I had the most beautiful and profound experiences of my life at the Anahata Ayahuasca retreat. I am so grateful and thankful for this center and the amazing humans who helped make my first experience so special!

The retreat itself is surrounded by the stunning natural beauty of the Sacred Valley, near Pisac, Peru. The retreat grounds are surrounded by fragrant flowers, eucalyptus, and other trees and offer incredible views of the beautiful Andes mountains housing several Incan ruins. The grounds of the beautiful property offer ample space for guests to explore and for quiet meditation/self-reflection. A lovely river provided a soft hum of water splashing as background ambiance. Reaching the cool waters was just a short walk away from my bedroom. My room was comfortable, and the meals prepared were delicious, healthy, and plentiful!

This was my first experience taking the ayahuasca medicine. I spent many months researching and comparing retreat services prior to finally booking Anahata. I was seeking a retreat that had received high marks from previous guests, provided by traditional Shipibo healers, offered personalization, integrated music, and had safety in mind.

The ceremonies at Anahata are intimate, with very small groups, allowing guests to have a deep personal journey. Three ayahuasca ceremonies were offered in the week retreat I attended. Other ceremonies and medicines (San Pedro, bufo, sweat lodge, plant bath, etc.) were offered or included in addition to ayahuasca. Maestro Roberto and Anahata’s founder/host, Michael met with each guest prior to the first ayahuasca ceremony. By understanding my intentions ahead of the ceremony, the Maestro was able to provide individual attention to support my healing and goals. Roberto and Mariana sang the most beautiful Icaros towards my healing during each ceremony. Despite not having a shared language, I was able to understand Maestro Roberto’s which supported Mother Aya’s guidance, both intended to help heal my specific needs during each ceremony. The music performed during each ceremony by Roberto, Marianna, Michael, and the other facilitators was so incredibly beautiful and meaningful. The impact the music had cannot be expressed adequately with words-it was as if each song was tailored to my specific journey. It really connected me to a deeper love of nature, of the universe, of humankind, and love for myself. The music profoundly enhanced my overall experience.

I’d like to highlight how I believe that it’s the welcoming, familial atmosphere that makes Anahata so special. I was immediately embraced with love and support from the moment I booked the retreat. I felt as part of the family as soon as I met Michael, Sami, Brian, Johnny, Taylor Rose, Maestro Roberto, Maestra Marianna, and the other Anahata family members. My roommate and the other group of beautiful souls who participated were so kind and loving. We laughed, we cried, we supported each other. I’ve never connected with so many sweet souls in such a short time as I did during this journey. My heart is bursting with love for my extended Anahata family!

I’d like to specifically call out and show much love and gratitude to Anahata host, Michael Love. He went out of his way to make me feel safe and secure during my Bufo ceremony. My ego fought hard-I felt nervous and was anxious participating in this optional medicine. Michael’s gentle care throughout every step of the process made me feel very secure throughout the ceremony and the experience was short of extraordinary. I was on a rocket ship ride into the center of the cosmos. During my journey, I experienced a feeling of oneness with the universe-a visceral connection with the divine source of all life and a sense of collective consciousness with nature and all beings. I felt an abundance of blissful love, joy, compassion, and extreme gratitude-something that I cannot adequately express in words. This was without a doubt the most positively profound experience of my life!

In summary, I wholeheartedly recommend Anahata to anyone who receives “the call.” You will not regret your decision. It’s been several weeks since I’ve been home and I feel grounded, full of love, and at peace. I am so blessed. Aho!