Sunday, April 5th - Sunday, April 11th, 2026
Slip away to the Pacific coast of Panama and design the surf vacation you've been craving. No fixed schedules, no large groups - just you, the waves, and a fully customizable week at Sansara Resort.
Most of the year, our intimate beachfront resort hosts curated group retreats. But for one special week in April, we're opening our doors to independent travelers, couples, and small families who want the Sansara experience on their own terms. This is your chance to enjoy everything our eco-luxury surf retreat has to offer - world-class waves, daily yoga, exceptional cuisine, and endless adventure - without following someone else's itinerary.
If you've been searching for a surf getaway that balances adventure with relaxation, structure with freedom, this week was made for you.
Wake up to freshly prepared breakfasts at Buddha Bar, our oceanfront restaurant, and begin each morning with yoga in our open-air shala overlooking the Pacific. Both are included with your stay – no upgrades, no add-ons, no surprises.
Your night rate covers more than just a beautiful room. Every day at Sansara includes:
Gourmet breakfast featuring local produce, farm-raised proteins, fresh-baked bread, and seasonal tropical fruits prepared by our culinary team. Whether you prefer a nourishing smoothie bowl before your surf session or a hearty breakfast burrito to fuel a day of exploration, we have you covered.
Morning yoga practice in our signature thatched-roof shala, led by experienced instructors. Sessions blend vinyasa flow, breathwork, and meditation – the perfect way to center yourself before heading into the waves or out on an adventure. All levels are welcome, from complete beginners to seasoned practitioners.
You’ll also enjoy complimentary access to our saltwater infinity pool, stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, snorkel gear, and bicycles for exploring the coastline. Towels, reef-safe sunscreen, and beach amenities are provided throughout your stay.
Cambutal’s consistent swells and uncrowded breaks make it one of Central America’s premier destination for a surfing vacation. Whether you’re standing on a board for the very first time or you’re an experienced rider chasing empty point breaks, Sansara Surf – our in-house surf school – provides everything you need for an unforgettable surf experience.
The beaches surrounding Sansara offer diverse conditions that cater to all abilities. Beginner find their footing on the gentle, rolling, whitewash of Playa Guanico, where patient instructors guide first-timers through land-based fundamentals before entering the warm Pacific waters. Intermediate surfers progress quickly on the consistent beach breaks, building confidence and wave count session after session. Advanced riders venture to uncrowded point breaks and reef setups that deliver the kind of empty lineups most surfers only dream about.
While your week is fully customizable, our surf programs are available à la carte for those who want professional instruction.
Our two-session introductory package is perfect for beginners or anyone wanting a refresher. You’ll start with dry-land training in the yoga shala, covering stance, paddling, pop-up technique, and ocean safety. Then it’s into the water with hands-on coaching, personalized feedback, and plenty of encouragement. Most guests are riding whitewash waves by their first afternoon.
For those ready to commit to real progression, our four-session intensive takes your surfing trip to the next level. Over multiple days you’ll advance from whitewash to green waves, refind your technique with video analysis, and develop the ocean awareness that separates confident surfers from cautious ones. You’ll leave Sansara with a foundation you can build on anywhere in the world.
Experienced surfers can book guided surf trips to the region’s best breaks. Our local guides know the tides, the winds, and the secret spots that don’t appear in any guidebook.. Skip the guesswork and maximize your time in the water with expert local knowledge.
Board rentals are available for independent sessions – our quiver includes everything from forgiving soft-tops to high-performance shortboards and classic longboards.
From there, the choice is yours. Fill your days with adventure, slow down with restorative wellness, or find your own rhythm somewhere in between.
The Azuero Peninsula is a playground for the curious. Grab one of our complimentary bikes and cruise the coastal roads, stopping at empty beaches and local tiendas along the way. Paddle a kayak or SUP through calm waters as pelicans dive and frigate birds circle overhead. Cast a line with local fishermen and try your luck at mahi-mahi, roosterfish, or snapper – we’ll cook your catch for dinner at Buddha Bar.
For a true surfing adventure beyond the beach, join our guided waterfall hike into Cerro Hoya National Park. Trek through primary jungle, cross crystalline streams, and reward yourself with a swim beneath cascading falls hidden deep in the forest. It’s one of the most remote and pristine coastlines in all of Panama, and one of our guests’ most treasured experiences.
From June through October, humpback whales migrate through these waters. Arrange a whale watching excursion and witness these magnificent creatures breaching just offshore – an experience that transforms any vacation by the beach into something truly unforgettable.
Prefer to explore on horseback? Sunset rides along the black sand beach are available and offer a completely different perspective on this stunning coastline.
A surf trip demands a lot from your body. Balance the physical intensity with intentional restoration at Sansara Spa.
