Over 9 days and 8 nights, soak in Panama City's historic district, Casco Viejo, learn to surf, ride a horse on the beach, stand-up paddleboard, & bike and explore your way through rural Panama - or skip all the above and chillax pool-side and line up plenty of spa services! - at Sansara Yoga + Surf, a luxury wellness resort on the Pacific Ocean
WHAT'S INCLUDED
...a lot!
LODGING
We'll stay in luxurious oceanfront, ocean-view, and garden-view cabanas and suites. All of Sansara's accommodations were designed to blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings of the resort grounds, thoughtfully fusing traditional, minimalist, and tropical design while featuring stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Many rooms have a private patio and all are just steps away from the warm and inviting waters of the Pacific Ocean.
A LOT OF YOGA
We'll have ocean-side yoga classes every morning, afternoon, and evening by your favorite Thrive teachers, with special workshops on the physical and non-physical aspects of yoga to help you deepen your practice and special classes like Yin & Yoga Nidra sprinkled in. Classes every morning and afternoon will reflect a diversity of all your faves from the Thrive schedule, and every evening we'll do a wind-down Yin. Sansara provides yoga mats, blocks, blankets, and straps for our practices.
NOURISHMENT
Sansara's chefs craft locally sourced ingredients into vibrant, nutritious, unforgettable meals. Their fruits, vegetables, and eggs are farm-to-table, provided by independent farmers in and around Cambutal, and their fish is sea-to-table, caught daily from just outside Sansara's private bay. We'll enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner in their oceanfront restaurant, The Buddha Bar, and Sansara also has snacks, smoothies, fresh juices, house-made kombucha, and custom cocktails and mocktails available for purchase every day. Sansara accommodates a wide variety of diets, including vegan, vegetarian, pescatarian, omnivore, and gluten-free, among other special dietary concerns and allergies.
COMMUNITY. BEACH TIME. YOU TIME. SURF TIME.
Lounge by the beach. Learn to surf. Read by the pool. Sleep in. Get a massage. Eat well. Go horseback riding on the beach. Do a lot of yoga. Hike through a jungle, to a waterfall! Go fishing. Stand-up paddleboard. Leisurely bike through rural Panama. All of Sansara's excursions have been managed and staffed in-house since Sansara's founding in 2013, which means these excursions are quality-controlled, consistently amazing experiences (i.e. very rare in the resort world!). And they also run their own in-house, world-class Surf School for all levels, especially total beginners, employing concepts from the yoga practice we all know and love to get us riding the waves. Naturally. [Excursions cost extra; learn more below] .
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Your arrival night hotel stay (on Saturday, February 22, 2025) at the posh American Trade Hotel in historic Casco Viejo
Group transportation to Sansara from our hotel on Sunday, February 23
6 nights accommodation at Sansara; make your occupancy selection below
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner at Sansara throughout your stay
Three oceanside yoga classes per day + additional workshops and special classes
Complimentary Intro to Surf class by Sansara
Complimentary use of Sansara's SUP boards and cruiser bikes
Group transportation from Sansara to our hotel in Casco Viejo on Saturday, March 1
Your departure night hotel stay (on Saturday, March 1), again at the sleek American Trade Hotel in Casco Viejo
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
Airfare
Cab to our hotel from the airport; cab from our hotel to the airport
Meals in Casco Viejo
Snacks, kombuchas, juices, and smoothies available for purchase between meals at Sansara
Spa services
Alcohol
Gratuities
Travel Insurance
WE'RE ALL GOING.
From February 22 through March 2, we're taking the Thrive party to PANAMA. I wish we could bring the full Thrive teacher crew! But someone's got to stay and woman our shop. I'm stoked to bring our three newer-to-Thrive teachers to Panama and reward them for being Thrive rockstars!
Lake Frederick
Kristi Kontak Millsap
Roxane Osborn
Aimee Lafontaine
SAVE YOUR SPOT
...your February 2025, post-4-months-of-dark-and-rain-in-the-PNW,-Vitamin-D-Deficient-self will thank you
Make your occupancy selection below and save your spot! A $500 non-refundable deposit reserves one spot; a non-refundable deposit of $1,000 reserves a Suite or a Cabana for two, or a Cabana for one. Pay for your spot in full by June 1 and get an EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT of $250.
OCEANFRONT SUITES - These are private, oceanfront, one-bedroom suites with a private bath. Perfect for a couple [king bed] or for two friends [two twin beds].
Double Occupancy: $3,400 per person [BOOKED: Prana & Apana; Ganesha Suite still available]
Double Occupancy: $3,800 per person [Casa OM with its own Infinity Pool]
OCEAN VIEW CABANAS - These are private, ocean view, one-bedroom Cabanas with a private bath. Perfect for a couple [king bed], for two friends [two twin beds], OR you can get one alllll to yourself.
