Santosha offers yoga, meditation, wholesome eating, forest bathing, foraging, writing, cycling, hiking, paddling, and skiing.

Yoga Retreats (2)

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Instructors (6)

JennyBess (JB) Chaim

Matt O'Donnell

Carrie Carpenter

Alexandra Harbour

Emily King

Kat Ripley

Reviews (65)

John Spooner

from United States, September 2024

"The perfect place it was awesome"

It's an incredible experience, just wait and see.

Eileen Pew

from United States, September 2024

I loved the entire experience. This was my first time & it was very special. Accommodations were fine. The food was perfect. I had lots of FUN with other guests as well as staff. The setting is beautiful.

Teresa Mahan

from United States, September 2024

"an amazing journey"

They did a great job restoring the property. The staff were amazing. The food was delicious, the cocktails tasty. The yoga classes were varied and excellent. The dharma talks inspired me. The whole vibe was relaxed, supportive. Met some amazing people. The area was beautiful. Highly recommend. Hope to go back.

Gail Scheepers

from United States, August 2024

"A must do retreat! Rejuvenating 🙂"

It was a wonderful balance of softening and strengthening your body and your mind. It was a peaceful, beautiful location. The rooms and the main building are beautifully restored. The gourmet food was excellent and the schedule of the ability to come and go as we choose was enlightening.

Lisa Higgins

from United States, August 2024

"Wonderful Yoga Retreat at Santosha"

Incredible yoga retreat at Santosha! JB and Matt are kind, dedicated & inspirational hosts (they are all around amazing people). All of the staff are wonderful. The yoga is top notch. The food is to die for. We enjoyed the sauna, hot tub and pickleball courts. The walk to the pebble beach at the river is lovely. I would recommend this place to anyone.

Anonymous

from United States, July 2024

"Thank you for a wonderful weekend! Will be back!"

No fuss. Great yoga, good food and very comfortable accommodations in beautiful Maine. Really great group of solo travelers.

Anonymous

from United States, April 2024

"Santosha"

The mansion is beautiful. There are many common area spaces for people to gather around to talk or to find a reading nook for yourself. My room was gorgeous. It felt like a place of respite with huge windows, chandelier, chair and ottoman and a writing desk.

It was good to not only have healthy food but also have bacon and an ooey gooey cinnamon roll. It was a small retreat, the weekend I was there and it was a nice touch when Sophie swung by and asked what I wanted for lunch.

The yoga classes were excellent. The first one in the morning is going over the Santosha series so you can learn the series to practice at home. There was another flow class right after the Santosha series and then, in the evenings, after the Dharma talk a restorative yoga class.

The highlight for me were the nightly Dharma talks. JB clearly has studied and knows how to drive a conversation to be educational, thoughtful and inclusive. It really inspired me to continue to study further to understand more how to take my practice off the yoga the mat and apply it in my life aside from just the physical aspect of yoga.

It rained most of the weekend but I did manage to go to the waterfall few miles up the road. It was an easy hike, and very beautiful.

Santosha is a special place and I look forward to my next visit.

Nayve Martinez Rubio

from United States, October 2022

"Amazing, second time at Santosha!"

This is my second time at Santosha with JB and crew. She has done an amazing thing at this new location, including the new and cozy shala and the historic house which gives the whole experience so much character. But beyond this, the warmth and good energy of JB, Lauren, Carly, Matt, Carrie and all of those involved in this beautiful experience is to be treasured! Good vibes are all over, plus the yoga and meditation sessions are top notch. The dharma talks are always so insightful yet real. Other retreat guests I interacted with seem to have had similar experiences and I can’t wait to be back (hopefully) soon.

Marilyn Whalen

from United States, October 2022

"Fall yoga retreat"

The coziness of the home was consistent with the warm and caring staff. The yoga room was bright, clean and beautifully decorated with interesting yogic relics and plenty of yoga props.

