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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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lavalatina
October 18, 2024 at 11:01 amReview of my experience at Spirit Vine
By Eliana, retreat from September 17 to 25, 2024
My name is Eliana, and from September 17 to 25, 2024, I had the privilege of attending my first retreat at Spirit Vine. Honestly, words are not enough to describe how incredible the experience was. At first, I must admit I felt afraid, influenced by some reviews I had read. However, letting myself be guided by that fear was a mistake. Everything changed the moment I arrived.
Even though we were informed that the main language would be English, this was not an obstacle. My partner and I purchased a simultaneous translation package that greatly helped us during the workshops and talks. The warmth of Silvia and Noor was key to making me feel comfortable. Silvia is incredibly attentive and always willing to help, while Noor provided constant support throughout the retreat.
The ayahuasca ceremonies were perfect. There are 4 ceremonies that changed my life. I must emphasize the importance of strictly following the diet. No salt, no sugar, and no stimulants like coffee or mate (we’re Argentine, after all!). The preparation is crucial, and I can say it was completely worth it. In addition, the constant support from Silvia and Noor during the ceremonies made me feel protected at all times. Unlike other places, here you are with professionals in a paradise, not suffering in a jungle. They never leave you alone while the plant takes effect; they are always there, ensuring you go through your process in the best way possible. Silvia is there to comfort you, listen to you, and of course, guide you on this journey.
Something I want to highlight is the location. You won’t find another place where you feel so comfortable and where all your basic needs are met. When you embark on this kind of journey, it’s because you need it, and you shouldn’t have to suffer to heal. Unfortunately, there are false shamans who make you live through the worst experiences, but I assure you that with Silvia, everything is much better. The preparation before the ceremonies, the talks she gives to uncover all the repressed emotions—this makes all the difference.
Spirit Vine is not just a place for ceremonies; it is a refuge, a true paradise. Here, you are cared for and supported every step of the way, and the facilities are top-notch. It’s nothing like those videos where people are shown vomiting in fields. Spirit Vine is a place designed for your well-being, where you feel completely safe and at peace. Every penny spent is worth it, and you will realize that once you are there.
My experience was transformative. Now, two weeks after the retreat, I feel renewed: no more depression, no pain, and a creativity that I haven’t felt in years. They have helped me both emotionally and financially, pushing me to advance in many areas of my life. The diet, although demanding, taught me how to eat healthily, and I no longer feel the need to introduce chemicals into my body. And speaking of food, how I miss their meals! Everything was vegan, delicious, and prepared with so much love.
Would I recommend Spirit Vine? Absolutely. If you are looking for a safe, professional, and deeply healing place, this is it. Silvia is extremely careful with the ayahuasca doses, and before administering them, they conduct an exam to make sure everything is in order. I cannot thank Spirit Vine enough for giving me my life back, making me feel comfortable despite the language barrier, and helping me become a better version of myself.
Thank you, Spirit Vine, for giving my life meaning again.
LKilgrove
October 10, 2024 at 9:22 amI flew to Brazil for the first time by myself as a solo traveling woman. Silvia helped arrange taxis and a hotel for me and made sure I was safe and comfortable the entire time. I heard about Spirit Vine through a friend and was grateful to their dedication before the Aya experience in helping us prepare with the dieta and by asking other questions to determine whether or not we would be a good match. It made me feel safer knowing the other guests would also be approved and cleared for arrival, ensuring safe journeys for us all.
The retreat center of Spirit Vine is absolutely gorgeous and well curated and manicured. It felt like a true paradise! Everything was clean and the staff was friendly, making sure to tidy up the rooms daily. The food was incredible and always prepared on-time with plenty for everyone, fresh and local foods and teas/juices. The workshops, massages, and yoga really helped prepare mentally, physically, and emotionally for whatever we might encounter during our subconscious trip. They made sure to give us proper dosage and made us wait two hours before getting a booster, being sure we really needed one. I felt safe the entire time and had a life-transforming experience. The group sharing afterwards was really helpful, and I enjoyed my one-on-one conversations with the leaders to help me process and integrate. I made life-long friends, and really enjoyed the town of Itacare after the retreat, thanks to Silvia’s suggestion. I can’t recommend this place enough, as it combines western psychology with spiritual and indigenous medicines. The jungle is well cared for, and I look forward to going back.
vbb
September 19, 2024 at 8:06 pmSpirit Vine is truly a place of healing. Silvia is the heart of this incredibly beautiful place nestled into the jungle where the nature is spectacular. Her patience and wisdom provided me with a wealth of information that has taken me on a solid path to healing. There were a number of aspects that made my 9 day stay at Spirit Vine an exceptional experience. The property itself is meticulously managed by Silvia herself with the help of a few trusted staff. This place felt quiet, safe, and secluded which allowed me to feel completely at ease from the moment I arrived. Silvia was always present which was very comforting. Her hands on approach is felt in every detail of her program and everything is thoughtfully organized. The accommodations were very comfortable and clean. In addition, someone came daily to clean/tidy our bungalows which was so nice. There’s also a safe in the bungalows for passports/valuables.
All meals were plentiful, fresh, and beautifully prepared. Not a thing was overlooked in every respect to ensure we as participants had everything we needed. My favorite was the coconuts which we had each day. A shout out to the ladies in the kitchen. They were simply amazing.