Triple Occupancy: $3,000 per person [Anahata Cabana] - BOOKED
Double Occupancy: $3,200 per person [La Marea, Rio Grande, Cedro Espino, & Casa Antigua Cabanas]
Single Occupancy: $5,200 [available for the La Marea & Casa Antigua Cabanas]
GARDEN VIEW CABANAS - Surrounded by tropical palm trees, located just steps away from the Pacific Ocean. The Ranchito and Hanuman Cabanas are perfect for a group of solo travelers [four twin beds], and the Rio Chico Cabana is perfect for a couple [king bed], two friends [two twins], or you can get it allll to yourself [king bed].
Quad Occupancy: $2,800 per person [ONE (women's) SPOT LEFT in the Ranchito; the Hanuman is fully BOOKED]
Double Occupancy: $3,200 per person [Rio Chico]
Single Occupancy: $5,200 [Rio Chico]
THE FINE PRINT
Does a particular Suite or Cabana catch your eye? They're first-come, first-served! Just email me (Kristi the Studio Owner here, hi!) at info@thriveyogamanette.com to indicate your preference!
A non-refundable deposit of $500 reserves one spot. A non-refundable deposit of $1,000 reserves a Suite or a Cabana for two, or a Cabana for one. Pay for your spot in full by June 1 and get a $250 EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT. Reach out to me at info@thriveyogamanette.com with any questions or requests.
Unless you arrange a different, flexible payment schedule with Kristi, your card on file will be charged the remaining balance for your spot(s) in equal 50%/50% payments on August 1 and October 1. All spots must be paid in full by October 15th.
If you cancel your spot before July 1, you will not be responsible for the remaining payments. If you cancel your spot on or after July 1, you are still responsible for all remaining payments. If you cancel your spot prior to December 1, we will give you a credit of the amount you paid for your spot, minus your deposit, towards a future Thrive retreat. If you cancel your spot on or after December 1, we will give you a credit in the amount of 50% of the amount you paid for your spot, minus your deposit, towards a future Thrive retreat. Please provide notice in writing, via email, to info@thriveyogamanette.com, if you need to cancel.
SAMPLE SCHEDULE
6am - Coffee & tea available for early birds
7.30am - Journaling Prompt & Reflection
8am - Meditation & Flow
9:15am - Breakfast
Go on one of Sansara's many in-house excursions, relax by the pool, read, walk the beach, or indulge in a spa treatment or massage
1pm: Lunch
2:30pm: Workshop on the Yamas & Niyamas
4pm - Prana Beats
6pm - Dinner
8:30pm - Yin
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do I need a visa or a passport to travel to Panama?
American citizens do not need a visa to travel to Panama, but travelers will need a valid, up-to-date passport to travel outside the U.S. Your passport must have 6 or more months of validity beyond your travel dates and at least one blank visa page.
Does Sansara have Wifi?
Although Sansara believes in the importance of disconnecting to reconnect, they do understand the need to keep in touch with those at home! They have fiber optic WIFI throughout the resort which is available for all guests.
Should I get travel insurance?
Yas. We recommend you purchase travel insurance in case you become ill before or during your trip. Insure My Trip is one option!
What is the currency in Panama? What currency do the bar and the boutique at Sansara accept?
The currency in Panama is USD: easy enough! Bring cash for your Casco Viejo meals and for shopping and incidentals. Sansara accepts Visa, Mastercard or USD cash. All guests of Sansara are required to check in with a valid Visa/Mastercard for incidentals, even if they choose to pay cash upon checkout.
What massage or spa services are available at Sansara?
A bunch! Ranging from 60 - 120 minute massages, facials, & body scrubs. Swoon! Check them all out here and plan your treat-yo-self regimen for Panama!
Where is Sansara and how do I get there?
Sansara is located in the rural village of Cambutal, Panama, which is a mostly smooth, highway-bound, 5.5-hour-trip-in-a-luxe-air-conditioned-van away from Panama City. (They'll make a couple of stops en route for food and restroom breaks.) The nearest airport that we'll fly into is Tocumen International Airport (PTY) in Panama City. You should plan to fly into PTY on February 22, 2025 and to depart PTY on March 2, 2025. Ground transportation from PTY to our hotel is about a 30 minute trip; we'll coordinate arrival and departure times to share cabs.
Is pricing per person or per room?
Pricing is listed per person and / or per occupancy type (single, double, triple, quad). The two-person Suites and Cabanas are great for couples; Triple and Quad occupancy accommodations are great for couples, friends, and for making new Thrive friends!
Is airfare included?
Airfare is not included in pricing.
What kind of excursions are available?
A lot! Check out all the details below and think about which ones you'd want to do in Panama!
Is there a recommended schedule for excursions? How do we book our excursions?
Excursions are great for Tuesday & Thursday, allowing for beachy rest days in between. Excursions can be booked in advance or at Sansara upon arrival.
Could I do a payment plan?
Sure thing! Flexible payments are available, just email Kristi at info@thriveyogamanette.com. Your spot just has to be paid in full by October 15!
What if I need to cancel?
There are no refunds for the $500 or $1,000 deposit for any reason; that deposit holds your spot and prevents others from booking it. If you cancel prior to July 1, you will not be responsible for the remainder of your payment.
