What Our Clients Say

My wife and I are longtime devotees of wellness and spiritual retreats. Over the years, we’ve stayed at Kripalu in Lenox, the Omega Institute in Rhinebeck, Spirit Rock in California, Ann Wigmore in Puerto Rico, Hippocrates in West Palm Beach, 10,000 Waves in Santa Fe, Gurney’s in Montauk, Pura Vida in Costa Rica, Dreams Tulum in Mexico, and Plum Village in France. We’ve been around the block.

Just two hours from Brooklyn, Sanivan delivered some of the best food we’ve ever eaten—anywhere. Breakfasts of French toast, porridge, or eggs laid each morning by the hens in the backyard were followed by sumptuous vegetarian lunches and evening smoothies made with homemade cultured yogurt and berries. The result: eight pounds lost in eight days, without hunger or deprivation.

Sanivan is run by Saniye and her husband, Ivan, who have made it their life’s work to transmit the wisdom of wellness through living it fully and sharing it generously. Saniye does all the cooking, and Ivan is a master ballroom dance teacher and gifted body practitioner—an expert in shiatsu, deep tissue, reflexology, and Raindrop therapy. During our eight-day stay, we learned tango, salsa, and merengue, and each received extraordinary bodywork in a beautifully designed spa with radiant floors and heated massage tables.

Each day, Ivan foraged through the surrounding farm country, sourcing pristine ingredients for Saniye to prepare. Meals were taken beside a kitchen window overlooking a bird feeder alive with activity; during a snowstorm, two deer wandered right up to the glass to nibble fallen seed. Sullivan County revealed itself as a hidden wellness and farm-to-table oasis, with a burgeoning “hickster” scene centered nearby in Livingston Manor.

At Sanivan, we ate astonishingly fresh, vibrant food while two feet of snow blanketed the ground. Even in the heart of the blizzard, a local farmer arrived with a sack of organic, greenhouse-grown sprouts—three varieties, still alive with vitality. In a strange and wonderful way, the experience felt more exotic than a tropical retreat.

From 1910 to 1970, this area was a thriving Borscht Belt resort region—Hurleyville is where Mel Brooks got his start—before falling into decades of dormancy. Today, it’s reemerging as a sophisticated hub for self-starters and adventurers. Two blocks from Sanivan, a Parisian woman and her partner, former Park Slope residents, have opened a gourmet café and are expanding into a farm-to-table restaurant. Nearby, a Kundalini yoga studio operates out of a picturesque red barn.

Within 20 minutes is a constellation of small mountain towns experiencing a quiet-edge renaissance: Mountaindale, Smallwood, Cochecton, Parksville, Jeffersonville, White Lake, and Narrowsburg. Add to that a deep fly-fishing culture centered on the Beaverkill River in Roscoe and Livingston Manor, where the sport took hold in the late 1800s and drew generations of New Yorkers seeking the outdoors.

As a history buff, I found the layered cultural and communal life of the region endlessly fascinating. Every moment felt exploratory and alive.

We’re Brooklynites, always in search of rest and healing, and discovering that kind of joy so close to home felt like a gift. We’ll be back in the spring to swim in the Sanivan saltwater pool and watch farm country wake from its long winter sleep.

Addendum from Shoshana

I’m in wholehearted agreement with everything shared above. I would only add how deeply appreciative we were of our time with Saniye and Ivan—both are genuinely curious, caring, and fully engaged in their respective paths of healing work. It was a joy to spend time together in thoughtful conversation, while also feeling their sensitivity to our need for quiet and alone time, especially during the gentle detox we experienced. Having both a sauna and a gym in the house was an enormous support, and we made grateful use of them throughout our stay.

From Noel W. & Shoshana 

Recharge at Sanivan! Can’t wait to go back! Imagine visiting wonderfully grounded, soulful friends for a long weekend while eating magnificent vegan food, working out and getting an awesome massage — that’s Sanivan!

Saniye and Ivan are wonderful hosts who provided me with wonderful conversation and company, but also had a knack for knowing when I needed alone time. I was traveling alone, and not once did I feel lonely.

