Vitamin Sea Panama Retreat
March 20-27, 2025
Up your dose of ‘Vitamin Sea’ next March at a secluded beachfront getaway on the Pacific coast of Panama. Your home for the week is a chic new boutique venue located just outside Santa Catalina in the Veraguas province. Once a sleepy fishing village, Santa Catalina is a world class surfing destination that also happens to be the jumping off point for trips to Coiba National Reserve, a national park that has earned the nickname, the ‘Galapagos Islands of Panama’ thanks to the sheer diversity of its aquatic wildlife.
Your twice daily yoga and meditation practices will take place on an elevated yoga terrace overlooking the ocean. Expertly guided by YuMee and Michelle, the yoga instruction will meet you where you are, regardless of your level of experience, and offer you the kind of detailed, individual attention that catalyzes personal breakthroughs while lending depth to your practice. You can expect to work up a good sweat, access states of meditative stillness, learn self-care techniques, and plant seeds for the months ahead.
Between practice sessions, you will enjoy:
delectable meals prepared using local and homegrown ingredients
dips in the saltwater infinity pool and quality time in a luxe hammock
stand-up paddleboarding from your doorstep at high tide
optional surf lessons
optional massages with local bodyworkers
optional diving or snorkelling tour of Coiba National Reserve
DATES AND ITINERARY
ARRIVE on Thursday March 20, 2025 between 4-6 pm
DEPART on Thursday March 27, 2025 no later than 11 am
Typical DAILY SCHEDULE
Light breakfast
Morning yoga and meditation
Free time
Lunch
Free time
Late afternoon yoga
Dinner
We will adjust our schedule on Monday the 24th to accommodate a group diving or snorkelling tour of Coiba National Reserve.
INCLUDES
• 7-night stay
• Roundtrip ground transport from RIH
• All meals
• Complimentary coffee, tea and milk
• Twice daily yoga and meditation instruction
• Use of stand-up paddle boards
• All fees and taxes
• Fibre optic wifi throughout property
DOES NOT INCLUDE
• Airfare
• Travel and medical insurance
• Alcohol
• Any food/drink ordered outside mealtimes
• Optional surf lessons or board rentals
• Optional excursions
• Massages
• Gratuities
ROOMS AND RATES
Prices are per person and include all fees and taxes. All prices are shown in USD. All rooms have ensuite bathrooms and air conditioning.
STANDARD INN (TAKEN)
Nestled on a stunning 1-acre natural pond, the Inn is our spin on a traditional cottage or lakehouse, except with more flair. These rooms are for the wildlife lovers. The private screened-in porches overlook the pond and are the perfect place to unwind and experience all of the natural flora and fauna that Panama has to offer. Parrots, blue herons, egrets, hawks, hummingbirds, iguanas, lizards, turtles, a wide variety of frogs, crocodiles and cayman are some of our regular sightings. Air conditioning and ceiling fans.
Double room (one of two XL twin beds or half a shared king bed): $1855 each
LUXE INN (TAKEN)
Nestled on a stunning 1-acre natural pond, the Inn is our spin on a traditional cottage or lakehouse, except with more flair. These rooms are for the wildlife lovers. The private screened-in porches overlook the pond and are the perfect place to unwind and experience all of the natural flora and fauna that Panama has to offer. Parrots, blue herons, egrets, hawks, hummingbirds, iguanas, lizards, turtles, a wide variety of frogs, crocodiles and cayman are some of our regular sightings. Air conditioning and ceiling fans.
Double room (one of two XL twin beds or half a shared king bed): $1955 each
Single room (king bed all to yourself): $2995
TREEHOUSE (TAKEN)
Wake-up in the treetops! Our canopy treehouse was specifically designed for you to immerse yourself in nature with floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors that open up to the surrounding jungle. Elevated and overlooking our freshwater pond, your only neighbours will be brightly colored parrots and other exotic birds on your private jungle patio.