Anonymous

from United States, September 2022

"Great yoga, "

The yoga was incredible! Very deep learning and new approaches I didn't know about. JB has an amazing spiritual path and she is very knowledgeable. I feel like I've learned so much from her about compassion, peace, and suffering. Santosha has really helped me to heal :)

Mary Riker

from United States, September 2022

"Wonderful, restful and worth it!!!"

I really appreciated the customer service to make adjustments to my dates. Staff was friendly and personable and integrated nicely. Loved the Dharma talks.

Loved the karaoke night. Loved the extra help with yoga poses. The grounds and location are terrific. Great to explore.

Meals and offerings lovely

Anonymous

from United States, August 2022

"Amazing!"

I feel so fortunate that I was one of the first yogis to attend a retreat at the new location. When I arrived, I was greeted warmly by JB, Matt and Nanda and felt right at home. Because I was there during the week (rather than the weekend) it was a small group, which I quite enjoyed. The classes were wonderful and I learned so much from each of the teachers, Nanda, Pippa, and JB. I definitely felt physically challenged by the poses, and the evening talks gave me a lot to think about and reflect upon without any of it feeling overwhelming. I was exhausted after the first day, but after a great night’s sleep I quickly recovered.

The schedule was great, with early morning meditation followed by 2 yoga classes, a break for lunch and rest, then one more yoga class, a group discussion about the history and meaning of yoga, then dinner followed by a short meditation.

During the afternoon breaks my favorite activity was swimming in the crystal clear creek nearby. There’s also a pretty nice hiking trail that goes beyond the creek.

Overall it was a very relaxing experience.

John Marshall

from United States, July 2022

"Supportive, group-based instruction in a beautiful place"

Staff: JB, Matt, Nanda, Pippa, and the entire support staff put their hearts and souls into this institution. They clearly care a lot about guest experience and went out of their way not just to "serve" us but to make us feel welcome and at home. This is more than just a job for everyone who works there.

Fellow Attendees: I attended solo, and during my week I grew close to the other guests and felt a strong sense of community. The dharma talks and communal meals helped me quickly find common ground with everyone, and I was amazed at how much the group gelled.

Classes: This was my first experience with in-person yoga classes, and the instruction was eye-opening. First, the yoga shala was absolutely beautiful. Brand new and with floor-to-ceiling wood, it smelled fantastic and made me feel both connected to the outside environment and pleasantly secluded from it. The instruction spanned kundalini, ashtanga, restorative, yin, and other various forms. I walked away feeling more confident in my form and strong in my understanding of yoga as a discipline.

Surrounding Area: Kingfield was sublime. I'd never been to western Maine before, and the hiking, swimming, and natural beauty made the week a restorative one.

Food: I ate so much! The food was prepared with thoughtfulness and personality. It didn't taste like "restaurant food"; it had a homestyle, nutritious element that made it the perfect fuel for all my physical activity.

Erica Brady

from United States, July 2022

The relaxed atmosphere of the staff, The yoga shala was beautiful, The instructor that i had was one of the best . The massage that i booked was fantastic. The food was top notch . This historic home was like walking into a history book.

Anonymous

from United States, June 2022

"Soul Reset "

JB is so welcoming and like many other guests have said - you feel like you’ve stepped into a good friend’s home. The dharma talks, yoga, meditation and food (amazing and delicious - you’ll walk away wanting all the recipes) - the cold plunge into the Kennebec river, the fact that it’s dog friendly. It’s a safe space and a complete retreat and reset for your mind, body and soul. Thank you JB, Matt, Nanda, Sarah and Valerie for an unforgettable weekend. JB you’ve created something one-of-a-kind - thank you 🙏

Until next time - Ericka

Lisa Higgins

from United States, June 2022

"Perfect weekend!"

Everything about the Santosha retreat was amazing. Nanda was an incredible instructor. I learned and grew so much this weekend. The food and the location were wonderful. During our free time, we hiked a mountain to the beach. Stunning river views. I highly recommend Santosha!

