Life is recess
Family Adventure Retreat
disconnect from the grind and reconnect to your family
Playa Venao, Panama
February 17-24, 2024
If you’re a family who needs a break from the Rise + Grind culture of modern life and the demands of day-to-day, then join us for this family adventure retreat to deepen your connection to each other and yourself
Picture this…
You wake up as the light peeks through your curtains, rising with the sun - the way your body is meant to.
Your family is still asleep - they needed rest after a day of play and adventure.
You quietly step outside your room, the sun is casting a soft pink and orange glow across the sky.
The air is warm and humid, carrying with it the scent of salt water and the gentle sound of waves crashing on the shore.
You walk barefoot across the grass, past the swimming pool, to the restaurant where hot coffee is waiting for you on the bar.
You fill your cup and walk to the sand, taking a moment to yourself before the rest of the retreat wakes.
A few minutes later, you hear your kids running across the sand to greet you.
You share your first hug of the morning and sit on the bench and watch the tide roll in and out.
As you all draw in the sand with sticks you feel a deep sense of connection to your kids and gratitude washes over you.
You’re intentional about capturing this moment for your memory bank.
Your partner heads out for their first surf lesson of the day with 4 of the other parents, so you and your kiddos grab breakfast together - you share the blueberry pancakes, fresh fruit smoothie and fruit bowl full of local fruits.
After breakfast is meditation and yoga. You did the same class solo yesterday so you invite your kids to join you.
You walk leisurely over to the studio where the instructor guides you through a series of asanas that make you all feel strong and energized.
You’re pinching yourself to get to share this experience with your children.
Later today, your kids have surf lessons with 5 of their new friends, you’ll all participate in a “Creating Family Core Values” Workshop, and tonight is Parents’ Night Out!
You’re going to try the Mediterranean restaurant with your partner while your kids play games, have a pizza party and watch a movie under the stars.
You’re excited for a chance to connect with your partner and explore this new place, knowing that your kids are in good hands and they’re creating their own core memories!
Why should you say yes?
During this retreat, you get to just show up and say YES to the things you want to!
We’ve taken all the stress of organizing family travel out of this trip for you by arranging all the travel details and curating a trip with activities we know you’ll love!
You get to spend your energy on playing with your kids, on connecting with yourself and each other, and on growing by getting out of your comfort zone.
Your days will be filled with meaningful connection and fun adventures designed for families!
You’ll be amazed at how low your screen time on your phone is…
Playa Venao, Panama
your retreat destination
Right at the center of Playa Venao is a beautiful 3km long crescent-shaped beach considered the one of the best surf spots in Panama.
The jungle beautifully fuses with the sea to create a lush, barely-touched landscape of rolling green hills and a year-round supply of waves suitable for all skill levels (our 3 year old learned to surf here!)
Beach break Surf Camp
Beach Break Surf Camp located in Playa Venao is owned and operated by lifelong surfers who love to share their passion for the waves with others.
We spent 12 months traveling throughout Central America and when we arrived at Beach Break we instantly felt at home and at ease! The team at Beach Break became fast friends and nearly family. We spent 10 days there and when it was time for us to leave, my oldest daughter Lennox said, “We can’t leave! These people are our family now!”
Beach Break Surf Camp is the perfect place for families who want to enjoy a laid back beach vibe and world class surf just steps from their room.
It’s the type of place where kids can roam independently through the property and parents can rest easy knowing that the team and other guests will keep an eye on them!
About Us
We’re Alicia, Kris, Lennox (6) and Ellis (4).
In 2022, we sold our home in Seattle and all our things and quit our corporate jobs to pursue a life of travel and family connection.
We’ve traveled through Central America for the past year and we’ve fallen in love with Panama (we know you will too!)
Our hearts beat for meaningful connection with people from all over the world, watching our kids (and ourselves!) grow and learn as they take on new life experiences, and having a much fun as possible!
We have curated an incredible week based on our favorite memories as a family and we can’t wait to share them with you!
Life is Recess Values
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In the hustle and bustle of life, play often gets lost. We sometimes forget. that PLAY is the kid version of work (we could learn a lot from them, eh?). This week will invite play seamlessly into your days in a natural and fun way.
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There is no deeper connection than the one build on spending time together through shared activities: surf, movement, adventure, and relaxing together will deepen you connection to one another.
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Our hearts have grown 3x their size since we embarked on our year of travel. And we’ve learned more about what we are capable by getting out of our comfort zone and choosing trust and faith over fear! You’ll be amazed at how you grow this week!
Retreat Benefits
You’ve prioritized and invested in what matters most: time + family.