Each ayahuasca ceremony was well guided by Silvia and ran smoothly. It gave me such peace knowing I was in capable hands. I’d like to note that Silvia is also a psychotherapist. Her many years of experience and knowledge served as an important tool throughout the retreat.
The follow up sessions after the Aya ceremonies led by Silvia helped me process and understand what I was feeling. Her workshops in between ceremonies also served an important purpose that facilitated for me, a better understanding of myself. I learned so much under Silvia’s guidance. I also had a few important aha moments with her help.
I highly recommend this place to anyone in search of a reputable retreat. I did an extensive search for a few years on and off prior to choosing Spirit Vine. Silvia and her retreat stood out to me. Now I know why.
I suggest looking at her website, her instagram, and listening to her speak in her videos.
I was particularly impressed with the amount of information she has posted on her website. She is clear and transparent about what to expect and any questions you could ever want answered is there if you look.
She also helps arrange transportation to and from the airport which I so appreciated.
She genuinely loves what she does and she does it well. Her deep understanding of the human mind and heart is a gift.
I’ll definitely be returning to this special place in the future.
A shout out to Noor who assisted Silvia with everything start to finish. His kind and calm presence at every turn was very comforting.
The one thing I was not expecting and came as a surprise was how much I bonded with each person in my small group. I learned something from each and every one of them. There were also some comedic moments and laughs along the way which I loved.
If I could give Spirit Vine, Silvia, and Noor a hundred stars, I would. I cannot offer enough positive feedback about this place, the people, or my experiences in a short review. I can only say, I’m grateful I traveled to Brazil to experience Aya in this unforgettable place.
Thank you Silvia and Noor for everything. It was above and beyond in every way possible.
SB
September 3, 2024 at 4:14 pmI cannot recommend Spirit Vine enough. We researched other retreats prior to coming across this one, some of which were closer to home. However, we went with Spirit Vine due to the extensive information on their website that gave us a good feeling about Silvia and her approach. Our gut feelings did not mislead us! The experience from start to finish blew us away.
Spirit Vine is located in the heart of the Atlantic rainforest near Itacare, a welcoming and laid-back surf town in Brazil. From the moment we stepped off the plane, Silvia made sure we were in good hands by coordinating transportation and making everything smooth for us.
The property is extremely well kept and comfortable. The bungalows are clean, food is excellent, and her team is incredible (shoutout to Noor). We also enjoyed the flow of the daily itineraries- meals with the group, workshops led by Silvia, yoga, etc.
In regard to the ceremonies and personal growth journey, Silvia is the best guide and mentor you could dream of. She combines her expert knowledge in psychotherapy and ayahuasca to help you transform your pain, heal wounds you didn’t know you had and go deeper within yourself to live a more fulfilling life.
During the retreat someone asked Silvia, “Why do you do all of this?” to which she replied, “Can you imagine a better job in the world?” Her heart and existence are completely invested and dedicated to helping people heal. It was very moving to see the transformation of the group as a whole.
I cannot recommend Spirit Vine enough. Thank you Silvia, Noor and the team at Spirit Vine. We cannot wait to come back!
jay_swati
September 2, 2024 at 6:05 pmAfter attending the July retreat at Spirit Vine, I find myself reflecting on how to share this profound experience with the rest of the world. Though located in Brazil’s Atlantic forest near the vibrant town of Itacaré, Bahia, with its beautiful beaches, Spirit Vine was more than a destination—it was an oasis for my exhausted soul.
I arrived like a desert traveler, looking for healing and burdened by the dust of the outside world and scars from my past. What I discovered was a paradise beyond my wildest dreams.
Palm trees with their gentle breeze, birds singing, playful monkeys jumping from tree to tree, and the beautiful pond welcomed me home. Then the night came and the sky transformed into a celestial canvas, with bright stars so close I felt like talking to them. And when I decided to sleep and I settled into the comfortable bed, protected by a mosquito net, the jungle sang the lullaby I never knew I needed. Even the wind felt magical here, carrying whispers of healing and renewal.
The attention to detail at Spirit Vine is nothing short of extraordinary. Beautifully designed bungalows offer a perfect blend of comfort and nature, with hammocks being my favorite. Borrowing a book from the library and losing myself in its pages while lounging in a hammock? Oh, yes, that was my moment of bliss. The daily cleaning, and the amenities—from reliable hot water to surprisingly fast internet—exceeded my expectations.
I must confess, I was skeptical about the dietary restrictions: no salt, sugar, gluten, or yeast. How could that possibly taste good? But oh, was I in for a delightful surprise! The chef at Spirit Vine is nothing short of a culinary wizard. Every meal was a masterpiece of flavors, leaving me wondering how such simple, wholesome ingredients could create such gastronomic bliss. The combination of ginger and cinnamon became a particular favorite—I’m determined to recreate these recipes at home!
At the heart of the Spirit Vine experience is Silvia, the healer whose presence infuses every aspect of the retreat. During ayahuasca ceremonies, I knew, I was safe, knowing Silvia was watching over us all. The music she chose seemed to guide my journey. (Note to self: Must find a way to get my hands on those playlists!)
Silvia’s workshops are treasures of wisdom. Her years of experience in the field of healing shine through every word. My advice? Listen closely and take copious notes—every insight is invaluable.