Sarah Spinelli

from United States, June 2022

"Beautiful, restful experience "

Within five minutes of arriving, I felt like I was “home”. Everyone was so welcoming and it was a true joy to spend the time at Santosha. I was looking for some respite from my day to day, a break from the ordinary. I found far more than that! The food was so delicious, and a lot of it gave me creative ideas for how to incorporate at home - and I was able to learn how to bake bread (the retreat description pulled me in with mention of kneading sourdough). I’m so thankful for what JB does, and loved every minute of the experience.

Paige Kohn

from United States, May 2022

"Refreshing stay for yoga, rest and hiking "

I loved the house; it was homey, modern, and well maintained. As a book lover, the library was great. The schedule was a good balance between yoga, eating, rest, side adventures (e.g. hiking), and conversing with others (I liked the evening dharma talks). I enjoyed meeting the various staff members and fellow guests. Nanda was great; she was friendly, knowledgeable about yoga, fun, and a good baker (biscuits and apple pie in particular). JB has a neat background and I found her perspective interesting. And of course Pampelmousse the dog was adorable! Overall, I really enjoyed my stay and left refreshed.

Anonymous

from United States, March 2022

"A great getaway"

PUPPIES!

Seriously, everything was great.

Sheindel Shadood

from United States, March 2022

"Wonderful experience!"

I had a wonderful time there. The yoga was wonderful, the massage was wonderful, the home-cooked meals were amazing, the location was beautiful, and the dog was awesome! JB is so earnest, humble, and welcoming. All the different instructors were great. I learned so much!

Karen Silcott

from United States, November 2021

"Nurturing Retreat"

An authentic nurturing restorative environment. Tried many new yoga and breathing techniques. Truly for all skill levels. No pressure!

Kim Hekmatyar

from United States, November 2021

"Beautiful experience"

Loved the house, scenic surrounding, instructors, easy-going, relaxed, vibe. Was so rejuvenating.

Karalyn Hyde

from United States, November 2021

"Amazing, cozy retreat! "

The intimacy of this retreat was unexpected but was absolutely perfect in every way. JB is an incredible woman with a huge heart, and to be able to open her home to so many strangers (who are all wonderful) is so generous.

As soon as I arrived, I knew it was exactly what I was looking for. The location is gorgeous and a hideaway, off the beaten path. It was lovely and tranquil, perfect for meditation and yoga practice. There is a schedule but it's so laid back you don't feel rushed or any pressure. Relaxing and cozy, you feel like you're in a different world.

The yoga aspect is the perfect balance for beginners and more experienced yogis. You can meditate freely whenever you wish, and there is a dedicated space for it. And the food...there are no words for how delicious everything was. It's a foodie's paradise no matter what your dietary needs are.

In so many words, Santosha truly meets the standards of a top yoga retreat. It's intimate, yet you meet so many people especially if you stay for a week. I made new friends, and I cherish that aspect of it. I cherish the peacefulness, the gorgeous setting, and JB for creating such an amazing place to come relax and practice yoga/mindfulness and meditation, and to just relax and chill out. I very highly recommend booking a stay even if you're not super into yoga. It's absolutely perfect and I'm already looking forward to booking a stay during the summer months! Thanks again, JB!!

Alban Jacquin

from United States, October 2021

"A yoga retreat feeling like a vacation with friends"

The venue is amazing from the view to the yoga and meditation rooms as well as the rooms themselves.

There were three yoga teachers supporting JB during my stay: Nanda, Carole and Erika. All three were extremely professional and friendly.

During the mysore practice every morning JB provides guidance either to follow the Ashtanga routine or to correct you on your own routine. I took a lot away from her advice and the multiple others I got from all teachers.

The food was insanely good with only local products.

The house feels very homey and it is surrounded by water and lots of hikes around.

The team makes you feel at home right from the start and you are free to follow the schedule of the day or to do your own thing and come back to the schedule at your own leisure. It creates a super fluid and smooth environment with great time shared and great conversations!