Our skilled therapists offer deep tissue massage to release tension from paddling and pop-ups, Swedish massage for full-body relaxation, and Thai massage for those seeking deeper stretching and energy work. After a few days of catching waves, you’ll understand why so many guests book multiple sessions throughout their stay.
Beyond massage, our spa menu includes invigorating body scrubs using local ingredients, reiki energy healing sessions, and custom treatments designed around your needs. Whether you’re recovering from an active day or simply craving stillness, our wellness team creates space for complete renewal.
Evening yin yoga and restorative sessions complement the more dynamic morning practice, helping you release the day and prepare for deep, restful sleep. Yoga nidra – guided conscious relaxation – is available for those seeking profound rest and mental clarity.
Our thirteen private accommodations blend traditional design with tropical luxury. Each oceanfront suite and garden cabaña features locally sourced hardwood details, vibrant textiles, and thoughtful touches that create genuine comfort without sacrificing authenticity.
Premium bedding with Frette linens ensures restful sleep after active days. Private balconies or patios provide space for morning coffee and evening reflection. Air conditioning, complimentary WiFi, in-room safes, and rainfall showers offer modern conveniences within a rustic-luxe setting. Hypoallergenic bedding and organic bath products are standard in every room.
The intimate scale of Sansara means you’re never lost in a crowd. Staff members learn your name, remember your preferences, and genuinely invest in making your surfing getaway exceptional. It’s the kind of personalized attention that transforms a surf holiday into a lasting memory.
Our oceanfront restaurant serves three meals daily, each prepared with intention and care. Co-Founder Janel designs menus that showcase local fish, farm-raised poultry, seasonal fruits and vegetables, and housemade breads.
Breakfast fuels your morning adventures. Lunch offers light, fresh options perfect for midday breaks between sessions. Dinner becomes an experience unto itself – creative dishes served as the sun sets over the Pacific, paired with local cocktails or selections from our curated bar.
Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options are available at every meal. Simply let us know your dietary needs, and our kitchen will accommodate you throughout your stay. For those surf trips that leave you hungry between meals, fresh smoothies, juices and snacks are available at Buddha Bar throughout the day.
There’s no such thing as a typical day at Sansara – that’s the entire point of this surf retreat. But here’s how some guests choose to spend their time:
Rise with the sun for an early paddle or dawn patrol session when conditions are glassiest. Return for breakfast at Buddha Bar, then join the morning yoga flow. Spend midday lounging poolside, exploring by bike, or booking a spa treatment. Grab lunch, then head back out for an afternoon surf, SUP session, or waterfall hike. Wind down with evening yoga, freshen up, and settle into dinner as the sky turns gold and pink over the ocean.
Or skip it all and spend the entire day in a hammock with a book, venturing out only for meals and maybe a sunset swim. You week, your way – we mean it.
Sansara is located in Cambutal, a small village at the southern tip of Panama’s Azuero Peninsula, approximately five hours from Panama City. The journey is part of the experience – watching the landscape shift from urban skyline to rolling farmland to jungle-covered mountains before finally arriving where the mountains meet the sea.
We offer complimentary shuttle service from Panama City hotels on retreat start dates. Private transfers can be arranged for those arriving independently or preferring door-to-door service. For a truly memorable arrival, helicopter transfers from Panama City are available upon request.
Fly into Tocumen International Airport (PTY). We recommend arriving the day before your retreat begins and spending a night in the historic Casco Viejo neighborhood – it’s worth exploring before you disconnect at the beach.
Whether you want days packing with surfing excursions and jungle adventures or long afternoons of blissful stillness by the pool, this week is yours to create.
Book five nights and receive your sixth night complimentary.
This is a rare opportunity to experience Sansara outside of our group retreat calendar. Availability is limited to just eleven rooms, and this surf experience sells out quickly once word spreads. Individuals, couples, and small families are all welcome – whether you’re planning a solo surfing trip to recharge, a romantic vacation at the beach with your partner, or an active family escape with older children.
Don’t wait to book the surf trips you’ve been daydreaming about. Secure your dates now and start planning the vacation surfing adventure you deserve.
None. Complete beginners are welcome and will receive patient, professional instruction. Our surf programs accommodate everyone from first-timers to advanced surfers looking to explore new breaks.
Already comfortable in the water? You’re welcome to rent boards and surf independently, or join guided sessions to discover the best local spots.
Not interested in surfing at all? That’s completely fine. Many guests come for yoga, spa, and the chance to enjoy a quiet vacation by the beach – no surfing required.
Ready to design your perfect week? Contact us to reserve your cabaña and begin planning your personalized surfing holidays escape at Sansara.