If you cancel your spot on or after July 1, you are still responsible for all remaining payments. If you cancel your spot prior to December 1, we will give you a credit of the amount you paid for your spot, minus your deposit, towards a future Thrive retreat. If you cancel your spot on or after December 1, we will give you a credit in the amount of 50% of the amount you paid for your spot, minus your deposit, towards a future Thrive retreat. Please provide notice in writing, via email, to info@thriveyogamanette.com, if you need to cancel.
Got more questions?
We've got more answers! Reach out to Kristi at info@thriveyogamanette.com.
Is alcohol included?
Alcohol is not included in the retreat price, but it's available for purchase at Sansara, including cocktails, mocktails, wine, and craft beer.
SANSARA SURF SCHOOL + EXCURSIONS
LEARN TO SURF PACKAGES
1 Day Learn to Surf - $129
2 Day Learn to Surf - $229
3 Day Learn to Surf - $319
4 Day Learn to Surf - $409
5 Day Learn to Surf - $499
Included in the lesson:
1 hour dry land lesson - 1.5 HR water lesson, transportation, fresh fruit, surfboard, rash guard, refreshments.
The total lesson time is approx 3.5/ 4 hours.
GUIDED SURF TOURS
For those experienced surfers who wish to surf on their own we also have great options.
With an abundance of waves in the area; whether it is a barreling beach break, a rocky point or a slabby reef, our experienced local guides will get you to the right spot at the right time.
Duration 4 hours, 1 - 5 ppl max
Investment: $149 for private, $229 for two people, $50 each for third, fourth and fifth participants
SURFBOARD RENTALS
Investment: $30 per board per day
7 FALLS HIKE
Explore a remote river path through the jungle to experience multiple waterfalls, natural pools, tropical wildlife, and unique rock structures.
Wear a bathing suit for swimming at the end and closed toed shoes that you don't mind getting wet as we will be walking in the river. Bring a water bottle.
Duration: 3 hrs.
Min # 2 ppl - Max # 6 ppl Investment: $65 per person
HORSEBACK
Sunset Beach Ride: Experience the Cambutal coastline from a different perspective. Our horses will meet you on the beach in-front of Sansara and you will ride into the sunset and back. This calm and relaxing ride is a great way to take in the unique views of this stretch of Pacific coast.
Duration: 1.5 hrs.
Min # 2 ppl - Max # 6 ppl Investment: $65 per person
Backcountry Ride: This ride takes you along the beach before turning up through rolling hills with scenic overlooks to a mystic archeological site. You then ride along the ridge-line to enjoy the sunset along the beach as you head back. We suggest this excursion for those with a bit more riding experience who are looking for a more dynamic riding option.
Duration: 3 hrs.
Min # 2 ppl - Max # 6 ppl Investment: $90 per person
*Please note that for safety reasons we do not allow trotting or cantering with the horses. Please wear closed toed shoes and we suggest long pants for comfort but it is not a requirement. Reserve at Reception. Please also be aware that our 24-hour cancellation policy requires that 100% of the service fee will be charged if a cancellation is made within 24 hours of the scheduled activity.
4 X 4 TIDE POOL ADVENTURE
Our 4x4 tide pool adventure takes you deep in the jungle of the Azuero peninsula where we will drive you through old growth mountains, cross rivers, creeks and steep roads to get to one of our area's most beautiful spots. This pristine coastline is near the Cerro Hoya National Park, where you may see monkeys, exotic birds and many other wildlife species. Once we arrive at the natural coastal tide pools, you can relax, swim, or jump from the small rock shelves above the pools. We pack snacks and refreshments. Bring sunscreen, a bathing suit and your favorite floatie. Seasonal tour available from December - May
Duration: 4hrs.
Min # 2 ppl - Max # 6 ppl
Investment: $129 per person
SUNSET BOAT CRUISE
Join our adventure team and embark on an unforgettable Sunset Cruise adventure, where you'll be treated to breathtaking views of the sun setting over the untamed mountains of Cerro Hoya National Park, followed by a refreshing swim in the waters of open Pacific Ocean. Wear your swimsuit, hat and reef-safe sunscreen and please bring your water-bottle. We will provide some light refreshments and fun floaties.
Duration: 1.5hrs
Min # 4 ppl - Max # 10 ppl
Investment: Price based on ppl - $75-$350
FISHING
Our fishing adventure is one of the best adventures to do in Cambutal, we are actually called "The Tuna Coast" of Panama - we have an abundance of fish! This adventure is also about enjoying the local experience; we work with local fishermen who will take you on their "panga", the boats they use here to fish, and guide you to a day or half day of fishing on the Pacific. Starting in April. the water temperature changes so there are more opportunities to catch good fish; you can find Tuna, Mahi Mahi, Snapper, Amberjack, Rooster fish, and much more. You will see dolphins, turtles, and sometimes even humpback whales (we are in season)! The tour includes all the equipment needed, cooler with refreshments, and great vibes - our captain and his team are truly the best fishermen in our community.
Duration: 4 hrs
Investment: $350 for up to 4 people.