Tides of Remembering an ocean therapy retreat for grief
Tides of Remembering an ocean therapy retreat for grief
Sansara Surf and Yoga Resort, Cambutal, Panama
Up to 12 in group
May 10 - 16, 2026
Retreat Highlights
- • Grief-informed ocean therapy sessions and sunrise movement practices
- • Daily rituals, circles, and eco-therapy offerings inspired by Waves of Grief™
- • A nature-based curriculum exploring continuing bonds, embodiment, and healing through the elements
- • Quiet spaciousness for rest, reflection, and personal integration
- • Optional surf lessons, waterfall hikes, tide-pooling, and sea turtle sanctuary visits
- • Beautiful oceanfront accommodations designed for grounding and renewal
- • Nourishing, chef-prepared meals with fresh, local ingredients
- • Professional massage and bodywork available onsite
- • Supportive community of people moving through grief, transition, or personal transformation
- • A peaceful coastal village setting where jungle meets sea on Panama’s Azuero Peninsula
About this Retreat
Kelsey is an eco-therapy provider, grief counselor, surf therapist, and retreat leader whose work lives at the intersection of nature, community, and healing. Known for her grounded compassion and visionary leadership, Kelsey brings a rare blend of empathy and expertise to every space she holds.
In March 2020, she unexpectedly lost her twin sister, Audrey, to Covid-19. In response to her own waves of grief, she found solace in the ocean, the place that became both sanctuary and teacher.
Kelsey went on to found the Waves of Grief Collective, which now host grief circles and retreats across 15+ locations worldwide. Her work has been recognized by the U.S. Surgeon General and featured in National Geographic’s documentary series IMPACT with Gal Gadot.
Rooted in continuing bonds, ocean therapy and meaning making modalities Kelsey’s approach invites authentic connection to self, others, and the natural world. She believes, as Francis Weller writes, that “grief and love are sisters, woven together from the beginning.”
Kianna is a somatic movement guide, international retreat leader, and surf therapy facilitator who finds deep healing in nature, movement, and community. Raised on the foggy shores of California, she grew up both empowered and humbled by the ocean, and still feels most at home with salt on her skin.
Grief comes in many forms and Kianna's relationship with grief became more personal after the loss of her older brother. A journey that reshaped her understanding of the human experience and deepened her commitment to holding space for others navigating change.
Since 2018, she’s supported holistic surf programs that blend time in the water, mindful movement, and play to help people navigate change and reconnect with themselves. With a background in yoga, trauma-informed facilitation, and integrative movement education, Kianna creates grounded, heart-forward spaces where you can breathe deeper, move freely, and meet yourself with curiosity and care.
Details of this retreat
Held by the salt, awakened by the surf, rewilded in spirit. Join us for a week of soulful immersion in surf, nature, and community. Through movement, ritual, and the rhythm of the tide we remember what it means to be fully alive, held by nature, witnessed by others and guided by something greater than ourselves throughout our waves of grief.
Schedule
The retreat follows a steady rhythm of morning practices, guided group sessions, and afternoon freedom to explore or unwind. You’ll experience a mix of grief-informed somatic movement, ocean and surf therapy, ritual, and creative reflection woven throughout the week. Optional excursions include , waterfall hikes, tide-pool adventures, or spa treatments, allowing each participant to shape the retreat in a way that feels nourishing and aligned.
Note: Schedule is approximate and may change
Getting Here
Waves of Grief Collective, Sansara Surf and Yoga Resort, Cambutal, Panama
Directions
Guests will fly into Panama City (PTY – Tocumen International Airport).
Group transportation to and from Sansara is included and departs on the morning of May 10. We recommend arriving in Panama City no later than the evening of May 9. Detailed travel information and pickup instructions will be shared in your welcome packet after registration.
Group transportation to and from Sansara is included and departs on the morning of May 10. We recommend arriving in Panama City no later than the evening of May 9. Detailed travel information and pickup instructions will be shared in your welcome packet after registration.
Accommodation
Sansara’s cabanas are intentionally designed to support restoration and a sense of sanctuary. Each room features comfortable beds, spacious bathrooms, hypoallergenic linens, air-conditioning, and a private ocean terrace or garden view. Whether you choose a cozy shared room or a luxurious private suite, your space offers quiet, comfort, and proximity to the ocean-an ideal environment for reflection, healing, and inner renewal..
Program Price
Venue & Amenities
A/C in Rooms
Free Wifi
Spa
Sauna
Pool
Towels
Free Parking
Kitchen
Tour Assistance
Hot Tub
Coffee/Tea
Cafe
Restaurant
Fitness Center
Yoga Studio
Housekeeping
Bicycles For Rent
Sansara Surf & Yoga Resort is nestled in the remote beach village of Cambutal, Panama, where the jungle meets the Pacific Ocean. This eco-luxury retreat center offers stunning oceanfront cabanas, nourishing cuisine, spa treatments, and access to surf breaks, waterfall hikes, and seasonal sea turtle hatching—creating the perfect backdrop for transformation and connection.
Meals
Menu Types
Vegan
Vegetarian
Pescetarian
Ayurvedic
Includes Meat
Organic
Gluten Free
Dairy Free
Nut Free
At Sansara, food is part of the healing. Each meal is prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients and infused with creativity and care. From colorful breakfasts to nourishing dinners shared in co
What's Included
- 7 days, 6 nights of luxury oceanfront accommodations at Sansara Surf & Yoga Resort
- 3 chef-prepared meals daily, using fresh, local ingredients (with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available)
- 2 holistic surf sessions (including coaching & gear)
- Daily somatic movement sessions overlooking the Pacific Ocean
- Daily eco-therapy practices and beach integration circles
- Daily Waves of Grief community circles and creative rituals for reflection, remembrance, and connection
- Transportation to and from Panama City (from one of Sansara’s recommended hotels)
- Personal time for rest and exploration: swim, journal, or book an adventure
- Access to Sansara’s playground: stand-up paddle boards, bicycles, and beach gear
- A nourishing community of facilitators and fellow travelers walking this path together
What's Not Included
- Airfare to and from Panama City
- Accommodation in Panama City before or after the retreat
- Add On’s: additional surf lessons, excursions, spa treatments, etc.
- Gratuities, additional snacks, smoothies, and alcoholic beverages
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Personal items, souvenirs, etc.