I really don't know what words to use to describe my overall experience and observations so I will try with simlicity. LIfe changing. Invigorating. Eye opening. Calm. Peaceful. Astonishing views. Food that you can't believe could taste so good and be ALL VEGETARIAN! : ). Hosts that make you forget that you aren't family.

I went here last minute, no recommendation or knowledge, never had I done yoga. I came to escape and let go of everday and find calm. What I left with was and remains so much more....more than I expected and more than I knew was possible. My head and heart and body are in a great place thanks to "The Mountain" and the people....never expected....ever!

The hosts give you space or they are happy to talk, share, explore, guide, etc., as you wish. Very available and kind and respectful. Practically invisible when you want your solitude and always present if ever a need.

The cabinas are clean, simple (thanks GOD), nicely situated in "The Mountain" - monkeys, birds, green, mountains.

The hammock is to die for!

Anyway - if you go to this region and you don't stop and stay here even for a night, you will have missed the best of the region.

This is a perfect getaway from the chaos of everyday living in fast-paced America. Set on the top of a mountain, Panacea helps you get back in touch with your inner peace. The owners have really mastered the art of hospitality. The cabinas are simple, but clean and comfy. They are set in different spots on a winding pathway, which affords some privacy. It took a day or 2 to get used to, but I'm sure you will appreicate the lack of technology as much as I did. No TV, cell phone or internet for a week turned out to be absolute bliss. In fact, it took some time to get used to the overstimulation when I returned to the States.

Mary's yoga classes are fantastic. She really takes the time to give individualized feedback and gave me a bit of advice on my form that changed my entire practice for the better. And trust me, in this lush rainforest, you will instinctually wake up with the sunrise, so 7am yoga is not an absurd concept. Not to mention the breathtaking sunsets.Unlike anything I've ever seen in my extensive travels.

Debbie's cooking is by far the best vegetarian food I have ever tasted. She puts so much love into every meal and she is so creative with her dishes. I felt so cleansed after a week with Debbie's cooking; all fresh, non-processed, non-fried. I was so happy to hear that they created a cookbook and was sure to pick it up before I left. Debbie shows you that vegetarian food can still be interesting and tasty. Debbie also performed an all-natural facial on me, which was great. I would never have considered the healing properties of everyday food products such as honey, oatmeal and avocado.

Peter is so sweet and he wears many hats at Panacea. He helps carry your luggage up to the cabinas, offers daily rides into Tamarindo, teaches the afternoon aqua aerobics and does the most healing reflexology. I was pleasantly surprised to find that a reflexology session can leave you feeling as relaxed and rejuvenated as a full body massage. Peter's water aerobics class is a lot of fun and a good way to get some PM exercise. Everyone participates and they keep the energy up by playing fun, dance music over the load speakers.

Peter, Mary and Debbie have done it right and succeeded in creating a truly relaxing retreat for guests. This was my first trip solo, as a female traveler and I felt 100% safe. They are so welcoming and warm, that I felt like part of their family after the first day. They have such loving souls.

*One thing that people may want to be aware of is that there is alot of wildlife around you. You are living in their habitat, so you are bound to have regular run-ins with lizards, geckos, frogs, grasshoppers, worms etc. This may take some getting used to for certain folks.*

If you are truly looking for a vacation without all the typical distractions..Panacea delivers.

Highlights (in no order):

1) No TV, limited cell phone reception, and no internet (*on the mountain). A whole week without being mindlessly glued to screen after screen after screen. No cell phone ringing at the breakfast table, actual dinner conversation (no option to Google the answer), and time to get lost in a good book (they have a mini-library if you left your Kobo at home!).

2) Safe for single female travelers. Deb, Mary and Peter make great recommendations for anything you might want to do on or off the mountain. They set-up both my transfers to and from the airport with a known driver (*on time and charming even at 4:30am!). Free shuttle to and from the beach daily. Night security on the mountain.

3) Debbie's Fantastic meals - breakfast, lunch, snacks and dinner. Always fresh, delicious and full of color. A week of organic eating and fending off the heat with water (which is actually safe to drink from the tap) was refreshing to say the least.

4) Yoga. Many other Panacea visitors have mentioned that you will want to wake up early for it. You will; I promise. Mary was always mindful of individual limitations while gently assisting in stretching limits. Form first!

5) Cabanas. The hike up to the cabanas is just enough to remind you that you've been taking the elevator a bit too often at home. Great views from right outside your front door hammock.

6) The hospitality. Peter, Deb and Mary were not your typical 'hotel front desk' hosts. Accommodating, laid-back and really make every effort to make your experience at Panacea memorable.

Cons:

You will not want to leave!

I went to Panance with 2 girlfriends in Feb to excape the cold and relax. We got that and so much more - outstanding yoga everymorning taught by a very talented yogi, Mary. amazing meals prepared by Debbie . Everyone was so helpful and accomidating without being intrustive. We had daily trips to the beach, they arranged a wonderful trip to the national park paulo verde to see wildlife and spent afew days lounging around the pool having reflexology, facials and massage. The cabainas are simple but clean and cute. the walk up the mountain kept us feelling fit. I loved this place.