A surf and yoga retreat in Panama (but not the kind you’re thinking of)

 
 
 
 
  EXCELLENT  
  
 Based on 121 reviews 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Tripadvisor  
 
  
 
 
 Pablo Q 
 
 
 
 Verified 
Es más que una vacación . Es un descanso de tu cuerpo y de tu mente !
Una gran experiencia para desconectarte de día a día . Waluaa cuenta con un equipo muy profesional en todo lo que ofrece : instructores de surf , de Yoga y el hotel que yo estuve una extraordinaria y deliciosa comida casera . El lugar , la gente , las personas a cargo, el programa ordenado : una combinación para un Detox perfecto ! Lo repetiría y recomendaría de todas formas . Fueron 6/7 días . El precio es adecuado . Gracias por estos días tan especiales .
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Tripadvisor  
 
  
 
 
 Jen C 
 
 
 
 Verified 
Curated, restorative, and run by people who care
One of the most restorative weeks I've had in a long time. I went with 2 friends and we lucked into what felt like a private retreat, just the 3 of us. That intimacy meant we got to have lovely conversations with the Waluaa Team during surf lessons, yoga classes and at each of our meals, which felt really special. Javier and Casey are excellent surf instructors. Javier's technical knowledge is deep, and his passion for the sport is contagious. Casey brings a kind of enthusiasm in the water that makes you want to paddle back out even when you're tired. I carry some anxiety in the ocean, and I always felt looked after. Both gave thoughtful wave selection guidance and real feedback after each ride. Elena and Gayle led restorative yoga in an open-air shala facing the ocean after morning surf sessions. They also introduced us to breathwork and meditation. I had limited experience with those practices, and it was a treat to open myself to these new modalities. The rooms at Catalina's Hideaway are beautiful. The enclosed sunroom facing a small waterway with chairs and a hammock became a peaceful resting spot after every surf. Food was fresh, flavorful, and the kitchen got creative. Staff was genuinely kind and accommodating of requests. We casually mentioned that we were excited it was the beginning of mango season; the next day, we were treated to fresh mangos blended into our drinks and added to our daily fruit bowls! Vickie was also incredibly responsive throughout the logistics and planning process, which made everything easy before we even arrived. Do the Coiba snorkel excursion. Dolphins, sea turtles, white-tipped sharks, schools of fish everywhere. Mama is passionate about the marine environment and kept the whole group comfortable and safe the entire time. Pack leggings for jellyfish. Already looking forward to visiting Santa Catalina and the Waluaa Team again!
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Tripadvisor  
 
  
 
 
 Alejandra P 
 
 
 
 Verified 
Amazing experience
Solo female traveler and first time surfer here! I absolutely LOVED the experience with Waluaa. First of, the accommodations were loverly and provided the most amazing food. Second, the yoga classes were so much fun and so needed before/after the surf sessions; both Elena and Gayle are amazing teachers and not only we learned but had lots of fun with them. Lastly, the surfing was perfect. As I said it was my first time surfing and went into the experience with some anxiety but Javier and Casey made sure I understood the theory, practice enough on the sand and then accompanied me during every wave. In my first class I managed to stand up on the board and by the end of the week I felt safe enough to go into the deeper part of the ocean. I would give 6 starts if I could :)
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Tripadvisor  
 
  
 
 
 jolenek960 
 
 
 
 Verified 
A restorative week
The week with Waluaa was truly memorable and restorative. The whole team was amazing and we felt very well taken care of. Everything was seamless and enjoyable from the food to the surf and yoga lessons.
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Tripadvisor  
 
  
 
 
 Garry S 
 
 
 
 Verified 
Chill week of surfing, yoga, getting away from it all
Waluaa was exactly as advertised and exactly what I was looking for--a week of consistent, mid-sized waves, post-surf yoga, and an overall low-key, mellow vibe I could enjoy with my wife. The resort is beautiful and very comfortable, without being over the top or extraneously ostentatious. The food is clean, healthy, and ridiculously delicious, served up by incredibly friendly staff. Santa Catalina is an isolated, sleepy fishing village populated by friendly people and filled with rustic charm. If you're looking for raging nightlife and ultra-luxury lodgings, look elsewhere, but if you just want to surf uncrowded waves and chill, this is the place.
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Tripadvisor  
 
  
 
 
 Deborah M 
 
 
 
