Hosting my seventh retreat, I’ve worked with a variety of retreat centers, and this was by far the best experience yet. From the moment we arrived, the team’s attention to detail, warmth, and dedication made everything seamless. Their genuine care for our group allowed us to drop in deeply to our experience without distraction.

For those planning a retreat in Panama, I highly recommend spending a night in Casco Viejo before traveling down to Santa Catalina. Exploring the historic charm, vibrant culture, and rich energy of the city created the perfect transition. By the time we arrived at the retreat center, we were grounded and fully present. The opening ceremony set a powerful tone for the week ahead, and from there, everything unfolded with ease.

The retreat center itself is an absolute sanctuary—nestled on the ocean, with breathtaking views, a tranquil atmosphere, and thoughtfully designed spaces that encourage both connection and introspection. The food was beyond delicious—fresh, nourishing, and crafted with such care that every meal felt like a gift. The staff was incredibly helpful, going above and beyond to ensure every detail was taken care of, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in the experience.

We also had the pleasure of joining a workshop led by Anthea and Ryan, which added another beautiful dimension to our time there. With so many additional options for healing and unique experiences, this retreat center truly offers something special. I left feeling deeply inspired and grateful—and I cannot wait to return!

-Rachel Marrow

Soul Centered Women

I booked Catalina’s Hideaway for a yoga retreat with my students from the USA. Anthea and Ryan made every effort to accommodate all the ins and outs of our event. From setting up karaoke one night, to making a custom cake for a birthday,

To combing the sand along their beachfront for our ‘survivor’ games, they went above and beyond to make sure our needs were met. They were available and accessible.

The rooms are so cool! Each casita/ dwelling has a different decor and the beds are so comfy!! The attention to detail and cleanliness is apparent. Having a luxury room in the middle of the jungle is impressive.

There is so much to do here. Anthea made sure our transportation needs were arranged, and her communication was excellent. Anytime I had a question, she was quick to answer.

The outdoor activities we planned were excellent. Sea kayaking, snorkeling, salsa lessons, and surfing! So much to do.

Anthea and Ryan have put their heart and soul into this boutique hotel. The setting could not be any better. We loved everything. Highly recommend.

-Cathy Yonaitis. "Unite Us Yoga"

Catalina's Hideaway is an incredible destination to recharge the heart and soul. As retreat facilitators we felt truly cared for, supported and ourselves nourished, making it so easy to focus on our group and program. Our participants had a phenomenal time and really enjoyed the Hideaway and everything it had to offer! The staff were thoughtful, creative, incredibly responsive and always eager to assist with whatever was needed in the moment. From the moment we arrived we felt right at home. It was nice to have the privacy and seclusion at the Hideaway, yet be a short 20 minute ride from Santa Catalina with a bit of culture, surfing, snorkeling and excursions that we greatly enjoyed. As we had a smaller group, we were also able to be around other travellers, at times even sharing a game of beach volleyball! It is clear that Ryan, Anthea and their team have put great care into many careful choices in bringing this place and vision to life. Thank you for an amazing experience!

-Andreas & Joanie (Vermont, USA)

As someone who is extremely conscious about the experiences I curate, I am often hesitant to hold a repeat destination. That was not the case with The Hideaway, it was that special.

I love how The Hideaway space fosters a sense of togetherness, something we value on our retreats, be it enjoying meals, sitting around the fire or relaxing at the pool. The yoga shala (or in our case, dance floor) is set adjacent to the ocean and is a dreamy canvas for any healing practice or ritual.

My two Panama Wild Hive retreats are incomparable to our other experiences to date. I am forever grateful for this space and the team for two amazing adventures.

-Mollie, The Wild Hive

After 20 years of managing our own yoga retreats, we were skeptical about retreat centers (how their marketing never actually matched the experience). However, our visit to Catalina's Hideaway in Panama changed our minds. This beautiful, exclusive retreat center exceeded our expectations. It was wonderful to have a center that matched the quality of experience we had dreamed of for our guests. 

The staff worked diligently to ensure our guests were well taken care of, allowing us to focus on teaching more sessions.

One of our primary concerns has always been food, particularly given the diverse dietary restrictions of our group, which include vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, sugar-free, and soy-free options. We've often faced challenges with other venues unwilling to accommodate our needs.

However, the culinary team at Catalina's Hideaway went above and beyond, creating a delightful menu that not only delighted us but also thrilled our guests. The chefs received well-deserved standing ovations each night for their incredible dishes.

Cleanliness and mindfulness are top priorities at Catalina's Hideaway, which operates sustainably and addresses any concerns quickly and kindly.

Our guests were able to enjoy their free time knowing there was someone there to help them schedule a massage or a hike, or they could quietly rest and read books, totally undisturbed. Our guests were delighted with their stay.

Overall, we were thrilled to find a retreat center that matches the quality experience we strive to provide. We look forward to returning and discovering new activities and recipes! goes here.

- Calvin & Theresa “College Park Yoga” Orlando, FL