If you are on the fence about whether ayahuasca is for you, or if you’ve made the decision but aren’t sure where to do it, my experience might help you.

From the initial contact with Silvia all the way through the conclusion of the retreat, the entire process was as professional, smooth, reassuring and pleasant as could be. The initial screening was done with purpose and care in mind to ensure that ayahuasca is right for potential candidates and so that every participant gets the most benefit out of the experience. The same can be said about the dietary and medicine restrictions leading up to the retreat, the clothing and gear recommendations – again, all to maximize the full potential of the experience. Nothing was arbitrary or without a purpose.

Silvia carefully helped map out the logistics of traveling to the center, and even arranged for the transport from the airport, which was on time and waiting the minute I got off the plane. With little knowledge of Brazil and no experience in Portuguese, all of this would have been challenging and frustrating. Instead, it could not have been easier.

Brazil is an amazing country, and the small surf town of Itacare is a perfect place to really immerse oneself in the culture and take in all the beauty. Once again, it seemed like it was no accident that the retreat center was located just outside of this town. A shuttle van would come to pick up each participant and bring to the center.

Arriving at the facility, I was overwhelmed by the beauty of the natural landscape and the carefully planned out development of the site. The bungalows, the restaurant, the ceremony room, pond, and pathways are all nestled in the jungle and spaced out to give one the feeling that your are living out in nature. The food was incredibly diverse and delicious (even for having no salt), and each meal was timed perfectly in coordination with the ceremonies. My bungalow was a private one and could not have been more comfortable and accommodating. Every amenity you could want, including AC, fans, a balcony with a hammock, table and chairs, drinking water were provided. I was there in July, which was surprisingly quite cool at night and wonderfully warm during the day. I never once needed the AC or the fans. Because of the sloping topography, the bungalow is situated in the tops of the trees, giving you the feeling that you are in a treehouse. Monkeys and all manner of birds were just feet away, further enhancing the feeling of being immersed in the jungle. While the ayahuasca ceremonies were mentally and physically exhausting, there could not have been a more peaceful, relaxing and accommodating environment to rest in between each one.

As for the ayahuasca itself, I went into this whole retreat quite nervous about taking the medicine. I didn’t really know what to expect. Silvia and Noor dispelled any anxiety and trepidation through their gentleness and thorough process of determining the right initial dosage. They’ve been doing this a long time and their instincts are spot on. The night ceremonies consist of all of the participants gathering in the ceremony room, where individual beds are laid out in a circle. The prescribed dose is administered, everyone drinks at the same time, and so begins the journey. With the lights turned off, the music begins – a brilliantly planned out “soundtrack” that is unique for each ceremony. Usually beginning with soothing tracks to gently usher you into the journey, and then progressing into more dynamic and stimulating ones. They stir your mind and emotions in various ways, producing a spectrum of feelings. Again, not at all arbitrary or incidental. This soundtrack very much seems to guide you though the journey. And that’s exactly what each ceremony is – a journey. Silvia and Noor watch over everyone the entire night like loving and caring parents, making sure everyone is safe and comfortable. The first ceremony was the perfect starting dose for me. The experience and the revelations were so profound I could have left the retreat after just that one and felt completely satisfied with the outcome. However each subsequent ceremony proved to be even more profound and enlightening than the last one. The daytime ceremonies were very different from the night, but equally as profound. While they were all very unique, they followed an overarching theme that dovetailed at the end to create a life changing shift in perspective. I won’t go into the details of each journey, as they were very personal. Furthermore, because everyone’s individual journeys will be different anyway, I think the more helpful information is describing Spirit Vine’s environment and process surrounding the journeys. The cumulative effect of all the journeys, as well as the workshops punctuating the ceremonies, left me feeling like all of the things I struggled with my whole life were washed out of me. Like a tsunami came through and washed out all the garbage. Things that were troubling and damaging in my life seemed so small and insignificant. Priorities in my life shifted. I gained new goals, motivations and tools that I could not wait to implement when I got home. My physical health and fitness were far more important. I had more respect for nature and a newfound desire to be closer to it.

If this review sounds too good to be true, believe me when I say I haven’t even scratched the surface of how positively life changing the whole experience was. I’m leaving out so many of details because there are simply too many to cover. I was fortunate to have been with an amazing group from all over the world, all of whom I made friends with. It’s hard to imagine finding a better facility for the experience or a better group to share it with. I truly did not want to leave.

I came to Spirit Vine looking for something, needing something. I found what I was looking for and more. While I can honestly say the entire experience exceeded any hopes and expectations and left me more than satisfied, I know I will return. There is no doubt that Silvia and Noor genuinely care about your experience. It is so evident that they enjoy seeing everyone that comes though heal and grow. Trying out another ayahuasca facility is not even a consideration.