Finding Your Joy

Santa Catalina, Panama

CG
Candace Glass
  • Email address verified
6 reviews
Mar 1 - 7, 2020
Group size: 10 - 25
Finding Your Joy
Santa Catalina, Panama

Candace Glass
  • Email address verified
6 reviews

Mar 1 - 7, 2020
Group size: 10 - 25

About this trip

Join Candace on a retreat to the beautiful and secluded village of Santa Catalina, Panama. Peace and tranquility abound in this remote and authentic surf town. This is a place where you can unplug and reconnect with YOU!


Caring for ourselves is fundamental to the area of internal joy. But who is actually taught what self-care is, how to do it, what it feels like, and why it is important to do it? Just how do we bring more joy into our lives? On this retreat we will utilize yoga, mindfulness, self-study, and body work, to assist you in delving deeper into understanding the connections between the body and the mind. Becoming aware of your own physical and mental limitations, expectations, beliefs and possibilities are key to allowing more joy into to your world.

By the end of this retreat, you will be on the path to having a clearer understanding of self-care and be equipped with techniques that can be used wherever you are to bring more peace, joy, and satisfaction to your life.


On this retreat, you will enjoy daily morning yoga classes and evening mindfulness/body work sessions in our beautiful yoga shala , with incredible ocean views and immersed by nature. Three delicious meals featuring local fresh fruits and seafood fresh from the Pacific Ocean will be served each day. Vegetarian options available.


When not enjoying yoga and mindfulness, time will be yours to to spend as you choose: swimming in the infinity pool or lounging in the waterfront sundeck with views of the world-class surf break 'The Point', surfing in the ocean, reading, biking, or just watching the sunset. Kayaks, bikes, SUP boards, surfboards, skateboards, and snorkels are all available at no extra cost. 


What’s included

Daily yoga and mindfulness and self-bodywork classes

Hiking, snorkeling, kayaking, skateboarding, surfing, and cycling

Transportation to/from Santa Catalina Resort

Special SUP Santa Catalina Island Day Trip

Bonfire

3 healthy and delicious meals per day

Complimentary glass of beer or wine with each evening meal

6 nights at the Santa Catalina Resort

Photography of your experience

Welcome cocktails

Not included

You will need to arrive in Panama City the day prior to the beginning of the retreat. Transfer (included) to SCR will be on the March 1 at 9am. We will return on March 7 to Panama City around 4pm (making a stop at airport for those leaving that night). On the return trip you will need to book your flight from 6pm onward or plan to stay another night in Panama City. 

If you want to explore options on your own, we suggest a visit to Booking.com for most competitive rates. Hotel options (suggested by SCR)… 

Grace Hotel

Courtyard Marriot

Country Inn & Suites

Riande Urban Hotel

Saba Hotel

Best Western Plus Panama Zen (This would be my recommendation, many of us stayed here and shared rooms and caught ride to airport together.)


Group tipping for driver and hotel staff.


Any extra excursions:

Opportunities excursions or surfing lessons can be arranged through the resort at very affordable rates. Stand Up Paddling tours, hiking, or even horseback riding can be arranged. Day trip to Coiba National Park for diving of Snorkeling.

Before You Go

Be sure to have a passport and get travel insurance for peace of mind.

Cancellation Policy

$500 non-refundable deposit

Refunds minus deposit with 30 days notice. No refunds after February 1, 2020

Balance due by February 1, 2020

Suggested Packing List

Suggested Pack List:

  • Plenty of comfortable yoga gear. We have Manduka PRO mats and props ready for you
  • Tight fitting swim wear for surf lessons and a rashguard for sun protection if you have one 
  • Lots of sunscreen, sun hat, sunglasses, bug spray
  • Towels are optional - we have beach/pool towels and bath towels for your stay
  • Casual clothes for dining 
  • Rubber soled sandals / flip flops 
  • Closed toe shoes for horse-back riding and hiking
  • Water bottle so you can re-fill on the go
  • Flash light or your cell phone light for walking around the village in the evening
  • Dry bag if you would like to go to Coiba National Park for an amazing day trip of island hopping, diving / snorkeling
  • Please remember to BRING CASH with you as there are no ATMs in Santa Catalina
  • A copy of your travel insurance details
  • Don't forget your PASSPORT!

Other Useful Things to Know


Other Useful Things to Know:

  • The currency used in Panama is USD. 
  • The power outlet used in Panama is the same as the U.S. 
  • You can pay by credit card, cash or Venmo for any extra activities you would like to do:
    • Surf Lessons : $45
    • Horse-riding: $35
    • Massage : $60-$80 
    • Guided Nature Hike : $12
    • UNESCO Coiba National Park Day Trip: Snorkeling $80, Diving $150-$190
  • Included with your evening meals is a glass of wine or beer, plus non-alcoholic beverages. For any additional drinks or food you would like 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! And as we are in a rural village, please be mindful when when coming back from the beach and remember to dress. 
  • We have laundry facilities available. $7 per load for wash and dry, with cash payment at reception. 
  • The tap water in our hotel is safe and delicious to drink. 
  • We have complimentary wifi in our restaurant social area. 
  • Hotel, restaurant and activities staff gratuities are not included. If you would like to make a gratuity, we will kindly take a collection at the end of your stay.
  • There is a safe in your room for your passport and wallet. 
  • IMPORTANT! As most of our meals are served family style, so please let us know if you have any food allergies or dietary preferences you would like us to be aware of.