I could not enjoy the pool but definitely enjoyed the hot tub!

The dog Pamplemousse is super cute and friendly too.

Already planning my next visit next year!

Mary Beth Butkovic

from United States, October 2021

"One of my life's favorite experiences"

I found the yoga practices to be very good and suited for all levels. The yoga facility was wonderful and classes were small. I also was able to add massages to my activities. What I enjoyed the most was the intimate, loving environment and the focus on all aspects of yoga including meditation and the opportunity to dig deep into Dharma. JB was a wonderful host and an amazing cook, as well as her onsite assistants, Erika and Nanada. They, as well as the other guests, were beautiful humans that I enjoyed getting to know. And JB's dog Pamplemousse is the very sweetest dog I ever met. I also found Maine more beautiful than I imagined and strongly encourage anyone who visits to explore the area.

Anonymous

from United States, October 2021

"Be Here Now"

The food, the yoga classes, the community. The director facilitated spiritual talks, in small groups and at dinner. The jacuzzi and saltwater cold pool were divine. I stayed a week.. I miss them already. Location was perfect for beach walks, kayaking.

Grace Snider

from United States, October 2021

"Wonderful guest teacher, too."

The warmth, the patience, the location, the food.

Sarah Williams

from United States, September 2021

"☆ You found it! ☆"

If you are looking for an incredible yoga, mindful, and restorative retreat, you have found it! The several classes are varied enough for the newbie to even instructors looking to renew.

T. H. E. F. O. O. D. Words can not do justice to the beauty, imagination and tastes of the homemade meals provided 4 (!) times a day. JB understands yogis are hungry after all that work on the mat, writing to a daily prompt in the homey library, ocean time, meditation room, hike, poolside reading a book, building relationships with others and petting one of the most incredible pups you will have ever meet. Seriously. If you don't like dogs /the horror!/ she is quiet and knows when you are relaxing.

Have you ever enjoyed the feeling of walking into a great friends home and just feel welcome and comfortable? Like put your feet up with a hot cup of tea, squish yourself into the oversized couch with a blanket and take a deep breath of relaxation? That is how you feel being welcomed into JB's home. I am writing my review from the side living room, hot cup of coffee in hand, staring at a pinkish yellow sunrise over the bay while practicing our morning ritual of silence. The grounds and home is large enough that with the 7 people staying you are able to find your own space for solitude or join others for reflections on the daily dharma.

I am so happy to have found this experience. I met people from around the country and everyone was so kind and varied in their skills.

10 out of 10 ☆♡☆♡☆

Meytal Galam

from United States, September 2021

"Well above expectations"

The location was perfect and easy to find. My bedroom was very cozy and clean and had a magical view on the water. Every common area in the house is very warm and cozy. JB is a very warm and welcoming host. She cooks delicious healthy meals as well as yummy comfort food several times a day to make sure we’re never hungry. The yoga sessions (physical or not) are all excellent for beginners or advanced yogis. The healing treatment that I chose was very good and helped me release a lot of tensions.

This was much better than I imagined it would be. It was a very meaningful retreat for me. I look forward to coming back very soon and I will recommend it to all of my friends.

Joanna Dai

from Great Britain, September 2021

"Self-care on the Maine coastline ❤️"

Santosha on the Kennebec was absolutely what my soul needed as someone who has gone through a deep personal loss followed by work burnout over past 18 months. JB is a true light and what I’m dubbing as the Millennial Guru. Staying here feels as if you’re invited to a good friend’s warm home, but that friend also happens to deeply studied and well-versed in yoga, asana and Dharma to help you find yourself and rebalance your well-being again. She has an insane library and resources and gave me exactly the right books to read. The daily programs are thoughtfully well-rounded from the asana/flow yoga to restorative and sound baths to learning about Dharma in an open and welcoming space to a new daily workshop on something joyous. The meals are all delicious, local and organic and JB is overly accommodating with any dietary restrictions of guests. The property is secluded and serene, sitting over the Kennebec with a gorgeous pool and jacuzzi on the main deck. I just reveled at the sunrise every morning over the trees across the river and soaked in the peace and nature. I also did the writer’s retreat as a personal interest and had such a positive, open space to explore and learn and gain confidence in my own writing. All the other guests were such good souls, and I’m truly grateful for the entire experience. Will 100% be back.

