Samara Yoga

Escape the busyness of Davis Square, and your life, at this great yoga studio. I have been coming here for 2 ½ years now and am hooked! I find the atmosphere to be very comfortable and friendly. The teachers are fun, helpful, and caring. The yoga can be challenging, but at the same time, not too serious. I enjoy Rachel and KB’s classes on the weekend. I have also taken great classes from Vito, Andrea, and Julia. There are instructors and classes that I prefer, but I can’t imagine ever having a bad experience here.
Cheery studio, air conditioning as needed, props, changing area, bathrooms, lots of natural lighting. Love!

Samara Yoga is a gem of a studio. It has a welcoming atmosphere, a down-​to-​earth vibe, and consistently thoughtful teaching.
I’ve been practicing yoga for over a decade, and have never found a studio at which *every* teacher is as as knowledgeable as the teachers at Samara. (I practiced with every teacher who taught there between September 2014 and May 2015 at least once.) Someone’s style might not be your bag, but you never doubt that teachers at Samara have thought carefully about the sequence they’re teaching or that they care about your deepening experience of your yoga practice. They don’t «preach» yoga, but rather help you learn and know your practice.
A few particulars: Nicoline has a really grounded and grounding presence as a teacher, and her sequencing reflects that poise. If you’re a Power yoga person, you might think her classes are a little too low-​key at first, but stick with it: there’s a genuine intensity, physical and emotional/​spiritual, to what she’s offering.
Chandra is fantastic! Light-​hearted, super thoughtful, and very much about letting the practice serve you, rather than the other way around. She’s also committed to building community, but without forcing it. (Fwiw, my husband loved her class for beginners.)
Rachel’s classes are super-​challenging – and rewarding, too. She’ll build to a really tough pose, but do so in a way that invites everyone in the room along – and safely – for the ride.
Dan’s pacing and energy are really distinctive. I took classes with him that were physically challenging and classes that were more mellow, but always felt like I learned something new or heard something in a slightly different way that helped to open up a pose.
My schedule only permitted me to practice with Andrea a few times, and she is hands-​down one of the best alignment instructors I’ve ever met.
Though Kristina arrived late in my year at Samara, I enjoyed the practices I had with her. She’s a great sequencer, and showed me a few transitions and the like that never would have occurred to me. Plus, she’s enthusiastic and real in her instructions.
My schedule meant that I practiced only once or a couple times each with Vito, Sara, Julia, Rob, and Christie. Again, I was impressed with the depth of their knowledge and their care in their teaching.
… and last but certainly not least: like everyone who goes to Samara regularly, I was so thrilled when KB started teaching regular classes a few months back. Her instructions are clear and deliberate, and like all of her colleagues, she really knows how to break postures and movements down into manageable pieces. She’s also just a lovely presence.
I’ll miss Samara a ton. Enjoy!

I felt compelled to write this review as my cumulative positive experiences here warrant some shout out! And, for reference, I started at Samara only a week ago. On the recommendation of a friend, I bought the special for first timers of $ 25 for 2 weeks unlimited.
Customer Service
I’ve been to quite a few studios over the years in the Camberville area, and I’m always interested to see which studios are warm and welcoming and which studios feel elitist, cold, and/​or inaccessible. It’s always disappointing to come across the latter, but it happens.
Samara is definitely the former. From the first time I walked in and was met with the warm and welcoming smile to the genuine patience and helpfulness with my «administrative» questions to the accommodation that ultimately sealed my new loyalty to this studio, Samara has been a really great studio overall.
The Teachers/​Classes
I’ve now practiced with two teachers and have heard that the third that I want to try is equivalent quality if not better — which notably is often personal preference. Both of my teachers, as others on here stated, «really know what they’re doing» and were «perfectly challenging».
I saw some reviews stating that there was no music or adjustments, but that was not the case in either of the two classes which I attended. I partially go to yoga classes for the adjustments and would have been disappointed if I hadn’t gotten them. Both teachers were actively engaged with the class and provided great modeling, explanation (one teacher was a bit of a fast talker), and adjustments and both played music!
Both teachers stressed personalizing your practice and pushing yourself only as much as you wanted to offering modifications for different levels. Both teachers were also very supportive of students/​practitioners modifying or breaking/​resting as needed and as much as needed. Like I said, its genuinely a warm, welcoming and supportive studio.
The Studio
The studio is very nice. I’ve seen some reviews stating that its small, but I haven’t been to a ton of large studios in the area so I found it pretty standard. I could see the front with no problems. Its warm, not hot, and has a very peaceful energy. One class I went to was mat to mat but didn’t feel particularly competitive or stressful like at some studios. There are two changing rooms (with curtains) in the entry, a couch and stools for shoe changing, etc, plenty of coat hooks and lots of cubbies for your stuff — oh, and two restrooms.

