Rewilding Waves Retreats

​​Our Rewilding Retreats, hosted by the collective are a form of soulful restoration with an emphasis on recreating our "natural and uncultivated states" honoring an ancestry, our deeper pasts, community, and the building of continued bonds.

Tides of Remembering

an ocean therapy retreat

May 10th- May 16th, 2026

Sansara Surf and Yoga Resort

Cambutal, Panama

Join us!

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.

Your Retreat Journey

Beneath the warmth of the Panama sun, we’ll gather for a week of rest, reflection, and renewal at the oceanfront Sansara Surf & Yoga Resort. Each day is an invitation to return home: to your body, your breath, and the living world that holds you. Rooted in surf therapy, somatic movement, ritual, and community, our days flow with the rhythms of the ocean, inviting grief and joy to move together as part of the human experience.

Mornings bring somatic movement and breathwork, followed by guided eco-therapy on the beach. Afternoons are yours to wander, rest, and feel alive. Float in the ocean, journal under a palm, or book an adventurous excursion to playfully connect with the wild world around you. As the sun softens each evening, we slow down. Gathering for ritual and tending-circles, where stories, tears, and laughter weave us together.

Three farm-to-table meals are shared each day, offering space for conversation and connection. Nourishment here goes beyond the plate, it’s about being fully present, celebrating life, and savoring the simple joys of community.

This week is a journey of belonging: to yourself, to others, and to the living earth. Together, we’ll move through the waves of grief and love with tenderness, remembering that healing isn’t about returning to who you were, but remembering who you have always been.

Shadow of a palm leaf cast on a wooden surface with pebbles nearby.
People in swimsuits enjoying a day at the beach with the ocean and a distant hill in the background during sunset.
A pineapple smoothie with a slice of pineapple and mint leaves garnish in a mason jar-style glass with a metal straw, positioned on a concrete surface near a swimming pool.
Sunset at the beach with waves crashing, framed by palm trees in the foreground.
A person carrying a green surfboard walking in shallow ocean water near a beach with a mountain backdrop.
Two women practicing yoga or stretching on mats inside a shaded hut with a thatched roof.
A table with various breakfast dishes including a fruit bowl, smoothie, and a half watermelon with decorated toppings, along with a cup of coffee, a green smoothie, and a pineapple drink, all on a wooden table.

Is this retreat for me?

Are you human? Then, YES. This retreat is for you. 

Grief is not a problem to be fixed or a feeling to judge. It is simply part of what it means to be alive. As Francis Weller writes, “at the core of grief is a longing to belong.” To grieve is to be human; to be human is to feel loss, love, and longing, all at once.

This retreat week is for anyone navigating life’s endings, transitions, or shifts. Whether the loss is of a loved one, a relationship, a season of life, or a version of this world. Here, grief is honored as love in motion, and you are invited to meet it fully, alongside others who understand.

All levels of ocean experience, movement experience, and life experience are welcome. Whether you’re drawn to float in the water, walk the shoreline, or feel the rhythm of the surf beneath you, the invitation is to come as you are and let the ocean hold the rest.

A Day on Retreat

schedule subject to change

7AM | coffee, tea, fruit

8AM | morning somatic movement

10AM | breakfast

11AM | eco-therapy

2pm | lunch

free time for adventure or rest

6PM | dinner

7PM | evening ritual

A tropical beach scene with two palm trees in the foreground, sandy beach, calm ocean water, a forested hill in the background, and a blue sky with a few clouds.
Two women with long hair on a beach, one standing with hands on hips and the other sitting, with a white off-road vehicle and surfboards near the shore, large rock formation in the ocean, and trees on the distant shoreline.

What’s Included

A group of women participating in a yoga class on a wooden deck, with some using yoga mats and one woman doing a plank pose.

  • 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

Five people riding horses along a dark sandy beach under a cloudy sky, with a distant green hill in the background.

  • 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.

Accommodations

Tucked between lush gardens and the warm Pacific, Sansara’s cabañas invite you to slow down and settle into the rhythm of nature. Wake to the sound of waves and soft morning light in spaces where traditional craft and coastal design come together with thoughtful comforts: organic bath products, cool air, and linens made for long, peaceful nights. Whether nestled in the gardens or overlooking the ocean, each cabaña opens onto a private patio just steps from the sea, offering pure, effortless ease.

All pricing in USD, per person.

*Let us know if you are interested in single occupancy

A cozy bedroom with a king-sized bed, decorative wall art, a stone accent wall, a wooden sliding door, and a white dresser with a mirror.
Outdoor patio with two rattan chairs, potted plants, a hammock, and greenery, including a cactus and a tree.

La Marea — $3,300

Double Accommodation

This luxury cabaña is accessed by a hand-laid stone pathway that meanders through the leafy vegetation. This ground floor cabana includes a large private terrace with a nice view of the surrounding trees along with the sounds and view of the ocean's tide.

A cozy bedroom with a wooden bed frame, beige bedding, and two woven pendant lights hanging from the ceiling. There are decorative art pieces above the bed, and a window with black grid frames on the right. The room has wooden flooring and a beige rug in front of the bed.
Rustic bathroom with stone walls, a wooden vanity with a vessel sink, and a large round mirror.

Casa Antigua — $3,300

Double Accommodation

A peaceful, ocean-view cabaña that blends clean design with effortless comfort. This remodeled space is perfect for those seeking serenity and style just steps from the sand. A private patio offers the perfect space to enjoy the surrounding gardens or catch the sea breeze.

A cozy bedroom with a large wooden bed, white linens, and a decorative wooden headboard wall art. There are two black bedside tables with lamps and a sitting area with white armchairs, a ottoman, and a plant near a window with curtains. The room has wooden beams on the ceiling, a ceiling fan, and a wooden floor with a beige area rug.
A hammock hanging between two wooden posts on a porch with terracotta tile floor, overlooking a lush garden with large green tropical leaves and trees.

