Sansara Surf Yoga & Resort

Sansara was everything I hoped it would be. From the rooms, to the staff & service, to the location on a secluded, black sand beach and the delicious, healthy food, all was impeccable. I was looking into a retreat for the new year and found Sansara through my research and was impressed by all of the positive reviews. Our journey began with a pick up from our hotel in Casco Viejo to a small airport for a flight from Panama City to Chitre. Then, we took a 3 hour bus ride to Cambutal and Sansara. All of the transportation was arranged by Sansara and included in our retreat package, which was lovely! Entire coordination leading up to the retreat was friendly and responsive. Our room was the Ganesha room which had an ocean view, front porch and king bed. It was perfect and situated close to the pool and restaurant - great for someone like me who doesn’t want to miss out on anything! While there, my boyfriend and I enjoyed two massage treatments - the Sansara experience and the Swedish massage. Both were fabulous and so relaxing, you float from the spa to the pool and then the beach to a hammock… heaven!! The food was incredible. It exceeded my expectations and I really appreciated having a breakfast and lunch window and a menu to select from, rather than set plates or set times. It felt very luxurious to order whatever we wanted and the friendly staff treats you like family. The quality of the food was excellent- plates were beautiful and the sauces and accoutrements were thoughtful and tasty. Dinners were a mix of family style and set plates, and the staff would always check in if you had noted any food allergies or preferences. We had an Indian and Mediterranean night, and ended the week with a pizza night which was so fun!! Polaroid pics of our retreat group and staff were posted at the Buddha Bar tea and water station so we could all learn names. The staff were so great at addressing us by names - it was so impressive! The yoga shala overlooking the beach and ocean is hands down my favorite place I’ve ever done yoga! The slight breeze and shade from the roof made it comfortable despite hot temps and humidity, and the ocean waves lapping against the beach are the most soothing sounds to guide your breath. What an experience! We were lucky to be there to celebrate New Years with a big party, lovely dinner and DJ dance floor with MC yogi, one of our retreat hosts. It was an unforgettable night, complete with fireworks on the beach! I’ve travelled often, been on several retreats and stayed in countless hotels and resorts. Sansara is a special gem on the quaint coast of Panama and it will be hard for me to find a place that compares to the experience I’ve had this week and I’m already planning to host a retreat there next year! If you’re thinking about retreating at Sansara, you will not be disappointed!

Sansara is heaven on earth. The staff is incredible; so kind and accommodating, they really care about your experience. The food is incredible. It’s healthy, delicious, and it’s clear the kitchen staff prides themselves in curating a personalized experience. They are so thoughtful about dietary restrictions. Every day I felt nourished and the portions were perfect for an active week. I can’t say enough about this place. 10 stars and I’ll forever be back every year.

Sansara is magical! My husband and I went for a yoga and surf retreat - our second time- and have one thing to say: GET THERE! It’s a sacred, gem that will not disappoint. The staff, grounds, FOOD, will make your heart swell. We can’t wait to come back next year. Casa Om….AMAZING!

This is my fourth year leading a retreat at Sansara. I think it is an absolutely magical place. The staff is wonderful, the food delicious, rooms cozy with very very comfortable beds and the owners are superb!! I am so grateful to be here again this year and will continue to come back for as many years as I can!! Just cannot say enough good things about this place!!

This is my third year here & every year is better than the last! The rooms are all gorgeous, the staff makes you feel like family & the food & bar offerings are all so delicious & creatively curated! I will be back next year! Thank you Mike & Janelle for creating such an amazing haven where we can recharge!😘

I had travelled to Bocas 12 years ago and wanted to try something different with my family of 4 so we came to this intimate, end of the earth surf & yoga resort for our Christmas holiday Dec 24-28. Big mistake. Late December is "dry season" my butt. We barely spotted the sun and it poured on us incessantly at times. Canadian owners Mike & Janel were very friendly as were most of the staff (special shout out to Juan in the restaurant & Kate for yoga) and obviously they don't control the weather, but they should be better at reading the room and recognizing the utter despair of their guests day after day with no sun (even their own visiting family members were complaining). Throw your guests a bone for crying out loud. Charging ridiculous prices for sub-par, tiny portion, no choice Christmas Eve and Christmas dinners with needlessly slow service would have been bad enough. But the over-charging didn't stop there. There were literally No activities despite marketing-promises to the contrary. Jeep ride? Nope. Sunset cruise? Nope. Bonfire? Not so much. I tried yoga in desperation with my wife. Yep, they charged for that too. Our final evening, grasping at straws, I did a horseback ride in the pouring rain from which my clothes still have not dried. My daughter wanted to go surfing but the only way to the break (would have thought there was surf within walk of "surf resort" but anyway) was to pay for a shuttle and an over-priced lesson. And to add insult upon injury? Two full weeks after we escaped they had the gall to charge me for a lesson she didn't even take. I paid nearly $7,000 for this 4 night, 3 1/2 day stay and spent over 12 hours in a van going to and from Panama City (and 5/6 of the drive is dull). Save yourself the hassle. Don't overthink it. If you want to go to Panama, just go to Bocas as there are more luxury accommodations every year, far more activities and far more dining options.