We've designed a Surf and Yoga Retreat especially for beginner to intermediate levels.
Personalized surf coaching to achieve your surf goals, surf-enhancing yoga & meditation, and all the magic and adventure of Santa Catalina. A dreamy surf town far from the city lights.
Uncrowded village and beaches, world-renowned surf, perfect waves for beginners & intermediates, and a laid-back vibe all in one of Central Americaʼs safest countries, Panama.
Our 6-night experiences are designed to bring you one of the best weeks of your life.
Learn How to Surf in Our Santa Catalina Paradise
There’s nothing more freeing than being out in the ocean. It’s here among the waves on our board that we experience a blissful state of calm and presence. They say that “only a surfer can know the feeling” of surfing that perfect green wave. This is your chance to experience it. We’ve created the ideal surf program for beginners that’s safe and effective.
We focus on:
Simple and concise explanations
Demonstration using keywords & cues
Small group sizes
Repetitive practice of each skill
Continuous feedback - immediate and encouraging
Personalized Coaching
With a maximum of 1 or 2 other surfers at your same level for safe and accelerated learning. Each lesson is around 2-2.5 hours and is designed to be progressive.
Ideal Surf Conditions
Uncrowded, easy-to-learn beach break just meters away. Retreat weeks are selected for ideal conditions based on the tides and seasonality. We avoid national holidays such when our beaches are more crowded.
Surf Warm-Up
Each lesson begins with a surf-specific warm up that you will learn to prep you for the physical activity ahead.
Surf Theory, Technique & Video Feedback
Learn about reading the waves, paddle technique, standing up, turning, dismounting and more. See your surfing in video feedback sessions to help you improve throughout the week, with videos sent to your device daily.
Exceptional instruction
Our ISA certified coaches are technically sound, patient and fun. Each with over 10 years of surf experience in Santa Catalina. Learn with National Pro Surfers* and support local talent in the community. *Surf coaches vary week-to-week due to competition schedules of our local Pro Surfers.
High-Quality Equipment
Your board, leash and long sleeve rashguard is provided. No wetsuit needed as the water is warm all year round. New surfers will begin with our 8ft easy-to-learn soft boards for buoyancy and safety. As you progress you can change boards from our range of epoxy fun-boards and high-performance fiberglass boards.
Our yoga & meditation retreat program
De-stress and Find Balance
Find your perfect flow through surf and yoga. Our yoga sessions are designed to enhance your surf experience, your connection to nature and self. Learn practical yoga, meditation & mindfulness tools you can bring home with you.
Surf and yoga are the magic duo. Both work hand-in-hand to:
Increase flexibility, balance and core strength.
Increase awareness, mental focus and ability to be present.
Cultivate calmness and our resilience to circumstances beyond our control.
*All levels of yoga are very welcome as our teachers listen to your needs, adapt classes and safely break down postures.
Invigorating Morning Classes
Hatha-vinyasa style classes aim to move you out of the head and into the body. Flows focus on breathwork, stretching and strengthening the body, alignment, and breaking a sweat.
Reduce Stress
Learn simple and effective meditation & mindfulness practices to quiet the mind and effectively reduce stress.
Exceptional instruction
Learn with experienced yoga, meditation & mindfulness teachers from around the globe. Every teacher is certified with the Yoga Alliance.
Relaxing Evening Classes
Evening restorative and yin flows focus on relaxation and healing the body after a long day of activity and surf.
Flow Oceanfront
Connect to the healing properties of nature. Listen to the birds and the waves as you sink into savasana.
High Quality Equipment
We’ve stocked our studio with all the goods - Manduka Pro Mats and luxury props.
About
Gallery
About The Host
Vickie and Sergio
Hola! We are Vickie & Sergio. If you’ve come to reading about us you can probably resonate a lot with our story. I was an Advertising Account Director in New York and Sydney working with some of the world’s biggest brands. Sergio was a senior lawyer in the bustling city of Buenos Aires.
We both felt the grind, almost groundhog-like days of working in the city. We were both in our 30s and whilst in completely different parts of the world, questioning...there’s got to be more to life than this. Sergio brings experience and passion for surfing and I for yoga. We had each travelled to surf spots around the world and shared the big dream to quit our jobs and create a Surf & Yoga experience for people like us, in an untapped destination.