You’ve created lifelong memories while deepening your connection as a family.
You have explored an off the beaten path destination and gotten to connect deeper to nature and so much of what Panama has to offer.
You’ve learned new skills, tried new things, gotten out of your comfort zone and grown, together!
You’ve laughed + played together more than you have in years!
You’re taking back new ways to connect with each other in your day-to-day.
You’ve made new like-minded friends and are expanding your global network!
The Bonuses
Retreat WhatsApp Group – so we can connect pre-trip (you can ask questions and receive update-to-date trip info) and then we’ll stay connected post-trip – and of course swap photos!
Pre-Trip Group Zoom Call – a fun opportunity to meet everyone in the group, share your intentions/hopes and discuss how to get ready for the journey!
Welcome Basket in your room with your family’s favorite snacks, our must-have travel items, and inspiration for family connection.
What’s Included
1st Night at The Executive Hotel In Panama City
5 Nights at Beach Break Surf Camp in Playa Venao
All Ground transportation
Daily Breakfast at Beach Break Restaurant
2 Community dinners at Beach Break Restaurant
5x Surf Camp Lessons (including 2 hours of high quality instruction per day including theory, in-water, and video analysis. Open to all levels of experience!)
Daily Muay Thai, Fitness, & Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Classes for Kids and Adults
Daily Yoga and Movement for Adults, for Kids, and for Everyone!
Complete photo and video package of surfing and jiu jitsu sessions to take home and share with family and friends.
Daily Transformational Workshops lead by Alicia (Creating Your Family Bucket List, Discover Your Family Core Values, Vision + Goals, and more!)
Childcare for 1 Parents Night Out
Our on site photographer will be snapping photos of your family all week so that you can leave your phone in the room and simply ENJOY (+ get to be IN your family vacation photos)-
What’s Not Included
Airfare to Tocumen International Airport (Panama City)
Lunches*
3 dinners*
Alcoholic beverages*
Additional excursions (sea turtle conservation, Homestead finca, Zip lining, sunset horseback ride, and more!)
Additional Childcare (available for hire)
Optional Night in Panama City on 2/23/24
Required Travel Insurance
Family Photo Mini Session
*all inclusive package available at $125 per person for the week at Beach Break
additional Excursions
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In partnership with Tortugas Playa Venao, your family will learn about about the importance of protecting sea turtles by getting hands on - you may even get to be a part of a baby turtle release!
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Experience a beautiful guided ride along the beaches of Panama's Pacific coast.
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Alicia’s favorite place in Panama, Terracotta Studio, will host classes for those interested - macrame, natural soaps, ceramics.
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You’ll visit a homestead finca to learn about homestead practices to take back home and harvest your own lunch!
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Experience the wonder and nature that surround Playa Venao. Paddle through the mangroves on either SUP or Kayak before arriving to Isla Cañas.
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Cañas Jungle adventure park is home to 7km of zip lines, nature hikes and a beautiful view of the Cañas valley.
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Amazing fishing all year round! Come see why the Azuero Peninsula is called "The Tuna Coast". Ocean charter trips can be booked at Beach Break Surf Camp reception.
Room Selection
Simple, clean, beach comfort. All rooms are beachfront (walk out of your door, and into the waves!) and come equipped with a private bathroom, hot water, air conditioning, and Wi-Fi. Communal kitchen for cooking meals together and food storage.
family of 2
Perfect for a parent/child, grandparent/grandchild, uncle/nephew. This room has one full bed, and one twin bed.
2 AVAILABLE
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A/C, Wifi, Hot Water, Towels, desk, clothing storage, hammock, outdoor seating
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A communal kitchen for prepping and cooking your own meals and 3 industrial refrigerators for your own food storage.
family of 3
Perfect for a family of 3 with a queen bed and a twin bed.
2 AVAILABLE
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A/C, Wifi, Hot Water, Towels, desk, clothing storage, hammock, outdoor seating
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A communal kitchen for prepping and cooking your own meals and 3 industrial refrigerators for your own food storage.
family of 4
This room has a full bed, and two twin beds OR bunk beds. Perfect for a family of 4.
2 AVAILABLE
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A/C, Wifi, Hot Water, Towels, desk, clothing storage, hammock, outdoor seating.
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A communal kitchen for prepping and cooking your own meals and 3 industrial refrigerators for your own food storage.
family of 5
A full bed, a twin bed, and a bunk bed. We have ONE of these rooms available so book fast!
1 AVAILABLE!
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A/C, Wifi, Hot Water, Towels, desk, clothing storage, hammock, outdoor seating
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A communal kitchen for prepping and cooking your own meals and 3 industrial refrigerators for your own food storage.
flight Parameters
Your arrival into Tocumen International Airport (PTY) is Saturday, February 17, 2024.
