Catalina's Hideaway

I’d give Catalina’s Hideaway more stars if I could. Ryan and Anthea have created an amazing space to relax, experience and feed the soul. From the moment we got there, greeted with cool towels after our long drive, we were cared for like family. Anthea, Olga and Nick—all the staff, really—went out of their way to make sure our experience surpassed expectation. I was there for an Embodied Leadership retreat but there were options to add various activities if we wanted. On arrival we signed up for what we wanted and had opportunity to meet with staff individually to talk over any questions. They went to work scheduling our requests around previously scheduled retreat activities. I feel I should mention there were 9 of us on this retreat, 9 lists of requested activities, some of which weren’t offered in the signup. The next day we were given our individual schedules. It was like the old-school Fantasy Island sans Ricardo Montalban’s judgment. (Anthea, Olga and Nick as a much preferred version of Mr. Roarke and Tattoo) Ryan and Anthea are very involved locally and have sought out and vetted the various service providers to work with in order to give their guests the best experience. We truly appreciated that involvement with the local community rather than the walled-off feeling of separation from locals one gets at some resorts. We did all the things! While I went to Catalina’s Hideaway on a retreat, my husband tagged along for the beach, surfing and he’d hoped for fishing. Surf fishing in Panama wasn’t what he was used to in Florida, he was a little bummed. We asked about fishing in the area and were given several options. Anthea called her son over at dinner one night to give my husband tips on fishing in the property’s pond, shrimp was provided for surf fishing and we were sent on a mangrove tour (the captain being a local fisherman who offered to take my husband fishing again any time). Oh—the food. You just have to experience this. Anthea and Jose absolutely have to put out a cookbook. We’ve only been home for a day and are already missing the food (and the space, the pool, the daily yoga, the weather —the whole vibe…) I’ve said a lot, I could say so much more but one really just needs to experience this place. Give yourself the gift Catalina’s Hideaway offer their guests.

We had a fantastic stay - super helpful and pleasant staff. Food was also very good. The resort also arranged our snorkel tour to Coiba and assisted in transport to the main road to meet our shuttle to our next destination. We would definitely comeback and recommend.