Ayahuasca Retreat Reviews — Helping You Stay Safe with 5,000+ Independent Reviews
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We have been hosting ayahuasca retreats since 1996. Our center is based in the midst of the beautiful Atlantic Rainforest along the coast of Bahia in Brazil. We facilitate a safe and comfortable space for you to achieve harmony in your everyday life by aligning your mind, body, and heart with your true self.
Our 9 day and 11 day ayahuasca retreats are designed to give you a balanced experience. We have ayahuasca ceremonies every other night and in between there are activities to integrate your experiences and insights. There is also ample free time to reflect, to enjoy the beauty of the jungle, to visit the gorgeous beaches, and just to relax, let go, and enjoy the pure bliss of the moment.
Calendar and prices on our website
We have extensive experience integrating ayahuasca, psychology, shamanism, self development, modified states of consciousness, and various other modalities. We are present at all times and are dedicated in supporting you with loving care, attention, safety, and respect.The activities include workshops focused on spiritual development. The techniques covered in the workshops can be practiced even after the retreat to continue the journey of personal growth. Some of the topics include inner child integration, life progression, discovering the source of your blockages and the resources to overcome them. Another very important part of the retreat are the Yoga sessions in the morning which greatly enrich the ayahuasca experiences at night.
Spirit Vine & TheVine Center previously known as Ayahuasca-Healing have been created by Silvia Polivoy. She received her license in clinical psychology and had a private practice in Buenos Aires, Argentina for several years until she began to feel the need to make a transition from studying and healing the mind to exploring the worlds of Spirit. This took her away from the busy city streets to the more tranquil life in the jungle, moving to Brazil where in 2004 she co-founded the TheVine Center, a trans-denominational and inter-faith spiritual center located in the state of Bahia.
The nature of our nonprofit center is philosophical, religious, mystical, spiritual, educational, and cultural. All the retreats’ income’ serves to maintain the center grounds, create employment for the local community, and help preserve the jungle, having replanted thousands of native trees over the years to give but one example.
The retreats take place inside of 39 acres of lush preserved area. It is about 7 miles from Itacaré on the coast of Bahia. Our location is only minutes away from beautiful coastal beaches, which back onto the Mata Atlántica, the second largest rainforest in Brazil.
The experience of sacred tea ceremonies can be challenging for some, deeply religious for others, but profound all around. Please note that we have several programs to offer and the plant ceremonies are always optional and not required to partake in during any of our retreats. The plant ceremonies begin in the evening and go through the night. The group dynamic is very important and there will be facilitators to look after participants throughout. There will be plenty of time for group discussions and also time alone to reflect on the experiences elicited by the spirit vine tea for those that wish to partake in the plant ceremonies.
At the retreat center we grow our own ayahuasca vine and chacruna plants organically! We also have an organic garden to source vegetables for the food prepared during the retreat. We have pure spring water for drinking and also coconut water, juices, and a variety of teas.
During all our programs we follow a strict (though delicious) diet. The meals are completely vegan, gluten-free, and nutritionally balanced, prepared by our in-house chef who has specialized in vegan cuisine and has a post-graduation in functional nutrition. They include plenty of fresh vegetables cooked with delicious herbs and spices, luscious fresh tropical fruits, salads, and grains.
A note about sexual abstinence: this varies from culture to culture; some recommending as long as 30-40 days while others as little as one day or none at all like here in Brazil. For energetic purposes we recommend sexual abstinence during the retreat as well as 3 days before it begins and 3 days after the retreat concludes. As well, a drug free and no salt diet with no red meat, pork or heavy alcohol use for the same amount of time is optimal.
We fully expect you have questions about the retreats, programs and the facilities we offer. Please feel free to explore our website or watch our videos and write to us to come to one of our retreats.
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Adrian
May 27, 2024 at 5:53 pmAyahuasca at Spirit Vine has been the most transformative experience of my life, and I couldn’t be happier with my choice. Here are the reasons I chose Spirit Vine, my personal experiences, and some tips for anyone considering this journey:
Why I chose Spirit Vine and wasn’t disappointed:
* Connection with Nature: I love Brazil and its natural beauty. Spirit Vine is located in Bahia, near Itacaré in the rainforest. The magical ambiance of the forest sounds during nighttime ceremonies is indescribable. The weather was also great and the temperature always pleasant.
