Panama Q&A

Is this a "yoga retreat"?

It is if you want it to be. I'm a yoga teacher, and I'll offer daily classes during the week, all of which are absolutely optional. My classes are designed to accommodate all levels of yoga practice, so whether you're brand new to yoga, "yoga-curious", or a daily practitioner, you'll be able to attend and hopefully enjoy class. Unless otherwise stated, you do not need to bring a yoga mat with you on any trip.

What are the accommodations like?

Bluff Beach Retreat is a boutique accommodation located on the far tip of the island on Playa Bluff, about 20 minutes from Bocas Town. We are beachfont, so you have easy access to the Caribbean sea. The entire property consists of four "casitas" or houses, each with 2-5 ensuite bedrooms. There is a large swimming pool and outdoor seating area, and each casita also has its own balcony with hammocks and outdoor furniture. The property also has an upstairs yoga hall with views of the gargen and the ocean, as well as a massage "tree house" where Maria does excellent body work. Depending on the room you book, you will either be sharing a room with two twin beds & private bathroom with your roommate, or a single room with a queen or king bed & private bathroom. All of the casitas have common living areas both indoor and outdoor. Each room has screened windows with shutters to allow fresh air in and keep pests out. While I have never been bit more than a few times by mosquitoes, it's never a bad idea to bring bug spray! Towels are refreshed every couple of days. Rooms are cleaned daily.

Bluff Beach is an "off-grid" property, completely run by solar energy & generators, so please be conscious of your energy consumtion.

Do I need to attend all of the included group activities?

Not at all! I have curated a trip that has a nice balance of free time and group activities. As your travel leader, I've also done a fair amount of working to scope out the area and find experiences that are both culturally connected and fun. If for any reason you decide that you'd like to opt out of a group activity, you are absolutely welcome to take some "me time".

What does a typical day look like on the trip?

If there's yoga, it'll be from 8-9am. Breakfast starts at 9am on the upper level of the main house. Lunch is served buffet-style at 2pm. If you're out during lunch, just text me and I'll save a plate for you. Every day we have a free cocktail & appetizer at 6:30pm, followed by group dinner at 7:30pm. All time in-between meals is yours to enjoy as you want, unless there's a group activity that day, which could change meal times a bit.

What is the food like?

We are blessed with an amazing chef, Nicole. Her food is global, healthy and made with fresh, local ingredients. Sometimes you'll find traditional Panamanian dishes, Thai-inspired flavors, Argentenian steak & chimichurri, and beyond. Breakfast is also a variety of fresh fruit juice, local coffee and features an egg dish, a protein, and some kind of carb, like Panamanian coconut bread or French toast. Lunches are always vegetarian and light, while dinners always have a meat option (veggie/vegan/GF is always possible with prior notice), a vegetable side, and some kind of carb. Desserts at dinner are not to be missed!

Will there be alcohol?

Yes. You will get a free cocktail every day during "happy hour" before dinner. This can also be made non-alcoholic upon request. There is an "honor bar" system for beer & wine and you are welcome to bring spirits if you want. Sodas and sparkling water are also available for purchase.

Is the water safe to drink?

In Panama City, the tap water is fine to drink. At Bluff Beach Retreat, there is filtered water and refillable water bottles all over the property. While we encourage you to bring your own water bottle, there are bottles available to borrow if you need one.

Will there be wifi?

Yes, Bluff Beach Retreat has outstanding wifi and it is accessible all over the property.

What should I do during my free time?

We are a beachfront property, so access to the beach is easy and available anytime. The on-site pool has a variety of pool floaties and lounge chairs for hanging out. Bluff Beach is home to a variety of beach bars & surf schools, so a short walk to the right of the left of the house will take you to a collection of local offerings. Bocas Town is a 20 minute taxi ride away, and offers a wide selection of great coffee shops, cafes & souvenir/local boutiques. There is also a water taxi station in town, which offers quick boat rides to a few nearby islands in the Bocas del Toro archipeligo.

We are living on a working farm and a great free activity is to schedule a farm walk with the property manager, Augusto. Here you can learn a lot about permaculture and also meet a few of the 20+ horses that live on the property. Other opt-in activities are: horseback riding to La Piscina (a lovely swimming lagoon), a jungle trek with a biologist, visit a cacao farm, take a day trip into Bocas Town, rent an ATV and cruise around the island, book a fishing trip, borrow a bike and take a ride around the island. There's more, but I also recommend taking a few days to just be on the property and indulge in some radical rest.

How do I pay for extras like excursions, beer & wine, additional massages, etc?

At the end of the week, everyone will have a chance to settle up with the manager. At that time, you'll pay for your extras either by cash or credit card.

Are there any rules?

Please do not bring your phone to dinner. For other meals it's ok, but I ask that everyone try to show up and be present at dinner. Please do not wear shoes indoors or spray bug spray indoors (we want to protect the beautiful wooden floors).

Otherwise, there is only one rule: have a great vacation. Take rest & "alone time" when you need it. Enjoy getting to know some new & interesting people. Enjoy yourself!