Panama Glow Up | Women Empowerment Retreat

December 14-19, 2025 | Bocas Del Toro, Panama

 

Welcome to Paradise: Bocas del Torro, Panama.

This isn’t just a vacation. It’s a reclamation.

Glow Up is for any woman who's ready to step out of self-doubt and into her power—fully, boldly, and unapologetically. This one-of-a-kind retreat combines movement, magic, and fierce feminine energy to help you remember exactly who you are.

Led by Shelley Carroll of Dancing Dogs Yoga and DDY Travels, you'll experience daily yoga, intuitive ritual, and guided meditation to ground you in your body and spirit. But that’s just the beginning.

Whether you're navigating a life transition, craving deep connection, or just ready to shine—this is your space. This is your time. This is your glow up.

You’ll also be supported by an all-star team of women who specialize in helping you feel like the most radiant version of yourself:

📸 Jess Mynatt (@jmynattphotography) will lead two transformative photo sessions—one boudoir and one beach or poolside—to capture your confidence in full bloom.

💄 Dominique aka Chevon (@sochevon) will enhance your natural beauty with professional makeup that feels like you, only elevated.

💇‍♀️ Holly Griffin (@hollyhalina) will be on hand for hair styling support so you feel amazing from crown to soul.

Panama Home Away From Home

Dec 14-19, 2025 | Bocas del Toro, Panama

Stay. Our home away from home.

We’ve taken over the entire Island Plantation eco-luxury resort—because this container is sacred, and you deserve the whole damn place.

Located on the untouched Bluff Beach of Isla Colón in Bocas del Toro, Panama, Island Plantation is a jungle-meets-beach oasis made for barefoot queens. Think: Bali-inspired bungalows, open-air rain showers, canopy beds with breezy mosquito nets, and lush garden paths winding to the sea.

You’ll wake up to the sound of the waves, sip coffee under palm trees, and practice yoga poolside with the breeze on your skin. Yes, there’s a fully tiled swimming pool, an onsite beachfront restaurant, and yes—we have it all to ourselves.

Yoga at Island Plantation

We’ll flow together daily in a serene outdoor yoga shala or by the pool, combining Vinyasa, restorative, and intuitive movement rooted in the DDY style. Props are provided, including mats, bolsters, and blocks—so just bring your body, your breath, and your willingness to transform.

Glow Up Women’s Retreat

Dec 14-19, 2025 | Bocas del Toro, Panama

💥 Why This Retreat?

Because you deserve to:

  • See yourself as art

  • Travel with women who get you

  • Have your photo taken while feeling sexy AF, not self-conscious

  • Move your body in a way that heals, not punishes

  • Stop shrinking and start radiating

This retreat is your YES to joy, to embodiment, to being seen. It’s yoga, beauty, and sacred rebellion rolled into one week of sisterhood and sunlight. You’ll laugh. You’ll cry. You’ll glow.

💥 This Is For All Women

We celebrate every age, shape, size, background, and identity here.

Whether you're:

  • Reclaiming your body after motherhood,

  • Rediscovering yourself after heartbreak,

  • Embracing midlife or menopause,

  • Coming into your sensuality for the first time

You belong here. You don’t need to change a single thing. Just show up—and let yourself be seen.

Glow Up Women’s Retreat

Dec 14-19, 2025 | Bocas del Toro, Panama

Embrace Your Inner Goddess

This isn’t just a photoshoot. It’s a portal.

You’ll walk into this space as yourself—and walk out seeing yourself in a way you never have before: radiant, powerful, and fully alive.

✨ Jess Mynatt (@jmynattphotography) has a rare gift—she’ll help you drop the armor, shed the shame, and show up in front of the camera with presence and confidence. Whether it’s your first time doing a boudoir shoot or your tenth, Jess will meet you where you are and capture the real, raw, breathtaking version of you.

💄 Dominique (@sochevon) is a professional makeup artist who has worked with celebrities and everyday women alike. Her artistry highlights your natural glow—not hide it—and her calming, hype-woman energy will have you looking in the mirror like damn.

💇‍♀️ Holly Griffin (@hollyhalina) is your go-to stylist, hair whisperer, and confidence amplifier. She’ll help you feel polished, powerful, and ready to take up space—without needing to be anything other than yourself.

📸 Your Photoshoot Experience

Each guest will enjoy:

  • A full makeup application + light hairstyling

  • A private boudoir-inspired session

  • A second beach or poolside portrait session

  • A pre-retreat consult with Jess + the glam squad to help you plan your wardrobe, vibe, and shoot energy

Indulge Your Senses

Dec 14-19, 2025 | Bocas del Toro, Panama

Taste: 🍽️ Food & Dining

At Island Plantation, dining is an integral part of the retreat experience, offering a harmonious blend of local flavors and international cuisine in a serene beachfront setting.

🌅 BomBom Beach Club

Start your day with a delightful breakfast at BomBom Beach Club, served from 8:30 to 10:00 AM. Enjoy fresh tropical fruits, custom omelets, coconut pancakes, and gourmet coffee, all while taking in the stunning ocean views.

