Yes! I know taking an international trip can feel daunting, but a yoga retreat is a great way to explore a new place because you’ll be with our group and guided the whole time.

The only things you’ll need to coordinate are your round-trip flight and a one-night stay in a hotel in Panama City on May 8.

I’m here for any and all questions or needs to make sure you feel prepared and comfortable.

If you have any specific questions not covered here, drop me a message below!

Yes! Not only are the practices optional, but I will ensure they are beginner-friendly with lots of options and support to meet you where you are.

The resort provides great mats and props that will make everything we do accessible.

Plus, attending a yoga retreat is an amazing opportunity to become more familiar with all the parts of yoga and deepen your own practice.

You'll return home no longer a beginner!

You will need a valid passport that expires a minimum of 6 months after May 8, 2027 (November 8, 2027). For U.S. citizens, a visa is not needed to visit Panama for up to 180 days.

You’ll also need proof of departure (your return flight) and accommodation (Sansara Surf & Yoga Resort) and proof of sufficient funds (at least $500).

You may be asked for proof of travel insurance, so I highly recommend securing it through a provider like World Nomads for the trip.

Sansara resort, located in Cambutal, is secluded and well secured, so our safety risk will be very low. Like anywhere you travel, keep your valuables close by or leave them at home.

Panama City, where you’ll be on arrival and departure, is considered safe for tourists who travel with awareness. Some things to consider:

1. Stay in the Casco Viejo district, one of the safest and most popular areas for tourists, including at night. I will provide you Sansara-recommended and vetted hotel/hostel options for you to choose from.

2. Pickpocketing is the most prevalent risk to tourists. Keep your items secure, have digital copies of your travel docs, and stay alert. Travel insurance can help provide peace of mind and cover any lost or stolen items.

3. Use Uber to travel around the city rather than taxis, and use indoor ATMs in banks or shopping malls to prevent any scams or unwanted interactions.

Here’s a helpful article with more details on staying safe in Panama City.

May is a highly recommended time to visit Panama! It’s the end of Dry Season and start of Green Season, where average temps are 80-90 during the day and mild at night.

We may experience scattered rain or thunderstorms, but we’ll have lots of options to enjoy time indoors or under shelter if needed.

Humidity is high, and it’s recommended to bring sunscreen and natural bug repellant.

The Panamanian Balboa (PAB), which consists of paper U.S. Dollar (USD) and Balboa coins. U.S. cash and coins are accepted, including at Sansara, so you don't need to exchange money if you travel with USD.

Note: A Visa, Mastercard or American Express card is needed to check in at Sansara for any additional items or services you purchase during the retreat.

Panama will be 1 hour behind North Carolina during our trip. The country is in Eastern Standard Time but does not observe Daylight Saving Time.

You'll receive a rough itinerary before the retreat, but generally, our days will start with a morning yoga practice, followed by breakfast, group activities, lunch and free time.

We'll regroup for a restorative yoga practice or other restful activity, followed by dinner and free time.

I'll provide a detailed packing list before the retreat, but it'll include clothing for activity (yoga, swimming, hiking), clothing for lounging/sleep, toiletries, and good walking shoes. You won't need much else!

Yes! Through WeTravel, you can pay a $500 deposit at booking, and then pay the remaining amount through several spaced-out payments.

You'll see your payment plan details on WeTravel when you book and receive a reminder before your next payment is due.

Since space is limited, I strongly encourage you to book only if you’re very confident you’ll be able to join!

If life happens and you’re not able to make it, please contact me as soon as possible to discuss your options.

• The $500 deposit is non-refundable but is transferable to a future Embodied Yoga retreat for 2 years.

• If you cancel in writing 120 days or more before our trip (by January 8, 2027), you’ll receive a 100% refund of any payments beyond the $500 non-refundable deposit.

• If you cancel in writing 60 days or more before our trip (by March 9, 2027), you’ll receive a 50% refund of any payments beyond the $500 non-refundable deposit.

• If you cancel less than 60 days before our trip, there will not be a refund of any payments made.

If you anticipate you might need a deposit refund instead of a future retreat credit, I recommend travel insurance, such as World Nomads, to provide extra coverage. There are lots of options you can easily find and compare online.