Reflections & Experiences

A month ago, I attended a nine-day retreat at Spirit Vine. It was one of the most valuable and healing therapeutic experiences I’ve ever had, and I plan to return next year. I’m incredibly grateful to Silvia, Noor, and the wonderful group of participants for creating such a safe, supportive, and healing space.

I’d been curious about ayahuasca for a long time but was unsure where to go. I was afraid of having a “bad trip,” as my partner had a traumatic experience in a traditional ceremony where he felt utterly alone and without support. A friend told me about Spirit Vine and shared his positive experience. After learning about Silvia’s background as a psychoanalyst with extensive experience in ayahuasca retreats, I felt more confident. It seemed like a perfect blend of ancestral wisdom and modern trauma therapy in a beautiful, comfortable, and safe environment. And so it was!

Every detail – before, during, and after the retreat – is intentional and carefully thought out. At first, I didn’t understand the reason behind some of the instructions that Silvia gave, but they became very clear during the ceremonies, as they helped me navigate challenging situations while in an altered state.

Silvia reminded us that ayahuasca is only an amplifier – it magnifies whatever is already in you. So if you’ve been avoiding something, you can bet it will come up. Some participants had wonderful, transcendental experiences. Mine were “challenging,” to put it mildly. In another setting, I would have called them “bad trips.” However, thanks to the tools Silvia teaches and the support from everyone – facilitators and participants alike – those “bad trips” allowed me to access memories and gain insights that had evaded me despite many years of therapy.

Regarding the facilitators, if you’re used to a neutral therapist who asks questions and takes things slowly, Silvia’s direct style might surprise you. She shares her opinions openly, which I appreciate, even when it stings. Noor’s calm energy is the perfect complement to Silvia’s therapeutic approach.

In summary, I highly recommend Spirit Vine to anyone considering this journey!

Spirit 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.

After 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.

I am so grateful that I found Spirit Vine Retreat and Silvia. I have struggled throughout my life and was looking for a way to finally heal my body, mind and soul. I certainly found that through Silvia with her Ph.D in Psychology and her extensive work with ayahuasca.

Silvia offers the most beautiful environment in which to heal. The surrounding nature, sleeping accommodation/cabins, ceremony room, pond, and vegan food are all nurturing to the body, mind and soul.

Every detail is attended to so that the experience is safe and rewarding. On ceremony day we were offered yoga & massage to prepare our bodies to receive the medicine. Later that day, we had a workshop that helped me think about my intention for the ceremony that evening. Silvia takes the time to know each participant and tailors her workshops around the participants needs.

The ceremonies felt very safe to me. Silvia and Nor offer a trusting environment where participants are grounded and well cared for. I was able to go deep within myself to find the healing that I needed.

Silvia and Nor, I can’t thank you enough for sharing your knowledge and skill with all who participate in the retreats. You both are amazing!

This was my first ayahuasca experience, and it was quite effective and transformational. Silvia has a Psychology PhD and therapy experience, and also years of experience among the shamans. The blend of rational and shamanistic methods was perfect for me. I appreciated the detailed guidance and preparation for the retreat, the meticulous organization during the retreat, and the group therapy workshops that she led. Several things have changed for me in important ways due to the retreat. No wonder there were several people who have returned to this retreat again and again, and I will probably want to return as well in the future.

Life changing experience and a must try for people who have an open mind and ready to go deeper into themselves, accept themselves and evolve.

Silvia makes all the difference in this retreat, you can feel her heart and effort into the retreat and how everything has been thought about. It was unique to have a psychotherapist being a shamam as it’s possible to communicate with her directly. She understands normal life style and spends quality time with everyone. She is direct and playful and has a deep understanding of how humans work. There are few things she says which sticks with you and gives you an ‘Aha’ moment. A great personality and a pleasure to spend time with her.

The property is much more beautiful compared to how it appears on the photos. Initially I was skeptical as Spirit Vine was the cheaper option so thought it might be not be great but I felt like at home and in a resort at the same time.

Going to suggest to all my friends who are open to the experience and will visit again for sure 🙂

Thank you Silvia for guiding and being the light that you are 😃

I’m an Army Veteran who’s experienced various traumas throughout childhood and adulthood, and more than enough were to the extreme.

So even though I did over two years of professional therapy, and did over a decade of inner work while on a mystic path—to include: dream work, inner-child work, shadow work, The 7 Essene Mirrors, etc.—this retreat has taken my healing and transformation to a whole other level, and on all energetic levels: mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual.

