Blog Archives

Try Scuba Diving in Panama – Gulf of Chiriquí

December 4, 2019November 17, 2023

Are you curious about scuba diving in Panama, but not sure if you would like it? NAUI has a special program called “Try Scuba,” which allows you to try diving without having to commit to getting certified. Selva Terra Island Resort has the only NAUI Dream Destination Dive Center in all of Panama. Our instructor…

Sometimes you just need to be pampered. Everyday life and stress can take a toll on your health, causing you to feel tired, moody, and unproductive. If that sounds like your current scenario, then we strongly suggest that you hop on a plane and get a vacation massage at Cala Mia Island Resort in Panama’s Gulf of Chiriquí. We promise that our massage resort will leave you completely reinvigorated. Our spa is probably one of the most magical places in all of the resort. In order to get to it, you must cross a hanging bridge, since it’s on its own separate island. A small house is the only thing in this island, giving it a sense of privacy. Glass windows surround it, offering guests panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. Other spas might have to put a relaxing soundtrack, but we have the natural sounds of waves and birds singing in the surrounding trees. We offer complete serenity as you get your desired treatment. You know you are on vacation when the most important decision of the day is which massage you should get. Here are the vacation massages offered at Cala Mia Island Resort’s spa: Swedish massage This is the most common massage. It’s a gentle whole-body massage that provides relaxation and tension relief. Guests will be undressed with a sheet covering parts that won’t be worked on. Feel free to tell your therapist how much pressure you want and if you have a particular area you would like to receive more attention. Deep circular movements are combined with long strokes and kneading to help you relax, stimulating nerve endings and increasing blood flow. Aromatherapy massage Swedish massage can also be an aromatherapy massage using essential oil. As you are massaged, you will inhale the smell and absorb it through your skin. This reaches your limbic system, a part of your brain that influences the nervous system, promoting beneficial changes to the body and mind. These massages are good for people with depression, insomnia, anxiety, menstrual pain and other conditions. A wide variety of scents can be chosen depending on what property is desired. Chamomile and lavender are good for calming, while rosemary is energizing and ylang-ylang, rose, and sage are uplifting. If you are feeling congested, then perhaps you can choose tea tree oil, pine or eucalyptus. Deep tissue massage If you are an athlete or runner, or if you have a lot of built-up stress or chronic back pain, then a deep tissue massage might be right for you. This type of massage is similar to the Swedish massage, but it uses a lot more pressure, which can be painful. Relaxation is not the goal—only the start is soft in order to warm up the muscles. The therapist will then start going deeper, even using elbows or fists to reach the deep muscle tissue. If you have any injuries, make sure to let your therapist know. It’s common to feel a bit sore after this type of massage, so use ice or heat to help with the treatment. Therapeutic Therapeutic massages have many health benefits, including improvement of general health, disease treament, and injury rehabilitation. Your therapist will assess your current condition. Clients will explain in what areas they feel pain, how they experience it, and what caused it. Most people feel pain in their hips, shoulders, or back. This type of massage is designed to treat specific requests; it’s not like other massages that are the same for all. Hot stone massage This is a particular type of massage that uses hot stones, which are basalt river rocks. They are smooth from the current and great at retaining heat. Using a special heater, the therapist will heat the stones until they reach between 110 and 130 F. They’ll then place the hot stones on specific parts of the body, which can improve the energetic balance of the mind and body. The stones also relax the muscles, allowing the therapist to put more pressure on areas with problems without causing discomfort. Hot stone massages are recommended for people who suffer from anxiety, back pain, depression, and insomnia. Back massage A back massage focuses only on the person’s back. For many people, stress and pain accumulate in the back, which is why they might prefer to focus on just one area. Your therapist will go over the types of massages you can do and ask you how much pressure you want. This massage can realign back muscles, relieve headaches, reduce back pain, improve circulation, and counteract poor posture. Foot and leg massage Our feet are one of the areas of our bodies that usually feel sore, which is why a foot and leg massage is so pleasurable. Our body is interconnected, so this type of massage will beneficial for the whole body. Feet have reflex points, which are connected to our eyes, ears, spine, and even our organs! The muscles in your legs might be sore from doing outdoor activities such a snorkeling or jungle walks. A massage helps relax the muscles and stimulate blood circulation. Reflexology Reflexology is similar to a foot massage, but it’s more elaborate, since it also puts pressure on ears, feet, and hands. These parts of the body are connected to organs and body systems. Ancient Chinese believed that qi, which means “vital energy,” passes through all of us. When we are stressed, our bodies block this qi, causing an imbalance that leads to illness. The Chinese created elaborate maps that tell the therapist where to put pressure. More modern medicine confirmed this belief, finding that the skin and internal organs are connected to the nervous system. Reflexology can reduce pain, stress, and anxiety as well as improve your mood and well-being. Other people claim that it helps treat a wide array of health problems ranging from low fertility to arthritis pain. Cala Mia Island Resort is the perfect place to plan a wellness vacation massage. We also periodically offer wellness retreats that include yoga on our new deck, which overlooks the ocean on sunrise. If you are also looking to eat healthy or detox, please let us know when you’re booking. Our concierge will send you a questionnaire asking about your alimentary preferences, which we will be happy to accommodate. We look forward to having you relax with us for a few days in paradise.