Samara yoga has some good qualities. I’ve been going from the $ 25 unlimited two week pass for first-​timers. There is only one studio but it is clean and has windows that can let in fresh air when it gets too stuffy (which is often because they keep the heat on high). They have nice mats that you don’t have to pay extra for. The teachers that I’ve had so far (Rachel and Julia) really know what they’re doing. They have a deep knowledge of body mechanics and are very expert yogis. Rachel also plays the cello sometimes in savasana and it’s a deeply moving and unique way to end.
All that being said, I don’t feel particularly at home here. The studio room is a long rectangle instead of a square which is awkward because if you face lengthwise, you can feel really far away from the front, and if you face widthwise, you can’t fit as many people. For the classes that I’ve been to, there wasn’t any music playing and I prefer to have music that I can move to and zone out to. I think the teachers (while expert) talked too much and didn’t have a very calming approach. They were both pretty intense. You can also hear the traffic and passerbys on the street in Davis which is distracting. Lastly, at first I thought a 90 minute session would be nice because it’d be more worth the money but it actually feels way too long (especially without music playing).
So ultimately I’ll go as much as I can to milk the 2-​week pass but I don’t think I’ll be getting a membership here.

Samara is a beautiful yoga studio in Davis Square. The location is so convenient, yet totally removed from the hustle and bustle down below. I did the unlimited 2 week (for $ 25) back in September, and would absolutely recommend the studio.
I took class from Chandra, Vito, and two other great teachers whose names I’m blanking on right now. I thought each class was perfectly challenging, and that the teachers were very helpful and clear.
The space makes it easy to feel at home– they offer mats, water/​tea, and plenty of space to change and store your belongings. Take Vito’s Friday evening class, if you can! It’s the BEST way to kick off the weekend!

Just finished my unlimited 2 week for $ 25 at Samara Yoga. I easily added this studio to my very few favorites in Boston after my first visit. They have a good range of classes with an emphasis on getting deeper into your own practice through turning inward and focusing on your flow. I just wish they had earlier classes for before-​work goers!

Hoping to find a studio closer to home to practice at, I decided to give Samara at try. Located right in the heart of Davis, I give it an automatic two stars for convenience. The studio itself is lovely – it’s a clean, bright and cheery space to practice. The instruction seems to be lacking a bit though. The teacher was very competent and kind, but the flow in the morning vinyasa class seemed to start and stop and she didn’t offer any adjustments to the 20 or so students in class. The class pace was also slower overall than the classes I prefer – almost more like a light version of a yin or forrest class than a vinyasa class. If I’m in need of a yoga fix close to home, I will likely pop in again, but I won’t be regularly practicing here.

I recently decided to start doing yoga and took a chance at Samara since I can get there easily. I really like it there. I took advantage of their first-​timer deal where it’s $ 25 for weeks of unlimited classes. I took a bunch just to see the types of classes and instructors. As someone who is brand new to yoga, their Fundamentals course is perfect in pace, at least for me.
After taking the various classes, I settled with the Tuesday night Fundamentals class with Rob. He’s a great teacher and often will adjust the class to the students injuries (actually they all do). I also like Rob’s Wednesday night class of Yin yoga where it’s less active and more prolong stretching. It really helps since my muscles tend to tighten up quite easily.
I also like how they have mats for rent for $ 1 and a place to store your mat. I also appreciate the two changing rooms they have in the lobby. It’s particularly useful during the winter.

I’ve only taken two classes there, but I wasn’t a big fan. The crowd was a lot younger than I am used to — not that that is a bad thing for some people, but it changes the vibe. I found particularly in the anusara-​inspired yoga that they weren’t particularly sensitive to my injury and I felt like I was getting the stink eye when I sat out a portion of the class due to injury. So… okay I guess, but I like a more supportive environment.

I wanted to love this studio, as it came by recommendation from a friend and fellow yogi, but there were a few barriers that prevented me from dishing out love. The studio is small, and also popular on some days, which makes for a crowded experience. If you don’t mind being mat to mat, then you’ll do ok here. Also, I didn’t get a great workout from the classes I went to here. I enjoyed the classes, but I’m used to a more rigorous practice that provides some challenge that I didn’t find here. The instructors seemed knowledgable and friendly, but I couldn’t connect to them. Maybe i“m just smitten with my home studio, which leaves little room for another one to edge its way into my yogic heart. In any case, I would go back for a class if I were in the area, but wouldn’t go out of my way to find it.

