Reflections & Experiences

Writing this one month after the retreat, I want to start by saying that this 11-day Ayahuasca retreat at Spirit Vine literally changed my life. I could stop there but I want to share more context to why that is.

I had had the desire to do an Ayahuasca retreat for many years, yet it never seemed like the right time in my life — until last August when my husband and I were introduced to it by a new friend and it just clicked. It was our time. We were ready.

Now came the research to find where we would feel safe and supported to embark on this journey. Spirit Vine came up as an option from a simple Google search and I am eternally grateful it did. I could not have asked for a better, more perfect, guided, and structured retreat than this one. Silvia created something extraordinary with this place. The bungalow where we stayed was beautiful, spacious and made us feel at home from the moment we entered. To say that the food was delicious is an understatement. The common room where we exchanged meals, the Maloka where the ceremonies took place just like the beauty of the outside space with the pond to swim in every day were all majestic.

I went to this retreat because I was seeking healing. Physical healing for my hair and my digestion but more importantly, healing trauma that had kept me in self-hatred and body shaming for over 13 years. I can now happily say that I feel completely healed emotionally and my physical symptoms are continuing to improve daily. I now love myself. I really do and this is the most beautiful gift I could ever have received. One thing that made the world of differences are the workshops taught by Silvia before each ceremony. This is one of the main reason my husband and I chose this place over other retreat centres and I now know how transformational they are. The workshops on inner child, soul retrieval and Complex PTSD were insightful and practical. We learned and then applied it right away during the ceremonies which allowed for deeper understanding of ourselves and deeper healing.

I have so much gratitude for Silvia and what she created. She is an absolute gift to humanity and I wish every single human being who receives the calling for Ayahuascua to get to experience her teaching, wisdom, care and pure love. Elvis, our sitter was a gem, so caring and with his open-heart shared his own experience with all of us. I know that without them and the group sharings, I would not have been able to connect the dots the same way, make sense of my trauma and experience, hence not reaching the level of healing I did.

Another really important aspect was the community and friendship we get to develop throughout the retreat. We all feel so open, vulnerable, yet so safe that it becomes natural to deeply connect to others. We were 15 people and every single one of them now fees like family whom I will continue to stay in touch with long after the retreat ends. I truly believe that this happened because Silvia intentionally keeps these retreats smaller retreat (15-18 people) which allows for safety, connection and compassion.

If you’re reading this and you are considering going to Spirit Vine, I only have one thing to say to you: Do not wait one more second, do it. This is the most loving gift you will ever give yourself, I promise you.

I am truly in awe of what an incredible experience I had at Spirit Vine. I did the 11-day retreat, and it was, by far, the best 11 days of my life.

The amount of care and attention Silvia and her team put into making the entire retreat perfect is unbelievable. Everything is set up so thoughtfully, clearly refined through years of experience running these retreats. The yoga and massages were absolutely magical, and the food—wow—it’s sooooo incredible! Every meal felt like a gift, not just to my body but to my soul.

The workshops and meditations were incredibly insightful and so essential for preparing us for the ayahuasca ceremonies. I found myself using the techniques not just during the ceremonies but even outside of them, and I still find myself practicing them today. There is so much timeless wisdom and so many powerful teachings shared in such a beautiful setting. You can really just disconnect from the outside world, go inward, and heal. There’s nothing else to worry about—just being fully present with the group, the jungle, the teachings, the food, and yourself.

Silvia is an absolute blessing to the world. She is so present and radiates pure light. You can feel her genuine desire to help people heal and break through their past traumas. She’s an incredible guide for everyone, and the intimate space and small group size allow her to help each person on such a personal level. Silvia, along with Elvis, the assistant at our retreat, created the most sacred, intentional, and safe environment imaginable for the ayahuasca ceremonies. I felt so deeply cared for and safe during every ceremony, which allowed me to fully surrender, learn what I needed to learn, and heal on such a profound level.

The property is absolutely stunning—so beautiful and peaceful that the photos truly don’t do it justice. Being surrounded by the jungle and wildlife was such a magical experience. Even the mosquitoes weren’t bad at all! The pond, in particular, is a mystical, breathtaking place. Spending time there felt deeply healing and allowed me to connect with nature in a way I never had before.