Derek Isenberg

from United States, September 2021

"Wonderful retreat"

JB was warm and welcoming. There was a great selection of activities during the day and the meals were great

Hannah Meiselman

from United States, September 2021

"Home away from home!"

This place is amazing! It had everything I was hoping for: great people, great food, beautiful views, and so much to do. The environment was warm and welcoming, and the yoga was challenging yet accessible. The food was always amazing, and the conversations were great too. JB is truly a jack of all trades, she's a host, a chef, a yoga instructor, a writer, and a friend. I learned so much at the retreat, and I can't wait to return!

Anonymous

from United States, September 2021

"Great opportunity to learn vegetarian and vegan cooking"

The food was all served family style. I learned some new spices I had never used before. Cooking was very relaxed with few written recipes. And easy adaptations of recipes for vegans and vegetarians.

We also focused on yoga . Available twice a day. There was a lovely swimming pool and many great hikes in the area.

We also had an opportunity to go to some lovely farmers markets and eat some amazing lobster.

Tyler Roberts

from United States, August 2021

"Rejuvenating, Outstanding Experience"

JB is a phenomenal host. She works endlessly to make sure that everything is perfect for her guests. The location was beautiful, the food was delicious, and the conversations were delightful. The scenery is breathtaking; This is easily the best trip I’ve ever been on. We got to practice yoga, which I had never done before and now LOVE. There’s also time in the day to do what you please whether it be relaxing by the pool, hot tub, or going into town. I highly highly highly recommend this for everyone; It is most certainly a magical experience.

Jordan Burwin

from United States, August 2021

"I will be returning"

The scenery was breath talking, I loved having a set schedule for the day, there was a nice hike down to the dock in the water, the food was so healthy and satisfying, the energy the house holds is so light, eye opening philosophical conversation was an activity every day.

Jessica Urban

from United States, July 2021

"Outstanding, Beautiful, Refreshing "

Exceeded my expectations. Everything was perfect.. from the food, community, schedule, environment. Suggested for anyone, of any age. I think my entire group extended their stay at least one night because it was so unbelievably refreshing.

Anonymous

from United States, July 2021

"Enlightening experience "

JB is a wonderful host. I enjoyed my retreat at Santosha. Yoga instructors were excellent, food was delicious and the house is beautiful and welcoming. There is a structured schedule that includes two yoga practices a day and one meditation. There are also other activities during the day you can choose to attend. However all activities are optional and you can make your retreat as flexible as you want.

Jolene Casatelli

from United States, July 2021

The location, services, atmosphere and hospitality were all that I expected and exactly what I needed. A fabulous place to rest your mind and expand your knowledge and yoga practice.

Shirley Faulkner

from United States, June 2021

"Contentment "

Santosha on the Kennebec provides a beautiful environment to turn inward and concentrate on your practice. My daughter and I felt totally relaxed and cared for as we worked on our own contentment. The shared meals and conversation around topics we care about were meaningful and thought provoking. The yogi in residence, Bridget, was extremely knowledgeable and made sure all levels of practice were personally challenging. As a yoga beginner, I felt included and nutured to dig deeper and improve my physical poses as well as my mental stamina.

Heather Petitpas

from United States, June 2021

"Warm and welcoming!"

Everything! The food, the yoga, the talks, walks, hospitality, the connection. The warmth!