Samara has a great location in Davis Square. Their second floor facilities are beautifully decorated, and the view around sunset is phenomenal. Most of their yoga instructors are young, thin, and attractive.
However, it lacks a certain something that really makes me want to practice there. I can’t quite put my finger on it, but the most obvious thing I can think of is the lack of hands-​on adjustments. I would consider myself an advanced beginner or intermediate yogi-​wannabe — I’m aware of how to get into most poses, but still need some adjustments from time to time. I did their two-​week trial, and during that time, none of the instructors adjusted me (and I’m sure I wasn’t doing every pose perfectly) — and I’ve seen others struggling with poses who weren’t offered additional assistance either. Without the hands-​on adjustments, I feel like I might as well do yoga at home using YouTube videos. =\
Other things you should know:
–Mat rentals available
–Free props available
–No mirrors
–Hardwood floors

Great place with some pretty good teachers. But try to arrive early if you’re attending a weeknight class, if you end up stuck in the back away from the fan, you’re forced to breathe in the BO that’s collected up over the course of the day. It’s pretty bad. I’d also like to say that the classes taught by Aron Cantor and Nicoline are pretty great (in an asskicking sort of way). The only flaw to the place is there unreliable reception. Leaving voicemail at the studio is useless, no one calls back. Another time, a group of us huddled locked outside unable to get into our class because the receptionist forgot to show up and the instructor was already there.
Otherwise, it’s pretty great.

I have fallen completely in love with this great little studio in Davis. There isn’t a huge variety of different styles like you’ll find in larger studios, but the most prominent style on the schedule, Vinyasa, is exactly my ideal type of yoga.
I also love that many teachers recognized that I was new and introduced themselves. Some even have the entire class sit in a circle before beginning practice and do introductions. It’s a small thing, but it really brings a sense of community to my practice which is important because I’ve been in classes where teachers have utilized partner and trio work.
The small class size means more individual attention, always a plus! I attempted inversions using the wall for the first time and the teacher was right there spotting and helping me.
I can’t say enough good things. The teachers really know what they’re doing. The sequencing is unique, challenging, but accessible, and I’ve always left class on a yoga high!

MY MISSION
I am a longtime yoga student (and once-​upon-​a-​time instructor) undertaking to visit as many studios as I can and share my experiences. I’ve recently returned to Unilocal and have lots of catching up to do.
FACILITY
Light, airy, and friendly. One studio, a prop/​cubby room, and a nice reception area with enough room to get changed and situated. They have free water and «donation based» tea (by the way, non-​donators, I see you… I’m taking notes ;)
INSTRUCTION
I’ve never had a bad class at Samara. Nicoline, the owner, is in my opinion a sequencing genius. Her classes flow like no others, and her presence is always calm yet upbeat. Other wonderful instructors here include Rachel (vinyasa) Hannah (vinyasa, Anusara) and Kari (yin). Without having sampled everything on offer at Samara, I can say that you should expect less hands-​on adjustment here. I believe this is due to the emphasis on seamless flow.
The Level ½ classes are doable for reasonably fit beginners, but still provide a nice level of intensity for the more experienced. Give yourself permission to rest when needed, especially if you’re new to yoga.
STYLE:
As mentioned, the emphasis here is on creative sequencing and flow. There are also classes in Yin, energy yoga, and Anusara-​inspired yoga. But really, it’s all about the flow.
RECOMMENDED FOR:
— New and experienced practitioners seeking to advance their practice in a peaceful and welcoming environment.
–Those seeking great weekend workshops.
–Those for whom attitude matters (I find it to be great here)
NOT RECOMMENDED FOR:
–Those who require a lot of hands-​on attention

I’ve been going to Samara Yoga for about 2 years so I figured it was about time that I left a review.
At a high level, the studio is fairly small, clean, and has some excellent teachers. Since Samara is only about 1500 sq feet and in the middle of Davis Sq classes tend to have a community feel to them and folk often develop a connection to their teachers. (Many have been there for years.)
When I was new to the studio one of the things I appreciated is that they have a New Student deal for 25 dollars which allows you to go as much as you’d like for a 2 week period. So, if you purchase that package you can sample the various classes and see what fits you best. After that, prices are generally in line with other studios and if you’re a student you’ll relieve a discount too.
Overall, very good studio.

