Remote Is the New Black: Why Retreats Are Moving to Panama’s Pacific Coast

Groups and businesses that want to “think out of the box” often need to coordinate their downtime along the same thought process. Distant intimacy may be the perfect oxymoron, providing the right balance of detached connection or isolated togetherness.

That is one of the reasons Lago Bay has been a pioneer in developing the only airstrip in this central Pacific corner of Panama.

Don’t get me wrong. The Santa Catalina area, together with Coiba National Park, is a growing and thriving tourism region. It has to be—since it is consistently ranked as Panama’s best surf break, with Coiba Island offering some of the best snorkeling and diving in the country.

But with its proximity to Panama City and its comfortable isolation in the hinterlands of the country… well… it’s remote.

Why Retreat to Remote?

Humans need nature. Nature’s flora and fauna embody an innate creativity. With Panama’s diversity of life in a well-maintained setting like Lago Bay, retreats feel perfectly at home.

Landing at our airstrip and then unpacking in a spacious vacation home is a great start. With ample gardens, lakes, beachfront, and walking trails… remote just got very accessible.

Lago Bay has some of the best birdwatching opportunities in Panama. We’ve planted thousands of food-producing trees and stocked lakes with fish. A two-kilometer stretch of beach on our eastern property line and mangroves on our northern border help ensure a thriving bird population. Lago Bay is home to many fascinating species.

Coiba National Park is the real international attraction of the area. Coiba Island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with amazing marine life you simply can’t find near populated areas.

Coiba has only a handful of park rangers and scientists living across the chain of islands. As a former penal colony that transitioned directly into a national park, Coiba has remained largely untouched by development.

Given its beauty—and the fact that it is the largest island in Central America—that is remarkable. Coiba offers a stunning and private outing that represents high-impact remote.

On Panama’s Pacific Coast, two destinations are quietly emerging as ideal settings for group retreats: Lago Bay and Coiba National Park. Together, they offer a rare combination of privacy, biodiversity, and comfort—creating an environment where teams, creatives, and groups can disconnect from distractions and reconnect with purpose.

The Rise of Nature-Based Retreats

Modern retreats are designed to foster clarity and creativity. Organizers are seeking locations that provide:

• Space and privacy

• Reliable infrastructure

• Immersion in nature

• Opportunities for shared experiences

• A calm environment away from busy tourist centers

Nature has become a central element of the retreat experience. Studies consistently show that time spent outdoors improves focus, reduces stress, and enhances collaboration. For this reason, retreat destinations are shifting toward protected landscapes, coastal settings, and remote communities that offer authenticity rather than crowds.

Panama’s Pacific Coast fits this vision perfectly.

Why Panama Is Emerging as a Retreat Destination

Panama offers several advantages for retreat organizers:

• Easy access from North America and Europe

• Same time zone as the U.S. East Coast

• Political stability and modern infrastructure

• Affordable group accommodations

• Exceptional biodiversity

What sets Panama apart is its ability to combine comfort with untouched natural environments. Few places allow retreat groups to stay near pristine beaches while having access to one of the world’s most important marine reserves.

This is where Lago Bay and Coiba National Park come together.

Lago Bay: A Natural Base for Retreats

Lago Bay offers several vacation home sizes and layouts. Both Casa Blanca and the Lago Bay Townhouse have large gathering areas.

The rooftop terrace and large grill area at the Townhouse are perfect for group meals and meetings. The spacious dining hall and kitchen at Casa Blanca are also very popular with larger groups.

Learn more on our vacation stay page: lagobay.com/stay

Coiba National Park: A World-Class Natural Experience

Just offshore lies Coiba National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most biodiverse marine ecosystems in the Eastern Pacific.

For retreat groups, Coiba provides an unforgettable shared experience:

• Snorkeling and diving among coral reefs and tropical fish

• Encounters with dolphins, sea turtles, rays, and migrating whales

• Exploration of untouched beaches and rainforest-covered islands

• A powerful sense of scale and perspective

These excursions often become moments of collective awe—experiences that strengthen group connection and leave lasting impressions.

A retreat based at Lago Bay with a Coiba excursion blends comfort with exploration, creating a balance between reflection and adventure.

Take a look at our Coiba blog at: https://www.lagobay.com/post/coiba-island-panama

Practical Planning Considerations

For organizers considering Lago Bay as a retreat destination:

• Best months: December through April for drier weather

• Group size: Small to medium groups work best for privacy and comfort

• Transportation: Accessible by road or private flight

• Meals: Self-catering with concierge service or restaurant outings

• Length of stay: 3–7 days is ideal for most retreats

Lago Bay’s flexible setup allows organizers to shape retreats according to their goals rather than fitting into rigid resort programs.

A New Way to Gather

Remote is the new black—and retreats are redefining how groups come together by bringing people to places that encourage reflection, creativity, and connection.

With its quiet coastal setting and access to one of the world’s most remarkable marine parks, Lago Bay offers a destination your guests will never forget.

Saludos from Lago Bay!!!