I have so much gratitude and love in my heart for Silvia, Elvis, Andrea, and all the other amazing people who made our stay so special. Thank you all so much for making this journey so extraordinary. I will absolutely be coming back one day!

When I first started thinking about doing a retreat, I thought I’d probably end up in Peru in a more traditional place. It just felt like the “right” thing to do since ayahuasca ceremonies have been done that way there for so many years. However, after a friend recommended Silvia’s retreat in Brazil, I spent a lot of time researching different places and eventually decided to trust my friend and go to Spirit Vine. After experiencing it, I’m so glad I did because I can’t imagine a better place for this type of retreat.

At first, I was pretty nervous, anxious and even scared about attending the retreat, traveling to Brazil for the first time, and living with complete strangers for a couple of weeks. However, after arriving and opening myself to the experience, and letting myself trust without assuming that everyone had a hidden agenda, everything about the retreat started to feel a lot safer and welcoming. Silvia, who runs the retreat, has this amazing way of making you feel cared for, like she genuinely wants you to have a deep and healing experience. The space she’s created is incredibly beautiful, calm, peaceful, and surrounded by nature. It’s incredible to think that she built this place herself. I’m so grateful for all the effort she put into creating such a peaceful and beautiful space.

One thing that really stood out to me was how thoughtfully the retreat was put together. It wasn’t just about the ceremonies, which felt very safe and organized, but also the workshops, which helped prepare us and made the whole experience much deeper. I learned so much during those sessions, and they really helped me understand what I was going through both during and after the ceremonies. Silvia has such a special way of explaining things and guiding you; it felt like she truly understood what each of us needed, even when we didn’t know ourselves.

The ceremonies themselves were powerful and sometimes intense, but I always felt supported. Silvia and Elvis were there every step of the way, creating a space where we felt safe to let go and fully immerse ourselves in the moment. Even when my anxiety and fears crept back, I did not feel alone. I could always ask for support, and that made such a difference.

Other activities added so much value to the experience, like the yoga sessions, the food, and the incredible group of participants. Elvis, the other facilitator, was amazing too, always available to chat and share helpful tools and resources. It was great having someone there who was also on their own healing journey in such an open and relatable way. The food was a wonderful surprise, it was honestly amazing! I was always excited when it was time for a meal and had to stop myself sometimes from going back for seconds because everything was so good. Lastly, the group of participants felt like a family. We openly shared our experiences and supported one another, and my initial fears about spending time with strangers disappeared almost immediately.

Looking back, when I saw all the glowing reviews about Spirit Vine, I thought it might be too good to be true. I wondered how so many people could say they’d only come back to this place if they did another retreat. I imagined I’d want to try different places or seek a more traditional experience instead of coming back to Spirit Vine. I even wondered if there might be some kind of catch that I’d discover once I got there. Now, I get it. Spirit Vine is something special, and Silvia’s retreat felt like the perfect fit for me. If I ever decide to do this again, I really hope Silvia is still running these retreats because I’d want to go back to Spirit Vine!

If you’re trying to decide where to go for a retreat and want a place that feels safe and focused on healing, I’d definitely recommend Silvia’s place. Trust the process! If you’re still feeling unsure, take some time to read the reviews and watch the testimonials, they’ll give you a great sense of what to expect. But try not to overthink it or spend too much time researching the experience. Silvia’s website provides everything you need to know in terms of preparation, and she’ll guide you through the rest once you’re there to make it a truly wonderful experience. This was one of the most amazing experiences of my life, and I’m so grateful I got to do it in such a wonderful place with her guidance and support.

This year was my second time at spirit vine, which speaks volumes. I will be going again and taking my daughter when she comes of age in 2 years, then my son 2 years after and my daughter who is 5, when she is around 18 also, so spirit vine never end please!! 🙂 Such a held space with genuine facilitators who have time for you and who really do care. The workshops are invaluable and the love for what spirit vine does for people really stands out. You cannot go there and not heal, it is impossible. Absolutely stunning grounds and a very magical place. I hopefully will be going for many years to come, healing layer by layer with the help of Silva.. Who’s… 1 hourrrr.. (among many of the things she says) will be with me forever. So grateful, thank you so much Elvis and Silvia ❤️ Love Jo. Baker

Note: This review was edited to reduce the number of emojis used, but has otherwise been left in its original form.

