Wellness
and Adventure Retreats
What are Adventure Retreats?
You may be familiar with the concept of wellness retreats, which typically focus on relaxation, self-improvement, and personal growth. Wellness and Adventure retreats are a relatively new and exciting trend in the retreat industry, which blend the traditional concepts of relaxation and self-care, with adventure and opportunities for outdoor exploration. They give individuals the chance to step out of their comfort zones, find a new hobby and connect with nature while still experiencing the benefits of a retreat environment.
Examples of activities offered at an Adventure Retreat may include hiking, scuba diving, kayaking, rock climbing, sportfishing, zip-lining, or mountain biking. Therefore, they often take place in scenic locations where these activities are accessible, such as mountains, forests or coastal areas.
What Makes Panama a Top Wellness and Adventure Destination?
Panama is at the heart of Central America and bridges two continents and two oceans, offering an array of diverse natural landscapes and rich biodiversity. Here are the main reasons why Panama is a prime destination for adventure and wellness retreats:
- Accessibility: Panama is the largest and most connected airport in Central America, and offers over 65 connections with cities in America and Europe. 13 cities in the US offer direct flights into Panama City. If flying from Europe, direct flights are offered daily from Paris, Amsterdam and Madrid.
- Diverse Landscapes: Panama is rich in incredibly enchanting natural landscapes yet to be explored by many. The country boasts of tropical rainforests, cloud forests, mangroves, and coastal marine environments teeming with life.
- Wildlife Encounters: Panama is one of the richest spots in the world for wildlife. With its breathtaking natural landscapes, encounters with howler monkeys, sloths, lizards, are common. While in the ocean you may witness humpback whales, manta rays, or explore the vibrant reefs teeming with life. Panama is also an incredible birdwatching destination, with over 1,000 bird species recorded, including rare and endemic species. You can even find The Quetzal bird in Panama, the Guatemalan national bird.
- Eco Resorts: On both the Pacific and Caribbean side of Panama, you can find a variety of eco-resorts that blend sustainability with luxury, allowing visitors to enjoy natural landscapes while minimizing their carbon footprint. Many resorts and farm-to-table and some resorts such as Selva Terra, are even run on solar energy.
- Safety: Panama is considered one of the safest countries in Central and South America to visit, making it a great choice for families and solo travelers. Crime rates are considerably low, and even the tap water is generally safe to drink in urban areas. However, it is always advisable to due your due diligence on the areas you are visiting and staying at reputable resorts.
5 Day Wellness and Adventure Retreat
Your Itinerary
All retreat packages are customizable
DAY 1
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- 2PM: Flight from Panama City into David Airport
- 3PM: Private transfer and boat ride through the mangroves to the resort ~ 75 minutes
- 5PM: Check in, orientation, introductions and welcome drink
- 7PM: 3-course group dinner
DAY 2
- 6AM: Coffees, teas and fruit available
- 7AM: Dynamic Yoga
- 9AM: Breakfast
- 10AM: Howler Monkey Hike and Plantation Tour
- 12PM – 2PM: Lunch
- 5PM: Yin Yoga
- 7:30PM: 3-course group dinner
DAY 3
- 6AM: Coffees, teas and fruit available
- 7AM: Dynamic Yoga
- 9AM: Breakfast
- 10AM: Island Hopping, Whale Watching or Snorkeling Tour
- 12PM – 2PM: Lunch
- 2PM – 5PM: Rest or time for extra activities
- 5PM: Restorative Yoga
- 7:30PM: 3-course group dinner
DAY 4
- 6AM: Coffees, teas and fruit available
- 7AM: Dynamic Yoga
- 9AM: Breakfast
- 12PM – 2PM: Lunch – BBQ and Pizzas and the Beach Club
- 2PM: Kayaking tour in the magical mangroves
- 5PM: Yoga Nidra Meditation
- 7:30PM: 3-course group dinner
- 9PM: Karaoke or games night
DAY 5
- 6AM: Coffees, teas and fruit available
- 7AM: Dynamic Yoga
- 9AM: Breakfast
- 10AM: Jungle Horseback Riding
- 12PM: Lunch
- 2PM – 5PM: Rest or time for extra activities
- 5PM: Restorative Yoga and Sound Healing
- 7:30PM: 3-course group dinner
DAY 6
- AM: Breakfast, followed by transportation to David Airport
The Best Time to Experience Panama’s Adventures
- Best Time for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling in Panama: between December and April. December marks the end of the rainy season in Panama, so visibility starts to improve by then. Come February, colder currents and nutritious water attract thousands of species including baitfish, which attract larger species such as large schools of barracuda, giant turtles, stingrays. There is even the possibility to see hammerhead sharks at Contreras Islands.
- Best Time for Surfing in Panama: the best time to surf depends on whether you are on the Caribbean or Pacific coast of Panama. The best time to surf on the Pacific side is anytime between April and August, when you can expect the southwest swells to be large and consistent. If you are on the Caribbean side, then surfing is best between December and April.
- Best Time for Whale Watching in Panama: Peak whale watching season in Panama is between July and October, with the peak month being September. Panama is one of two areas in the world where humpback whales from the north and south hemispheres migrate to give birth. One of the best places to whale watch in Panama is the Gulf of Chiriquí.
- Best Time for Birdwatching in Panama: between December and March, which is Panama’s dry season. Most birders visit the Chiriqui highlands like Boquete to spot local species. If you would like to watch the migratory birds such as sparrowhawks or red-headed vultures go South, then come between September and November.
- Best Time for Sportfishing in Panama: your success sportfishing really depends on the species of fish you are targeting. Anglers from all over the world come to Panama to fish for black marlin, yellowfin tuna, cubera snapper, roosterfish and plenty more. The best season for black marlin in Panama is anytime between December and February. For yellowfin tuna, the best time to visit is anytime between March and July.
- Best Time for Other Outdoor Activities in Panama: If you are into hiking, kayaking, horseback riding, ziplining or want to engage in loads of outdoor activities in Panama, then we suggest visiting during the months of November through July. Panama’s dry season is between December and March, when little to no rain is expected. Outside of the dry season, you can expect occasional rainfall in short spells, except for September and October when heavy rainfall is expected.
How to Experience a Wellness and Adventure Retreat
There are two ways to experience a wellness and adventure retreat in Panama. Either attending one, or hosting your own.
- For individuals: Selva Terra is a wellness resort in Panama that offers adventure experience packages for guests who want to visit outside of our private buyouts.
Explore our retreat calendar or different packages below:
- Hosting your own retreat: Do you have a group of 10 people or more that would like to experience Panama’s adventures in a safe and intimate environment? Selva Terra is a luxury island resort that caters to travelers seeking relaxation and thrill seekers searching for adventures alike. From daily yoga and unwinding at our spa, to snorkeling, scuba diving or sportfishing, the resort offers plenty of adventures to suit every taste. You can rest assured there will be something for everyone and all ages. If you are in need of a yoga teacher, our concierge will put together an itinerary to include yoga so that you can host you very own yoga and adventure retreat in paradise.
Private Island Rental Enquiry
Book a Wellness Retreat
Every private island rental is unique and customized to every group. Fill in our booking form to let us know more about your retreat.
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