Samadhi Retreats & Meditation Reviews

Teppei 2025.07.06

     

The most nourishing retreat - highly recommend it to everyone! I attended the 5-day mediation retreat in Devon. This was my first ever retreat, and hand on heart, it truly was one of the most wonderful experiences I’ve had. I decided to book this retreat after my friend recommended Samadhi to me as I was going through some difficult times. I was quite nervous, not knowing what to expect, but everything about the retreat was so healing – from the teaching, the people, the weather, the setting, the nature, and to the food. Everything about it was just perfect. First of all, David and his teaching. I’ve been listening to the Samadhi podcast and I instantly found David’s voice comforting when listening to his mediation. When I met him in person, he’s very down to earth but at the same time, has a real presence about him. He makes his teaching so relatable and easy to understand. He has the ability to make you feel completely safe to be vulnerable. I went into the retreat, not thinking I would share much to others, but because of David and the kindness of others, I was able to open up and able to share and ask questions which helped me a lot to process things. Manu’s yoga practices were the perfect way to start the day. Manu and his smile always brightened up the room! He injected a lot fun and joy, gave a real lightness to the retreat which balanced the whole experience really well. I’ve been looking for a sense of community for a while, and I feel like I’ve found a beautiful one here at Samadhi. Everyone there were so friendly and supportive of each other. You get to meet people from all walks of life with unique experiences, and it was great to hear their stories and connect with them. We were extremely lucky with the weather as it was beautiful throughout our stay. The setting was just beautiful. On top of hill, looking over the river Dart, surrounded by acres of woodland, seeing wildlife flourishing all around you. The garden was also beautiful, and they grow their own vegetables and fruits which was lovely to see! The staff there were all lovely and friendly, and you get to help out some days in the kitchen which was fun for me! The food was just amazing too! All wholefood, plant-based meals, which were heathy but delicious at the same time. I always went away feeling full but didn’t make me feel sluggish. They encourage you to switch off your phone during the stay. It was so liberating to be free from your phone and it had a huge positive impact on my mental health. Everything about the whole experience was so nourishing! I can’t thank David, Manu, and the entire Samadhi community enough. It really has changed my life and outlook for the better. I definitely would like to keep up with the practice and try and attend more of their retreats. I really think everyone would benefit from attending a Samadhi retreat, I can’t recommend it highly enough.

Date of experience: 15 May, 2025

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Reply from Samadhi Retreats & Meditation 2025.07.10

Thank you, Teppei, for your kind and thoughtful comments about the retreat. We're so glad to hear how beneficial and nourishing the retreat was for you. May your practice continue to grow and flourish!
David & Manu

Kim Hughes 2025.05.25

     

Extraordinary! I have felt very disengaged from my practice recently (which I felt was too formal and unrelatable) until I came to the retreat. Where to begin? David has such a wealth of information that was delivered in a humble but extremely knowledgeable way. His teachings are life lessons, a hug that you didn't know you needed and so much more. There was no pressure, no judgement everything was warm and relaxed. There was much laughter, compassion and just an abundance of joy. This was all complimented by the daily yoga run by Manu which was playful, soothing and every session so well thought out. Add to this the most beautiful accommodation, country walks, a creative hour and a wonderful community and you have struck gold. I feel David has an amazing gift of really seeing you and offering teachings that I know for me, will stay with me for life. I cannot recommend this enough.

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Reply from Samadhi Retreats & Meditation 2025.07.10

Thank you, Kim, for your heartfelt review. We’re so glad you found the retreat helpful and that it resonated with you. May your practice continue to grow and flourish!
David & Manu

Sam Worrall 2025.05.22

     

I went to the 5 day retreat at beautiful Sharpham House in Devon last week. It was my first ever retreat experience so I was not sure how it would go. It was amazing! The setting, the other people on the course, the teachings, the yoga, the meditations, the food and facilities (even blessed with perfect weather!) David and Manu are lovely and there's no pressure to join every session. It's super relaxed. For me, I needed a structure and a break and a reset and the retreat gave me all that and more. Think I'll definitely be carrying on with this.

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Reply from Samadhi Retreats & Meditation 2025.05.22

Dear Sam, thank you for such kind words and for your presence on retreat. I’m so glad that the retreat gave you what you were looking for.
We hope we’ll get to see you again, and may your wellbeing continue to grow and flourish with each day. Best wishes,
David & Manu

Kim Hughes 2025.05.19

     

I have felt very disengaged from my practice recently (which I felt was too formal and unrelatable) until I came to the retreat. Where to begin? David has such a wealth of information that was delivered in a humble but extremely knowledgeable way. His teachings are life lessons, a hug that you didn't know you needed and so much more. There was no pressure, no judgement everything was warm and relaxed. There was much laughter, compassion and just an abundance of joy. This was all complimented by the daily yoga run by Manu which was playful, soothing and every session so well thought out. Add to this the most beautiful accommodation, country walks, a creative hour and a wonderful community and you have struck gold. I feel David has an amazing gift of really seeing you and offering teachings that I know for me, will stay with me for life. I cannot recommend this enough.

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Reply from Samadhi Retreats & Meditation 2025.05.20

Dear Kim, thank you so much for these kind words. It was such a joy having you on retreat and we’re so glad it was beneficial and meaningful for you. Hope to see you again! 🙏
David & Manu

Claire 2025.04.05

     

Verified

Really enjoyable and easy to understand Really enjoyed this book - perfect for beginners to meditation or Buddhist study. David explains Buddhist concepts in really easy to understand way and helping to make them relevant to modern day life. Also lots of helpful tips on ways to integrate mindfulness into your every day life.