In the realm of deep spiritual work, set and setting are the essential keys to successful healing experiences. When you find someone who truly understands this delicate balance, you stop, you take notice, and you listen. Silvia, the guide and heart of Spirit Vine, is one of those rare individuals. Her energy and expertise shine through every corner of the retreat.

I discovered Spirit Vine through word of mouth, and I was fortunate to gain reassurance from someone who had already been there. That whisper of safety was all I needed to take the plunge, and now that I’ve experienced the retreat, I feel compelled to share what I’ve found. Silvia has dedicated years to creating and refining this sanctuary, and it shows. It’s not just a retreat; it’s a sacred space, a precious find that I will absolutely return to.

Coming from a difficult background, where feeling safe and relaxed often seemed like an impossible dream, I found the environment at Spirit Vine to be a revelation. Every detail, every arrangement, is designed with care to facilitate your journey inward. The group work, the individual attention, the food, the yoga, the massages—everything is part of a process that not only encourages but nurtures growth. There is a rare and deep safety here, a space where vulnerability is welcomed, allowing you to engage in the work that is uniquely your own.

One of the highlights for me was seeing where the plants are grown on-site, grounding the experience in the very earth that nurtures their power. This connection to the source of the medicine added an intimate layer to the experience. The ayahuasca experience, in all its depth, is never one-size-fits-all. I had anxieties about doing this work in a foreign country where I had read about traditional shamanic practices involving live music, tobacco smoke, and language barriers, but I was not seeking that for my first time. Silvia’s blend of insightful ayahuasca knowledge with her background as a psychotherapist creates a seamless integration of Western sensibilities and traditional healing—a Goldilocks experience that felt just right for my first time.

Silvia is awake, present, and direct. She takes time for every participant. This kind of leadership fosters healing and growth, steering you toward a healthier, more authentic self. My complex PTSD was a difficult shadow to reckon with after growing up in a narcissistic household, but Silvia and the experience at Spirit Vine carried my issues with great care and expertise. For the first time in my life, I felt safe enough to open up and be vulnerable within a group setting. The workshops led by Silvia directly addressed these wounds, offering tools to ease the burdens I carried. Before this retreat, I felt like someone who had tried to join a choir but had learned all the wrong songs. Now, I feel like I’ve found my voice. I’ve discovered the songs that let my heart sing, aligning with myself and others in ways I never thought possible. It has helped me shed the layers of trauma and conditioning that once weighed me down, allowing my authentic self to emerge—bright, unburdened, free.

The ayahuasca ceremonies helped me to experience my fullest self. Once you touch this version of yourself—your truest essence—your heart overflows with love and compassion, not only for yourself but for everyone around you. It draws into sharp focus the power and depth of love. This experience is liberating in the most profound sense, awakening a world of possibility. It invites you to feel, to experience the entire spectrum, to be.

I left Spirit Vine aligned, empowered, and immeasurably changed. The transformation is not a fleeting moment; it is a profound shift in the fabric of your being. If you have a passion for discovering your truth, a need to drive the needle of the mind right to the heart of it all, this is the place to do that. Ayahuasca strips away the layers and connects you to the raw, authentic truth of who you are. And for that, I am deeply grateful.

Review of My 11-Day 5 Ceremony Retreat at Spirit Vine

Words can’t fully capture the incredible journey of the 11-day retreat I recently attended at Spirit Vine, but I’ll try my best….

Why I Chose Spirit Vine: After months of researching various Ayahuasca retreats, I chose Spirit Vine. Six years ago, I attended a retreat in Peru with a traditional Shaman. While the experience was transformative, I returned home with many unanswered questions and no tools to integrate the plant medicine into my daily life, leaving me feeling lost.

Spirit Vine stood out because of Silvia’s integrated approach. Each ceremony is thoughtfully paired with a workshop designed to help participants make sense of their experiences and provide practical tools for integrating the medicine. This holistic approach was exactly what I was looking for.