* Excellent Facilities: They have great facilities (accommodation, restaurant, ceremony room etc), including a pond for swimming, which was important for me to feel connected to water.
* Small Group Settings: Spirit Vine hosts small groups, with retreats occurring once a month. This personalised approach made it feel less like a commercial operation and more like a dedicated, supportive environment.
* Expert Guidance: Silvia, who runs the retreat, is a PhD psychotherapist. Her extensive knowledge in psychotherapy and ayahuasca was incredibly beneficial throughout the retreat, providing us with deep insights and support. I cannot thank Silvia enough for everything I learned with her help.
My Experience at Spirit Vine:
* Safety and Care: Every dose of ayahuasca was carefully chosen based on certain criteria, and as we felt safe, we could adjust the dose in the booster or in the next ceremonies.
* Mental Preparation: We participated in preparatory workshops that taught us how to handle potential mental challenges during the ceremonies.
* Great Ceremonies: The ceremonies were beautifully conducted with exceptional music that still resonates with me. It’s worth noting that we were sometimes challenged with different types of music that would bring out of us different feelings which was so crucial. I’m incredibly grateful for these moments, as they brought many important insights to the surface.
* Supportive Staff: Silvia and the staff were incredibly supportive and attentive throughout the retreat.
* Amazing Vegan Food: The vegan meals were delicious and contributed to the overall cleansing process.
* Friendly Atmosphere: The staff and the other participants created a warm, welcoming environment.
What I Learned & Life After Ayahuasca:
The lessons I learned are deeply personal, but I can say that I addressed everything I wanted to work on. I had my retreat 1 month ago and I’ve already noticed significant positive changes in some aspects of my life, such as:
* Being more present and less focused on past regrets or future anxieties.
* Developing greater empathy for others and love for myself.
* Procrastinating less.
* Overall increased happiness and well-being.
* Quitting coffee and reducing alcohol and drug consumption as I’m more self-aware.
* Adopting a more balanced diet with more vegan options.
Tips for Future Participants:
* Follow the Diet: It’s crucial to cleanse your body beforehand so you can fully focus on the mental and spiritual aspects.
* Engage with Silvia: Take every opportunity to talk with Silvia. Her expertise in psychotherapy and ayahuasca is invaluable.
* Purposeful Participation: Ayahuasca is best suited for those doing therapy, seeking self-improvement, or spiritual growth. I wouldn’t recommend it for recreational use.
* Consider Your Company: Attend with a close friend you feel comfortable sharing with, or go alone. It’s easy to connect with others at the retreat. I don’t recommend going with a partner as this journey is deeply personal and you want to focus purely on you and not your partner.
* Explore Itacaré: After the retreat, spend some time in Itacaré. The area’s stunning nature and beaches offer a perfect place to reflect and integrate your experiences.
* Consider the Retreat: If you can’t go to Spirit Vine, which I highly recommend, choose a place in nature where ayahuasca originates, with a small group of participants and specific dietary preparations. The last thing you want is to be in a city, in a large room with 60 unprepared participants, potentially disrupting your journey.
In summary, Spirit Vine and Silvia offer a profoundly supportive and transformative ayahuasca experience, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone serious about their personal growth journey. I will definitely be going back!
Jaron
May 13, 2024 at 10:21 amIt was my second visit to this beautiful retreat center, nestled in the lush jungle near the stunning beaches of Itacaré. Firstly, the location offers breathtaking natural beauty, complemented by the retreat itself and its simple yet effective rules, which enhance the overall experience. I had always sought a blend of spirituality and Western psychotherapy, and this retreat perfectly embodies that fusion. It’s incredibly rewarding to encounter such experiences grounded in psychotherapeutic theory and practice.