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Eleanor Bishop 2025.03.28

     

Verified

A practical guide to mindfulness for modern life A very practical guide to mindfulness, combined with Buddhist philosophy and modern psychology influences. Easy to read, and broken up into specific sections you can turn to again and again.

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Juniew 2025.03.19

     

Verified

Easy introduction to Mindfullness. This book is a beautiful introduction to mindfulness using Buddhist principles. I would thoroughly recommend (and have recommended) this book to anyone who is suffering from anxiety, fighting against the tide of modern living, or just generally wants to introduce an element of calm into their lives . It is clearly and simply written- I read it through from cover to cover- and now dip into it as and when. (I have now also downloaded a copy onto my Kindle for ease while travelling).

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Alison Thapar 2025.03.19

     

Verified

A great little book you can go back to time and time again! A great little book ! Whether you are interested in Buddhism or looking for some great practical advice on calming the mind and coping with lifes challenges, this is the book for you!One you can read and read again and find little gems every time.

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Yangchen 2025.03.19

     

Verified

Excellent Contemporary Guide to Living Mindfully Lama David has a refreshingly contemporary approach to sharing the ancient wisdoms embraced within the Buddhist tradition, demonstrating how these teachings can be applied to our lives in the 21st Century. This book provides an excellent beginning to the Mindfulness journey and a constant companion guide for those moments when the path ahead appears too tricky to navigate alone. The road to mindfulness is transformative and Lama David eloquently shares his intimate knowledge of the terrain.

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Anaïs Rose 2025.03.18

     

Verified

A most needed book!! I could not have read a better book thank this one!! David takes you through a path of tranquility, of finding your inner peace when the world outside can be turbulent. In a modern world where looking inside is rare, this book can feel like a glass of cold water in a hot day. Thank you David for sharing your wisdom with the world, I'll never stop recommending your words.

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Daisy 2025.03.18

     

Verified

Perfect book for mindfulness meditation! This book is so very helpful, explains mindfulness in a simple, easy to understand manner, whilst at the same time helping with complex day to day problems in life. David beautifully talks you through meditations and you can dip in and out of it whenever you need. One of the best meditation/mindfulness books I've ever read. Would highly recommend.

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TB 2025.03.18

     

Verified

Valuable Reading! This book is a transformative read. Direct, practical application of a Spiritual path, to lasting peace and clarity. David's book helped me regain focus and a deep sense of inner calm. Highly recommend it 👌

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RitaMeerkat 2025.03.18

     

Verified

Very clear and easy to read This book is so easy to read you don’t realise how much you are gaining from it as you read.Highly recommended as an introduction to mindfulness.

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Kate Harrison-Ledger 2025.03.09

     

This is an excellent organisation. If you are curious about meditation or Buddhism, Samadhi will guide and support you at your own pace. The teachings are clear and insightful, the practice is incredibly beneficial, and I feel that I am part of a wonderful group of people.

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Wayne 2024.12.30

     

In person I've been a member of Samadhi (online) for some time now and so took the chance to meet up with David when he was in my local area i.e. Southampton. I found the day to be a wonderful experience, David's in-person teaching being as good/better than the online courses/meditions I'd done. If you're looking for a teacher of Buddhist practice, David is 2nd to none.

Date of experience: 01 June, 2024

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Eleanor Bishop 2024.10.30

     

A wonderful weekend with Samadhi. I spent a lovely weekend in Oxfordshire in the company of David, Manu and a wonderful group of people from all over the UK. I've done a few one day retreats with Samadhi, and was keen to try a longer version to help improve my meditation practice. The yoga sessions were great for preparing the mind and body for meditation, and combined with thought-provoking discussion and explanations of the different meditation techniques, I came away with lots of inspiratation to take my pratice forward. It was a beautiful setting also, with fantastic food. Thank you Samadhi, see you in 2025.

Date of experience: 11 October, 2024

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Virtual Twiglet (Annie) 2024.10.05

     

I've been on three retreats already with Samadhi and will definitely be booking again. If you're thinking of booking your first ever retreat, don't hesitate - you won't regret it! David and Manu are such lovely, kind people who will make you feel totally at ease. Much thought and care goes into making Samadhi retreats really accessible, practical and blissfully transformative.

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Julia Snow 2024.08.29

     

Retreat Attending the Samadhi retreat is very important for me. It allows me time away from a busy life to think and reflect. People are warm and welcoming and it is an opportunity to relax and spend time looking after yourself .

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Tyler Spencer 2024.08.25

     

I went alone to this retreat so was initially quite hesitant about what to expect. However, Manu and David were very welcoming and kind and made everyone feel relaxed and at home. The retreat was very well organized and the yoga was an added bonus on top of the daily talks. I’d highly recommend Samadhi to anyone who is interested in Buddhism or even curious about a retreat. A lot of thought care seems to have went into the retreat but more generally the Samadhi community and organization.

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Ann Forrester 2024.08.19

     

Blissful break David and Manu are so warm and friendly, they really make the experience exceptional. The meditations, talks and yoga practice have helped me feel much less stressed and have given me a range of tools to take back to real life. They always use beautiful settings, ant this one really was - and every meal was a vegan feast 😀 Thank you so much, David and Manu - I’ll be back x

Date of experience: 09 August, 2024

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