Samasati Healing Retreat Center

We originally visited back in 2016 - I was going through my pictures and found these gems. I still tell people to this day how amazing this trip was.

The resort property is incredible. With our cosy wooden casita nestled into the tropical rainforest hillside, the view in the morning was spectacular. Waking up to the howler monkey’s on the roof, all the sounds of all the other beasties was magical (a little startling, but magical). Add the wellness side of things with daily yoga classes, massages and a bunch of options to center yourself, this is the perfect place to disconnect from technology for a while and just reset.

My second time here and it was even more memorable than the first.

Everyone that works here is amazing and I can’t say enough about the location. We spent about 9 days at Samasati and we never ate out ( the food was so good on site) and every time we went out I was looking forward to coming back up the mountain.

Highlights included walking around the ground and the trails, the food - including the fresh juices and dessert, the yoga sessions led by Stephanie, and the animals you see everyday (we saw a new one every single day).

I already am missing Samasati and can’t wait to go back!!

Oh my goodness, what a magical place. I am a city girl and not particularly well versed in living in the wilderness, but I've never felt more safe and calm and taken care of than during my stay at Samasati. Every morning I woke to the sounds of birds and monkeys and the most incredible view of the sunrise. I started most days with yoga in a room surrounded by rainforest life and sounds. All the buildings are screened in, so you always feel like you're outside but without the bugs (mostly). There are 3 different hiking trails you can get to, and a pool and a hot tub to come back to afterwards with incredible mountaintop views. I also spent one day in Puerto Viejo, the beachtown nearby, which they provided free transport to. We were fed three fabulous meals each day which I was very happy with - and my husband is a chef, so this is coming from someone who's rather spoiled in this regard. I've never wanted to not leave a place so badly. The rainforest is a truly healing place, and Samasati knows how to set you up so that you can slow down and take it all in.

If you're looking for a transformative and life-changing wellness retreat, look no further than the one-week Awaken retreat led by Kim Fawcett at Samasati in Costa Rica. This retreat is way more than just yoga in the jungle - it's an incredible journey of self-discovery, guided by daily programming that left me feeling inspired, empowered, and rejuvenated.

Kim has a special gift for connecting with and inspiring others. You'll feel cared for and special from the moment you arrive. Each day of the retreat is centered around a different theme, from intention setting and grounding to heart and spirit, release, gratefulness, and envision. I was guided through morning and afternoon movement sessions led by on-site guru Stephanie McKenzie, who imparted depth and insight to our daily themes. Kim provided a beautiful journal; and I was given time and space to reflect in one of the most incredible and inspiring locations you could imagine.

Speaking of location, Samasati is an indescribable setting that will take your breath away. Tucked away on a mountain on the edge of a rainforest, I felt like I was in my own private paradise. The sounds of the jungle were both soothing and entertaining, and I spotted all kinds of wildlife during my stay. The food was delicious, farm-to-table meals that were simply elegant, and light. With a wide variety of options, I felt that I nourished my body and soul throughout my stay.

The optional guided adventures offered during the retreat were the perfect complement to my spiritual retreat. We had the opportunity to go hiking, ziplining, and horseback riding. The highlight was the guided wildlife tour in Cahuita National Park, where we spotted dozens of species up close.

This wellness retreat was the best experience for improving well-being; and changing my life. I came away with insights, clarity, and tools that will have an immediate ripple effect on those around me. I highly recommend this incredible retreat as it has taken my wellness journey to the next level. Don’t think, just book it!

An amazing place! I experienced incredible peace and relaxation in my week here. I was fully taken care of by the staff with delicious food and lots of little kindnesses and extras. Gorgeous location with animal sightings every day!

Samasati is named after the last word the Buddha said before leaving for Nirvana. I was fortunate to attend a week-long retreat at this beautiful place. It's far away from civilisation but still has most of the amenities that make life easy.
The staff was fantastic - very helpful and authentic.
The on-site yoga teacher, Stephanie, is unique - in only three morning sessions I've learned more about yoga, breathing and my body than in 35 years before.
The biggest problem was the delicious food: our group was constantly overeating 😆
I highly recommend Samasati and look forward to visiting again.

I had the luxury of attending a wedding at Samasati and the experience was beyond what I could of imagined. Let's start with the food, Funky the cook was amazing! everything was organic and fresh. The staff was very warm and ready to serve. My cabin was so beautiful with my own hammock to sit a enjoy the sounds of the jungle.

Stephanie took us hiking and showed us all of the wonders that nature has to offer. I mean really the bullet ants were no joke. We saw rare animals and it was wonderful. Usually I am terrified of bugs being a city girl but after getting educated I learned to blend with and appreciate the nature around me.

Everything about Samasati was far beyond what I would want in a Jungle retreat. Looking forward to the anniversary to return.

