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About Us

The Sansara Story

The Sansara Experience has been mindfully created to inspire and encourage the conscientious traveler to tap into their untouched potential, explore endless possibilities and foster meaningful connections.

Whether you’re a yogi, surfer, adventure seeker or wellness inspired traveler, this sacred space has been created with you in mind. The Sansara collective has been built upon the shared intention of compassion, growth, and unity to deliver the vacation experience you envision.

A Shared Dream and
  • A PASSION FOR
  • AUTHENTICITY

Meet Mike and Janel Phillips – Founders of Sansara

Welcome to Sansara Surf & Yoga, a manifestation of a shared vision and dream!

My husband, Mike, and I embarked on a journey to live by the ocean where we could surf, practice yoga, and nurture our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Our desire was not only to live this dream ourselves but also to create a space where we could share our transformative experiences with others.

As a former high-school teacher turned global yoga enthusiast, I immersed myself in the study of yoga, collaborating with educators, healers, and yoga practitioners before establishing a yoga business in Canada. Through this journey, I discovered the significance of fostering a business model that emphasizes the interconnectedness of mind, body, and earth, promoting holistic well-being for our clients and the planet.

Complementing my yin is my husband, Mike, a former professional skier, builder, photographer, and entrepreneur with a profound love for travel, diverse cultures, and healthy living. Mike’s diverse life experiences and unwavering dedication to pursuing his passions have been instrumental in realizing our shared dream – Sansara Surf & Yoga Resort.

In 2012, we took a leap of faith, sold our belongings, and bid farewell to Canada as we embarked on a new chapter. Boarding a plane before the first snowfall, we knew that our adventure had begun, eager to build our dream resort on the Pacific coast of Panama.

Since then, we have poured our hearts and souls into crafting the resort of our dreams. We firmly believe in the power of personal agency and have exemplified this belief in our own lives. Our goal was to create a sanctuary that caters to all, embodying our ethos of a simpler, more organic lifestyle where guests can unwind, disconnect, and escape the chaos of modern life.

At Sansara, we strive to provide a nurturing, secure, and health-focused environment where guests can embark on a vacation experience unlike any other. From enriching classes and local excursions to wholesome cuisine and exquisite accommodations, we aim to inspire our guests with our passion for mindful living.

Central to our journey has been our commitment to community engagement. We are dedicated to enhancing our local community by leveraging tourism to foster sustainable development and employment opportunities in Cambutal. Through initiatives such as employing local residents, sourcing local products, supporting the Turtle Awareness Program, and championing green projects in Cerro Hoya National Park, we aim to leave a positive impact on our surroundings. Most recently, we have played a role in the establishment of a new Montessori School for the community, furthering our mission to empower and uplift the next generation of learners in Cambutal.

When we are not enjoying work, we cherish moments with our children, Asher and Ocean, savoring the joys of surfing and embracing the coastal lifestyle.

We are grateful for your interest in our paradise and eagerly anticipate the opportunity to share it with you.

With gratitude and excitement,

Janel Phillips

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