The Communication: From the very first moment I reached out to Silvia, the communication was smooth and transparent. The questionnaire screening process was thorough, ensuring that every participant was mentally and physically prepared for the journey ahead. Details like diet, things to bring, medication supplement restrictions, were all explained clearly. Silvia also made the logistics seamless, from airport pick-up (my name on a sign was a nice touch) to transfers to and from the retreat. She even recommended fantastic places to stay and vegan restaurants in the nearby surf town of Itacaré—only a 30-minute drive from Spirit Vine.

The Property: The property itself is absolutely stunning! It’s meticulously maintained and expertly managed by Silvia and her wonderful team. She started with a blank canvas and carved out a little slice of heaven in the jungle while carefully preserving the surrounding forest. There’s an unmistakable sense of peace and seclusion here, which made the immersion in the retreat all the more meaningful. Silvia’s attention to detail is evident in every aspect, from the beautifully organized ceremonies to the comfort of the accommodations. My bungalow was beautiful, clean, comfortable, and well-equipped with hot showers, fans, and air-conditioning. Each bungalow also had a hammock on the balcony, the perfect spot for reflection while listening to the soothing sounds of the jungle. A large swimming pond in the center of the retreat is the perfect touch—one evening, we even took a moonlight swim, which felt truly surreal.

The Food: The meals were nothing short of incredible. Each dish was not only delicious but perfectly timed to complement the ceremonies. The chef and kitchen staff prepared some of the best vegan food I’ve ever had, and they did so with such warmth and joy. …always with a warm “Hola” and a huge smile on their faces. It’s clear that the food is a reflection of the care and love put into every part of the retreat.

The Workshops: The integration workshops between ceremonies were absolutely invaluable! They provided an opportunity to process and make sense of everything we were experiencing, helping us integrate the teachings and insights from the ceremonies into our daily lives. I use them in every day life now that I’m back at home processing everything.

The Ceremonies: The ceremonies were both emotionally and physically intense, yet profoundly transformative. Silvia’s carefully choreographed music worked in perfect harmony with the plant medicine, creating a deeply immersive experience. With the support of the inner child workshop, the insights I gained during the very first ceremony were so impactful that I felt the retreat had fulfilled its promise. Each subsequent ceremony took me deeper into the experience in ways I could never have anticipated. The daytime ceremonies were equally powerful, fostering a deep connection with nature and helping me uncover a renewed sense of purpose in life. By the end of the retreat, I had undergone a profound shift in perspective—one that I know will stay with me forever.

The People:

Silvia – A heartfelt thank you to my amiga, Silvia—you are a true angel. Your dedication and commitment to guiding people through this journey are extraordinary. The way you seamlessly combine your deep knowledge of Ayahuasca plant medicine with years of psychotherapy expertise is a rare and invaluable gift to everyone who attends the retreat. Your presence was a true blessing, and I’m profoundly grateful for everything you did to make this experience so meaningful.

Elvis, thank you for your calm and supportive presence throughout the retreat. You were the perfect complement to Silvia’s guidance, and you played an integral role in making everything run smoothly. Your warmth and kindness were comforting from start to finish, and I really appreciated the tips on diet and gut healing.

And finally, the unexpected and incredibly special part of the retreat was the bond I formed with the 14 other participants. Despite the deeply personal nature of the experience, we shared moments of tears and laughter that made the journey even more meaningful. I learned so much from each person, and those connections will stay with me for a long time and we’ll be lifelong friends.

Spirit Vine Retreat exceeded all of my expectations. It is a genuine space for healing, run by people who truly care. If you’re seeking an authentic, integrated ayahuasca experience, I cannot recommend Spirit Vine highly enough. I came searching for something and found it, along with so much more. This is a place where transformation happens and I can’t imagine going anywhere else…I’ll definitely be back!

Much love, Craig

I visited Spirit Vine for an 11 day retreat in November and I can honestly say I had the time of my life.

This was my first experience of Ayahuasca and I felt completely safe and looked after from start to finish. Silvia greeted us with a warm hug when we arrived and was always there for every meal and is available to talk privately if needed. She is incredibly experienced and knowledgable and has a wonderful way about her. I felt completely comforted by her presence, especially during the ceremonies. You know you are in completely safe hands with her. Silvia’s assistant, Elvis was such a lovely guy who also had a very comforting and protective presence.

