The Tides Within
A Luxury Yoga & Surf Retreat at Sansara
Cambutal, Panama
February 27 - March 4th, 2028
Intention: Tending to the Tides Within
Our lives move to many rhythms: the demands of work and responsibility, the needs of those we love, the pull of our ambitions, and the constant movement of the world around us. Amidst these loud “voices” can be easy to lose touch with the quieter rhythms underneath it all.
This retreat offers an opportunity to step outside those familiar patterns and return to something more elemental. Through movement and stillness, adventure and rest, solitude and connection, we'll explore what it means to listen to ourselves and honor the natural ebb and flow of our own energy.
We aren't here to fill every hour or pursue a particular outcome. We're here to make room: for presence, for possibility, for joy, for truth, and for the kind of stillness that may arise and gently yield into quiet bliss when we finally give ourselves permission to slow down.
A Place to Unwind: Cambutal & Sansara
Tucked along Panama's remote Pacific coastline, Cambutal is a place where life moves at a different pace. Framed by lush tropical hills, expansive beaches, and the rhythm of the ocean, this quiet coastal village offers a rare opportunity to step away from the noise and settle into the natural world.
Our home for the week is Sansara, an intimate boutique resort designed to bring together comfort, beauty, and connection with nature. With thoughtfully appointed accommodations, beautiful gathering spaces, an inviting pool, and an open-air yoga shala overlooking the ocean, Sansara offers a setting that makes it easy to slow down and feel at home.
Days here are shaped by the landscape: the sound of the waves, warm ocean breezes, tropical sunsets, and the simple pleasure of having nowhere else you need to be.
It's a little off the beaten path, and that's part of the magic.
The Experience
Your retreat experience includes:
Seven days and six nights at Sansara, with your choice of accommodation (all are unique!)
Daily yoga and movement practices led by Nancy and Julia, thoughtfully designed to support strength, mobility, balance, and restoration. We will offer at least two guided sessions per day, with a mix of active and restorative practice.
Meditation, pranayama and Yoga Nidra to cultivate presence, deepen awareness, and create space for stillness.
One Conscious Connected Breathwork journey led by Julia Hollenberg to access inner wisdom and deeply nourish the nervous system.
One Workshop on the Wisdom of Ayurveda led by Nancy Lea
Three gourmet farm to table meals per day, featuring fresh, local, farm-to-table cuisine prepared by Sansara's Buddha Bar. Both vibrant and deeply nourishing.
One on-land surf lesson
Stand-up paddleboards and bikes to explore land and sea
Group ground transportation between Panama City and Sansara on the designated arrival and departure days.
Time and space to enjoy the resort, explore the coastline, connect with fellow retreat participants, or simply do your own thing.
We'll take care of the details so you can settle in and enjoy the experience.
What's Not Included:
The following are not included in the retreat price:
Airfare to and from Panama City, Panama.
Overnight accommodations in Panama City on February 26 and March 4th if you choose.
Travel insurance (recommended).
Snack bar purchases, smoothies, and alcoholic beverages
Spa services, massages, sauna, cold plunge, and other personal treatments.
Optional activities or excursions including surfing, horseback riding, waterfall hike, sauna and cold plunge and more!
Personal expenses, gratuities, and anything not explicitly listed in the inclusions.
1:1 private yoga, reiki, health coaching with Julia or Nancy
A Day at the Retreat
No two days need to look exactly alike. We'll offer a gentle rhythm of shared practices and experiences,
with plenty of room for spontaneity, rest, and individual exploration.
A sample day might look something like this:
7:00 AM — Coffee & fruit, enjoy the morning light, and take in the ocean air.
8:00 AM — Morning yoga and meditation overlooking the Pacific.
9:45 AM — A leisurely breakfast together.
10:30 AM — Surf, explore, enjoy an excursion, or spend time relaxing at the resort.
1:30 PM — Lunch and time to unwind.
Afternoon — Open space for swimming, reading, resting, a massage, exploring the coastline, or simply following your own rhythm.
4:30 PM — Afternoon yoga, breathwork, or a restorative practice.
6:30 PM — Dinner and time together.
Evening — Enjoy the sunset, good conversation, or a quiet night under the stars.
Please note: This is an example of the daily rhythm, not a fixed schedule. Specific activities and practice times may vary throughout the week.
Accommodations, Investment & Booking
Sansara offers a collection of beautiful, thoughtfully designed cabañas, each with its own character and connection to the surrounding landscape.
Choose the space that feels right for you, whether you're traveling solo, sharing with one or more friends, or coming as a couple.
Retreat investment ranges from $3,100–$5,000 per person, depending on your choice of accommodation and occupancy.
All prices are listed per person.
Booking & Payment Information
If this is your first retreat with us, we’ll be in touch to arrange a brief 20-minute meet-and-greet conversation. It’s a lovely opportunity for us to connect before the retreat.
A $750 non-refundable deposit is due at the time of booking to secure your place.
The remaining retreat balance is due in full by August 27, 2027.
Reservations made after August 27, 2027 require payment in full at the time of booking.
Your reservation is confirmed once your deposit or full payment has been received.
Casa Zen
Room Selection
Click on the photos below to explore each room and learn more about its unique features.
