Are you seeking a break from the day-to-day grind? Do you have a dream of another way of life? Whether you’re seeking a month-long family escape or considering a full move, Panama checks a lot of boxes and we’ve met many ex-pats (with families) who took the leap.
Travelling around Pamana has really opened our eyes to the possibilities that exist for living our best life. We love how they all prioritize the quality of life, value the lifestyle Panama offers, and have brought their dreams to life while supporting their families.
Now, 3 weeks into our family travel adventure in Panama, we landed in Santa Catalina, Panama. We stayed at Catalina’s Hideaway excited to explore the area, surf at Playa Santa Catalina and meet Ryan and Anthea (and their family). It was clear to us as soon as we arrived, that Ryan and Anthea were living their best life, connected to the outdoors and thriving.
This immediately aligned with our values of quality of life and a lifestyle infused with adventure and the outdoors. This vibe is what made us feel so comfortable from the moment we arrived.
Meet Catalina’s Hideaway
We met Ryan and Anthea on Instagram and knew we had to check out their spot on our trip to Panama. With sustainability and nature connection at the core of their design, Ryan and Anthea have created a space to retreat, recharge and rejuvenate.
Ryan and Anthea fully moved to Panama with their family in 2019 to create Catalina’s Hideaway. They were both exhausted with life in Downtown Toronto and the rat race of the financial industry. Ready to prioritize time with their kids, focus on their personal wellness and double down on living in harmony with nature, they bought their 6-acre property in 2013. With a strategic plan in place, they worked hard for 9 years to dream and build Catalina’s hideaway into what it is today.
The Hideaway Experience
With many rooms and casitas to choose from, Catalina’s Hideaway is perfect for families and one of it’s best features. The accommodations are luxurious but not pretentious – elegant, nature-infused and peaceful, the sleeping spaces allow for deep rest and relaxation.
While staying here we paddle boarded the bay, drove to local surf spots like Playa Estero, and snorkelled in Coiba National Park. We also just enjoyed relaxing in the pool, participating in family yoga and learning all about the immediate area around Catalina’s Hideaway.
Pair all of this with some of the best food we experienced on our trip and it’s a trifecta of wonderfulness. Farm-to-table food, creative recipes and passionate chefs mean the food here is top-notch.
But it’s also more than just a place to stay, eat and play, it’s a place to connect more deeply with your family, reevaluate priorities and feel inspired to make your dreams a reality.
If you are considering a move or a long-term trip, Santa Catalina Panama could be the perfect place for you. There are plenty of opportunities for adventure and exploration in the vast natural expanse that is the country’s landscape.
And let’s not forget about the slower pace of life – something that can go a long way toward creating a more relaxed and stress-free environment. Whether you’re looking for a permanent relocation or just somewhere to get away for a while, Catalina’s Hideaway is an ideal place to come to experience what Panama has to offer.
Want to come to Catalina’s Hideaway? It’s just a 5-6 hour bus from Panama City via Sona. In Sona, switch buses or grab a taxi to Santa Catalina.
The benefits of longer trips or living in Panama
Panama offers a lot to those who are looking for a new place to call home or those seeking a longer-term trip. The lower cost of living compared to other countries means you can make your money go further, allowing for more time freedom and flexibility in terms of what activities you can pursue.
We opted to take a longer trip for our first international family adventure. The benefit of a longer trip is that you can reduce your costs. The longer you stay in a cheaper country, the less you spend and the more immersive it can be.
We chose 30 days for our long trip. This made it worth the 2 days of travel on each end as well as allowed us to rent out our home for the duration of our trip. This simple choice gave us a good budget for our adventure and allowed us to really get to know Panama.
Moving to Panama is exactly what Ryan and Anthea did. They created their plan, scouted the place by visiting a few times, and eventually moved their family of 4 from Toronto to Santa Catalina. We were very inspired by this idea of having a place in central America but also by their determination to create a lifestyle that supported their family first values and personal wellness.
What to do if you’re thinking about taking a long trip or moving to Panama
Thinking of travelling or moving to Panama? You’re not alone! Many people are attracted to the country’s beautiful beaches, vibrant culture, and low cost of living. But before you make the leap, there are a few important steps you’ll need to take in order to make sure you’re ready for that long trip or the big move.
By being thoughtful and taking these steps now before jumping straight into a long international trip or move, you’ll be putting yourself in the best position for long-term success once you arrive in Panama.
Living our best lives takes intentional steps, risk and bravery. Ryan, Anthea, Courtney and myself all heard comments from family and friends that going to Panama with our families was crazy. What we also have in common is our deep desire to live life on our own terms, do what feels right and ensure we have time to BE with our children now. If it takes a long trip or an entire move to a developing country to allow us that time, we are willing to do that.