The accommodations far exceeded my expectations. They are beautiful, clean and modern and feel very private, with plenty of space from the other bungalows. The landscape around is stunning and so peaceful to relax in the hammock on your balcony or go for a walk around the gorgeous grounds or a swim in the healing pond.

The food is exceptional. 3 meals are provided each day, 2 on ceremony days, and all are so varied, delicious and plentiful. Meal times are a great time to all come together and chat about your experiences and get to know each other.

Before arriving I was slightly apprehensive about being part of a group with other people, but it turned out to be the most wonderful group of people and I have made very dear friends for life. The size of the group is just right and because you are all there for a similar purpose, you are with likeminded people. During your time you share such intimate details of your life, more so than you do with friends or family, and because of that, you become very close with one another.

On the days in between ceremony days, you have workshops with Silvia where she will give a talk on a topic such as Complex PTSD or Regression to Childhood. We learn new ideas and ways of thinking which can then be utilised in daily life and also during the ceremonies with great effect. This was truly life changing.

Yoga classes are provided every other morning which are fantastic and lovely massages are offered too.

I stayed in Itacaré for 2 days before the retreat and 4 days after the retreat which was just the right amount of time. Silvia arranges all the taxis to meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel and she also arranges to pick you up from your hotel and bring you to Spirit Vine. Everything is taken care of.

I absolutely loved Itacaré. It is a beautiful, unspoilt, uncommercialised town and is such a safe, happy place and the locals are so friendly. The restaurants are great too with plenty of veggie options and the beaches are stunning.

I came to Spirit Vine intending to process some childhood trauma and I came away with a lot more than that. I removed traits that I didn’t fully realise I had and I truly healed a lot of wounds that had been with me my whole life.

I cannot recommend Spirit Vine enough. If you have your calling to do Ayahuasca and you are doing your research, then you need look no further.

Spirit Vine is clean, safe, and conducive to healing. The moment you arrive, the owner Sylvia is there to meets and greet you and start the bond as your guide for your journey using Ayahuasca. The living space is comfortable with plenty of space, including clean bedding, showers with warm water, and privacy.

If you choose to come to Spirit Vine, you will be staying on truly sacred grounds that have been carved out of the jungle landscape. The buildings are beautiful, the pathing from space to space is intuitive and gorgeous, and being emersed in the jungle while healing with Ayahuasca in my opinion is a must that Sylvia has created for her participants/guests.

The food was fantastic and healthy, inspiring me to take a better approach to my diet after tasting and eating real food and spices. I was also inspired to remove habits that no longer served my life after removing the root causes of these behaviors. This is the #1 reason to be a guest at Spirit Vine if you are wanting to try Ayahuasca for the first time or if you are like myself and have been to many resorts in Costa Rica and South America to drink in Ayahuasca ceremonies. Sylvia’s method, expertise in psychology and understanding of how to bring a modern approach to drink Ayahuasca helped me truly locate and remove unwanted and unneeded patterns that have been playing out in different forms throughout my life.

Again, for people engaging for first time Ayahuasca ceremonies, Spirit Vine is safe and a softer approach. For others that have experience with Ayahuasca, you will work through your inner child experiences at a deeper level that before with the support of a psychologist that has been working with the medicine for 20 years.

Come and enjoy, come and heal

I attended the 9-day retreat in August 2024, and after 3 months, I can confidently say that this retreat changed my life.

I had wanted to experience ayahuasca for a long time. I researched retreats in the Amazon and Pará until I came across SpiritVine’s recommendation on a website that simply said: “If you want to try ayahuasca in a safe place, SpiritVine is the best.”

I looked into it and loved everything I found. Although I initially wanted the Amazon experience, I couldn’t be more grateful for the change in plans. I’m Brazilian and live in NY. My biggest fear was traveling alone to an unfamiliar place in my own country. When I saw Itacaré/Bahia as the location, I felt immense relief. I already knew and loved the town and felt excited by the opportunity to visit the beach and recharge after the chaos of city life. Additionally, I was thrilled to learn that our guide was a woman. Knowing I’d be supported by a woman in such a vulnerable and profound experience made me feel incredibly comfortable and confident.

I submitted my application on the website, answered all the questions, and Silvia was very clear in addressing my doubts and guiding me through every stage of the retreat’s preparation – including food and drink restrictions. I strongly recommend following her instructions to avoid withdrawal symptoms during the retreat, especially if you’re used to coffee or sugar. She also provided a list of recommended hotels, arranged transfers, and ensured every detail of the trip was as comfortable as possible.

