Author: Vickie Mogensen

By Vickie Mogensen, Co-founder of Waluaa On his first retreat with us, a guest from Toronto told me about the surf camp he’d tried in Tamarindo, Costa Rica, a few years earlier. He said the instructors were more interested in picking up the female guests than teaching anybody to surf. We laughed. Then I sat…

Is anyone else feeling a bit over all the wellness hacks? Every time I open my phone there’s a new one: sleep trackers, smart rings, step counts, cold plunges, mushroom coffee and a twelve-step morning routine borrowed from a podcast. I actually don’t do any of it. No ring, no plunge, no sleep score. But…

Think you need to surf to enjoy a surf retreat? Not at Waluaa. Non-surfing guests can enjoy the same laid-back retreat experience, from yoga and shared meals to pool time, nature, and local adventures.

Romantic getaways usually mean slow mornings and nice views. This one also means falling off a surfboard and laughing about it. Why a surf & yoga retreat for couples brings you closer, and how you can each still do your own thing.

The green season in Panama is often associated with heavy rain, but in Santa Catalina it looks very different. Warm tropical weather, passing showers, quieter surf lineups, and lush jungle landscapes are all part of this time of year — and for many travelers, it becomes their favorite season to visit.

Most first-time surf retreat guests share the same concerns before booking — feeling inexperienced, unsure about coming alone, or worried they won’t fit in. This guide breaks down those common fears and what the reality is like once you arrive at a surf retreat in Santa Catalina, Panama.

Looking for a surf and yoga retreat that feels more personal and authentic? Here’s a closer look at what makes Waluaa different — from small-group retreats and focused surf coaching to deep connections with the Santa Catalina community.

Bad waves happen. So do bad sessions. But neither has to kill your stoke. Here’s how to shift your mindset, stay inspired, and keep growing as a surfer—no matter what the ocean (or your mood) throws at you.

Getting to Santa Catalina doesn’t have to be confusing. From charter flights and private shuttles to public buses and rental cars, this complete guide covers all your options with travel times, costs, and insider tips — everything you need to plan your perfect surf, yoga, or wellness retreat in Panama.

Tucked just outside the surf town of Santa Catalina, Waluaa’s Luxe Yoga & Wellness Retreat offers a deeply restorative escape in luxury beachfront villas surrounded by nature. Designed for those seeking space to slow down, reconnect, and return to themselves, this retreat blends daily yoga, wellness experiences, nourishing meals, and optional adventures—all at an unhurried pace that lets you truly exhale.