Thanksgiving in Panama
— Mindful Gratitude Travel by the Sea
Rediscovering Thanksgiving Through Mindful Gratitude Travel
Thanksgiving isn’t just about turkey. It’s about pausing, noticing who’s beside you, and appreciating the everyday moments that often go unnoticed. At Bannaba Stays, we believe in mindful gratitude travel—a way of celebrating that centers presence, connection, and shared joy.
Whether you’re gathering with family, chosen friends, or the pets who never leave your side, our boutique homes across Panama offer the perfect setting to slow down and reconnect.
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A Quiet Story That Changed Everything
On a recent trip to a small town in Panama, I came across an elderly man and his German shepherd. The dog wasn’t the kind you’d see chasing waves or running with kids—his life was quieter, defined by loyalty and presence.
The shepherd was living with hip dysplasia, and in those final days, he could barely walk or eat. Yet when someone offered him food, he lifted his paw gently, almost like a handshake. It wasn’t dramatic, just a simple gesture that carried the weight of gratitude.
That moment stayed with me. It reminded me that gratitude doesn’t always show up in big celebrations—it can be a glance, a touch, or the quiet comfort of sharing space.
The dog never knew the joy of sprinting across the beach, but he taught me something bigger: we often have companions—human or animal—right beside us, and we let time slip away without truly sharing with them. The opportunity is there, but if we don’t take it, it fades.
Why Mindful Gratitude Travel Matters This Season?
For Millennials Seeking Meaning Over Motion
In a world of constant movement, millennials crave experiences that feel real. Bannaba’s retreats offer just that:
City style for urban explorers who want culture and connection.
Mountain air for those who crave quiet and cool breezes.
Beachfront bliss for barefoot mornings and sunset dinners.
For Families and Pets Who Belong Together
Our homes are designed to welcome everyone—including your pets. Because Thanksgiving isn’t complete without those who make your life whole.
A Thanksgiving Menu with a Panamanian Twist
Thanksgiving at Bannaba Stays isn’t just about tradition—it’s about discovery. Our mindful gratitude travel philosophy invites you to explore Panama’s culinary culture while sharing meaningful meals with loved ones. Here’s a chef‑inspired menu that blends millennial tastes, international techniques, and local ingredients:
Starter: Corvina ceviche with coconut milk, ginger, and fresh cilantro
Starter: Corvina Ceviche with Coconut Milk, Ginger & Cilantro
- Ingredients:
- 500g fresh corvina (sea bass), diced
- 1 cup coconut milk
- Juice of 4 limes
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- Fresh cilantro leaves
- Method:
- Marinate fish in lime juice for 15 minutes until opaque.
- Add coconut milk, ginger, onion, and cilantro.
- Chill and serve in small bowls with plantain chips.
Side: Mashed otoe (taro root) with olive oil and sea salt
Side: Mashed Otoe (Taro Root) with Olive Oil & Sea Salt
- Ingredients:
- 1 kg otoe (taro root), peeled and cubed
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- Sea salt to taste
- Method:
- Boil otoe until tender (20–25 minutes).
- Mash with olive oil and salt until smooth.
- Serve warm as a rustic side.
Main: Tamarind‑glazed turkey with cane honey reduction
Main: Tamarind‑Glazed Turkey with Cane Honey
- Ingredients:
- 1 whole turkey (4–5 kg)
- 1 cup tamarind pulp
- ½ cup cane honey (miel de caña)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp garlic paste
- Method:
- Roast turkey at 180°C (350°F) until golden (approx. 3 hrs).
- Mix tamarind, cane honey, soy sauce, and garlic.
- Brush glaze over turkey during the last 30 minutes of roasting.
- Serve with pan juices.
Vegetarian option: Warm guandú (pigeon pea) and kale salad with passion fruit vinaigrette
Vegetarian Option: Warm Guandú & Kale Salad with Passion Fruit Vinaigrette
- Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked guandú (pigeon peas)
- 3 cups kale, lightly sautéed
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes
- Dressing: ¼ cup passion fruit juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp honey, salt
- Method:
- Toss guandú, kale, and tomatoes.
- Whisk dressing and drizzle over salad.
- Serve warm with toasted cashews.
Dessert: Cassava flan with aged rum reduction and orange zest
Dessert: Cassava Flan with Rum Reduction & Orange Zest
- Ingredients:
- 2 cups cassava (yuca), boiled and mashed
- 1 cup condensed milk
- 4 eggs
- ½ cup sugar
- ¼ cup aged Panamanian rum
- Zest of 1 orange
- Method:
- Blend cassava, condensed milk, eggs, and sugar.
- Bake in a water bath at 160°C (320°F) for 45 minutes.
- Reduce rum with orange zest until syrupy.
- Drizzle reduction over flan before serving.
Pairings
- Dry white wine → ceviche
- Young red wine → turkey
- Artisanal Panamanian rum → dessert
Where to Find Ingredients and Pairings
Panama City (Historic Distrit, Cerro Azul, San Francisco…)
- Gourmet supermarkets: Riba Smith, Organica Store, Deli Gourmet
- Wine & pairings: Felipe Motta Wine Store, Riba Smith, Deli Gourmet
- Fresh seafood: Mercado de Mariscos
Pacific Beaches (Punta Chame, Playa Corona, Playa Blanca)
- Fresh fish: Deli Fish Panama.
- Wines & spirits: Super 99 Coronado, La Casa del Vino, Riba Smith Coronado, Felipe Mota Coronado, El Rey.
Chiriqui Highlands (David, Boquete, Volcan)
- Artisan products: Super Baru, El Rey, El Recreo Market, Organica Store Boquete.
- Fresh produce: Mercado de David, Boquete organic fairs, Super Baru, El Rey.
- Wine & pairings: Felipe Motta Wine Store Boquete, City Mall market David, Berard Volcan.
What Makes Bannaba Stays Different?
- Pet-friendly properties with clear policies and thoughtful amenities.
- Designer interiors that blend tropical warmth with modern comfort.
- Flexible layouts for multigenerational gatherings or friend escapes.
- Local experiences curated for connection: hikes, beach picnics, and shared meals.
How to Celebrate Mindful Gratitude Travel at Bannaba
- Create a “gratitude circle” after dinner—one line per person.
- Plan a pet-friendly activity: a sunrise walk or backyard play.
- Swap gifts that mean time: a printed photo, a shared recipe, or a promise to help.
Ready to Book Your Thanksgiving Escape?
Bannaba Stays offers limited availability for Thanksgiving week. Choose your setting—city, mountain, or beach—and bring the people (and pets) who matter most.
Gratitude Is a Shared Experience
The German shepherd’s quiet thank-you reminds us: gratitude is about showing up. This Thanksgiving, permit yourself to pause in a space that makes it easy. Bannaba Stays is here to host your moments—big and small—with warmth, beauty, and belonging.
Reserve your Bannaba Thanksgiving now — choose your setting and add pet-friendly filters at booking.
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