Place is great. Very quiet and peaceful. They offer amazing yoga sessions twice a day, can’t beat this yoga experience accompanied by all kinds of birds singing around. Food is awesome, I’m not vegetarian but I really enjoyed what they were offering. Internet is ok, there is a hot spot that works most of the time but not always. Staff is amazing. Everybody is super friendly and helpful. Also I talked to a girl I met she was here for 10 days and loved it.

I just attended a BEAUTIFUL wedding at Samasati, and I can't stop feeling the amazing energy from being at this lovely sanctuary in the jungle.
It's really unlike any hotel I've ever been to.
The grounds are built right into nature. You live seamlessly with the jungle - but in private bungalows with screens and a lovely porch with a hammock, that let's you watch wildlife in it's element, while having comfort and privacy. The view is amazing, since Samasati is built on a mountain overlooking the the valley below that leads to the ocean. Hiking in the jungle is also a crazy experience, with so many animals and ancient trees, and a waterfall for a lovely dip.
As a vegetarian, the food was so delicious and creative and filling. I loved the fresh coconuts and all the fruit. It's probably because the kitchen staff is so upbeat with good energy, listening to great music and joking around while they make the food with love.
Things are just different here, time is different. I thought to myself "I'll never do yoga at 6:30am, are they crazy?" But really, you start to live in the rhythm of the jungle and getting up with the sunrise is so beautiful, that I didn't mind at all to have an incredible and invigorating yoga class before breakfast to start my day off right.
I love this place. I love the people that come to stay here and are drawn to it. I love the jungle vibe, and the peace and quiet, but also the easy access to the beach and the cute town nearby.
Definitely visit! I'll be back.

I will warn you, the paint on the sign is faded and finding this idyll, even with GPS, can be a challenge. Arrive during daylight!
All the staff here are so welcoming and accommodating. The environment is relaxing and beautiful with more wildlife surrounding us than I saw on my booked tour through a place in town. Other guests are easy to mingle with as they are generally as kind and peaceful as the staff. The memory of lying in a hammock enjoying the elevated view of the cove was something I draw on often now that I am back home. Another tip-pack binoculars!

I and my retreat guests had an AMAZING time at Samasati!! Stephenie was beyond wonderful in supporting us to schedule our time both at the retreat doing yoga and nutrition classes, and also exploring the area with various adventures. Becca led gentle yoga classes that worked perfectly for the beginners as well as those who had been doing yoga for quite a while. Having her available for massages, fairy cards, and hilarious conversations over dinner was a highlight for all of us. The food was incredibly delicious and the chefs and Stephanie made sure that all of our meals were made vegan, since that was the focus of the retreat. It was such a treat to not even have to think about getting balanced nutrition, because it was all just there waiting for us to fill up our plates! They also set up an area for me to do a cooking demo and nutrition classes through the week. Scott was a very knowledgeable hiking guide and coordinator for our excursions. Overall, it was a pretty magical experience for all of us, and I am beyond grateful to all of the staff who made our stay in the rainforest so special. Thank you!!!

I had such an amazing experience at Samasati. Breathtaking surroundings with an amazing staff. there was always someone around to answer any questions or concerns that I had. Everyone on staff was always checking in to see how our stay was going. Stephanie really took the time to make sure we hit all the best spots in puerto viego and that we got the most out of our stay. I would highly recommend Samasati and definitely plan to visit again. Oh, and the food was amazing!

I was pleasantly surprised by all of the lovely upgrades and renovations made with the new management!!
I stayed two years ago and loved the experience although I noticed somethings and staff needed improvement. Since then, I would read the reviews and dream about going back. Then when I read the owner's caring reply to a reviewer who complained, saying that the resort has had an overhaul since there is new management.....I quickly booked a 7 day solo stay!
Soooo nice to go back! The scenery, the rainforest, the yoga, the massages and the hikes were all so wonderful like I remembered them but now there was an amazing vibe and also the staff seemed extra friendly and helpful. The food was good before but now it was amazing with such a fresh selection of fruits and vegetables and flavors.
When I sat in that jacuzzi overlooking the water, I felt at peace and I was able to clear my mind. My bungalow felt like a treehouse as I would listen to the leaves rustle in the wind and hear the animals in the midst of this amazing rainforest.
There is something truly magical about this resort.

PERFECT Balance of Relaxation & Adventure!

I stayed at Samasati with my mother the second week of May and it was AMAZING! I can't enough good things about our experience at Samasati! It offers a PERFECT balance of relaxation and adventure. Please note, that if air conditioning, TV and internet are musts for you, this is NOT the place for you to stay. Samasati offers a great way to get away from it all and relax and enjoy nature. Since it is four hours outside of the city of San Jose Samasati offers authentic experience of Costa Rica, it is unforgettable.

The staff was extremely professional and responsive, from the time I booked our stay to the time we checked out. During our stay they were friendly and attentive and very helpful with anything we needed. They helped us arrange all our tours and excursions and were super helpful in arranging transportation and meals around them as well.

The vegetarian food was so delicious, very authentic and fresh, and the buffet style was perfect for trying it all and enjoying more of my favorites. I never went hungry! Each meal each day featured such a variety of flavorful foods made from organic foods grown on site. I am not a vegetarian, but I had no idea vegetarian foods could be so yummy!

