Building La Chantin: My Journey to Playa Guanico

From a Life of Travel to Finding Home

After completing my studies in communication and event management, I had one goal in mind: to travel the world. South America had always fascinated me, and I felt an undeniable pull to explore its culture, landscapes, and people. The plan was simple—one year of adventure, starting in Ecuador and making my way up to Mexico.

The moment I set foot in Ecuador, I knew something had changed within me. I spent six months immersed in its beauty, followed by a full year in Colombia, falling deeper in love with the Latin culture. And then, I reached Panama.

I arrived in February, just before the world turned upside down. I got to experience one last vibrant Carnaval, soaking in the energy and joy of the celebrations. At the time, I was staying near the city, El Palmar, working at a surf school, fully dedicating myself to learning how to surf and discovering longboarding. It was an incredible time, but something started shifting in me—I was growing tired of always saying goodbye. The endless cycle of packing up, moving on, and building a new life in a new place had started to weigh on me. I craved roots.

Getting Stuck... and Finding a Dream

Then came the pandemic. Suddenly, I was faced with a choice: return home to uncertainty or stay in Panama, surf every day, and embrace a slower life. With no money but plenty of time, I chose the latter. It was a time of deep connection—with myself, with nature, and with the people around me.

During this period, I kept hearing about a place called Playa Guanico. " La Tia" kept telling me, "Margaux, you have to go. It’s so you. The waves, the vibe—you’ll love it!" So I went. And she was right. That was the beginning of my journey to Playa Guanico.

Guanico felt like home from the very first visit. It was raw, beautiful, peaceful. Then, I learned about a piece of land for sale. It wasn’t beachfront, but it had something special—something that reminded me of my childhood. I grew up surrounded by fields, with my father working as a farmer, and even though I had run far from that life, I suddenly found myself drawn back to something familiar. Ironically, I fell in love with both the land and a farmer here. Life had come full circle in the most unexpected way.

The Challenge of Building a Dream

Building La Chantin was one of the biggest challenges of my life. I was a 25-year-old French woman in Panama, speaking Spanish, trying to build something from scratch. Even in France, I wouldn’t have known how to construct a business—let alone in a foreign country with a different culture, different ways of working, and a completely new environment.

Hiring contractors, following construction progress, communicating across cultural differences—it was a huge learning curve. Here, things don’t always go as planned. You have to adapt, be patient, and trust the process. Materials aren’t always available, so you get creative. Schedules are flexible, so you learn to flow with it. It wasn’t easy, but it was fulfilling. Every challenge, every setback, every lesson only made the dream more real.

And it was all worth it.

Bringing La Chantin to Life : My Journey to Playa Guanico

La Chantin isn’t just a business—it’s a reflection of my heart, my experiences, and the people who have been part of this journey. The name itself means "home" in Panamanian slang, and that’s exactly what I wanted to create: a place where people feel at home, where they can slow down, connect with nature, and share moments with others.

The layout of La Chantin is designed around community. Every room faces the main social area, encouraging connection. We host events, gatherings, and surf experiences, creating an environment where everyone feels welcome. I poured my soul into every detail—choosing traditional materials, embracing the beauty of simple living, and letting nature be the main decoration. The tipis, the open spaces, the earthy elements—it’s all part of going back to the roots, to something raw and real.

Growing, Evolving & Embracing the Future

La Chantin is still young. We’re only in our second full season, and there’s so much to improve, refine, and develop. I’ve faced setbacks, made mistakes, and learned along the way. But every challenge has made me stronger, more determined, and more in love with this dream.

Now, as my life evolves—with my little family, my animals, my growing community—La Chantin continues to grow with me. It’s a place built on trust, on saying yes to opportunities, and on believing in the flow of life. This journey has taught me that when something is meant to be, everything aligns. You just have to listen, trust, and take the leap.

This is only the beginning.