Granted, I’m open to continue healing, learning, growing, evolving, and expanding my individual and Collective consciousness; hence, I consider returning for another retreat in Divine perfect timing and order, and here’s why it was worth it.

I’ve been drawn to a real-deal ayahuasca experience for years.

And though I came upon various opportunities, one place stood out from the rest; and it became my first experience.

It felt like the perfect combination package that I hadn’t seen before, that integrates:

connecting deeper with our whole self (physical self)/Self (Spiritual Self), as well as inner-child work, shadow work, other interesting workshops, a transparently informative website, and Silvia’s extensive, experiential background.

This 11 day ayahuasca retreat this month (July 3-13, 2022)—including 5, mind-blowing, challenging, thought-provoking, deeply healing, and/or heavenly ayahuasca ceremonies—was profoundly transformational and overall amazing.

It was the most invaluable investment and unconditionally loving gift that I ever gave to myself; and I highly recommend it to others.

Granted, no matter what I experience, I always like to follow my inner guidance/Heart/intuition/gut feeling/inner-wisdom FIRST AND FOREMOST, only taking onboard what FEELS light/true to my Heart, and discarding the rest.

The retreat center itself is like paradise, a Heaven on Earth—meticulously, beautifully, and perfectly designed by Silvia, and whom she co-created and built with her family-like team of employees.

The consolidation of an abundance of different trees, plants, bushes, flowers, pond, etc. are like puzzle pieces that reveal a giant, gorgeous picture.

Before coming to this retreat, there was no way that I was going to swim in a pond (was never interested and never planned on it).

However, I trust that ayahuasca has helped me to overcome my fear of the so-called “dark” murky water.

And it was such a liberating, empowering, refreshing and magical new experience; plus, the water felt so smooth and healing, as others have shared as well.

Silvia is a highly intelligent, very organized, meticulous, creative, innovative, wise and powerful Soul teacher, a major game changer.

Her refreshing, straightforward approach has gifted me with obvious blessings and blessings in disguise, especially profound insights, epiphanies, and life-changing realizations.

Ti0, Silvia’s Assistant, who is very authentic, honest, free-spirited, gentle kind, and helpful, was continually there for all the retreat participants 24/7. He was so trustworthy and reliable.

The retreat’s very talented and very friendly chef, Lou, generously created various healthy, vegan, colorful, beautiful, and delicious buffet style meals, drinks, and desserts for all of us on a daily basis, which was impressive.

This retreat’s yoga teacher, Andrea, is wonderful.

Her overall relaxing, yet pleasantly challenging style of Hatha yoga—that she taught with unconditional kindness, patience, encouragements, a great sense of humor, and full support—was deeply appreciated and memorable.

She also does heavenly massages that felt like I was melting into a higher realm, along with the other masseuse whose name escapes me, but is very talented and heartfelt kind as well.

The rest of the staff, to include the housekeeping ladies, were friendly and helpful as well.

Thank you so much to everyone who made this retreat possible, to include the retreat participants whom I was able to deeply connect with, interact with, share, learn from, and grow together in so many ways.

Ayahuasca 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:

1. 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.

2. Excellent Facilities: They have great facilities (accommodation, restaurant, ceremony room), including a pond for swimming, which was important for me to feel connected to water.

3. 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.

4. 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!

It was the second time I visited this beautiful retreat center situated in the lush jungle near the stunning beaches of Itacaré. Firstly, you have the serene natural surroundings, and then you have the retreat itself with its simple rules, which truly enhance the experience. I’ve always sought something like this, where spirituality intertwines with Western psychotherapy. Such experiences, supported by psychotherapeutic theory and practice, are incredibly beneficial. Silvia, as the facilitator, constantly shares her knowledge not only through workshops but also throughout the entire retreat and during mealtimes. These insights are very useful for those who are willing to make changes in their lives. So, for anyone seeking guidance to harness their own power, gain self-knowledge, heal, and transform, this is the ideal place for you. You will become the lighthouse and guide for your soul. Also worth mentioning is the delicious food and the invigorating yoga. If you wish, you can also find solitude in your shelter to write in your journal, or you’re free to hang out and connect with others or with nature. It’s a beautiful experience to reconnect with your true self. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to become a more harmonious and authentic person.

A 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.