I arrived at Panacea and wasn't sure what to expect, a wonderfully relaxing escape or an adult summer camp. It was my first time traveling on my own and I decided based on the reviews and Peter's responses to all my questions that I would give it a whirl.

There is something about the location of this retreat, and it truly is a retreat, that makes it unforgettable. My cabina had a view of the ocean and the sunsets were amazing. The walk up the winding paths to the cabinas offered a new adventure each time with inspirational messages left along the way from previous guests.

The yoga at 7am was the perfect way to start the day. I too was worried about waking up early but after the first day with Mary you won't want to miss it. Not to mention the wonderful breakfast Debbie prepares each day to provide the energy needed for the day's adventure. Or you may choose to relax at the Panacea with the talented Peter's reflexology, a hike up the mountain to yet another spectacular view, or just read a book and reflect.

As soon as my final day arrived, I was sad to leave but pleased as I assured myself a return trip. Panacea is so much more than a vacation spot. This is true because Peter, Mary and Debbie genuinely care about the wellbeing of their guests and it shows. Thank you thank you for the amazing time! I will return!

It had been a tough year and I needed a relaxing, healthy place to go for a week. Which is exactly what I got at Panacea. You may think, ugh...I don't want to get up for 7AM yoga. But, let this night owl tell you, you WILL want to! Mary is an excellent yoga instructor and starting off that way will truly make your day. After 7 mornings it was so cool to feel the change in and strengthening of my body.

Debbie is a terrific chef and everything was very tasty and super fresh. She also teaches a fun aqua class in the afternoon. Peter multi-tasks between being shuttle guy, the luggage brawn and the comic relief. Oh wait, he's a reflexologist too!

I enjoyed the peace of my cabina on the hillside with the beautiful sunsets. There are awesome views everywhere...a happy thing for a view freak like me. And, the animals are so adorable and amusing. There are presently 3 cats & 3 dogs there and I had such fun playing with them. Mamma Kitty is quite the affectionate one and likes to snuggle in someone's lap after dinner each night.

It's easy to imagine that the greatest testament of satisfaction is a return trip. And so, for me, it's not a matter if, but when. Happy New Year Deb, Mary, Peter and the critters -- I may see you at the end of this one!

I went to Panacea for the 2nd time in less than 1 year...and expected greatness. Most of the time when I expect anything, I get dissapointed. But, this was NOT the case. I went for the "spirit of yoga retreat" lead by the amazing MARY. And came home with so much more than I could have ever expected. There really is something magical about the people and the location. There is nothing I would change about my experiances at Panacea.
Just waiting for another chance to go back. If you are remotely into yoga...please please do yourself the favor of going to Panacea and taking a special yoga retreat.

I spent 14 days at Panacea in March and absolutely fell in love with the place, and the people. I booked it on a leap of faith since this was my first extended solo vacation and I really was looking to go into retreat. My experience there could not have been better.

The four other guests during the first week (with only 6 "Cabinas" it can never be too crowded) were a fun addition group and made for some fun meal-time conversation. What I found was that Panacea is the kind of place where you could be as adventuresome and social as you wanted, and peace and solitude was always just a few steps away. For me, it was the perfect combination. If you like waking with the sun, coffee and fresh fruit are available at 6am and then Mary leads the beautiful morning yoga sessions at 7. What a wonderful way to start the day and she is truly a gifted practitioner and teacher. They also provide reflexology and facials, and if you go, ask for a massage by Nyree, I promise you won't regret it!

After yoga is an always delicious breakfast. Note that the cuisine is vegetarian but I was served fish several times. Debbie is an out of this world cook and there's no better evidence of that than this hearty carnivore never missing once meats. Meal times are really a treat.

While there is plenty to do in the area, I was on retreat so I stayed close to home. Daily hikes up the mountain, time to write, meditate, and enjoying this beautiful sanctuary were plenty to fill my day. It was the peak of the dry season but the views were still lush and landscaping beautiful. The pictures on the web site don't do it justice.

And then there's Peter, Debbie and Mary, the owners. What a great team and sweet folks. For one week I had the great fortune to be the only guest in the place and they allowed for both solitude and great fun. They took better care of me than I ever could have asked for - always offering for me to join them for meals, sharing real conversations and friendship. They're simply great people who love what they do and every day invite guests to join them in the paradise they've built (and literally, they did build it) and make their lives in.

It's obvious that I loved my time there. The time and space made for a wonderful time for me personally, and both the mountain and the people (not to mention the four-legged friends) were really the "special sauce". Several years ago I stayed a bit north of there at the Four Seasons for a week. And while it's hard to complain about a Four Seasons, I truly enjoyed my time at Panacea more. What a treat - I'll definitely be back and I couldn't recommend it any higher!!