Direct flights to/from the U.S. include: Miami, Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, Boston, New York (JFK), Houston, Dallas/Fort Worth, Atlanta, Chicago O´Hare, Los Angeles, Washington Dulles and Las Vegas. Canadian cities Montreal and Toronto have direct flights to Panama City.
If you arrive to PTY before 3pm in the afternoon, please join us for dinner near The Executive. Hotel!
Return date: Saturday, February 24, 2024.
The Executive Hotel provides complementary shuttle transportation to PTY throughout the day.
If you choose to make other accommodations for your final night in Panama, you are responsible for your transportation to PTY for your flight.
Once you have secured your flights, please forward your flight confirmation email itinerary to alicia@integratewell.co.
Cancellation Policy
Your deposit is non-refundable. Your deposit is transferable to another person for the same retreat subject to approval.
We reserve the right to cancel the trip if it does not meet minimum registration. It is highly unlikely this will happen, but if it does, your payment is refunded in full.
We reserve the right to determine if you are a good fit for this trip (if not, your deposit will be refunded in full).
Reservations made after December 16th, 2023 must be paid in full.
Passport + Covid entry Requirements
You must have a valid passport to travel to Panama. Please check your passport expiration date and make sure it is valid for at least 3 months after the end date of your retreat.
Currently, there are no COVID testing or vaccination requirements to enter Beach Break Surf Camp or Panama.
See more detailed info here: https://pa.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/
We will keep you posted if this changes prior to your retreat. However, registrants are personally responsible for complying to local laws, at their own expense. Such expenses may include, but are not limited to:
Proving adequate vaccination status
Providing a negative PCR test(s)
Showing proof of travel insurance
Required Travel Insurance
The purchase of travel insurance is required for this trip.
You are free to select your own policy provider.
We have a relationship with Kayleigh at We Shell Travel. You can contact Kayleigh at kayleighshelltravel@gmail.com for a quote and are not obligated to use Kayleigh's services, but will be required to provide proof of insurance before our retreat.
Most policies protect you against potential trip delays or cancellations due to airline issues, family emergencies, illness, injury, etc. The travel insurance will also demonstrate to the host country that you are able to pay for any emergency services which may be necessary during your stay.
We strongly encourage you to speak with a travel insurance agent to discuss your specific coverage needs, and to clear up any questions you may have relative to travel insurance coverage, including questions about COVID-19.
Please make sure you purchase a plan that includes coverage for COVID-19 related trip cancellations and trip interruptions as not all do.
FAQs
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Life Is Recess was designed for families with kids ages 4-12. Kids older and younger than that can DEFINITELY join and will DEFINITELY have a blast too! Additionally, we are eager to welcome grandparents/grandkids, aunts/uncles/nieces/nephews, any family make ups!
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View a detailed itinerary here!
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We have traveled independently with our 3 + 6 year olds through Panama (City + rural areas) for months and have felt safe everywhere we went. Alicia will be in Panama City when you arrive and will be with the group the entire time!
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Don’t worry - we’ve got you taken care of!
When you arrive at Tocumen Int'l Airport, once you go through Immigration and Customs, a driver will be waiting for you with your name on a sign to take you to The Executive Hotel (~30 minutes). Once you arrive at The Executive, you can check into your hotel room, get settled and if the timing works, join the group for dinner at a nearby restaurant.
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Again, we’ve got you covered!
We've arranged for a coach bus to take our group from Panama City to Beach Break Surf Camp. The ride is 5 hours from city-to-sea, but it's worth it! We will stop 2x for bathroom/snack breaks along the way. The same coach bus will take the group back to The Executive Hotel after the retreat.
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Valid concern! We weren’t sure how our kids would handle it either.
Take it from us. We’ve been traveling as a family for a year. That means 4 countries and 18 different beds across 10 months.
We learned that our kids can handle more than we gave them credit. Travel teaches us all patience, resilience, regulation, and going with the flow.
Let your kids show you what they can do!
And we recommend and encourage you to do whatever you need to make the travel more easeful.
This is 100% a judgment free zone of devices and screens to ease the rides!
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You bet we can!
Gluten free/dairy free. Vegan, Vegetarian, Grain free.
Just let us know. We’ve got you covered.
If you or your family have allergies, please make sure you let us know!
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You will receive a recommended packing list 3 months before the retreat so you may start planning. But in general, it's a very casual and you’ll spend 80% of your time in swimwear!
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Reach out! I’m happy to answer your question!