Silvia suggested arriving two days before the retreat to avoid the stress of flight delays and to begin disconnecting. She also recommended staying two extra days after the retreat to enjoy the beaches, nature, and to continue sharing experiences with other participants. I followed her advice and found it wonderful.

The accommodations at SpiritVine are fantastic. There’s no discomfort or hassle. The spaces are clean, organized, beautiful, and peaceful, showcasing the richness and serenity of the Atlantic Forest. The bungalows are equipped with hammocks for relaxation, mosquito nets, and lovely views all around.

Throughout the retreat, a dedicated team provides breakfast, lunch, and dinner. There are always herbal teas and infused waters available. The food is flavorful, well-seasoned, and free from added salt, sugar, gluten, dairy, or processed ingredients.

Silvia is incredibly experienced and passionate. It’s such a joy to sit with her and talk about life—there’s so much to learn from her.

On ceremony days, there are massages and yoga classes. Silvia also conducts workshops on themes designed to unlock memories and emotions, which can then be worked through and healed during the ceremonies. These workshops are fascinating and deeply beneficial. Since they’re done in a group setting, you often find yourself identifying with and learning from others’ experiences and stories. I realized that, even in a group with people from vastly different nationalities and backgrounds, our traumas often feel strikingly similar.

Silvia has built a true oasis for honoring ayahuasca. Listening to the silence and the sounds of nature, feeling the warmth, breathing clean air, soaking up the sun, and resting under the shade of the trees all help you disconnect and focus on what truly matters.

The ceremony room is immersed in nature, surrounded by mosquito nets to keep the bugs out. It’s amazing to feel the gentle breeze and hear the sounds of the forest during the ceremonies. It felt like being in Avatar—completely at peace.

Every journey is unique, but the certainty of being in a safe environment helps you relax and surrender. I’m deeply grateful for the lessons I’ve learned, the experiences I’ve had, and the opportunity to access so much within myself.

I returned from my retreat more aware, more grateful, and so much happier. I’ve started reading more about ayahuasca, and the signs of consciousness continue to touch my life every single day. I received so much love during my experience. It was one of the most profound and rewarding sensations of my life. I’ve always felt a strong connection to nature, but city life had distanced me from it. Now, I actively seek ways to reconnect more often—to recharge and strengthen my sense of responsibility toward it.

I recommended this retreat to my husband because I want him to experience this incredible transformation as well. It helped me become an infinitely better mother—more patient, present, and aware. I’ve grown so much emotionally, and this has positively impacted my relationships with my children and family.

I can’t wait to go back. There’s so much more to uncover and so many lessons still waiting for me.

If you’re considering it, do your research, read up, follow Silvia’s instructions, and surrender. Ayahuasca may feel intense for some, but by understanding the journey’s meaning, you’ll likely gain greater awareness of life and yourself. There’s so much to learn.

Thank you, Silvia, for creating such a safe and welcoming space for so many people to grow and access deeper levels of consciousness.

Thank you, Noor, for all your kindness and support in keeping the operations flowing smoothly.

My life is infinitely better because of this experience.

It’s been over two months since my retreat at Spirit Vine, and I’ve had time to reflect on the profound experience. For years, I’d been living a muted existence, emotionally numb and disconnected from the richness of life. I was a mere observer, passively going through the motions.

The retreat was a catalyst for significant change. For the first time, I felt a full spectrum of emotions, from joy to sorrow, fear to love. Initially, this emotional intensity was daunting, but I soon realized it was a necessary step towards true authenticity.

Since the retreat, I’ve become more attuned to my body and emotions, although there are still moments of blockage. The difference now is that I know what it feels like to be fully present and connected. The pathways to deeper emotional experiences are open, and I’m committed to exploring them.

Silvia, the heart and soul of Spirit Vine, is a truly inspiring teacher. Her dedication and passion are evident in every interaction. She has a unique ability to challenge and support, creating a safe space for profound transformation.

While the journey is far from over, I’m incredibly grateful for this transformative experience. I’m excited to continue my personal growth and embrace the fullness of life.