Transformational Surf & Yoga Retreat in Panama: Real Guest Stories from Waluaa
Life moves fast, and it’s easy to lose yourself in the noise of work, screens, and routine. Days blur together, and the small moments of stillness or adventure can feel impossible to find. That’s where Waluaa Surf & Yoga Retreat in Panama comes in. Nestled between the jungle and the Pacific Ocean, Waluaa gives guests space to breathe, to move, and to reconnect—with themselves, with nature, and with a community of like-minded travelers.
At Waluaa, each day unfolds naturally, blending movement, adventure, and reflection in ways that feel intuitive and inspiring. Some mornings may begin with yoga or meditation, afternoons might be spent surfing or exploring nearby Coiba, and evenings offer time to relax, connect with others, or simply take in the sunset. Every day is different, but every moment is designed to help guests slow down, recharge, and experience the rejuvenating power of surf, yoga, and nature.
For many, this combination becomes more than just a holiday—it’s a turning point.
Meet the Guests Who Found More Than Waves
‘Nourished, Grounded, and Grateful’
Charishma K came to Waluaa looking for an adventure and left with memories that she says will stay with her forever. “Waluaa Surf and Yoga was one of the best organized retreats I have ever attended,” she shared. Everything from the surf instruction to the yoga classes felt thoughtful, personal, and inspiring.
Surfing was completely new to Charishma, but thanks to the small group sizes—just two surfers per instructor—she received constant guidance, video feedback, and encouragement. The coaching paid off: “It was my first time surfing, and I was able to stand up and stay standing on the board on Day 1!”
Yoga was just as impactful, with teachers who each brought their own unique style. Charishma described every session as grounding and nourishing, the perfect balance to her time in the water.
What stood out most, though, was the heart behind the retreat. Vickie, Waluaa’s founder, went out of her way to make sure every detail of Charishma’s trip was personalized. “She was so accommodating to last-minute changes and always found a solution, no matter how challenging the request was. And most importantly, she always did it with a smile. She has a huge heart and just wants her travelers to have the best experience possible.”
Charishma left grateful, inspired, and already dreaming of her return. “Can’t wait to go back!” she wrote—a sentiment we hear often at Waluaa.
Guests enjoying a fresh dinner at Tropical Villas property
‘Each Time I Try - It’s Progress’
Bill had always dreamed of surfing, but he admits the idea felt like a challenge—especially starting later in life. After researching different surf camps, he chose Waluaa Surf & Yoga Retreat, and what he found was more than lessons in the water. “The whole experience—you don’t have to think. You show up, activities are planned, your meals are planned. And it flows. It’s so well planned out. The staff is fantastic, they are beautiful people, and you leave with such a warm and emotional feeling.”
The combination of surf and yoga turned out to be exactly what Bill needed. Surfing pushed him to try something completely new, while yoga balanced and strengthened his body in ways that made the challenge possible. “It’s the perfect combination,” he shared, “to make sure you leave here like you did something personal, but also accomplished something challenging.”
Bill arrived as a complete beginner, and his goal was simple: stand up on the board. For the first few days, it felt impossible. Then on the fourth day, everything shifted. Sergio encouraged him to relax and laugh at the failures, reminding him that progress is progress, no matter how small. Jose even gave his board “good luck.” That very next wave, Bill stood up and rode it all the way to shore.
“It was the most fantastic feeling I’ve had in a long time,” he said. “It beats skiing knee-deep in powder for me. Feeling the board under my feet, the wave moving me—I’ll never forget it. Without Sergio, Casey, and Jose, I wouldn’t have done it, and I’m eternally grateful for their positivity and coaching.”
We’ll never forget you, Bill! Hope to see you back here again, soon.
📍 Waluaa Surf & Yoga Retreat - Tropical Villa
‘There Is True Magic Here’
From Edinburgh, Scotland, Banane S made the journey all the way to Santa Catalina—and calls booking a Waluaa retreat “one of the best decisions you will ever make.”
Arriving as a complete beginner to surfing, they left feeling supported, invigorated, and empowered. The surf lessons were described as wonderful, but what stood out even more was the spirit of the place: “Waluaa is a deeply human experience—crafted with real care, and full of Panamanian soul.”
Every detail added to the magic: incredible food, a warm atmosphere, yoga that balanced out the days on the water, and a team that felt more like family than staff. “The Waluaa surf and yoga retreat is a life-changing experience,” they wrote. “There is true magic here… you will see and feel things that will stay with you forever.”
Santa Catalina itself became part of the story. Though the trip required a long journey, the reward was a village full of life, warmth, and character—a perfect backdrop for a retreat that left them with memories and feelings they’ll never forget.
📍 Waluaa Surf & Yoga Retreat - Classic Oceanfront
The Waluaa Way
Surf and yoga balance each other perfectly: surfing teaches courage, patience, and surrender to the ocean; yoga cultivates strength, mindfulness, and inner calm. At Waluaa, this combination becomes transformative.
Every element of the retreat is designed with intention:
Small surf groups so each guest feels safe and supported.
Daily yoga to restore, energize, and deepen connection.
Nature immersion—from Coiba boat trips to jungle sunsets—that stirs awe and perspective.
Community living where strangers arrive, and friends depart.
Could This Be Your Transformation?
Not everyone comes to Waluaa looking for change, but almost everyone leaves with a shift—big or small. Sometimes it’s newfound courage, sometimes clarity, sometimes just the sweet memory of laughing in the waves with people who became family.
If you’re longing for a reset, Waluaa might be the place where it begins.