Available Packages

Double Standard Room

Featuring 1 King bed or 2 Twins beds.
Each room has been built using natural sustainable materials including stone, slate rock, natural coal and tropical hardwood. Rooms feature memory foam mattresses, plush pillows and Egyptian cotton sheets for a wonderful night's rest. AC, fan, safe, cable TV and mini-fridge. Plush beach, pool and bathroom towels. Ensuite bathroom includes hot water shower, shampoo, conditioner, body wash and lotion. Enjoy your own private hammock and deck chairs.

$1,550
Deposit: $500
Double Junior Suite

Featuring 1 King bed or 2 Twins beds. Junior Suites are larger in size than our standard rooms and also feature a small kitchen with dining table and chairs. Rooms feature memory foam mattresses, plush pillows and Egyptian cotton sheets for a wonderful night's rest. AC, fan, safe, cable TV and mini-fridge. Plush beach, pool and bathroom towels. Ensuite bathroom includes hot water shower, shampoo, conditioner, body wash and lotion. Enjoy your own private hammock and deck chairs.

$1,750
Deposit: $500
Private Standard Room

Featuring 1 King bed.
Each room has been built using natural sustainable materials including stone, slate rock, natural coal and tropical hardwood. Rooms feature memory foam mattresses, plush pillows and Egyptian cotton sheets for a wonderful night's rest. AC, fan, safe, cable TV and mini-fridge. Plush beach, pool and bathroom towels. Ensuite bathroom includes hot water shower, shampoo, conditioner, body wash and lotion. Outside each room you can enjoy your own private hammock and deck chairs.

$1,850
Deposit: $500


Itinerary

Day 1
Pick up in Panama City and Arrival at SCR

We will be picked up at 10 for the drive to Santa Catalina Resorts. There will be a short stop along the way and we will arrive at 4pm.

6pm -- Opening Ceremony

7pm Dinner and Cocktails

Your Organizer


CG
Candace Glass
6 reviews
Candace is a 500hr RYT with certifications in hatha yoga, children’s yoga, prenatal yoga, and mindfulness. Candace’s teaching is informed by the knowledge, experience, and wisdom that over 20 years of teacher experience provides. Candace remains a student first, which she believes is vitally important to being a strong teacher. Candace believes in joy, in practicing yoga with humility and effort, doing your best, and giving yourself some grace as you do it. Candace currently lives in Santa Catalina, Panama with her pup, Samson.

Reviews

Candace Glass is simply a Rock Star in every way --she's a phenomenal yoga instructor, mindfulness/life coach, retreat organizer and dear friend. Vicky and Sergio put together fun daily adventures from surfing sessions to horseback riding to a special afternoon on a remote beach with a delicious picnic made just for our group--thanks so much! The resort is beautiful and well appointed. The staff is friendly and gracious. The meals were so fresh and delicious! It's amazing how a week off the grid, practicing yoga, sitting in a hammock, surfing in the ocean and bonding with amazing women can soothe the soul and help you Find Your Joy.
By Elizabeth O for Finding Your Joy on Mar 14, 2020
This retreat allowed me to meet fabulous women, experience a beautiful part of the world, eat delicious food, and to reconnect with myself: body, mind, and spirit.
By Robin K for Finding Your Joy on Mar 09, 2020
KH
This place was a dream. Beautiful, remote setting w/smiling faces and good karma radiating all over. We had access to various beaches and local sites. Will be recommending to anyone who asks and likely coming back!
By Kaitlyn H for Wellness for Wholeness -- A Self-Care Retreat on Feb 19, 2019
I fell in love with this retreat! Not to mention I fell in love with myself. Self care is the most important way to boost and maintain all states of your health. Candance organized everything. All I had to do was get a passport and pack a suitcase. I am so grateful for this experience. Everything exceeded my expectations from travel to food to mindfulness.
By MaryRose B for Wellness for Wholeness -- A Self-Care Retreat on Feb 17, 2019
I had an amazing, Life altering time! Thank you everyone for this magical trip! Thank you Vicki and Sergio for the hospitality, smiles and rides, and horseback riding! Thank you Benito, Michael, and The female bartender who's name I didn't get for the amazing service and wonderful Pina Coladas! Thank you to the kitchen staff and cooks who cooked us delicious meals everyday! Thank you to the cleaning crew that cleaned our room and washed our clothes! I cant wait to come back!!!
By Helen A for Wellness for Wholeness -- A Self-Care Retreat on Feb 14, 2019
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