 Verified 
Attention to detail
As a solo female traveler, I appreciated the attention to detail, communication and the ease of each transition. The accommodations and food were way beyond my expectations. Loved the yoga instructors and breath work and will integrate into my daily practices. Don’t miss going to Coiba!
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Tripadvisor  
 
  
 
 
 Eveline S 
 
 
 
 Verified 
200% perfekte Wahl für ein Retreat am Meer
Was für eine grandiose Woche. Herzlichen Dank an das tolle Valuaateam. Becky, Elena, Casey und auch alle anderen Surflehrer haben einen super Job gemacht. Und nicht nur das, sie alle sind mit ganzem Herzen dabei, gehen ständig die Extrameile und sind ständig in herzlichem Kontakt mit allen. Der Ort ist fantastisch, das Personal im Hotel immer freundlich und zuvorkommen und beim Essen wird jeder Extrawunsch mit einem Lächeln erfüllt. Wenn du Panama mit vollem Herzen und einem Lächeln verlassen möchtest - buche Valuaa 😊
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Tripadvisor  
 
  
 
 
 Ashley 
 
 
 
 Verified 
Surf & Yoga Retreat - an incredible experience!
I have nothing but praise and gratitude for the entire experience and team at Waluaa Surf & Yoga. This retreat was beyond my expectations and a trip I will remember forever! The communication, organization and genuine hospitality from everyone was incredible. Everyone kept us well informed and prepared the entire week and was the perfect balance of activity and downtime. The accommodations were comfortable, the SC Hotel and views were beautiful, the food was delicious and plentiful and accommodated individual dietary requirements. The patience, guidance and enthusiasm from Javier & Jose, our surf instructors, was beyond and had our group up on the boards on Day 1. I feel incredibly lucky to have learned from them as a first time surfer and appreciated how comfortable and encouraging they made us feel. Elena & Becky, our retreat manager, co-host & yoga teachers were excellent and the pace and energy of class was exactly what we needed on those days. Elena was personable and connected the group (that all just met) together by asking about our stories and sharing her experiences that made our time together feel welcomed, warm & friendly. I have no regrets and look forward to coming back in the near future! Much gratitude and thanks to Elena, Becky, Javier, Jose, Alex & Vickie and everyone at the SC Hotel!
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Tripadvisor  
 
  
 
 
 Sageandsydney 
 
 
 
 Verified 
5 stars for a reason
It's a 10/10 experience. Read all the reviews to know why to book ASAP. Everything was taken care of with authentic kindness and thoughtfulness. I traveled with my college grad daughter who also says it was a 10/10 experience. The owners, staff, and excursions were beyond our expectation. Our group of 4 was seredipitously perfect. Thank you to our host Elena who genuinely is one of the most interestingly fantastic person you can meet. Yoga was amazing with Becky and Elena. We both had a deep tissue massage with Becky that was exceptional. Next time I am trying the Thai massage with Elena! Accommodations on the ocean front property were magnificent. Food was accommodated to dietary restrictions and also delicious. Surf lessons by the best instructors Javier and Jose! I originally signed up for just yoga decided to give it a try and it was the best decision. They have you up and surfing having fun smiling and wanting to surf more. Highly recommend you say YES and GO!
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Tripadvisor  
 
  
 
 
 Julia O 
 
 
 
 Verified 
Just book it! I can't wait to go back.
What an amazing week! I did the surf and yoga retreat at the oceanfront location and it exceeded every expectation. Surfing – 10/10 I’ve been around surfers my whole life but never found the right moment to learn—until now. At 33, I’ve officially caught the surfing bug. Javier and Jose were phenomenal instructors; I improved every single day, and nothing beat the feeling of catching a wave to cheers from new friends. Yoga & Mindfulness – 10/10 Elena and Gayle were incredible. They continuously checked in, adjusted the practice to the group’s needs, and created such a supportive atmosphere. I arrived with hip pain and left feeling amazing. Elena’s Thai/Swedish-style massage was one of the best I’ve ever had, and Gayle’s hypnotherapy session for motion sickness felt like a deeply calming guided meditation. Hotel & Location – 10/10 The hotel staff—and even the owner—were wonderful. Service was quick and thoughtful, the food was fantastic, and the town itself is truly special. We loved walking to Panachocolat and picking up bracelets from a local shop. I’d been eyeing this retreat for a long time and kept putting it off—let this be your sign to just book it. I barely touched my phone and never once felt bored. I left Santa Catalina thinking, What a magical week. I can absolutely see myself coming back.