Prana Suite — $3,600

Double Accommodation

With a 180 degree ocean view and a private patio, this suite will take your breath away. Local craftsmen have made the natural wood, colonial tile, and stone shine in this artfully decorated suite. Enjoy a deluxe bathroom with dual rainfall showers and a coffee station.

Join us!
A backyard with a swimming pool surrounded by a wooden deck, two white lounge chairs, lush green plants, and a house with a covered porch with outdoor furniture.
A bedroom with a large bed, rustic wooden headboard, nightstand with a lamp, sitting area with a green sofa and chairs, and large windows with curtains overlooking a patio with outdoor lounge chairs.

Casa OM Suite — $3,900

Double Accommodation

Located directly on the beach, in front of a protected bay, the suite has unobstructed views of the Pacific and the mountainous lush tropical rainforest of Cambutal. Immerse yourself in your private infinity pool surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens and tropical design.

Retreat Testimonials

  • "To me, the entire retreat was a living ritual, the food, the movement, the sea, the sacred land, my morning walks, and every piece of soul work we did together. I carry it all home with me, deeply embedded in my heart."

    - Ireland Retreat

  • "I'm taking home the deep feeling that grief and loss are threads we all carry and when women come together, we become weavers of strength, support, and love. I now feel even more clearly that healing happens through connection, presence, and bearing witness to one another’s stories."

    - Ireland Retreat

  • The retreat was such a life changing and transformative experience. This type of work is a true gift to each of us! Thank you for all of your support :)"

    - Costa Rica Retreat

  • "I would highly recommend this retreat to anyone grieving a loss or working through a major life change. It is so helpful to have dedicated time to grieve and consider life changes, guided by wise support and with the company of others"

    -Costa Rica Retreat

Your Hosts

Kelsey and Kianna met by the ocean (surprise, surprise). What started as a brief conversation on the Jetty steps in Half Moon Bay, has grown into a friendship full of laughter, tears, and a deep, shared reverence for grief. Over the years, their partnership was born from Kelsey’s grounded wisdom, Kianna’s knack for practical magic, and countless coffee chats in sweatpants.

They can’t wait to welcome you to this transformational experience with open hearts and warm hugs.

People practicing meditation or yoga in a bright, airy room with large windows showing green trees outside.

  • Founder + Retreat Lead


    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.”

A woman with wet hair in the water at the beach, holding a surfboard, smiling and looking to the side with a background of trees under a clear blue sky.


  • Facilitator

    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.

A wooden table decorated with spiritual items, surrounded by black cushions, with a thatched roof overhead and tropical plants in the background.
Two women holding hands at the edge of the ocean, with waves washing onto the beach.
Hammock hanging in a tropical beachside hut with palm trees, the ocean, and a cloudy sky in the background.
Poolside lounge area with four white lounge chairs and small side tables, surrounded by tropical plants and palm trees, overlooking the beach at sunset.
Close-up of green palm or fern leaves with a dark background.
A white Toyota SUV driving through a shallow creek with water splashing around it, surrounded by green trees and gravel at the creek's edge. Two people are inside the vehicle, one waving out the window.
Silhouette of a person walking on the beach with a surfboard against a sunset sky
A group of women in swimsuits standing on a beach near the ocean, with palm trees and a distant hill in the background during sunset.

This retreat is intentionally small to ensure a heartfelt and connected experience for each participant. Spaces are limited and expected to fill quickly.

To secure your space, a non-refundable $1,000 USD deposit is required at the time of booking. The remaining balance is due by March 26, 2026.

Once your registration and deposit are received, you’ll receive a detailed welcome packet with travel information, packing suggestions, and preparation practices to help you arrive feeling grounded and supported.

If you have questions about room selection, travel coordination, or payment plans, please reach out — we’re happy to help you find what feels right.

Join Us!

 FAQs

  • 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.

  • A $1,000 non-refundable deposit secures your place. The final balance is due by March 26, 2026. Once registered, you’ll receive a detailed welcome packet with travel info, packing suggestions, and preparation practices.

  • No experience is required! Surfing and ocean therapy are optional, we will meet you where you are at. Many participants simply enjoy being near the water, wading in the waves, or watching from shore. Others might want to charter a surf excursion!

  • This retreat welcomes anyone navigating grief, change, or transition whether you’ve lost a loved one, are moving through life shifts, or simply feel called to reconnect with yourself and nature. All ocean and grief experiences are welcome.

    • A $1,000 USD deposit is non-refundable and non-transferable.

    • Cancellations made after March 1, 2026 are non-refundable due to resort commitments.

    • No refunds will be issued for late arrival, early departure, or unused services once the retreat has begun.

    • If the retreat is canceled by the host or Sansara Resort (e.g., due to travel restrictions, natural disaster, or safety concerns), all payments will be refunded in full.

    We strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance that includes coverage for medical emergencies, cancellations, and travel interruptions.

  • Many guests attend solo! You’ll be welcomed into a supportive and compassionate community. Shared accommodations are thoughtfully paired, and there’s ample time for both connection and solitude.

  • We aim to create a retreat space that is inclusive and accessible. Sansara’s grounds are gently sloped, and most cabanas are within short walking distance of shared spaces. If you have accessibility needs or emotional considerations, please reach out so we can support your experience with care.

  • You’re welcome to share, but never required. Some people come to listen, others to speak, all are honored. You’ll be invited into small circles and creative exercises that support expression in the way that feels right for you.

  • Yes! Each afternoon includes free time for beach walks, reading in hammocks, swimming, or optional excursions like surf adventures, boat trips, or waterfall hikes.