Saniye invited me to a wonderful yoga class, (my first one), and pot luck lunch afterwards.

Ivan is an amazing masseuse with strong hands and great intuition into the pressure that was just right for my tense muscles.

Ivan also provided me with an included personal training session one morning. I felt great afterwards for several days.

I must emphasize that Saniye is an amazing vegan chef — the food was so good and made me feel satisfied and energized, that I have since been inspired to eat healthier since arriving back home.

I recommend Sanivan to anyone who is looking for a peaceful escape from the pressures of everyday work life and mommy hood.

It’s important to note what Sanivan is a fair priced B&B and one can expect a soothing recharging experience rather than an anonymous luxury spa.

I will visit this charming and cozy bed and breakfast again for sure!

From: Katey, Trip Advisor, May 2024

I visited Sanivan a few times back in the mid 2000s and each stay was transformative and special in its own way. First: the hosts Saniye and Ivan are amazing. Their individual attention to holistic health and healing is amazing. I will never forget my first raw-food meal with them. The property, labyrinth, pool – all were part of healing and health experience. And the massages and holistic cleansing treatments by Saniye were the sweet topping to a “healthy” treat! Not only is Sanivan a special place for physical healing but the experience can aid in emotional and mental health and healing as well. Sanivan holds a special place for me – I’m sure it can for you too!

From: Courtney

Just spent an absolutely wonderful 3 days at Sanivan Holistic Retreat and Spa in Hurleyville, NY with my 2 sisters and had a really marvelous time. Saniye and Ivan treated us like family and Saniye’s cooking was just wonderful. We all had a Shiatsu massage with Ivan, enjoyed the sauna, the two cats, all the musical instruments, having the only three bedrooms upstairs to ourselves along with the two bathrooms. There is a huge labyrinth in the yard and a 100 year old massive cherry tree as well as an indoor pool (unheated). They offer many different health treatments.

We walked through quaint downtown Hurleyville, drove the countryside, and really enjoyed our time together talking, playing games, laughing so much and crafting in the evenings. It was like going home! Mom would have loved it there. Look into Sanivan if you want the feeling of going home without the stress. I think that almost the best part was having someone else do the cooking for every meal. Saniye took all our dietary needs into account when preparing her delicious vegetarian meals.
Thank you, Divine Spark, for pointing us there and making everything go so smoothly!

Again, thank you for your kindness.
We will come back!

From: Susan (Nancy and Diana)

My stay at Sanivan changed my life forever! I felt a connection with the owners immediately and achieved more than I anticipated… lost weight, became healthier, and achieved so much more physically more important mentally. My experience was so personal and fulfilling. Sanivan is a diamond in the rough and I recommend for all looking for the “real thing”. I can’t wait to go back and hoping that will be soon! Think about my time there almost every day…

From: Nicola

My experience at the Sanivan was life changing. Saniye and Ivan welcomed me with such warmth and care. I did 8 days of juice detox. The juice was so delicious because Saniye used freshest local ingredients and care. Not only Ivan’s healing shiatsu massage was the best I’ve ever had, but also he gave me pt sessions that was fun!
Thank you so much Sanivan!

From: Jung

Sanivan is a Gem in the Rough. I wanted to do a four day juice cleanse and found Sanivan through an internet search. When I arrived I was a little taken aback by the outdoor appearance, however, once I was inside and greeted by Saniye, I knew I had found the right place. Be ready to experience a wholistic approach to your stay. The juices made by Saniye are amazing and the shiatsu and other treatments offered by Ivan are out of this world. What makes this place special though is the constant support, conversation, and intellect of this special team. They provide a view of the world and lifestyle that everyone should experience! I was able to do yoga, given a dance lesson, gong therapy, drums, walks, treatments or just lounge in my lovely comfy room. The sauna, jet and steam baths were awesome. I will definitely be going back.

