El Sabanero Eco Lodge

Yoga Programs: Highly praised for personalized instruction, diverse styles , and inclusive adjustments for varying skill levels.

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??) Di

El Sabanero was far more great than I could’ve ever expected. As a first time solo female traveler I was very scared and skeptical of where I’d end up. I’m so happy I picked this place. From the moment you arrive to the lodge, your welcomed by Kurt (one of the lodge owners) as if you were family or a long time friend. Then you’re greeted and given a tour of the lodge by Emma, she is one of the amazing yoga instructors that you’re lucky to spend your stay with. Throughout my tour I was greeted by the dogs the hotel has adopted. They are all so sweet and pure and great for emotional support. They are just so loving. Make sure you find Luna, but I’m sure she’ll find you before you even get the chance to look for her. The dogs helped me feel safe during my stay as they stood guard throughout the night on the decks of all the rooms. I will say when booking this lodge keep in mind that you are staying in a location where there will be bugs, insect and animals of all sorts. I am terrified of bugs but I went in knowing what I was getting myself into and felt that this was all a part of the experience. The lodge isn’t the most updated but quite honestly it’s what gives it character and makes it feel so “homey”, welcoming and so connected to nature. The rooms come with great AC, secured lockbox and are cleaned everyday by the housekeeping staff. Morning yoga is hosted by Hector, which has a true gift for teaching yoga. The afternoon yoga instructors rotate and they are all so great. This place was very inclusive and a lot of the practices were incorporated based on how the yogi group was feeling that morning/afternoon. If existing injuries were present on a guest, the instructors always made sure to offer pose modifications.The Shala is so beautiful and peaceful. Meditation sessions are also offered on select days of the week. The lodge also offers to take you to Tamarindo beach for the day. You are taken to town by Harold (one of the lodge owners) who always makes sure to accommodate pick up and drop off times with you. He is very accommodating and will offer stops at the grocery store/ATM or whatever you need. Make sure you ask him about the really good empanadas in Tamarindo. As far as meals go, Donald, the chef for El Sabanero, has a true gift for cooking. The meals are primarily vegetarian based and selected by the chef himself on what will be served for that particular day. You never now what your meal will be ahead of time but I can guarantee you that you won’t be disappointed. He makes everything from scratch and makes the most simple vegetables taste amazing. Meals are served buffet style and are more of a communal style in which everyone sits at the table and you get to meet other El Sabanero guests. I was lucky enough to meet some amazing women during my stay here and have built friendships that have felt like I’ve known these individuals for years. Airport pick up and drop off was arranged by Kurt and Harold which was such a convenience and r