Cala Mia Blog Archives

Advanced Hiking Trails to Take in Boquete, Panama

December 17, 2019December 17, 2019

Panama is a stunning country filled with breathtaking nature and incredible wildlife. To fully immerse yourself in the incredible natural surroundings the country has to offer, go on a hike. Home to some of the best hiking trails in Panama is Boquete, a breathtaking mountain town situated at the base of the Baru Volcano—the country’s…

A Basic Bird-Watching Equipment Checklist

December 6, 2019December 6, 2019

Many nature-lovers across the globe consider bird-watching a relaxing and enjoyable hobby. You can bird-watch with the naked eye, but being prepared with the proper equipment can greatly enhance your experience. Here is a basic bird-watching equipment checklist to help you prepare for your next birding outing. Binoculars Perhaps the most useful piece of equipment a birder…

Humpbacks are not the only whales in Panama!

December 4, 2019December 4, 2019

Whales in Panama are abundant, which is why Panama is considered one of the best places to see whales in the entire world. While you can find some species in both the Atlantic and the Pacific Oceans, the majority live near or visit the Pacific side of the country. Humpback whales are the stars of…

Coiba National Park is one of Panama’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites

December 4, 2019December 4, 2019

One of Panama’s most pristine destinations is Coiba National Park. The remote island of Coiba is the biggest island in all of Central America, with 121,822 acres (49,300 hectares). It is located in Panama’s province of Veraguas, but you can easily access it from the Gulf of Chiriquí, where Cala Mia Island Resort is located….

Try Scuba Diving in Panama’s Gulf of Chiriquí

December 4, 2019December 4, 2019

Are you curious about scuba diving, but not sure if you would like it? NAUI has a special program called “Try Scuba,” which allows you to try diving without having to commit to getting certified. Cala Mia Island Resort has the only NAUI Dream Destination Dive Center in all of Panama. Our instructor has many…

