Definitely book this if you are looking for something wonderful, relaxing and amazing!

I wanted to get away for a week all by myself. I wanted a week to renew and relax. I was a bit hesitant and worried about booking a retreat that I was too old for(I'm 55) or that was too structured or that didn't have good food or that was too "posh" or that wasn't nice enough..... I think you get the picture. Well, I found EVERYTHING I needed and wanted at El Sabanero.

First, it is beautiful-naturally. This isn't a posh resort-and I wasn't looking for that. It is relaxed and inviting and homey.... and clean!! The individual cabins with the hammocks are wonderful. Yes, rustic, but clean and nice. And, you actually get your cabin cleaned every day!! Something the chain places don't do anymore.

Second, will you fit in? YES!! I guarantee it!! I hadn't done Yoga in a few years-back injury, laziness, serious family stress issue(so many excuses I had)-I showed up and felt totally comfortable-at all times. The Yoga is wonderful. The people are amazing. It's really the people-the owner, the staff, the instructors and the other people at the lodge. It just all melded perfectly. Age: irrelevant. Skill level: pretty much irrelevant but at least learn a few yoga poses before you go-don't have to but it may be easier. If you are highly skilled-they will challenge you.

Third, the food. OMG-the food!! THANK YOU DONALD!!! Wow. absolutely amazing. I am NOT a vegetarian! And, I love fish(so worried I wouldn't get fish). Well, I must say that the food was some of the best food I've ever had!! Not sure if I mentioned-I'm a foodie btw. Yes, it is essentially vegetarian-but we did get fish 1 night. It is amazing. I was always more than satisfied. In fact, arguably, I ate more on this trip that I usually do when I travel-I just couldn't help myself. How in the heck does he make vegetarian food that good??? I will never understand. Donald did inspire me to come home and cook a few vegetarian dishes-thank you Donald.

Finally, you are not a prisoner!! Seriously, some of the "retreats" I looked at sounded like-well-prisons. They were super structured-wanted you to stay only at the resort the whole time, only eat at the resort etc. This is not El Sabanero. There is a shuttle every single day to the beach. If you don't eat meals there-they don't care. Just let Donald know if you are going to miss a meal so he doesn't cook so much food. There are excursions you can sign up for-and they are thrilled when you do(or don't! up to you!). Also, there is a cute little restaurant at the end of the the lodge's drive-pizza, burgers and btw-fish(which was great) and yes-beer and wine-ice cream and sorbet too. So, if you just want to go sit somewhere different and have a glass of wine-that is fine too. In other words-it's your time-you choose how to spend it and no one is mad or upset or offended or expecting anything of you except to enjoy your time(sounds amazing, right??) Did I mention the massages?????? Yes, that too.

I cannot recommend this place enough. My plan it to make this a yearly treat for myself. It was amazing and I'm so thankful I went. Thank you everyone at El Sabanero-especially Jen. I appreciate all of you.

One of the most incredible experiences of my life. So much kindness, love, joy, aliveness. Beauty is everywhere. A space for healing, individually and collectively. Where people naturally share their hearts. And nature inspires awe. THANK YOU. I came back home full of gratitude and wonderful memories. I am already looking forward to coming back. I see very clearly now why so many of the guests I met there had already visited before. This is a place to return to. A place that is very special. Pura vida.

My wife and I stayed at El Sabanero from August 5th to 12th of this year 2023. We had a delightful time. Owners Kurt & Harold are very accommodating and make you feel very welcome. Morning yoga with Hector was wonderful, and I appreciated how he made an effort to accommodate the different skill sets of the guests, so as a beginner I did not feel threatened, and Hector encouraged me to pursue yoga practice further. The other yoga gals for evening yoga were awesome too, every one of them. Ana the massage therapist is a keeper too, and highly recommended. Being able to sign up for excursions/tours, and a complimentary shuttle daily to the beach was really nice too. Donald the cook needs special recognition for still pulling it off with a broken arm – salute. While the place needs a little fixing up here and there, and has aged a wee bit, it still gives it a more rustic feel and more than makes up for that with it’s charm, views, people, features, community, and caring & safe environment to truly enjoy a reset in beautiful Costa Rica. Pura Vida El Sabanero!