Why Panama Became My Top Choice for an International Retreat
Discover the beauty, charm, and magic that led me to choose Panama for an unforgettable retreat experience.
To be honest, visiting Panama was never on my bucket list. I’ve visited Costa Rica several times, and though I loved each trip, after my 2019 visit, I shelved Central America as a “to return to at a much later date” destination. I had made up my mind to see more of the world and booked my next retreat in Spain. Months later, COVID hit, and we all know what that did to travel. All my retreats were canceled for two full years.
After easing back into the retreat landscape with local destinations, a few months into 2023, I finally felt ready to explore international offerings again. Like I said before, Panama was never on my bucket list, but Sansara Resort was. I’d been following them on Instagram for many years, dreaming of visiting. When I reached out, I was pleasantly surprised to connect directly with the owners, a Canadian couple who had opted for a more intentional life by building the retreat themselves several years earlier. They were incredibly friendly and easy to work with, making it an easy YES!
Panama City: A City for the Senses
Fast forward to November. I found myself gawking out the window as my flight approached a modern city skyline, so close to the shore its skyscrapers could very well have roots reaching into the ocean floor. From the back of my Uber, I watched the metropolis streak past, revealing architecture that reminded me of London's modern masterpieces.
Pulling up to my hotel in the historic district of Casco Viejo, I checked into the spacious room I’d booked for a few days pre-retreat, intending to hunker down for final prep and catch up on some much-needed sleep. But the city called me out into the streets! A designated UNESCO World Heritage Site dating back to 1673, I was floored by the beauty and charm of the quarter. It was an ideal area for taking in the vibrant plazas, picturesque brick-paved streets, and colorfully preserved buildings. The sunlight, every hour, gave a new angle of brilliance. Bursting with history, art, and design, I reached for my camera at every corner.
If you know me, I’m a sucker for anything beautiful and delicious, and Casco Viejo sucked me right in. The interior design of these historic buildings was impeccable, from floor to ceiling; not a single detail was missed. Walking past hotels, restaurants, cafes, and shops, I paused to peer into every other window and pulled up a chair in as many establishments as my tummy could handle. In all the places I’ve traveled, when it comes to cuisine, Panama City sits amongst the top for quality, flavor, creativity, and overall experience. I was welcomed at every door I walked through and felt safe strolling the streets on my own from sunup to sundown.
I look forward to spending more time in the city this year, this time with plans for a guided tour of the famous Panama Canal and have arranged tours for my guests to book too!
Sansara Resort: A Pathway to Paradise
Pulling up to Sansara after a scenic drive through the countryside, we received a friendly greeting from the entire resort staff and owners and were immediately swept away to our rooms to settle in. My room was at the end of a lush path that opened up to a private section of the black sand beach. Casa Om was absolutely breathtaking with its unencumbered ocean views and access. It was equipped with a private pool, outdoor and indoor showers, a glassed-in tub, an oversized hammock, and a garden terrace for morning coffee. I felt like I’d landed in heaven.
The rest of the resort grounds matched the upscale beach vibe with an open-air yoga studio, outdoor dining lounge, beach bar, and pool. Every moment and aspect of the resort and our experience was thoughtfully planned and carefully delivered. Each day offered a brilliant menu of nourishing and exciting food prepared by a crew of local chefs. Plenty of excursions, activities, and treatments were offered by local partners and guides who were truly passionate about what they did and invested in the health of the local environment and community.
Personally, my favorite excursion was hiking to and swimming in a remote waterfall. Next year, I plan to go horseback riding, guided by a local family.
A Unanimous YES: We’re Going Back for More!
I was so impressed with Panama, both the city and the resort, and every single one of my guests said they would love to return too! Partly because of what the country and venue had to offer but also because the retreat itself was magical. Most of us arrived as strangers, gathering from different cities, backgrounds, and walks of life, but we all left as friends. Each of us connected to one another by memories that will last a lifetime, and each of us reconnected with parts of ourselves that had been forgotten. To me, this is the reason I do what I do; the travel is memorable, and the transformation is meaningful.
Are you ready for your Panama retreat? I’ve got a spot just for you. Book your retreat before June 1 to save on our 2024 retreat.
