Act now to reserve your spot!
Travel Dates:
JANUARY 4th - 12th, 2018
Be sure to book your flight into Tocumen International Airport (Aeropuerto Internacional de Tocumen) anytime on Friday January 4th, 2019. From there, grab a taxi or bus to Magnolia Inn (in the heart of the Casco Viejo neighborhood), where we will have a room waiting for you (included in price of trip). At 9:30am on Jan 5th, we will provide complimentary transportation from the hotel to the retreat center. If you want to use our complimentary shuttle on Jan 12th, the shuttle will have everyone back in Panama City around 4:30pm, so be sure to book your outbound flight AFTER 6PM on Jan 12th*.
Otherwise, you're welcome to extend your stay & explore Panama!
*If you want/need to fly in/out on different dates/times, you are fully responsible for your transportation & accommodations. However, are happy to help you find information to book your ground transportation.
**NOTE: There a tourist tax of $30-50/person, so be sure to bring a little extra cash for that.
If you have any questions or concerns, email us balancedguitar@gmail.com or call our director, Ben at 646-295-5907
JANUARY 4th - 12th, 2018
Be sure to book your flight into Tocumen International Airport (Aeropuerto Internacional de Tocumen) anytime on Friday January 4th, 2019. From there, grab a taxi or bus to Magnolia Inn (in the heart of the Casco Viejo neighborhood), where we will have a room waiting for you (included in price of trip). At 9:30am on Jan 5th, we will provide complimentary transportation from the hotel to the retreat center. If you want to use our complimentary shuttle on Jan 12th, the shuttle will have everyone back in Panama City around 4:30pm, so be sure to book your outbound flight AFTER 6PM on Jan 12th*.
Otherwise, you're welcome to extend your stay & explore Panama!
*If you want/need to fly in/out on different dates/times, you are fully responsible for your transportation & accommodations. However, are happy to help you find information to book your ground transportation.
**NOTE: There a tourist tax of $30-50/person, so be sure to bring a little extra cash for that.
If you have any questions or concerns, email us balancedguitar@gmail.com or call our director, Ben at 646-295-5907
What are the fees, tuition, and payment methods?
The total price of the trip is $2800 per person for shared rooms / couples. The price is all inclusive except for airfare to/from Panama. All the rooms are shared (with you and one person), unless you would like a private room. We do have a few private rooms available for $3100. You can see more by checking out our ACCOMMODATIONS page.
The deposit to guarantee your spot is only $500. You can make your deposit (or pay in full 2800) via PayPay by clicking here *Once on PayPal's site, sign in or create a free account (takes 1 min). When prompted to select "Friends & Family" or "Goods & Services," be sure to SELECT "FRIENDS & FAMILY" to AVOID ANY FEES. All deposits are non-refundable.
After you make your deposit, be sure to fill out the registration form.
The price includes transportation to/from the airport, lunch on the way, lodging (single & shared rooms available), 3 delicious meals a day, prepared on site, free use of sports equipment, sunset hike, closing night bonfire, daily guitar, surfing and yoga classes. BONUS: You will also receive one private lesson with Richard Miller before and after the trip (either in person or via Skype) with your choice of teacher (Richard M. or Freddie B.)
The deposit to guarantee your spot is only $500. You can make your deposit (or pay in full 2800) via PayPay by clicking here *Once on PayPal's site, sign in or create a free account (takes 1 min). When prompted to select "Friends & Family" or "Goods & Services," be sure to SELECT "FRIENDS & FAMILY" to AVOID ANY FEES. All deposits are non-refundable.
After you make your deposit, be sure to fill out the registration form.
The price includes transportation to/from the airport, lunch on the way, lodging (single & shared rooms available), 3 delicious meals a day, prepared on site, free use of sports equipment, sunset hike, closing night bonfire, daily guitar, surfing and yoga classes. BONUS: You will also receive one private lesson with Richard Miller before and after the trip (either in person or via Skype) with your choice of teacher (Richard M. or Freddie B.)
Cancellation Policy
All cancellations must be made 90 days before the retreat (by October 3rd, 2018).
The deposit is non-refundable. Spots and housing are first come first serve.
The deposit is non-refundable. Spots and housing are first come first serve.
What do I bring?
Checklist:
•Valid Passport*
•Sunblock
•Swim suit (or 2)
•Guitar
•Yoga mat
•We'll provide the surfboards and wax.
•Bug Spray (We are going during Dry Season, so there won't be a lot of bugs to worry about. But if bugs bug you, bring spray).
•Round Trip Plane Ticket*
*return flight must be booked in order to enter the country
• IF YOU PLAN ON SNORKELING, PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN EQUIPMENT.
•Valid Passport*
•Sunblock
•Swim suit (or 2)
•Guitar
•Yoga mat
•We'll provide the surfboards and wax.
•Bug Spray (We are going during Dry Season, so there won't be a lot of bugs to worry about. But if bugs bug you, bring spray).
•Round Trip Plane Ticket*
*return flight must be booked in order to enter the country
• IF YOU PLAN ON SNORKELING, PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN EQUIPMENT.
Expectations of the Program
To get the maximum benefits from the program, students are requested to participate fully in the program. Many musicians feel like they are not "athletic" or "coordinated" enough to participate in programs like surfing or yoga. Some beginners feel like they're "not talented" or "skilled" enough to participate as a group. NOT TRUE! One of the aims of this course is to show that these activities can be fun and accessible to everyone.
If you do not know how to swim, we recommend you take swimming lessons before arriving simply to feel more comfortable in the water. The surfing lessons take place in shallow water where swimming is not required. If it turns out that you dislike one of the activities, that's okay too! There are so many wonderful things to do there (including relaxing). You know your body best.
