About Istmo Retreat
We're an educational travel company and retreat center founded by returned Peace Corps volunteers with decades of combined experience in education and international development. As Forum on Education Abroad members, we specialize in transformative educational programs and group experiences that foster deep connections with Panama's culture, communities, and ecosystems.
Nestled in the heart of Panama's breathtaking nature, we treat every guest—whether university students, retreat participants, or families—like part of the Istmo family.
Istmo Retreat was born from a simple dream: to create a sanctuary where families, friends, educators, and retreat hosts can come together to relax, recharge, and connect—with nature, with each other, and with the rich culture of Panama.
The name "Istmo" means isthmus in Spanish—a narrow strip of land that serves as a natural bridge between two larger landmasses. For us, it is a symbol of connection—a bridge between land and sea, adventure and education, relaxation and service, and most importantly, between people and the peace that comes from retreating into nature.
At Istmo, we’re not just offering retreats—we’re sharing our hearts.
The Istmo Retreat Team
Sean Davis
The Educator, Adventurer, & Founder
After serving in Peace Corps Chile and earning my Master's in Educational Administration from Lamar University, I spent seven years founding and directing an accredited international K-12 school in Panama, taking it from construction to full AdvancED accreditation.
I've designed and facilitated over 75 educational programs in Panama, working with universities, international schools, and youth organizations to create curriculum-aligned experiences that transform students. My Peace Corps network throughout Latin America provides access to authentic cultural exchanges and service opportunities that other travel companies simply can't offer.
Before that, I taught elementary school in Texas and led environmental education programs with The Peregrine Fund (yes, with a harpy eagle as my sidekick!). As a trained chef (ask me about my time in New Orleans kitchens!), I'm also passionate about crafting meals that celebrate Panama's vibrant flavors—whether I'm guiding a service-learning project, leading a paddleboarding trip, or planning your group's culinary experience.
There's nothing more fulfilling than seeing our guests unwind, learn something new, and leave with smiles on their faces.
Ayesha Davis
The Visionary, Planner & Founder
My path to Istmo wasn't planned, but it's become the adventure of a lifetime. With a Master's in Environmental Engineering from Virginia Tech, I spent over 15 years designing water and sanitation systems across Latin America for the World Bank, the Inter-American Development Bank, and international development firms.
My journey began as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Paraguay, where I learned that sustainable development requires deep community integration—a philosophy that shapes our educational travel company today.
My extensive network and professional relationships throughout Panama enable us to offer educational groups unique access to development professionals, engineers, and government officials who provide authentic perspectives on real-world challenges. Whether connecting engineering students with Panama Canal operations, arranging water system site visits, or facilitating meetings with development professionals, I ensure our educational programs provide access to real-world expertise that goes far beyond typical study abroad experiences.
Whether I'm coordinating logistics for a university program or planning a wellness retreat, I'm committed to creating experiences that go beyond surface-level tourism to deliver genuine learning opportunities and wonderful memories.
The Istmo Retreat Team
The People Behind Your Istmo Experience
Istmo wouldn’t be the special place it is without our incredible local team. We’re incredibly fortunate to have an amazing team of local staff, many of whom have been with us from day one. Whether they’re preparing your meals, guiding your adventures, or keeping your bungalow pristine, they work hard to ensure your stay is truly unforgettable.
Their warmth, dedication, and care are the heart and soul of Istmo, and they play a key role in creating the memorable experiences our guests rave about.
Forum on Education Abroad Member
As members of The Forum on Education Abroad, we adhere to the highest ethical practices and standards in international education. Our commitment to health and safety protocols, academic quality, and community partnership is formalized through Forum standards compliance.
The Forum is the U.S. Department of Justice and Federal Trade Commission-recognized Standards Development Organization for education abroad, ensuring that programs meet rigorous criteria for student safety, academic integrity, and ethical community engagement.
Our Commitment to Sustainability and Supporting the Local Community
At Istmo, sustainability isn’t a trend—it’s how we live. We believe that when you travel with care, your experience is richer, and your visit leaves a positive impact.
From the moment we opened our doors, we committed to:
Sourcing ingredients locally to support farmers and fishermen while promoting sustainability.
Reducing waste and practicing eco-conscious tourism to protect Panama’s natural beauty.
Collaborating with local artisans and communities to offer authentic cultural experiences.
Supporting local schools and community projects, ensuring your visit directly benefits our neighbors.
Programmatic Community Service
Unlike hit-and-run service tourism, our community partnerships are ongoing, programmatic initiatives with measurable impact. Through our decades of relationship-building in Panama, we offer educational groups the opportunity to contribute to established programs where their work builds on previous groups and enables future progress.
This programmatic approach means communities can plan around consistent support, impact compounds over time, and students see how real development works. Whether you're adding a service component to your program or building an entire service-learning curriculum, we work with you to contribute to established initiatives with measurable outcomes.
School Partnerships
Ongoing support for local schools based on teacher-identified needs.
Beach Cleanups
Beach cleanups in cooperation with the local municipality.
Water Security
Installing chlorination systems phase by phase across rural communities.
Marine Conservation
Sea turtle rescue programs with local conservation groups.
Whether you're planning educational travel for your institution, organizing a wellness retreat, or seeking the perfect family adventure, we'd love to hear from you.
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