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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Diana_Ayuhasca
August 4, 2024 at 6:01 pmGreat place to visit and try Ayuhasca for the first time!
Neel
July 2, 2024 at 1:26 pmThis 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.
avi
July 2, 2024 at 7:27 amIt was the best experience of my life with ayahuasca! Four amazing ceremonies, beautiful jungle, wonderful birds, and incredible food. Highly recommend this place for a life-changing and deeply transformative connection with nature. Thanks, Silvia!
Adrian
May 27, 2024 at 5:53 pmAyahuasca 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:
* 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.
* Excellent Facilities: They have great facilities (accommodation, restaurant, ceremony room etc), including a pond for swimming, which was important for me to feel connected to water.
* 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.
* 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!
Jaron
May 13, 2024 at 10:21 amIt was my second visit to this beautiful retreat center, nestled in the lush jungle near the stunning beaches of Itacaré. Firstly, the location offers breathtaking natural beauty, complemented by the retreat itself and its simple yet effective rules, which enhance the overall experience. I had always sought a blend of spirituality and Western psychotherapy, and this retreat perfectly embodies that fusion. It’s incredibly rewarding to encounter such experiences grounded in psychotherapeutic theory and practice.
Silvia, as the facilitator, generously shares her knowledge not only through workshops but also during mealtimes and throughout the entire retreat. These insights are invaluable for individuals seeking to instigate positive changes in their lives. For those eager to harness their inner strength for self-discovery, healing, and transformation, this retreat is an ideal destination. You’ll emerge as a beacon, guiding your soul’s journey.
Furthermore, the delicious food and rejuvenating yoga sessions are noteworthy. Whether you crave solitude to reflect and journal in your shelter or prefer to socialize and commune with others or nature, the retreat caters to diverse preferences. It offers a beautiful opportunity to reconnect with your authentic self. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone aspiring to cultivate harmony and authenticity in their lives.