If you do not know how to swim, we recommend you take swimming lessons before arriving simply to feel more comfortable in the water. The surfing lessons take place in shallow water where swimming is not required. If it turns out that you dislike one of the activities, that's okay too! There are so many wonderful things to do there (including relaxing). You know your body best.
Schedule
All activities encourage but optional
7:30-8:30am Yoga or Tai Chi
8:30-9:30am Breakfast
10:00am-12:00 Guitar/Music group class
12:30-1:30 Lunch
1-3pm Free time, practice, private lessons
3pm - Sunset Surfing, Siesta, Exploring
6-7pm Dinner
7-10 pm Open evening jamming
10pm - 7am Quiet Hours (sleep is key)
7:30-8:30am Yoga or Tai Chi
8:30-9:30am Breakfast
10:00am-12:00 Guitar/Music group class
12:30-1:30 Lunch
1-3pm Free time, practice, private lessons
3pm - Sunset Surfing, Siesta, Exploring
6-7pm Dinner
7-10 pm Open evening jamming
10pm - 7am Quiet Hours (sleep is key)
Extras/Activities
The retreat center has many activities such as $20 hour long massages, hiking, snorkeling, horseback riding, deep sea fishing, and of course, world-class surfing, boogie boarding, ocean swimming. You can arrange any of these activities with the concierge.
Is their WIFI?
Yes, we have complimentary moderate speed WIFI at our restaurant social area. Enjoy FREE Wifi, unlimited coffee, tea and filtered water. Plus enjoy free coconuts when in season!
How will we get to the retreat center?
After a good night's rest, we will have a shuttle depart at 9:30am in front of the lobby of the Magnolia Inn on Saturday January 5th. It's about a 5hr drive to the retreat center, and the knowledgeable, English speaking driver will stop for lunch, bathroom breaks and photos on the way.
Is there a pool on site?
Yes!
What is the currency in Panama?
The currency in Panama is the US dollar. Sometimes you'll receive coins as change in the local currency, the Panamanian Balboa. This is the same value as the US dollar.
Electricity outlets
All electrical outlets are the same as those used in the U.S.
Are there ATMs in Santa Catalina?
There are no ATMs in Santa Catalina, so best to grab some cash at an ATM when we stop at the supermarket on your journey into town. Our hotel has credit card facilities so if you do run out of cash we can help you with a withdrawal, but please be aware of small surcharge fee that will charged for each transaction.
Do you supply shampoo and soap?
We provide both shampoo and soap in each room, but we encourage you to bring your own favorite cosmetics for your use.
Are there restaurants or stores nearby?
Santa Catalina serves 3 family-style meals every day in our beautiful on site dining room.
What are the safety features of the property?
We have staff on throughout the day and night including guards who roam the property from sundown ‘til sun up. You can lock your cabin front door when you leave, and your belongings will be safe, but we don’t recommend bringing valuable jewels and the like to Panama.
Is the water potable?
We provide purified water at the restaurant and pool bar for drinking. Although you can safely bathe and brush your teeth with the tap water, we don’t recommend drinking a glass full.
How much do you tip in Panama?
10-15% is the norm for restaurants, hotels and bars. You don’t need to tip taxi drivers but be sure to agree your price with the driver up front.
Sounds great. Where do I sign up?!
To sign up, just fill out our registration form & we will follow up as soon as possible to confirm availability and request the $500 deposit via Paypal. (Payment plans are possible if needed). Invoice for the final balance will be sent 30 days before the retreat begins. For any questions, please reach out to balancedguitar@gmail.com or call Ben 646-295-5907. Thank you!
Is their WIFI?
Yes, we have complimentary moderate speed WIFI at our restaurant social area. Enjoy FREE Wifi, unlimited coffee, tea and filtered water. Plus enjoy free coconuts when in season!
How will we get to the retreat center?
After a good night's rest, we will have a shuttle depart at 9:30am in front of the lobby of the Magnolia Inn on Saturday January 5th. It's about a 5hr drive to the retreat center, and the knowledgeable, English speaking driver will stop for lunch, bathroom breaks and photos on the way.
Is there a pool on site?
Yes!
What is the currency in Panama?
The currency in Panama is the US dollar. Sometimes you'll receive coins as change in the local currency, the Panamanian Balboa. This is the same value as the US dollar.
Electricity outlets
All electrical outlets are the same as those used in the U.S.
Are there ATMs in Santa Catalina?
There are no ATMs in Santa Catalina, so best to grab some cash at an ATM when we stop at the supermarket on your journey into town. Our hotel has credit card facilities so if you do run out of cash we can help you with a withdrawal, but please be aware of small surcharge fee that will charged for each transaction.
Do you supply shampoo and soap?
We provide both shampoo and soap in each room, but we encourage you to bring your own favorite cosmetics for your use.
Are there restaurants or stores nearby?
Santa Catalina serves 3 family-style meals every day in our beautiful on site dining room.
What are the safety features of the property?
We have staff on throughout the day and night including guards who roam the property from sundown ‘til sun up. You can lock your cabin front door when you leave, and your belongings will be safe, but we don’t recommend bringing valuable jewels and the like to Panama.
Is the water potable?
We provide purified water at the restaurant and pool bar for drinking. Although you can safely bathe and brush your teeth with the tap water, we don’t recommend drinking a glass full.
How much do you tip in Panama?
10-15% is the norm for restaurants, hotels and bars. You don’t need to tip taxi drivers but be sure to agree your price with the driver up front.
Sounds great. Where do I sign up?!
To sign up, just fill out our registration form & we will follow up as soon as possible to confirm availability and request the $500 deposit via Paypal. (Payment plans are possible if needed). Invoice for the final balance will be sent 30 days before the retreat begins. For any questions, please reach out to balancedguitar@gmail.com or call Ben 646-295-5907. Thank you!