front desk/reception at Nowhere. They are your first point of call for any requirements including:
Room issues
Maintenance request
Internet/Wi-Fi
Housekeeping
Laundry
Any security issues
Housekeeping: Your room will be cleaned once a week. If you need extra services, you can contact the front desk.
Laundry Service: This will be done once a week. Laundry service outside of this can be easily found in town.
Amenities - you're free to enjoy the pool, jungle gym, communal kitchen, and bikes, whenever you please.
Food & Beverage
Currently, there is no restaurant onsite. However, we do have a communal kitchen that's available 24/7. There is a bar onsite to get beers and cocktails throughout your day and for all our coffee lovers, we'll have it available all day.
The shared kitchens are for everyone’s use. Kindly clean up after yourself, respect fellow guests, and avoid occupying excessive fridge space. Remember to wash your dishes after use. Your cooperation is appreciated. Ants and larger critters can be a problem so please don’t leave food unattended for too long.
When Going Offsite
We're thrilled to provide you with a tailored Google Map showcasing our handpicked local hot spots. This map will be your ultimate guide for discovering hidden gems, must-see attractions, and our personal favorites. Get ready for effortless access to insider recommendations that will elevate your Panamanian adventure! 🗺️🌟
Check out some of the Team Noma favorite restaurants, bars and cafe's in the local area:
Skully's - Pirate-themed bar/restaurant
Carolina Beach Club
Paunch beach
Paki point
Sand Dollar Beach
Dosha Organic Cafe
Ciao Pizza
Raw Fusion
La Buga Gastro Market
There are plenty of beautiful beaches, surfing, snorkelling/diving and jungle treks waiting to be explored.
Don't Miss:
Bluff Beach
Zapatilla Island
Red Frog Beach
Starfish Beach
Transportation
Bocas Del Toro has great public transportation. You can get anywhere by Colectivo (bus) or taxis, which the front desk or our community manager can help you to arrange one. You can also use water taxis to go island hopping!
Work
Your Digital Nomad Guide
As digital nomads ourselves, we know how important it is to our community to change their working environments. This is why we have an established co-working space for you. Swap white office walls for 360° jungle views and enjoy solid office infrastructure in the middle of NOWHERE.
In case you need more privacy, the rooms also have table areas where you can work. Each dome has been installed with its own router and they all have between 50-90mps.
Of course, all of these areas have great Wi-Fi however if there are any drops, please contact the front desk.
There are sometimes storms which can affect connectivity for the whole island. We give you Mifi personal hotspot devices with preloaded data so that you have a backup, however, please remember that you are working from a tropical island, and in very rare cases, the storm might be so bad that you lose connection totally for a little while.
Community
Our community, events and code of conduct
Events Schedule
Stay tuned for your personalized Google Calendar detailing all our exciting events during the two-week trip, ensuring you won't miss any activities you wish to join.
We announce the weekly events schedule on Slack every Sunday afternoon which includes at least one event a day, offering something for everyone.
Wellbeing: Yoga, meditation, running/walks around the island.
Adventure: Weekly adventures exploring everything this magical place has to offer.
Community: We host various events to bring everyone together like our family dinners or potlucks.
Professional Growth: Noma community members have the chance to host workshops that focus on their professional background or a personal interest/skill. We usually have one a week. We usually have one a week. If this is something you're interested in - please reach out to Mariela to plan this into our schedule!
Code of Conduct
We are a diverse and inclusive community, committed to supporting one another in our shared journey. Please extend your support to those organizing events and don't hesitate to ask questions; there are no such things as 'stupid questions' or 'boring events.'
At Noma, the safety and comfort of every member are paramount. We have solo travelers and staggered arrivals, so let's make every newcomer feel genuinely welcome and supported in their experience.
Understanding and Consideration:
Noma attracts individuals from various backgrounds, cultures, races, genders, sexual orientations, religions, and ideologies. It's essential to be mindful of this diversity. Avoid making comments or jokes related to race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, divisive political figures, or national stereotypes. Let's practice empathy and understanding at all times.
Respectful Communication:
In our community, respectful communication is paramount. We have zero tolerance for inappropriate behavior such as sexual references, innuendos and passes that could make others uncomfortable. Let's foster an atmosphere of professionalism and mutual respect, ensuring everyone feels secure and valued.
Ensuring Safety:
1. Consent Matters: Never touch someone without their clear and enthusiastic consent.
2. Respect Personal Space: Everyone deserves their privacy and personal space; please respect their boundaries.
3. Reporting Concerns: If you witness any unsavory, criminal, or unwelcome behavior, please report it to a member of the resort staff immediately. If you find yourself in an uncomfortable situation and are unsure how to handle it, Team Noma is always available to assist.
Contributing to Local Communities:
At Noma, we aim to support and uplift the communities we visit. By engaging with and contributing to locally owned businesses and services, we can make a positive impact on the places we explore. We encourage everyone to be conscious of the local economy and environment, promoting sustainability and ethical practices while embracing the rich culture and traditions of our destinations.
Maintaining Confidentiality:
We value discretion and will handle issues with utmost sensitivity unless you specify otherwise. Reach out to us in person or DM on Slack if you have concerns or need assistance.
Accountability and Support:
If you wish to report something related to your Community Manager or escalate any issues, please feel free to email the Head of Community Operations at calla@noma-collective.com or DM her on Slack. Your safety and comfort are our top priority.
Thank you for making Noma a safe, respectful, and supportive community for everyone.
Leaving Process
Leaving Ceremony
Join our final night celebrations before you head home! We will have a space to share how it was to spend a month in this wonderful Caribbean utopia! Drinks, food and games will be in order.
Transfers to the Airport
Taxis to Bocas Del Toro Airport will be organized, if you prefer to make your own way, we can call you a taxi.
Finally, sit back, relax and start counting down the days until you arrive in Panama! We can't wait to see you and show you around one of our favorite places - it's going to be an incredible adventure. Safe travels!