The bungalow we stayed in was great. It featured 2 single beads downstairs and a double bed upstairs, a sitting area inside and a large porch/balcony with a hammock. The bathroom had everything we needed, all the basics, hot water showers, clean towels etc. They do change the towels every 2 days, which worked fine for us. We had brought an extra towel, for beach etc, so I would suggest if this is important to you bring an extra towel. The room had a fan, and between that and the breezes through the screened windows we didn't miss a/c. Waking up to howler monkeys and birds in the morning was so soothing, what a great way to start the day! We enjoyed swaying in the hammock in the afternoons, relaxing, reading a good book and listening to green parrots and toucans and watching the morpho butterfly find his way down the path.

I took a yoga class and it too was superb. Max is well trained in yoga and the class was good for every level, from beginner to expert. They have yoga mats for use there, but if you plan on doing to do a lot of yoga I would bring my own mat. They offer classes everyday at 6:30 am (before breakfast) and 5pm (before dinner). It was great to do yoga and enjoy the rainforest sounds in the background.

The view from the jacuzzi really is as amazing as the brochure and website photos! As are the views from the restaurant and reception area! It was great to sit there and just watch nature go by, sloths, parrots, toucans, eagles and such. Bring binoculars!

Seeing as I knew we were staying in the rainforest, I was prepared with Avon Skin So Soft Bug Guard. As a person who normally gets mobbed by mosquitos when no one else is even touched, I was amazed that after I week I only had 2 bug bites! I would recommend checking out Columbia and REI for the moisture wicking clothing. It really is humid and cotton clothing does not dry once wet! Since I live in South Florida, I was a bit used to humidity but for some it can be a shock, and the moisture wicking clothing I brought did dry well in the rainforest climate.

HIGHLIGHTS:
- excellent service, we were well taken care of
- amazing food
- awesome views & sounds of nature
- relaxing and getting way from the hustle & bustle of life
- wide variety of adventures and activities offered

RECOMMENDATIONS:
- extra towel for beach/misc
- flashlight
- moisture wicking clothing (check REI and Columbia) - at least 1 pair of pants
- Avon Skin So Soft Bug Guard/Sun Protection
- yoga mat, if you want to do a lot of yoga
- binoculars

ENJOY!!!!

I stayed in a Classic Cassita and absolutely loved my stay at Samasati. The staff is truly a team of angels that met our every need. The food was beautiful, fresh, healthy, varied and delicious. And somehow they kept things clean and fresh in the rainforest. I would definitely return!

Lush green rainforest, a variety of wildlife and views to the Caribbean Sea. Delicious vegetarian recipes and plenty of yummy tropical fruit! A warm and friendly staff. A perfect space in which to practice yoga. Samasati was perfect for my needs to get away and revitalize. Thank you everyone at Samasati for making my vacation experience so much easier and fulfilling.

Beyond amazing. If you are looking to travel to paradise, relax and reconnect in a natural haven, Samasati is the place for you. Beautifully run, delicious food, and friendly staff. I came for a solo traveler retreat and had a tremendous experience. Stephanie is a world class yoga teacher, the excursions were fun and I met new like-minded people. Life is short. Don't hesitate -if you are wondering whether to come - the answer is YES!

“On earth there is no heaven, but there are pieces of it.”
— Jules Renard

When describing Samasati and its grounds, this quote rings especially true. It is a place to lose yourself, and to find yourself. To slow down and relax, reflect and relish in the lush, heavenly surroundings.

It is enchanting this rainforest overlooking The Caribbean and Puerto Viejo. Birds abound: toucans, hummingbirds, raptors and more. Sightings of monkeys and gentle sloths are common too. As you walk the grounds, fluttering by you’ll see brilliant Blue Morphos –the most beautiful of butterflies – as well as frogs and reptiles of various hues.

The accommodations: "Glamping" at its best! Casitas perched atop a mountain, with hammocks beckoning for use. Treehouse-like structures, but with all the essentials.

Not surprisingly, Samasati attracts a soulful crowd. Here like-minded travelers connect easily. Our guru, Stephanie was incredible. Her high energy, generous spirit and affable nature made for easy and very enjoyable company.

Add to all of this, daily yoga and meditation, as well as delicious vegetarian fare. You will leave a different person from when you came in.

If you’ve never traveled alone, or if you love yoga and meditation, or if you’re going through a hardship, or if you simply need to check out for a bit -- this is the place for you!

There is no place like Samasati! Sleep in your own bungalow in the rainforest overlooking the Caribbean and wake up to the sound of howler monkeys. Awesome adventures, great food, and immersed in nature.

Everyone who has anything to do with Samasati from the owners to the neighbors are wonderful!! The staff really went out of their way to take care of me and accommodate my every need. Plus it is beautiful, peaceful and in it's own private bioreserve - what more could you ask for? Thank you Samasati