Are you an active yogi yearning to leave stress and deadlines behind to find peace and tranquility in one of the most remote and beautiful beaches around? Then this retreat to Panama is perfect for you! Come explore the beautiful beaches of Santa Catalina on this uniquely curated 10-day retreat where you will connect with other like-minded people as you explore the ocean, yoga and creativity.
Imagine sitting silently on a secluded beach, your eyes closed and your senses drinking in the peace and tranquility of the ocean. Your mind relaxes, being soothed by the sound of the waves breaking toward the shoreline, and a gentle breeze whispering through the palms, provides the perfect background for the chorus of birds in the trees.
With a deep inhale you fill your body with sweet tropical air and as you sigh it out, your body lets go of all the tension it brought to this place, relaxing and grounding in the warm tropical sun.
You open your eyes, feeling calm and present in the moment, your gaze turns softly to the colors of the sky, the beautiful flowers, the sand and the sea filling your mind with inspiration. You reach for your brush and smile with a pleasant rush of creativity as you bring these feelings to life on canvas.
Feelings of joy and happiness begin to clear away stress and worry. All at once you feel like you have arrived in the place you were meant to be; this place, this beach, this ocean, right here, right now.
Welcome to Panama!
Have you been craving a getaway where you can relax and experience a beautiful place on your own time?
That sounds so amazing!
On this retreat you will have exclusive use of Catalina’s hideaway with its private beach, restaurant catering to your every need, a beachfront yoga room, and beautiful pool. The itinerary offers the best of Santa Catalina with surfing, snorkeling, the rain forest and of course amazing yoga practices. Each afternoon, Nicole will teach a painting class where you can explore your creative inspiration.
You may do everything and still find plenty of time to relax and maybe have a massage; or, you can pick and choose your activities adventuring as you see fit. Either way you will are in for a fun and grounding experience with a group of wonderful people!
Have you always dreamed of surfing a world class wave?
Of course you have!
On this retreat you will experience one of the best surf spots in Central America. La Punta is a point break that breaks both left and right. Its face can reach up to 25 feet high and is one of the most consistently powerful waves in all of Central and South America averaging 10-15 feet from mid to high tide this time of the year.
For beginners, this area also offers a variety of more manageable surfing areas so even if you have never tried surfing before you might give it a go! This is a freestyle trip, so if surfing is your thing you can do that everyday! And if not check out the rest of the itinerary below!
An Unforgettable Experience
Panama is one of our freestyle retreats, meaning that we offer a variety of activities for you to experience but you may choose to plan your day as you wish. We have exclusive use of Catalina’s Hideaway with a pool, beach, restaurant and bar, we have access to one of the most famous surfing waves in the world, and we have amazing leaders to guide you along the way. So join in our itinerary and try something new, or you may choose to surf everyday, hang out by the pool and get a massage, or spend your days painting on the beach. Whatever you choose, you are going to fall in love with this amazing place!
Day 1: July 27th Arrive in Panama City
You will gather at La Concordia hotel in Panama City’s Casco Viejo where you can take some time to relax and freshen up. This boutique hotel is in a restored neighborhood filled with shops, restaurants and coffee shops and dotted with parks, plazas and museums waiting to be explored. You will spend the afternoon exploring the area before meeting for our opening dinner around 6:30. After dinner we will stroll around the French inspired avenues before turning in for the night.
Day 2: July 28th Panama Canal and travel to Santa Catalina
You rise early for an invigorating yoga practice to get your energy flowing for the day. Then a light breakfast before we set out for the Panama Canal. You’ll watch in amazement as ships passing through this early 20th century engineering marvel that changed global shipping forever. Then returning to Casco Viejo for lunch before you head for Santa Catalina. Arriving in Catalina’s Hideaway in the late afternoon, you will have some time to settle into your home away from home for the coming week! Then you will gather for an amazing dinner and a gentle yoga practice to stretch out from the trip.