Types of Massages available at Selva Terra Island Resort

December 4, 2019November 17, 2023

Sometimes you just need to be pampered. Everyday life and stress can take a toll on your health, causing you to feel tired, moody, and unproductive. If that sounds like your current scenario, then we strongly suggest that you hop on a plane and get a vacation massage at Selva Terra Island Resort in Panama’s…

Helpful Advice on Scuba Diving for Beginners

October 25, 2019November 17, 2023

Your first scuba diving experience comes with a mix of many different emotions—excitement, nervousness, adrenalin, wonder. All of them come together as you explore the world below the surface for the first time. To ensure your first scuba diving experience is what you hoped it would be, consider this advice on scuba diving for beginners. Go…

Essential Scuba Diving Equipment

October 25, 2019November 17, 2023

When it comes to diving deep into the ocean, the proper equipment is essential. Scuba diving requires more than just flippers and an air tank; there are many other features needed to keep you safe while you explore the ocean’s mysterious beauty. Before heading out on a dive, make sure you have this essential scuba diving…

Family vacations in Panama are more fun at Cala Mia Island Resort

Family vacations in Panama are more fun at Selva Terra Island Resort

October 15, 2019November 17, 2023

Panama is a great country to plan a family vacation. With direct flight from 86 destinations, the airport of Tocumen is the best connected in all of Latin America. The US dollar has been the local currency since 1904 and it is considered one of the safest countries in the region. Locals are friendly and…

October 1, 2019April 22, 2024

Fishing in Panama is Top in the World Fishing in Panama is internationally recognized since it has so many world records. This country has so many fish that its name “Panama” means an abundance of fish in one of the indigenous languages. Getting to Panama is quite easy since the Tocumen International Airport in Panama…

Selva Terra Island Resort Offers a Unique Event Destination

October 1, 2019November 17, 2023

Are you looking for the ideal place to do an event in Panama? Selva Terra Island Resort in the Gulf of Chiriquí is a unique event destination, catering from small Panama destination weddings to yoga retreats. We are an hour away from the airport of David in the capital of Chiriquí—close enough to civilization, but…

6 Tips on How to Become an Expert Hiker

September 23, 2019November 17, 2023

We’ve all seen them—the experienced hikers on the trail who always look like they know exactly what they’re doing and where they’re going. You can recognize them from their light backpacks and their obvious agility. To learn how to become an expert hiker yourself, consider these tips. Bring the right gear Being prepared is a key quality…

Tips for Identifying Birds: Characteristics to Consider

September 5, 2019June 17, 2024

Tips for Identifying Birds Bird-watching becomes a lot more fun when you know the species of bird you’re looking at. Without taking the time to identify the bird, you may end up looking at a rare species without even realizing it. Whether you’re an experienced birder or a bird-watching beginner, following these tips for identifying birds…

A Beginner’s Guide to Horseback Riding

August 27, 2019April 11, 2024

Horses are beautiful, majestic animals that humans have enjoyed riding for thousands of years. While riding a horse is a thrilling and enjoyable experience, it can also be intimidating—especially if it’s your first time. Your inexperience, however, shouldn’t prevent you from riding horses. From proper riding positioning to how to dismount, this beginner’s guide to horseback…