From: Michelle

I had a great experience at Sanivan. The retreat was fantastic. The atmosphere is totally. Zen.
I felt relaxed and nurtured. I welcomed the peacefulness coming from Manhattan. I enjoyed sitting in the beautiful garden. It accommodates a limited number of guests (3 rooms) which allows you to be really catered to. The food is healthy organic vegetarian and very delicious. The massage is the BEST ever. I will absolutely come back and bring family and friends.

From: Robin

Going to Sanivan for health, de-stressing, and nourishment for mind and body, we found all of those AND forever friendships. We strongly recommend giving yourself this extraordinary gift of self fulfillment.

From: Rochelle & Barbara

My Mom passed away in October of 2019 and it was very traumatic. I wanted to get away from everything and everyone, yet wanted some pampering. I came to Sanivan on a 3 day retreat and it was just what the doctor ordered! Located in a relaxed home environment, no judgement yet encouragement, 3 wonderfully delicious, nutritious and comforting meals a day, prepared by Saniye is what I experienced. I was able to take advantage of couple of fabulous massages by Ivan, attend a welcoming Yoga class at the Hurleysville Arts Center, walk the beautifully scenic rail/trail in Hurleysville and even take a Salsa Lesson. I still had time for reading and reflection and felt renewed when I left. It was a perfect break for me and I would highly recommend if you are looking for some time to reflect.

From: Anne-Marie H.

I just returned from a wonderful 5 day stay at Sanivan. The entire experience was perfect from start to finish. The food and juices are all organic and excellently prepared. I was able to exercise and relax. In addition, the location in the Catskills enabled me to explore the nearby cute towns.

From: Sheila H.

Thank you, Saniye and Ivan, for that wonderful and uplifting retreat. I absolutely loved every aspect of it – the healthy and delicious meals, the comfortable and cozy room, the yoga class and going for a walk on Rails to Trails. Best of all was the sense of comfort and care that you both showed throughout my stay. Such lively and meaningful conversation over meals and the best shiatsu massage I have ever had! Sanivan is truly a hidden gem and I hope to be back some day.

From: Mrina A.

When I arrived at Sanivan, I was exhausted from years of trying to heal from Lyme Disease that preceded a devastating accident. I knew I needed to seek peace but with guidance. Letting go of the negative memory of the accident was on the horizon, but it kept coming to the forefront. I had re-vamped my diet, my exercise protocol and thought process but just couldn’t reach that space where I let it go. Between organic food that fed my body and guidance/knowledge that fed my soul…I managed to put the Lyme/accident experience in the past, where it belonged. Saniye and Ivan are kind, knowledgeable and studied in the healing arts. They lovingly share with all their guests. Sanivan is an amazing retreat. Go there to find the serenity and healing that we all need and seek! I definitely recommend Sanivan and will return again.

From: L. A. Dawson

The owners give their all and extensive professional training to providing a magical healing sacred space. They specialize in juices and healthy cuisine. The guest rooms are deliciously decorated to promote calm, peace and relaxation. The indoor pool is non-chlorinated. There is also a sauna, plus exercise equipment around the pool No health club can match these environs. Rather you indulge in a facial, or shiatsu, or just R & R, there is no finer place to stay and unwind and heal than Sanivan. In warm weather, the small gardens and outdoor seating areas are very lovely.

From: Lotsa T. on Tripadvisor.com

Our experience at Sanivan Holistic Retreat & Spa was excellent! My mom and I went there for a weekend to relax, meditate and recharge energies. We could not have asked for a better getaway-retreat experience!

From: Fernanda Á. on Yelp.com

I visited Sanivan (and) it was one of the most transformative times of my life. Saniye and Ivan were the perfect hosts to accommodate my needs. The grounds and house are lovely. There skill and knowledge of the healing arts is extensive. Saniye gave me hourly personal care and attention and Ivan’s massages are heavenly. Saniye makes lovely organic juices. They facilitated a much needed time of healing in my life that was really out of this world and beyond anything that I was hoping for. I would recommend anyone to stay with them as long as is possible.

From: Rebecca N. on Google