Sometimes you just need to be pampered. Everyday life and stress can take a toll on your health, causing you to feel tired, moody, and unproductive. If that sounds like your current scenario, then we strongly suggest that you hop on a plane and get a vacation massage at Cala Mia Island Resort in Panama’s Gulf of Chiriquí. We promise that our massage resort will leave you completely reinvigorated. Our spa is probably one of the most magical places in all of the resort. In order to get to it, you must cross a hanging bridge, since it’s on its own separate island. A small house is the only thing in this island, giving it a sense of privacy. Glass windows surround it, offering guests panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. Other spas might have to put a relaxing soundtrack, but we have the natural sounds of waves and birds singing in the surrounding trees. We offer complete serenity as you get your desired treatment. You know you are on vacation when the most important decision of the day is which massage you should get. Here are the vacation massages offered at Cala Mia Island Resort’s spa: Swedish massage This is the most common massage. It’s a gentle whole-body massage that provides relaxation and tension relief. Guests will be undressed with a sheet covering parts that won’t be worked on. Feel free to tell your therapist how much pressure you want and if you have a particular area you would like to receive more attention. Deep circular movements are combined with long strokes and kneading to help you relax, stimulating nerve endings and increasing blood flow. Aromatherapy massage Swedish massage can also be an aromatherapy massage using essential oil. As you are massaged, you will inhale the smell and absorb it through your skin. This reaches your limbic system, a part of your brain that influences the nervous system, promoting beneficial changes to the body and mind. These massages are good for people with depression, insomnia, anxiety, menstrual pain and other conditions. A wide variety of scents can be chosen depending on what property is desired. Chamomile and lavender are good for calming, while rosemary is energizing and ylang-ylang, rose, and sage are uplifting. If you are feeling congested, then perhaps you can choose tea tree oil, pine or eucalyptus. Deep tissue massage If you are an athlete or runner, or if you have a lot of built-up stress or chronic back pain, then a deep tissue massage might be right for you. This type of massage is similar to the Swedish massage, but it uses a lot more pressure, which can be painful. Relaxation is not the goal—only the start is soft in order to warm up the muscles. The therapist will then start going deeper, even using elbows or fists to reach the deep muscle tissue. If you have any injuries, make sure to let your therapist know. It’s common to feel a bit sore after this type of massage, so use ice or heat to help with the treatment. Therapeutic Therapeutic massages have many health benefits, including improvement of general health, disease treament, and injury rehabilitation. Your therapist will assess your current condition. Clients will explain in what areas they feel pain, how they experience it, and what caused it. Most people feel pain in their hips, shoulders, or back. This type of massage is designed to treat specific requests; it’s not like other massages that are the same for all. Hot stone massage This is a particular type of massage that uses hot stones, which are basalt river rocks. They are smooth from the current and great at retaining heat. Using a special heater, the therapist will heat the stones until they reach between 110 and 130 F. They’ll then place the hot stones on specific parts of the body, which can improve the energetic balance of the mind and body. The stones also relax the muscles, allowing the therapist to put more pressure on areas with problems without causing discomfort. Hot stone massages are recommended for people who suffer from anxiety, back pain, depression, and insomnia. Back massage A back massage focuses only on the person’s back. For many people, stress and pain accumulate in the back, which is why they might prefer to focus on just one area. Your therapist will go over the types of massages you can do and ask you how much pressure you want. This massage can realign back muscles, relieve headaches, reduce back pain, improve circulation, and counteract poor posture. Foot and leg massage Our feet are one of the areas of our bodies that usually feel sore, which is why a foot and leg massage is so pleasurable. Our body is interconnected, so this type of massage will beneficial for the whole body. Feet have reflex points, which are connected to our eyes, ears, spine, and even our organs! The muscles in your legs might be sore from doing outdoor activities such a snorkeling or jungle walks. A massage helps relax the muscles and stimulate blood circulation. Reflexology Reflexology is similar to a foot massage, but it’s more elaborate, since it also puts pressure on ears, feet, and hands. These parts of the body are connected to organs and body systems. Ancient Chinese believed that qi, which means “vital energy,” passes through all of us. When we are stressed, our bodies block this qi, causing an imbalance that leads to illness. The Chinese created elaborate maps that tell the therapist where to put pressure. More modern medicine confirmed this belief, finding that the skin and internal organs are connected to the nervous system. Reflexology can reduce pain, stress, and anxiety as well as improve your mood and well-being. Other people claim that it helps treat a wide array of health problems ranging from low fertility to arthritis pain. Cala Mia Island Resort is the perfect place to plan a wellness vacation massage. We also periodically offer wellness retreats that include yoga on our new deck, which overlooks the ocean on sunrise. If you are also looking to eat healthy or detox, please let us know when you’re booking. Our concierge will send you a questionnaire asking about your alimentary preferences, which we will be happy to accommodate. We look forward to having you relax with us for a few days in paradise.

Types of Vacation Massages available at Cala Mia Island Resort

December 4, 2019December 4, 2019

Sometimes you just need to be pampered. Everyday life and stress can take a toll on your health, causing you to feel tired, moody, and unproductive. If that sounds like your current scenario, then we strongly suggest that you hop on a plane and get a vacation massage at Cala Mia Island Resort in Panama’s…

Essential Whale Watching Photography Tips

November 26, 2019December 5, 2019

Seeing a whale breaching and frolicking in its natural habitat is an exciting and magnificent moment. As such, it’s natural to want to photograph the event. Doing so, however, poses a few unique challenges to prepare for. To get the best shots possible, consider following these essential whale watching photography tips. Keep your camera inside the…

Outdoor Activities to Do While on Vacation in Panama

November 20, 2019November 20, 2019

In addition to the vibrant culture and delicious cuisine, one of the most incredible aspects of Panama is the country’s stunning natural beauty. From sparkling waters teeming with diverse marine life to lush forests blooming with brilliant flora and fauna, there are countless natural wonders to explore. To fully appreciate the breathtaking scenery, make sure…

Romantic Activities to Do While on a Tropical Vacation

November 8, 2019May 22, 2020

Tropical destinations to places such as Panama exude romance. From warm waves crashing against soft sand to breathtaking sunsets blooming over jungle canopies, there is a dreamlike scene around every corner. While you don’t have to look hard to find romance in a stunning tropical destination, there are several particularly romantic activities to make your…

Essential Hiking Safety Tips Everyone Should Follow

October 25, 2019May 22, 2020

Hiking often provides a relaxing way to connect with nature, but it also comes with some risks. Whether you just started hiking or already have years of experience, nobody is immune to getting injured or lost while out on the trail. To help you avoid getting into danger while on your next hike, consider these…

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