As we explored this, we found budget surf camps where the surf program was just about pushing you into waves and having fun. You’re left no more equipped to surf on your own than when you started. Retreats with a solid surf program but only two coaches for a large group which can be unsafe and ineffective. And on the other end, high-end surf retreats with a super high price tag. Although packed with incredible technology and expertise, these retreats were completely out of reach for most of us. We found yoga retreats and camps with junior teachers with little life experience or teaching credentials. Or luxury yoga retreats with bells and whistles that we just don’t need.
Location
Things to keep in mind
FAQ
What’s the situation like in Santa Catalina and in Panama in general?
The energy of the waves and the untouched environment of Coiba and its surrounding islands make Santa Catalina one of the best to visit in Panama. Our small town of Santa Catalina with about 500 residents has an abundant amount of wide open space that facilitates the best possible social distancing. Our yoga studio, pool, restaurant, and social areas are all open-air with the ocean breeze flowing.
During the height of the pandemic, our town experienced a completely isolated environment, which brought the community together in protecting each other and reaching out to the people in need.
More than 80% of the population of Panama has received 2 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.
In Panama City and other densely populated areas masks are still worn by somme people indoors, though it is not a requirement in Panama. Masks are required though for entering any pharmacies or medical facilities.
Can you arrange COVID-19 testing for my flight home?
Yes, can arrange for a private clinic to conduct COVID-19 Antigen Rapid tests and PCR tests on-site, the day of your check-out. The cost is $50-$100pp depending how many guests are in your retreat group that week. A pdf of your test results are emailed to you on the same day as the test for antigen and the day after for PCR tests.
What is the average age of people who attend the retreats? How about average group size?
Our groups range from mid 20s to mid 60s! Our group sizes are capped at 10 participating surf guests, 12 participating yoga guests, non-surf & yoga partners are in addition.
I’ll be traveling solo, is that OK?
Absolutely. Most of our guests tend to be solo travelers. This is the perfect experience for you. In addition to solo travelers, other guests who visit us include friends traveling together, couples, adult age Mother & Daughter, Father & Son, siblings.
Is there WIFI?
Yes, we have complimentary broadband WIFI throughout the property.
What is the weather like?
Santa Catalina enjoys warm tropical weather all year round, divided by the wet and dry seasons. The dry season is Panama’s summer and runs from December through April. The wet season runs from May to November. During these months we’ll have some rain throughout the week, usually in the afternoons.
I’m nervous about coming during the rainy season, will it ruin my vacation?
Absolutely not! It rarely rains all day. The mornings are usually dry so we plan our surf lessons at this time. When the afternoon rain comes, take advantage of this downtime by taking a siesta, reading, getting a massage, or relaxing in general. After all, you're on vacation and need time to recharge. Most important - you can’t control the weather, so you’ll need to stay flexible. Wet season or dry season, rain or shine, your experience in Santa Catalina is going to be incredible. Don't let the rain dampen your adventures.
If a storm prevents us from carrying out an in-water surf lesson, we’ll substitute with video feedback sessions and surf theory, if the in-water surf lesson cannot be postponed.
Any helpful tips?
Zelle or Cash is preferred for any extra activities you would like to do. Credit cards are accepted with a 6% fee or PayPal with a 4.5% fee.
Coiba National Park - Snorkeling or Diving Adventure: 8 hours: Snorkeling $100 USD, Diving $160 -$190 USD
Massage: 1 hr: $70 USD - $90 USD per person.
Horseback Riding: 1 hour: $40 USD per person.
Guided Nature Hikes: 1 - 2 hours: $15 USD per person.
For any additional drinks or food you would like, beyond what is served during our meal service, just order at the bar. You can pay as you go or close out by credit card or cash at the end of your stay.
Whilst walking around town, feel free to say 'Buenos' passers by. As we are in a rural village, please be mindful when coming back from the beach and remember to dress.
We have laundry facilities available. $7 USD per load for wash and dry, with cash payment at reception.
The tap water in our hotel is safe and delicious to drink.
There is a safe in your room for your passport, wallet, laptop etc
For anyone who would like to leave a gratuity for the staff, we will hand out envelopes on your last day.