🌙 The Terrace

In the evenings, indulge in a romantic three-course dinner at The Terrace, Island Plantation's gourmet restaurant. Dinners are typically served from 6:00 to 8:00 PM, five nights a week, featuring a pre-fixed menu that changes regularly to showcase the freshest local ingredients.

🍕 La Pizzeria

Craving something comforting? La Pizzeria serves up authentic Italian pizzas from a wood-fired oven, offering a cozy and casual dining option right on the property.

🥗 Farm-to-Table Freshness

Island Plantation takes pride in using organic ingredients sourced from their own farm, ensuring that every meal is not only delicious but also sustainable and nourishing.

Included in Your Retreat Package:

  • Daily breakfast at BomBom Beach Club

  • 2 group lunches

  • 3 group dinners

Note: Additional meals, alcoholic beverages, and specialty drinks are not included in the retreat package.

This is Your It Girl Moment

Dec 14-19, 2025 | Bocas del Toro, Panama

Frequently Asked Questions

  • This retreat is for anyone who identifies as a woman and is ready to reconnect with their body, confidence, and radiance. No yoga, modeling, or travel experience necessary—we got you.

  • Absolutely. We welcome all women—cis, trans, and non-binary folks who feel called to this space. This is a supportive, celebratory environment rooted in empowerment, consent, and community.

  • We recommend flying into Panama City (PTY) on December 13, 2025. A block of rooms will be available that night for participants. On December 14, you’ll take a short domestic flight from Albrook Airport (PAC) to Bocas del Toro Airport (BOC). From there, it’s a 20-minute taxi ride to the resort.

    Note: Airfare and ground transfers are not included in your retreat package.

  • YES, you need a passport for ALL international trips. Please make sure your passport does not expire within 6 months from the end of the trip, as sometimes, you will be turned away. You are responsible for obtaining a valid passport. Make sure you check it as soon as you book!

  • YES! We can usually work with almost any dietary restriction, need, or allergy. If you have any questions, please reach out to us before you book.

  • Every trip is different, and we will send out a pack and prep list about 3 weeks before we travel with specific information. Always pack your passport, pocket money, medications, and sense of adventure!

    • 5 nights at Island Plantation

    • Daily breakfast

    • 2 group lunches + 3 group dinners

    • Daily yoga + meditation with Shelley

    • 2 portrait sessions (boudoir + beach/poolside) with Jess Mynatt

    • Professional makeup application by Dominique and hair style by Holly Griffin

    • Pre-retreat confidence + style consult with Jess + Dominique + Holly

    • Retreat swag + curated surprises

  • What’s not included?

    • Airfare (international and domestic)

    • Transfers to and from the airport

    • Alcohol or specialty drinks

    • Optional excursions or spa services

    • Travel insurance (required)

    • Tips for service staff (always appreciated!)

  • Totally normal—and you’re not alone. This retreat is all about helping you feel safe, beautiful, and powerful in your skin. You’ll receive a pre-retreat consult with your team to prep your look and boost your confidence.

  • Perfect. Many of our guests come solo and leave with lifelong friends. Choose a shared room and we’ll thoughtfully match you with another participant—or treat yourself to a private room for solo queen energy.

  • Yes. A $250 non-refundable deposit saves your spot. Flexible payment plans are available from June 15 through October 15, 2025. If you need extended financing, reach out for a link to apply through our BNPL partner.

  • At DDY Travels, we are committed to providing exceptional retreat experiences while maintaining fairness and transparency in our policies. Please review our strict but necessary cancellation and travel insurance guidelines:

    Reservation & Cancellation Policy:

    1. Non-Refundable Deposits & Payments – All deposits and trip payments are non-refundable. Your commitment allows us to secure accommodations, activities, and exclusive experiences in advance.

    2. Partial Future Travel Vouchers – If you cancel 90 days or more before the retreat, we may offer a partial future travel voucher, subject to resort/vendor policies. These vouchers are not guaranteed and may only cover a portion of your payment.

    3. Cancellations Within 90 Days – Any cancellations made within 90 days of the retreat are fully non-refundable. Please plan accordingly and make any necessary decisions well in advance.

    Travel Insurance Requirement:
    Travel insurance is required to attend DDY Travels retreats. This protects you in case of unforeseen circumstances, including trip cancellations, delays, medical emergencies, and lost luggage. Please purchase your travel insurance and email proof of coverage upon booking. We recommend Travelex Insurance or any insurer of your choice for comprehensive coverage.

    No Transfers or Refunds After Vendor Payments:
    Once DDY Travels has made payments to our vendors, we are unable to offer transfers or refunds, as those funds are committed. We appreciate your understanding of the logistics and financial commitments involved in planning these unforgettable experiences.

    By booking this retreat, you agree to these strict but necessary policies, ensuring that we can continue creating incredible journeys for our community.