Our Commitment
Caring for The Planet and Community
We live here. The Hideaway is our home, our kids' home, and our community, so taking care of it isn't a policy. It's just how we live. That shapes everything, from how we built the Hideaway to how we care for the land and the people around us. We believe luxury and sustainability can, and should, exist together.
Built with Purpose
From the very beginning, we wanted Catalina's Hideaway to feel connected to the land around it—not built on top of nature, but thoughtfully woven into it.
Almost every piece of wood throughout the Hideaway, from our open-air yoga shala to our treehouses and handcrafted spaces, was created using reclaimed almond wood from the Darién jungle.
More than 50 years ago, when a dam was created in the Darién, trees were submerged beneath the water. Today, our wood supplier carefully recovers this fallen timber, kiln-dries and preserves it, giving it a second life as incredibly strong and beautiful wood.
By using this reclaimed wood, we were able to create the spaces that make Catalina's Hideaway unique—without cutting down a single tree.
For us, sustainability starts with thoughtful choices and finding ways to build in harmony with the incredible place we call home.
Not a Single Tree Cut
Almost every piece of wood at the Hideaway, from our yoga shala to our treehouses, is reclaimed almond wood from the Darién jungle. More than 50 years ago, a dam flooded part of the forest and submerged thousands of trees. Our supplier recovers that timber, then kiln-dries and preserves it. The result is some of the strongest, most beautiful wood we've ever worked with, and we didn't cut down a single tree to build the Hideaway.
Restoring the Land
When we arrived, most of our 2.5 acres was an old rice field. Together we planted the tropical gardens that now wind through the property: bananas, papayas, mangos, pineapples, guanabana, calamansi, avocados, herbs and much more. Whenever we can, we harvest straight from them for Sobremesa, our restaurant and bar.
Powered by the Sun
More than 50 solar panels power the Hideaway each day, and we send extra energy back to the local grid. We keep adding to our system, and solar lighting throughout the property helps us run responsibly without giving up comfort.
Our own UV-filtered well gives us fresh, safe drinking water straight from the tap, and our grey water system keeps the gardens green through the dry season.
Every Drop Matters
Reducing Waste
We were recognized in Panama for our work to eliminate single-use plastics: no plastic water bottles, reusable metal straws, and refillable dispensers in every room. We separate our plastic, aluminum and glass and drive it to the nearest recycling facility ourselves, because the local infrastructure isn't there yet.
Living with the Jungle
Rather than fighting nature, we live alongside it. We use environmentally responsible mosquito management, and our spaces are designed for Panama's climate, with cross-ventilation, shade and ceiling fans. Every room has air conditioning, but many guests find they'd rather have the ocean breeze.
Caring for Our Community
The Hideaway exists because of the people who welcomed us here. Being part of Santa Catalina means showing up for them.
Travel Should Be for Everyone
Before moving to Panama, Ryan spent years volunteering with the special needs community through Big Brothers Big Sisters in Canada. He saw how hard travel can feel for families raising children with special needs. They want to explore, but truly welcoming spaces are hard to find.
Today, we're proud Gold Sponsors of Tim's Club, which creates opportunities and inclusive spaces for people with autism and intellectual disabilities in Panama. We also welcomed local families raising children with special needs for an all-inclusive weekend, with shared meals, activities for the kids and real rest for the parents. It was a place where everyone could simply be themselves, and a reminder of what travel should feel like.
Working With Nature
Living in the jungle means sharing this beautiful environment with the plants, animals, and rhythms of nature around us.
Rather than trying to control our surroundings, we believe in finding thoughtful ways to coexist. We use environmentally responsible mosquito management systems that minimize impact on the surrounding ecosystem, while our accommodations are designed around Panama's natural climate with cross-ventilation, shaded spaces, and ceiling fans.
Every room includes air conditioning for added comfort, but many guests find themselves enjoying the ocean breeze, tropical sounds, and natural rhythm of life here instead.
For us, the goal is simple: create a comfortable guest experience while respecting the incredible environment we are fortunate enough to call home.
Wellness with Purpose
In 2026, we hosted Sun, Soul & Service, a full day of yoga, nourishing food, workshops, cacao and a gong bath. Every dollar raised went to local schools, helping fund repairs and covered spaces where children can learn, eat and play out of the rain.
Each week, we also host a Karma Yoga class at the Hideaway, taught by Anthea, with all donations supporting local community projects.
Art for Art
In 2024, we brought together local artists, graffiti painters, musicians and families for a day of creativity. Artists donated part of their sales, kids sold their own artwork and baking, and we donated all proceeds. Together, we raised about $1,500, enough to run a two-day art and sustainability program for more than 200 local schoolchildren. They cleaned up the beach, then turned the plastic they collected into colorful mosaics.
For Retreat Hosts: Create Impact Beyond the Mat
Many of our retreat groups choose to give back during their stay, from packing food bags for local families to bringing school supplies for local kids. We'd love to help you add a Karma element to your retreat. Ask us about our community matching program.
Initiatives at The Hideaway
-
![]()
Bag for a Beer (or Juice)
Guests can grab a beach cleanup bag from our pool area, collect ocean plastic and litter, and exchange it for a complimentary local beer or fresh juice. A simple way to enjoy the coastline while helping protect it.
-
![]()
Supporting Local Families During the Holidays
Each year, we find ways to help local families celebrate together. During the holidays, we have prepared and shared meals with families in our community, helping create moments of connection and celebration.
-
![]()
Supporting Local Sports & Community Events
We are proud to support local soccer teams, baseball leagues, surf teams, rodeos, and community competitions that bring people together and celebrate the spirit of Santa Catalina.
-
![]()
Supporting Animal Welfare
We accept donations for Santa Catalina's annual spay and neuter clinic, helping support healthier communities for both animals and people.
-
![]()
Coming Together When It Matters
When our community—or communities beyond Panama—need support, we believe in finding ways to help. Most recently, we hosted a Venezuelan-themed dinner featuring local chefs, with all profits donated toward earthquake and crisis relief efforts.
Built with respect.
Rooted in the land.
Connected to our community.
Shared with our guests.
FAQs
Is the tap water safe to drink?
1
Yes! Our water comes from our own UV-filtered well and is tested regularly. Bring a reusable water bottle, since we don't sell plastic ones on-site.
Do you recycle?
2
We do. Please use the sorting bins in your room for plastic, glass and aluminum. We drive it to the nearest recycling facility ourselves.
Do the rooms have air conditioning?
3
Every room has A/C, and our casitas and treehouse are also designed for cross-breezes, with ceiling fans. To save energy, our team will switch off any A/C left running while you're out.
Questions or ideas? We'd love to hear them.
Contact us at +507 6602-2274 or info@catalinashideaway.com