Mythri Shenoy

from United States, June 2021

"Much needed break for relaxation and learning "

This was the perfect vacation for someone who’s into yoga and self reflection! The location overlooked the serene Kennebec river. The structure provides something for everyone: hikes, meditation, great homecooked food (like really delicious), hot tub to wind down, lot of time for quiet self reflection with emphasis on intentional living and a wonderful sense of community. It just all came together so beautifully!!! Thanks JB for making my first vacation after a long pandemic so peaceful and enjoyable!!!

Ruth Guajardo

from United States, May 2021

"A unique experience "

JB has created a wonderful space to practice yoga and a welcoming atmosphere for all individuals. The combination of yoga practice sessions and Dharma talks made for a complete mind/body experience. I’m extremely grateful to have found this place.

Anonymous

from United States, May 2021

"Amazing!"

Whole experience was fantastic! Food, room, yoga, hot tub, surroundings - all excellent. Plan to visit again.

Roberta Kortright

from United States, May 2021

"Robsan"

I found the interaction with JB to be the best part of my experience. The setting and the daily yoga practice/teachings were what I enjoyed. It was also very interesting to meet the other participants and learning about their lives and interests.

Joseph Cao

from United States, April 2021

"Great Retreat to Reconnect and Restore "

JB and Matt were great host; they were very attentive to our needs.

Russ & Anna Dewitte

from United States, March 2021

"Kennebec bliss"

We loved immersing into a calm and serene setting overlooking the Kennebec river. It was ideally suited for a peaceful and mindful few days that allowed us to slow down and be present. The yoga studio was immersed in natural light and honey colored wood and that made for a serene and intimate setting. Food was prepared with a lot of skill and imagination. It was amazingly delicious using influences from all over the world. Thank you JB for welcoming us into a beautifully crafted and delightful experience.

Aida Ramos

from United States, February 2021

"Awesome!"

Met our needs. Mindfulness was reflected around the whole place, services, experience.

Anonymous

from United States, October 2020

"Awesome Retreat!"

Yoga, meditation, food, hiking, and hospitality were all outstanding!

Oliver Smyth

from United States, October 2020

"The dream yoga & writing retreat in gorgeous Maine "

I had the most wonderful week at Santosha on the Kennebec with JB. With both powerful and restorative yoga on offer, time to write and daily prompts, epic views and even better food this was the perfect COVID-safe week away from the city. Socially distanced yoga made for a terrific experience flowing in a safe way. With epic day trips from hikes to foraging to trail running it was a brilliant end to end retreat and experience. For any dog lovers the resident pup Pamplemousse will never turn down a play session or a walk in the woods. I will be back and cannot recommend Santosha on the Kennebec highly enough! I learnt so much and met some great yogis and writers along the way. Thank you JB & team!

Clara Spohn

from United States, September 2020

"Magic in Maine "

Santosha provides a take your breath away setting and a program that breathes new life into your soul. Everything about the retreat is top tier: the yoga, the guided meditation, the accommodations, COVID safety and the food is truly next level. You’ll come away from a visit to Santosha refreshed and feeling like your whole self. JB, the owner has the ability to make you feel like an old friend which creates a sense of comfort and ease that only adds to the beautiful setting.

If you have the opportunity to go to Santosha you should absolutely take it.

Sarah Biron

from United States, February 2020

"This retreat went far above & beyond any expectations I had."

I was welcomed by JennyBess Dulac with such generosity and kindness. I appreciate all the wisdom she shared with me, she took the time to teach me the beginning principals and philosophy of yoga and meditation. JennyBess Dulac was a thoughtful and supportive listener to everything I said without any judgement. She gave me such positive feedback and encouragement on my writing, that I continued to write, where in the past I would have stopped at the very beginning. JennyBass Dulac provided delicious, nourishing home-cooked meals for me, three times a day, every day. She is an extraordinary and wonderful person, whom I am so glad I had the opportunity to meet. This retreat went far above and beyond any expectations I had. I arrived completely burnt-out, stressed out and exhausted. I left refreshed, peaceful and rejuvenated. JennyBess Dulac provided a place of restoration and healing.