This exclusive retreat offers a deep initiation into Shamanic Life Arts combined with Usui Reiki Level 1 certification.
This one-of-a-kind program is facilitated by Maija and Nienke, who together share over 30 years of experience in holistic bodywork and healing arts. Both originally from the Netherlands, they met at Sansara Resort in Cambutal, where this intimate and immersive training will take place.
With a maximum of 8 participants, the retreat is held largely in noble silence, creating space to slow down, settle into the body, and deepen your connection with nature, yourself, and the subtle realms.
This retreat is for those who naturally care for others – people who are sensitive, empathic, and energetically aware, whether through their work or simply through who they are. It is well suited for anyone who feels called to deepen their connection to self, spirit, and nature, whether you already have an established meditation or healing practice or are drawn to learn in a more intuitive, embodied way. If you hold space for others, feel energy deeply, or are seeking restoration alongside meaningful inner exploration, this experience offers a supportive and grounded path inward.
These offerings are included in your Sansara base rate, allowing you to choose the accommodation that best suits your comfort and budget – from shared rooms to private oceanfront villas or tranquil garden suites.
During the Reiki Level 1 course, you will learn the essential theory, with the majority of time dedicated to hands-on practice. Reiki is best understood through direct experience.
By the end of the training, you will have a deep understanding of:
I am Maija, born and raised in the Netherlands. As long as I can remember I've felt deeply drawn to the spiritual and healing traditions of both East and West. As an intuitive, creative empath, I spent many years feeling out of place within the structures of modern society - until I discovered my natural flow through a conscious, nomadic lifestyle and fully stepped into my gifts as a teacher and healer.
Over the years, I've explored, studied, and practiced a wide range of ancient and contemporary healing modalities. My work is rooted in a deep connection to the natural world, and I truly believe that restoring wholeness begins with reconnection - to the ear and cosmos, to our bodies, and to the natural rhythms of life. Through what I call 'Natural Life Art', I share a living expression of presence, creativity, and healing. As a retreat facilitator I go above and beyond to offer a safe and nurturing space where transformation and well-being can unfold.
I share from a place of grounded spirituality and honesty, infused with a touch of humor. Creative expression is an essential part of my path and practice. Music, somatic dance, intuitive writing and drawing are some of the ways for me to explore and embody what I perceive. I consciously avoid spiritual bypassing, choosing instead to honor the full spectrum of the human experience - light, shadow, and everything in between.
These days, I divide my time between several home bases around the world, offering my wellness programs and embodied healing arts. One of my main resident venues is Sansara Resort in Panama - a natural paradise very close to my heart and the place where I also met Nienke.
Whether you feel called to embark on a journey of healing and self-discovery, wish to expand your skills as a yoga teacher or wellness progressional, or simply want to invite more flow and embodiment into your life, I warmly welcome you to connect on Instagram at @Maija.Life
Over the past 25 years, my life has been shaped by travel, movement, and healing. I have surfed world-class waves in Indonesia, snowboarded in the Swiss Alps, trained Muay Thai in Thailand, and studied massage therapy and energy healing across many countries around the world. Each experience has deepened my understanding of the body, resilience, and balance. Alongside these physical practices, some of my most meaningful insights came through meditation during extended stays at a Buddhist Forest monastery. Through time spent in silence, I discovered first hand that slowing down and being still supports the body's natural healing process.
When I arrived in Cambutal last year, I immediately fell in love with this remote town, surrounded by nature, and felt called to put down some roots. Through Sansara Resort, I was given the space and opportunity to fully integrate over 20 years of experience as a massage therapist with more than 15 years as a Reiki practitioner and energy worker. Here, I am able to support my clients in a deep, holistic healing process.
Having offered and witnessed countless Reiki treatments worldwide, I continue to be amazed by the many benefits that such a gentle practice can offer. It is my passion to share this work and guide others on their own path of healing and reconnection.
To read about some of my clients' Reiki experiences, you can follow me on Instagram at @Reiki.Nienke
Please book your flight into Panama City International Airport (PTY).
We recommend spending one night in Panama City both before and after the retreat:
Arrival: Saturday, August 29th, 2026 | Departure: Saturday, September 5th, 2026
This allows for a smoother travel experience and time to rest before and after the retreat journey.
American Trade Hotel
La Concordia
Sofitel Legend
Amarla Boutique
La Compañia by Hyatt
If you have chosen to use the complimentary shuttle service from Panama City to Sansara, pick-ups will begin at 8:30am sharp on Sunday, August 30th. Pick up is ONLY available from the hotels we have recommended above. If you are a resident living in Panama City, or you are not able to stay at one of our recommended hotels but want to use the transportation, please take a taxi and meet at The American Trade Hotel by 8:15am.
We recommend to our guests that you enjoy a nice breakfast prior to starting your journey, and that you pack a few snacks and water for the ride. it’s a long travel day, and we want to ensure it is an enjoyable one.
If you are unable to utilize the complimentary shuttle service, and need to make alternative arrangements for transportation to and from Sansara we recommend the following company. Below is their contact information where you can inquire about quotes/rates for your transportation along with airport pick-up services.
Pineapple Shuttle | Contact Edwin | <a href=’mailto:info@pineappleshuttle.com’>info@pineappleshuttle.com</a>