Silvia, as the facilitator, generously shares her knowledge not only through workshops but also during mealtimes and throughout the entire retreat. These insights are invaluable for individuals seeking to instigate positive changes in their lives. For those eager to harness their inner strength for self-discovery, healing, and transformation, this retreat is an ideal destination. You’ll emerge as a beacon, guiding your soul’s journey.
Furthermore, the delicious food and rejuvenating yoga sessions are noteworthy. Whether you crave solitude to reflect and journal in your shelter or prefer to socialize and commune with others or nature, the retreat caters to diverse preferences. It offers a beautiful opportunity to reconnect with your authentic self. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone aspiring to cultivate harmony and authenticity in their lives.
Dove32
May 7, 2024 at 12:03 pmThe Spirit Vine Retreat Center was amazing in every regard. Silvia has created a paradise, has created an experience like none other. The accomodations were perfect, the food beyond excellent, and entire setting absolutely sublime and perfect for really connecting & finding answers. The depth of exploration of the mind and spirit is compounded with Silvia’s vast knowledge and previous experience. I came looking for answers and I received so much more. Thank you Silvia. I feel so fortunate to have found you. You are making the world better, person by person.
I wanted to write a new review now that I’ve been 4 times to this retreat center. I just couldn’t figure out how to do it, so I’m adding it here:
This was my 4th time coming and each time the insights and understandings are deeper & progressive. The integrative work Silvia does makes this approach unique and transferable into everyday life. The techniques learned can be used at anytime once back home. The food is amazing, and accomdations are perfect each time. Everyone here works together so seemlessly to make the experience magical. It is tranformative in ways I can’t describe.
William
May 7, 2024 at 4:24 amA great experience in every aspect. Spirit Vine retreat is the best of all worlds as an ayahuasca retreat, being set in the beautiful surrounds of the Atlantic Forest but easily accessible and with all the comforts and professionalism to make one’s experience truly harmonious. Friendly, helpful and professional staff, great healthy food, comfortable lodgings, and attention to every detail make Spirit Vine exceedingly recommendable.
Of note – retreat creator and director Silvia Polivoy not only has decades of experience within the traditional Amazonian shamanic tradition of ayahuasca, but also a PhD and twenty years practicing experience in clinical psychology; a deeply insightful, caring, and gently guiding leader throughout and beyond.
Furthermore, profits from this retreat fund conservation projects to maintain the beautiful and often endangered rainforest of which Silvia is an avid carer and defender.
A beautiful place and experience to which I will return.
hannabanana
April 30, 2024 at 7:54 amAyahuasca has been one of the most transformative experiences on my healing journey, and I’m immensely grateful for trying it for the first time at Spirit Vines. What a beautiful place! The retreat’s deep respect for the Atlantic forest and the tradition of the medicine was evident from the start. I chose Spirit Vines primarily due to its clear ethical principles, which were prominently highlighted on the website and consistently demonstrated throughout the retreat.
Ayahuasca has helped me open doors to discover states of being that I’ve often over-intellectualized. It helped me detach from traumas, unhelpful thought patterns and beliefs that have kept me stuck in a victimizing cycle despite the awareness. Instead the retreat has offered me to find trust again, new perspectives and clarity through a carefully curated structure with ceremonies, workshops and group sharing sessions, not to mention the delicious vegan food adjusted to make sure you get the most valuable experience as possible. The team at Spirit Vines, led by Sylvia, was incredibly professional, supportive, informative, and provided a safe environment.
As mentioned, the incorporation of all essential elements including the space itself (see pictures) and a well-experienced team has created a holistic journey that provided me with such a push, hope, and energy to continue my journey of self-work. It has been such a memorable experience so it’s become a milestone I can revisit when I need to redirect myself during challenging times. I could go on and on about the benefits gained from it, but the domino effect finally falls down to the most profound gifts of all; a deeper appreciation for all life and a reawakening of my intuition.
I’m immensely grateful to Sylvia, Gal, Elvis, and the rest of the team for sharing their knowledge and dedicating so much time and energy to help others. They truly made Spirit Vines a magical place. I’m also thankful for the connections made with other participants on similar journeys. It was truly a blessing to meet you all. Thank you.
I’ll definitely be returning.