Panama Surf & Yoga Reset: 6-Night Wellness Retreat at Sansara

The retreat runs for six nights, from 17 to 24 April 2027. You'll fly into Panama City (PTY) on 17 April, spend the night, and the next morning a complimentary air-conditioned bus picks you up from one of the recommended hotels in Casco Viejo for the five-hour drive to Sansara. The bus leaves at 9:00 AM sharp, with a couple of stops to stretch and use the bathroom. The driver, Romel, sometimes brings homemade empanadas from his grandmother.

Once at Sansara, the days follow a gentle rhythm. Morning yoga classes are held in the oceanfront shala, overlooking the Pacific. Breakfast follows, then the day is yours: you might take a surf lesson (one complimentary intro lesson is included), borrow a stand-up paddleboard or a cruiser bike, or join an optional excursion like a jungle tour or waterfall hike. In the late afternoon, there's another yoga class, then dinner. Evenings are free for stargazing, chatting, or resting.

The yoga is led by Jennifer Jarrett and Danielle Barbeau. Jennifer has been teaching since 2007 and has studied with Rusty Wells, Saul David Raye, and Stephanie Snyder. Her classes blend Bhakti yoga's heart-centred devotion with a strong focus on breath. Danielle began teaching in 2012 and is the owner of The River Yoga in Denver. She specialises in vinyasa and Anusara yoga and is also certified in pre/postnatal and children's yoga. Both teachers are known for creating a supportive environment where all levels are welcome.

Sansara is located in Cambutal, a small village on Panama's Azuero Peninsula, about five hours from Panama City. The resort sits right on a black-sand beach, with mountains behind. It's known for its surf breaks, and the in-house surf school offers lessons for all levels, from first-timers to advanced surfers. The area is also great for hiking, fishing, and wildlife watching.

The retreat includes six nights of accommodation, all meals from arrival dinner to departure breakfast, daily yoga, a breathwork session, and the surf lesson. Not included are flights, airport transfers, additional excursions, spa services, alcohol, travel insurance, and gratuities. The group size is kept small to ensure a personal experience, though the exact number isn't stated.

What makes this retreat different is the combination of high-quality yoga instruction, the surf opportunities, and the freedom to do as much or as little as you want. It's not a boot camp; it's a chance to reset at your own pace, with the support of experienced teachers and a beautiful setting.

What's included

- 6 nights of luxury accommodation at Sansara Resort - Luxury van transportation to/from Sansara from/to Panama City - Daily morning and evening yoga classes overlooking the Pacific Ocean - Transformational Breathwork Experience - Arrival day dinner, three healthy balanced meals each day, departure day breakfast - Complimentary Introduction to Surf lesson - Complimentary use of SUP boards and cruiser bikes - Organic bathroom products, high quality linens and beach towels

What's not included

- Airfare or transportation to Panama City / Airport transfers - Additional excursions, surf lessons, and/or rentals - Spa & wellness services - Alcohol, snacks, smoothies/juices - Travel insurance (strongly recommended) - Gratuities