This is a lovely studio with competant and confident teachers. At some studios you feel as if the teachers are just stopping by to teach their class and go – not the case here. Each teacher really has a «presence» in the studio.
I bought the $ 25 new student deal. What a promotion! I’ve tried classes with Nicoline, Hannah, Aaron, and Chandra. Each teacher is unique in their approach. Hannah will make you work very hard! Aaron will keep you moving — much more of a workout than a typical yoga class.
The space is small and intimate, which I think adds to the nice community feel. (not cramped though). The studio is clean, the waiting room is adorable, and it’s so nice to do yoga with sunlight coming in! Additionally, as someone who is perpetually cold, the teachers do a great job of adjusting the temp. of the room throughout the class.
If you’ve never been to Samara, get the $ 25 intro deal!

Kristen, one of the Level ½ instructors, gets 6 stars; she’s an excellent instructor. She is fun, and definitely not a yoga snob. Every time I complete her class, I get that yoga high, I feel fantastic and I totally enjoy the process of getting there. I LOVE that Kristen isn’t rigid in her teaching — she encourages students to modify the routine as needed, make peace with any wobbling in a stance, etc. I love this teaching mentality, it emphasizes that we are in class to enjoy and prosper from yoga, and not to stress over perfect poses, or add another skill to my list of «Must Dos».
I rate the studio lower however, since classes are cramped too often and it smells a bit sweaty/​sticky (at least during my visits). Also, I don’t like that teachers can switch with each other without notice to students. Yoga is personal; it’s an unpleasant surprise to find the instructor you don’t jibe with instead of the one with whom you do.
Bottom line: if Kristen left, I would follow her. She makes this place awesome.

I love Love LOVE this place. I had been shopping for a quality yoga studio for some time, and when this place opened, it was love at first downward dog. I was fairly new to yoga, but wanted to find a place that blended meditation & yoga, but not in a pretentious way. Samara’s décor is inviting, invigorating yet serene all at the same time. I’ve taken a few various classes, from ones that have me back-​bending and head-​standing, to ones that were more like an interpretive dance class — but all of them challenge and center me and leave me feeling energized after.
Taking the Sat 11:15am class with Kristen has been a life-​changer. I’ve dealt with severe hip bursitis for years, but after just a few short months of regular practice, the pain is virtually gone. The class is now the highlight of my week and I’m so proud of myself for keeping with the practice.
The price is right if you’re really interested in thoughtful yoga. I feel welcomed, even though I’m fairly larger than most of the other yogis — I never felt out of place or self-​conscious, which I cannot say the same for other places I’ve visited.
Give it a try and you too will become a fan!

A few years ago, I took a Yin Yoga class at Back Bay Yoga (I believe with Josh). I enjoyed it, but for some reason never made it back and then moved out of the area. Since I’ve moved back and started working out again lately, I decided I need to add in some more stretching/​gentle/​calming exercise– and I tracked down the Yin Yoga class here!
Samara Yoga is in Davis Square, about a 2 – 3 minute walk from the T, on the 2^nd floor. The studio is small but has two really nice bathrooms. I think they only have one yoga room. The setup is a bit weird– you have to go into a room on your right to sign in and leave your shoes. But then you leave and go into a room across the hall to take the class. I was a bit confused about the check-​in procedure, and how they even know if you check in or not. But the studio is very clean, simple and calming.
They have a new client special, so it is $ 25 for 2 weeks of unlimited yoga. After that, classes are $ 13 or $ 15 (depending on whether you buy a pack or not). You can rent mats for $ 1, but pretty much everyone brings their own. The room is big, and I’ve counted about 15+ people in my last two Yin Yoga classes. It’s never been too hot or cold in the room.
I’ve only taken Yin Yoga there, but I’ve loved every session. My only complaint is that it is only once a week– I wish they also had a 2^nd session on the weekends!

I am a huge Nicoline fan (she owns the joint). I used to travel 25 minutes on a bike across two towns to see her at the old Back Bay Yoga. Cannot tell you how thrilled I am that she has opened a studio in Davis Square that is a mere mile from my house.
Samara replaces Yoga in the Square, but there is a bit of carryover. Barbara Benaugh still teaches her popular Thurs eve class, Alice teaches her Hot Bikram style class on Mondays and Vito kept his power Saturday slot as well.
However, Nicoline friends and fans from the downtown Boston Yoga community have followed her to Samara, so there are some new to Davis Square teachers too. I went to a great 2-​hour sacred groove dance party on my birthday one Saturday night. That was a very memorable evening.
Nicoline’s style is Shiva Rea meets Barbara Benaugh. I love it! Alignment AND Flow. She has the most soothing voice and her classes are intelligently sequenced to help push your limits in a healthy way.
Check her out in her new home. The space is still pleasant, though repainted I think. No more wall of mirrors, but there is still a wood floor, windows, exposed brick, changing areas, and the like.