Testimonials

I can not say enough about the absolutely insanely amazing energy you will find here. I was helping a group with a private event. We had so many last-minute adjustments, almost no lead time, and no prior relationship. My entire group was treated with the most kind, loving, and supportive energy. Within minutes of meeting Sandy & her team, you will be laughing, crying, and wishing you could live in the space they have created. Go for a coffee, stay for a lifetime. I don't just recommend, I INSIST!!!!

Isa W • NY, USA
Retreat

“The Center of Joy has the BEST staff; friendly, compassionate, absolutely joyful and supportive people. enjoyed my time at the center immensely, and the staff was always on hand to support the activities of my group. The facilities were gorgeous and peaceful, the location was paradise... and I just can't say enough good things about the wonderful staff!!! They were always smiling, always happy to help, or answer a question, or just be a welcoming presence as we entered and left the classroom. I hope to return for many more retreats at the Center of Joy!!!”

Janellea M • Costa Rica
Retreat

“I had the most magical experience here for a retreat!! The space is so peaceful and healing and beautiful!!! The staff is so kind and helpful! Seriously the place is AMAZING!!! I hope someday to hold my own retreat here! It's such a special place! And the town makes it feel so safe to go deep into the healing of the retreat. It is so safe and so friendly. Ahhh I want to go back.”

Mandi M • Costa Rica
Retreat

“The people made all the difference in the world with our event here. The space is charming, relaxing, beautiful, and whimsical, with lovely and darling touches all around. The staff, however, is the best part. They are truly world-class. They anticipated and met needs I didn't even realize I had. Their communication and caring was so clear and loving. They delighted us with surprise music offerings, and I felt consistently comfortable in their care. Cannot recommend highly enough.”

Olivia S • Costa Rica
Class

“From the staff, the building, the setting it was absolutely perfect! I was here for a retreat with 40 other women and the Center of Joy and Santarend where so amazing - the vibe when you walk in is so peaceful and soothing, the staff is welcoming and personable, the wonderful watermelon mint water is delicious, and the space was so clean with soft cushions, blankets, and pillows that made the whole experience so comfortable and delicious- thank you so so much for an amazing week - I will cherish the memories I made here!!”

Nomad47516334115 • Costa Rica
Retreat

Wow, this was an EXPERIENCE that everyone should live. It was incredible. I wish I could do it every week. It not only worked all my muscles but my mind. Thank YOU very much, Center of Joy for this experience.

CFHS • Costa Rica
Ice bath therapy

The Center of Joy was our primary space to meet for our workshops during our retreat. The space was perfect for our retreat- clean, beautiful, private and spacious. The pillows, mats and blankets were neatly folded and available daily. The best part of the Center of Joy was the staff. I’ve never experienced such connection and welcoming each day of our retreat from staff. Truly they could have been part of our group. Their smiles - even hugs! - contributed to our retreat. It’s clear the staff love to serve and do all they can to make our experience not only great but unforgettable.

Gail T • Ithaca
Retreat

Sandy and her team at the center of joy hosted and supported our retreat for 50+ women over a long week. The space was gorgeous!!! clean and large. The team supported our staff everyday down to the very last detail of room set up to make sure it was perfect for our attendees. As a director of operations, I was constantly impressed and overwhelmed with the generosity and Talent of the center of joy staff. The team at center of joy considered every details and executed every aspect of our vision with the highest level of care. I can not put into word how much time and energy Sandy and her team saved us. The space was absolutely stunning and created the perfect container and home base for our retreat. They had a ton of in-house supplies and always went above and beyond with our requests. The moment you walk into the space you know it special. I am so thankful for the center of joy team, facility and the magic that was created in their rooms. We definitely will be back!

Caroline L • USA
Retreat

The staff was absolutely out of this world wonderful! We had 50 women at a retreat and the Center of Joy was total perfection… Clean, good vibes and all the cushions, pillows, mats and microphones needed for a stellar event. Not to mention the gorgeous surrounding areas - if you are looking for a retreat spot - look no further!

Megan Jo W • USA
RetreRetreat

I was a participant in Mama Gena’s school of womanly arts retreat and the center of Joy was perfect. It was incredibly convenient right across from hotel. The space was beautifully designed, from the first floor to the gorgeous wooden staircase and decor of the classroom/ yoga space. We had a private area designated for our large group with restrooms and filtered water. It felt so safe and peaceful, and well air conditioned. It was also very clean. The staff was lovely. They were always smiling and eager to support with any questions. Bonus the staff is also available for various treatments like massages that i definitely recommend booking. I would highly recommend hosting your retreat. I can’t wait to go back again. Thank you center of Joy.

Barbara • USA
Retreat

I had an excellent yoga class with Shelley. The studio is beautiful and Shelley was an excellent instructor. Because I lucked into being the only person booked in for class that day, she really tailored the session to my needs. I only wish that there had been more yoga classes available while I was there, but I was travelling in low season, which may have affected the schedule.

Alexandra • USA
Class

I had the opportunity to participate in yoga with Shelly during my stay in Las Catalinas. The Center of Joy itself is new, beautiful, and clean. The staff is friendly and helpful. Shelly was a fantastic yoga teacher and I was sad I was only able to squeeze one class in during my trip - would have loved to go every day!

JaimeGT77 • CA, USA
Class