Ocean Front Suites
Double Occupancy Only (One King or Two Twins)
Private Salt Water Pool & Beach Access
$4,750/person
Prana
Double Occupancy Only (One King or Two Twins)
Ocean View & Private Patio
$3,850/person
Casa Om
Double Occupancy Only (One King or Two Twins)
Ocean Front & Private Infinity Pool
$4,250/person
Apana
Double Occupancy Only (One King or Two Twins)
Private Patio & Outdoor Bathtub
$3,850/person
Ganesha
Ocean View Cabanas
Double Occupancy Only (One King or Two Twins)
Private Terrace & Views of Outer Reefs
$3,650/person
Cancellation Policy
We understand that circumstances can change. Please review our cancellation policy carefully before reserving your place.
The initial $750 deposit is nonrefundable.
Cancellations made before August 27th, 2027 will receive a refund of payments made less the nonrefundable deposit.
No refunds will be issued for cancellations made after August 27th, 2027.
If you're unable to attend after August 27th, 2027, you may transfer your place to a friend or family member. Please contact us to coordinate the transfer and ensure all necessary arrangements are completed.
We recommend purchasing travel insurance that includes trip cancellation and interruption coverage.
Travel Information - Getting to Sansara
Our retreat begins in Panama City, where we'll gather before making our way together to the Pacific coast.
Saturday, February 26, 2028 — Arrive in Panama City
Please book your flight to arrive at Tocumen International Airport (PTY) on Saturday, February 26, 2028
We recommend spending the night in Panama City before our group departure the following morning. We'll share a list of recommended hotels and additional arrival information as the retreat approaches.
Sunday, February 27 — Travel to Sansara
Group ground transportation will be provided from Panama City to Sansara. The journey takes approximately five hours and offers a chance to experience more of Panama's beautiful landscape as we make our way to the coast.
Once we arrive, you'll have time to settle into your accommodations and begin enjoying our home for the week.
Saturday, March 4 — Return to Panama City
Group ground transportation will be provided from Sansara back to Panama City.
If you're flying home on Saturday, March 4, please book a departure flight no earlier than 6:00 PM to allow sufficient time for the journey and airport check-in. Alternatively, you may choose to spend another night in Panama City and depart on Sunday, March 5.
We'll provide additional transportation details and recommendations for your return arrangements as the retreat approaches.
Please wait to book your flights until you've reviewed the recommended arrival and departure logistics. International airfare is not included in the retreat price.
Your Hosts
Together, Nancy and Julia bring complementary experience in yoga, movement, breathwork, and creating meaningful spaces for connection and exploration. Their shared intention is to offer a retreat that balances thoughtful guidance with the freedom to make the experience your own.
Nancy Lea
Julia Hollenberg
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need previous yoga experience?
Not at all. Our practices will offer options for a range of experience levels, and you're always welcome to adapt your practice to meet your needs. Whether you're a longtime practitioner or relatively new to yoga, you're welcome here.
What if I’m not into surfing? Is this experience still for me?
This retreat will be complete and nourishing whether you choose to surf or not! There will be a beginner friendly on-land lesson if you’d like to explore it. If you choose to not surf beyond that, you’ve got plenty of options to enjoy the property and elements. Stand-up paddleboards and bikes are available for use, there are other excursions you might choose from. Or you might choose relaxing by the pool, or naps without an alarm.
Can I come on my own?
Absolutely! Many people choose to travel solo for retreats. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet like-minded people, enjoy your own space, and connect with a welcoming group. We are offering two single cabañas. You may also book a space in the 4-person men’s or women’s loft suites: Ranchito or Hanuman. If you are not finding a suitable option for you as a solo traveler, please let us know and we will do our best to pair you with another 1-3 solo travelers.
Can I book part of a cabaña?
We are asking participants to book the entire cabaña, aside from the quad Ranchito and Hanuman. If you’d like to book the entire Rachito or Hanuman, you’re welcome to! There are pricing tiers for double, triple, or quad occupancy.
Will I have free time?
Yes! We intentionally leave plenty of open space in the schedule. You won't be expected to participate in every activity or fill every hour. There will be time to rest, explore, read, swim, or simply enjoy being somewhere beautiful.
What if I have dietary restrictions or food allergies?
The food at Sansara’s Buddha Bar gets rave reviews! Sansara can accommodate gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan diets. We’ll ask for dietary needs closer to the retreat date.
What should I pack?
We'll send a recommended packing list before the retreat. In general, bring comfortable yoga clothes, swimwear, sun protection, light layers, and anything that helps you feel at home while traveling.
Is travel insurance required?
Travel insurance is recommended to protect your investment in the event of unexpected circumstances, including travel delays, illness, or the need to cancel your trip.
How many people will attend?
We anticipate a group of 20-25 participants.
Ready to Join Us?
The ocean has its own rhythm. So do we.
For seven days, we'll step away from the familiar pace of everyday life and make room for movement, adventure, nourishment, rest, and connection.
Whether you come for the yoga, the surf, the beauty of Panama, or simply the opportunity to slow down, we hope you'll join us.
Come tend to the tides within.
A $750 deposit is due to hold your spot. Your balance is due by August 27th, 2027.
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