Double room (half a shared king bed): $2095 each
Single room (a king bed all to yourself): $3275
ARBOLITA TREEHOUSE (TAKEN)
Wake up in the jungle and steps from the beach! Our "Arbolita" treehouse was designed for you to immerse yourself in nature with floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors that open up to the surrounding jungle and an outdoor garden shower. Overlooking our freshwater pond, your only neighbours will be brightly colored parrots and other exotic birds on your private jungle patio.
Double room (half a shared king bed): $2095 each
GARDEN CASITA
Situated in the middle of the hideaway, our garden casitas boast ocean views from private furnished patios and revitalizing outdoor garden showers. Each room is surrounded by lush tropical gardens, and is an oasis of ultimate privacy. The loft space includes a full/double bed; perfect for families or small groups exploring together.
Double room (one of two XL twin beds or half a shared king bed): $2155 each
Triple room (one of two XL twin beds, half a shared king bed, or double bed in loft): $1955 each
JUNIOR BEACHFRONT CASITA (TAKEN)
Drift off and awaken to the mesmerizing sounds of the ocean. Rejuvenate yourself in the exquisite outdoor garden shower and enjoy our only casita that features a soaker tub under the stars. Enjoy your morning coffee or evening cocktail while watching the tide rise and fall on your private furnished patio. This casita is an ideal refuge from the outside world and is footsteps from the beach. This hideaway includes an open concept loft space with two twin beds; perfect for families or small groups exploring together.
Double room (one of two XL twin beds or half a shared king bed): $2395 each
Triple room (one of two XL twin beds, half a shared king bed, or twin bed in loft): $2135 each
BEACHFRONT CASITA
Drift off and awaken to the mesmerizing sounds of the ocean. Rejuvenate yourself in the exquisite outdoor garden shower. Enjoy your morning coffee or evening cocktail while watching the tide rise and fall on your private furnished patio or read a book in your own luxe-hammock. These spacious casitas are an ideal refuge from the outside world and are footsteps from the beach. These hideaways include a secluded loft space with two twin beds; perfect for families or small groups exploring together. Private furnished patio with luxe hammock.
Double room (one of two XL twin beds or half a shared king bed): $2555 each
Triple room (one of two XL twin beds, half a shared king bed, or twin bed in loft): $2255 each
HOW TO BOOK
To inquire about room availability, please contact us via this e-mail link.
Your spot will be confirmed with a $750 USD non-refundable deposit.
Your balance is due no later than December 16, 2024.
We strongly urge you to obtain trip interruption & cancellation insurance as deposits are non-refundable.
GETTING THERE
Book a flight to Rio Hato (Playa Bianca) (RIH). Air Transat operates a very affordable direct charter flight to RIH from Toronto. Ground transport to and from our retreat venue is included on the first and last day of the retreat for those who fly Air Transat to RIH.
YOUR INSTRUCTORS
YuMee Chung (she/her) E-RYT-500 YACEP is a former securities lawyer who left a busy practice to engage more deeply with life. More than 25 years later, she is a card carrying yoga nerd, movement educator, writer, retreat leader, and mother of cats.
Known for her uplifting, breath-driven classes and intelligent, organic sequencing, she is a kind-hearted and relatable teacher who communicates about the most subtle and nuanced parts of the yogic journey with clarity and grace. Students can expect an impeccable practice that strikes a sweet balance between spirit and sweat.
Michelle Corbeil (she/her) is a senior yoga instructor, big sister, social activist and owner of Modo Yoga Danforth. She’s well into the second decade of her teaching career and loving every moment. Friends and students will warn you about Michelle’s infectious laugh and big heart. She one of those unique souls who cares deeply about life and she’s not afraid to show it. The desire to learn, grow and stretch beyond old ideas is what makes life interesting, according to Michelle. She values and honours all her teachers and she acknowledges that she stands on the shoulders of those who she has studied with.