The Rehab Retreat Built on a Leap of Faith

At Malachite Media, we help purpose-driven businesses grow through strategy, storytelling, and digital marketing that actually connects — not just converts. Along the way, we’ve met some incredible founders. But every now and then, a story hits different. It reminds us why we do this work in the first place.

Serenity Vista is one of those stories.

Founded by John and Jane Derry, Serenity Vista is a private, holistic addiction recovery retreat tucked into the mountains of Boquete, Panama. But long before the first guest ever stepped through their doors, John and Jane took a journey that would redefine what it means to follow your calling — and build a business that heals lives.

A Leap Without a Safety Net

John Derry was already successful by most standards. A clinical pharmacist and addiction expert in Canada, he had a respected career, decades of experience, and the security that comes with it. But deep down, something was missing.

He and Jane felt called to create something different — something deeper, more intentional, and more human than the institutional models of recovery they saw everywhere. So, they did what most would consider unthinkable.

They sold everything.

Homes. Cars. Belongings. The life they’d built. And they packed what was left into a sailboat.

With no blueprint, no business loan, and no “plan B,” they sailed south — battling unpredictable weather, weeks at sea, and even a lightning strike that fried their onboard electronics. It wasn’t just a change of scenery — it was a total transformation of their lives. And it took an enormous amount of faith, grit, and vision.

Eventually, they landed in Panama. And there, Serenity Vista was born.

A Place Where Real Healing Happens

Today, Serenity Vista is unlike any other recovery center in the world.

They offer 30, 45, 60, and 90-day programs for individuals struggling with alcohol, drug, and process addictions (such as food, gambling, or codependency). But what sets them apart isn’t just the panoramic views or the tropical climate — it’s the philosophy behind the experience.

Serenity Vista accepts no insurance, no government subsidies, and no outside funding. That’s intentional. It allows them to stay completely focused on what matters most: the healing journey of each guest.

They limit capacity to just four guests at a time, ensuring every person receives individualized attention from their team of credentialed North American counselors, therapists, holistic practitioners, and yes — even therapy dogs.

“We help people not just stop,” John says. “We help them stay stopped — with peace of mind and heart.”

The setting is peaceful. The environment is judgment-free. And the impact? Life-changing.

Families are mended. Relationships are restored. Generations are transformed. Many guests say their time at Serenity Vista didn’t just help them recover — it gave them their lives back.

Entrepreneurship at Its Most Honest

As a client of Malachite Media, Serenity Vista’s story is one we’re proud to help share — not just because of what they’ve built, but because of how they built it.

John and Jane didn’t follow a roadmap. They didn’t wait for conditions to be perfect. They listened to their intuition, embraced risk, and weathered real storms — both literal and emotional — to build something that serves others in a profound way.

And to us, that’s the heart of entrepreneurship.

It’s not just about business plans and marketing funnels. It’s about resilience, clarity, and a belief in something bigger than yourself. It’s about showing up every day to build something that matters.

Whether you’re launching a product, opening your doors, scaling your team, or pivoting through uncertainty — the journey is never easy. But it’s always worth it.

Stories That Move People (and Brands) Forward

At Malachite Media, we work with businesses across industries and at all stages — from passionate startups still bootstrapping their way forward to established brands ready to scale their presence and impact. But the thing that connects all of them?

Purpose.
Courage.
And a story worth telling.

We believe stories like Serenity Vista’s are more than just inspiring — they’re proof that values-based businesses can thrive, grow, and change lives.

Because people don’t just buy products. They buy beliefs.

They follow vision.
They respond to truth.

That’s why we do what we do — helping brands clarify their message, share it with the world, and connect with the people they’re meant to serve.

Learn More

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, Serenity Vista is a place where healing doesn’t feel like a system — it feels like a retreat.
Visit serenityvista.com to learn more.

If you’re building a business that matters — and want help sharing your story in a way that sticks — we’d love to connect.
Learn more about our services to see how Malachite Media helps purpose-driven businesses grow with strategy, content, and clarity that converts.