Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get to Prashanta Retreat?

Reserve your international air flight to Panama City to arrive the day before the retreat begins and to depart the day after the retreat ends.  You will need to stay in Panama City for one night before and one night after the retreat.

If you would like, we will arrange your transportation from Panama City to Bocas del Toro on one of the domestic airlines in Panama - Air Panama or Aeroperlas - at your expense.

Once you arrive in Bocas del Toro, you will be met at the airport and driven to Prashanta (4o minute drive).  If you have any questions regarding your flight to Panama City or would like to tour Panama City and the surrounding areas, we can assist you with your plans.  We can also assist you with your hotel and driver needs in Panama City.

What should I pack?

• Yoga clothes, sun hat,  bug spray, casual hot weather clothing including beach wear.  Bocas is very casual - shorts or sundress can take you anywhere.  Due to the high humidity, we recommend lighter fabrics that dry quickly.

• Biodegradable toiletries including sunscreen.

• Just your yoga mat - all other props including, blocks, straps, cushions, blankets, bolsters are available for your use.

• Rubber boots are great for horseback riding, hiking through the jungle or our farm (we keep spare boots at the house), sandals or flip flops take care of the rest of the day.  Reef sandals are needed for some of the beaches if you are touring however, Bluff Beach is all powder soft sand.

• The tour companies have masks and snorkels for use - but if you have your own, please feel free to bring it.

• Personal medications and any over the counter medications that you anticipate using.

Your regional flight from Panama City to Bocas del Toro has lower weight allowances for luggage than the larger North American airlines.  At this time, the maximum checked baggage per person is 25 lbs.  They will charge per pound for overweight luggage.  With my usual amount of luggage - the total varies from $15 to $25 per trip - please be prepared at the airport if your luggage is overweight.

Do I need a Visa or inoculations to travel to Panama?

You require a Passport that is valid for at least 6 months after your return date.  You will also need to purchase a 30 day visitor Visa for Panama for $5.00 - either your airline will sell it to you at the departure gate, or you can buy it  in the Panama City airport before arriving at the immigration desk.

Hepatitis A and B shots are recommended for most Caribbean travel.  The shots are not mandatory and your risk is very low while staying at Prashanta.  However, we leave this up to you to discuss with your Travel Medicine Doctor.

Some doctors recommend taking anti-malarial medications while in Panama.  We are comfortable being vigilant with our repellent and do not take these medications, but once again this is a personal decision to make with your doctor.  The mosquito population is very low most times of the year in our area of Panama.

What is the weather like in Bocas del Toro?

Bocas del Toro has a tropical climate.  The daily temperature ranges from 20 C to 35 C daily.  The climate is very humid and rain is common.  January and July are the rainiest months of the year.  Typically it rains during the night and short bursts during the day - but the rain is not predictable we can have weeks without it.  It is best to bring a "dollar store" type rain poncho as it is easy to pack and light to wear.  Historically, hurricanes do not occur in Panama.

Prashanta Retreat is built with the environment in mind - how does that effect my stay?

The retreat is located in a very environmentally sensitive beach front area.  Our water comes from the rain we collect and our power is generated from the sun.  We are dependant on the weather to provide us with our luxuries.  We request that all of our guests conserve both water and power to the best of their abilities.  Our intention is to leave a tiny footprint on our beach while still enjoying the amenities that we have come to appreciate in North America. 

Please ensure that all toiletries and sunscreens are biodegradable whenever possible.

I am fearful of living in the jungle, what can I expect?

Yes, there are many creepy crawlies in Panama.  However, we are located directly on the beach and we keep our property trimmed very short to deter them.  You will probably not encounter any really scary things (I am paranoid of snakes, and I have never seen one).  Depending on the time of year, we have many unique and fascinating insects around.  They are wonderful to watch and you will have less chance of bites than you do on a Muskoka holiday in the summer.  Our homes are fully screened and you can choose to have your room screens closed at all times.  During the day there is very little flying activity and we can eat on the outdoor deck without any problem - just try that during June in Ontario. 

When we first came to Panama, I was very fearful of everything and now I realize that was a waste of energy.  Common sense and open eyes will allow you to see all the amazing nature in this country without endangering yourself.

What about emergency medical care?

This is a real concern when travelling to remote places.  On our island, we have a local hospital that can attend to average injuries.  For any serious matters, evacuation to Panama City or David would be necessary.  We recommend making sure that your travel insurance is up to date and it is a good idea to check you policy for emergency air ambulance coverage.