Day 3: July 29th -Learning to Surf and Paint!
You start your day with another amazing sunrise meditation and morning yoga practice in the beautiful yoga room overlooking the beach. After breakfast, we will pack up the van and head over to Santa Catalina where you will enjoy a surf lesson or, for experienced surfers, you can head out for the big wave that made this stretch of Panama’s coast a famous surf destination. After an invigorating morning on the ocean, you will return to the Hideaway for lunch and some time to relax. In the afternoon we will gather to explore our creative side with our first watercolor class. Taking inspiration from the ocean, mountains, and peaceful tropical surroundings at the hideaway, Nicole will work with you to translate your feelings into color. You’ll wrap up your day with another mouthwatering dinner and grounding practice under the beautiful night sky.
Day 4: July 30th -Relax and enjoy Catalina’s Hideaway
Your day begins with a sunrise meditation and yoga practice. After breakfast you can spend your day relaxing and integrating your amazing experiences so far. You may choose to go to town and surf, paddleboard at the Hideaway, relax in the pool, or rest in a cabana and journal. Whatever you choose to do, you are sure to enjoy the peace and quiet of this faraway place. After dinner you will enjoy another grounding practice and time to gaze at the stars.
Day 5: July 31st -Explore the waters around Cohiba Island
Your day begins with a sunrise meditation and yoga practice. Then after breakfast we will head out for Cohiba Island National Park. You will enjoy an adventurous one-hour boat ride to get out to the island famous for its diverse marine life. Along the way you may spot whales and other ocean creatures traveling these rich waters. You’ll spend the day snorkeling with sea turtles and other large marine creatures that make this such a popular destination for divers. After lunch you will head back to Santa Catalina to relax, paint, or perhaps read a good book in a hammock.
Day 6: August 1st -Relax and enjoy the Hideaway
Your day begins with a sunrise meditation and yoga practice. After breakfast you can spend your day relaxing. You may choose to go to town and surf or continue to work on your new painting skills! You may participate in group activities, or just spend the afternoon soaking in the sun and the beautiful pool overlooking the beach. In the evening we will enjoy a wonderful dinner and dance under the stars with an amazing DJ.
Day 7: August 2nd -Explore the Rainforest and Waterfall
Your day begins with a sunrise meditation and yoga practice. After breakfast we will board a bus for our journey into the rainforest. You’ll enjoy a beautiful walk through the rainforest as you make your way back to a beautiful waterfall where we will enjoy lunch and time to soak in the water. You will return to the Hideaway in the afternoon for a relaxing dinner and evening meditation practice.
Day 8: August 3rd-Relax and enjoy Santa Catalina
Your day begins with a sunrise meditation and yoga practice. After breakfast you can spend your last day in Santa Catalina enjoying all the activities from the week. You may choose to go to town and surf one more time or spend a peaceful morning paddleboarding at the hideaway. In the afternoon we will gather after lunch to paint and mindfully integrate our amazing week. In the evening we will enjoy another mouthwatering dinner followed by our closing circle around the campfire.
Day 9: August 4th-Return to Panama City
You will begin your day with one last amazing sunrise and beachfront yoga practice. After breakfast we will pack up and say goodbye to the amazing staff at Catalina’s Hideaway. We will journey back to Panama City in the afternoon where we will check into La Concordia hotel for the night. We will enjoy a wonderful dinner and spend time exploring the shops in Casca Viejo for any last-minute souvenirs from our time in Panama.
Day 10: August 5th -Fly Home
We will enjoy breakfast at our hotel before saying goodbye and heading off to the airport for our journey home. You will feel a sense of joy as you ponder the week and perhaps a bit of sadness to leave, but your life will be forever changed by the beautiful people and amazing culture of Panama!
The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever.
Jacques Yves Cousteau
The Perfect Stay!
Every great adventure starts with the perfect place to stay and we have lined up amazing settings in Casco Viejo and Santa Catalina that are sure to make your adventure complete!
Your journey begins with a night in the beautiful La Concordia boutique hotel in Casco Viejo, Panama City. This hotel features 10 spacious rooms uniquely decorated and configured with one king or two single beds. The cozy lobby includes a coffee and pastry shop that serves as a perfect launch point to explore the “old city” of Panama.
For most of the trip you will enjoy exclusive use of Catalina’s Hideaway with its own private beach, open air restaurant, beach front yoga room, swimming pool and more. You’ll love relaxing in a hammock or cabana by the pool, strolling along the beach and exploring the grounds of this beautiful oasis.
The comfortable private rooms are in smaller casita style buildings nestled throughout the beautifully landscaped grounds. Each room features a private bathroom, luxe bedding, and plenty of room to relax. Rooms feature one king or two single bed configurations.
For solo travelers wishing to book the lower double occupancy rate, simply mark the box on the reservation form for a roommate match and we will do our best to match you with a same gender roommate.
Mouthwatering Meals!
Panama’s cuisine is very eclectic drawing on styles from around the world. Fresh seafood, fruits and vegetables are at the heart of this tasty fusion that is reminiscent of the Caribbean and South American cuisine. You be delighted by the colorful and artfully prepared dishes at Catalina’s Hideaway where the resident chef serves the most mouthwatering meals ever!
You will relax and enjoy each flavorful bite knowing that we have worked with the restaurants, and hotels to ensure we have tasty vegan food and gluten free options. Each place we plan to dine also features other meat and seafood options as well. Your meals and nonalcoholic beverages are included in the retreat cost however, alcoholic beverages are extra. We will do our best to accommodate your dietary restrictions so please let us know your requests on your booking form!
Tell Me More!
What’s Included In The Price
-Transportation to and from the airport and for all scheduled activities
-2 nights hotel in Panama City
-7 nights hotel in Santa Catalina
-26 meals and nonalcoholic beverages
-1 surf lesson
-Painting lessons
-Excursion Panama Canal, Cohiba Island and the Waterfall
-Daily Yoga/meditation practices
-The most amazing sunrises ever
-A lasting sense of peace and tranquility
What’s Not Included
-Any items of a personal nature including souvenirs, personal care items, snacks etc.
-Lunch on Day 1 and Lunch on Day 10
-Spa Services
-Surf and paddle board rental (except for surf lesson)
-Additional surf lessons
-Optional transportation to and from town outside of scheduled activities
-Alcoholic Beverages
-Tips
Amazing Leaders!
Nicole Sherman
Nicole Sherman has been teaching yoga for 13 years. She got yoga teacher certified on the big island of Hawaii, Kona. It was a dream and life changing experience for Nicole, being able to practice yoga on the beautiful lava rocks and ground herself with mother nature. She originally grew up in south Florida and got her degree in Studio Art Painting and Theatrical Set Design. While in college she started a mural business. You can find some of her murals around Los Angeles and she is bringing awareness of protecting our beautiful oceans and sea creatures through her art.
Nicole is super excited to combine her love for yoga and her passion for art in this exciting retreat in Panama, where you will explore your connection with body and mind and express it creatively.
Dylan Drew
After years of surfing Dylan wandered into a yoga class to try and figure out how to create a little more balance under his feet. What he found was exactly that and much, much, more. He grew up in Ohio and went to The Ohio State University for his Bachelors degree. After college he moved to California for a job in film production. During this time in California he discovered a yoga practice and began teaching. Teaching has become his passion and he wants to share this practice with his students.
Dylan is also very passionate about ocean and water. He is a certified diver, surfer, lives on a boat and also works for a NonProfit promoting healthy marine ecosystems for all aquatic life. Dylan is very excited to add Panama to the places he has visited. To combine his love of the water, with yoga, and to get his students excited about that connection in a vast beautiful location, is a dream come true.