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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Recent Reviews
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Jesus_Christ
August 30, 2014 at 12:00 amI’ve completed the 9 day retreat at The Spirit Vine in July 2014, and if you seek the power of Aya, then this one here offers you the perfect setting for it.
The place is of a beauty that is hard to believe – only visionary people can pull something like that. Service and cleanliness is flawless, the food served is pure bliss, and partly grown on the property in organic culture. Showers are fed with natural fresh spring water that lacks the Chlorine that is usually applied to the water in Brazil. The tropical garden is home to hummingbirds, lizards, and flowers. So far for the setting.
As for the guidance/facilitation –
do you know the feeling when watching a professional at work who is at the very height of his/her talent, and has mastered his/her art or craftsmanship to a degree that leaves you speechless? Well, watching Silvia at work had this effect on me, and it gave me goosebumps. This lady is the most ambitious and powerful healer I have witnessed to date.
Let me finish by stating that even without the ceremonies this place would be a five star retreat reco for the price you pay. The relaxation and cleansing effect this holiday has to your body and mind with its healthy diet, the surroundings, atmosphere and activities is worth every dime spent here.
Should you be among the lucky ones who have decided to book this retreat –
my thoughts are with you, and I am already happy for you.
This place has become a second home in only one stay.
Enjoy & Peace.
TScheck
August 26, 2014 at 12:00 amWhat an amazing experience at SpiritVine and could not imagine a more beautiful environment. Silvia has a deep understanding on Aya and is able to give each member of the group her personal wisdom which really helped all of us process the Aya experience. For me the combination of mother Aya, Silvia and the set and setting which makes SpiritVine a sacred place for healing, growth and deep relaxation. Plus there are stunning beaches just minutes away! Thanks again to Silvia, Michael, Bianca(Dog), Oscar(Monkey).
Gregor
August 24, 2014 at 12:00 amI participated in an (8) day retreat at The Vine Center in August 2014.
Silvia Polivoy the creator / facilitator / sitter / and owner of The Vine Center has meticulously designed the perfect environment, physical landscape, accommodations, meals, and physic counseling for the ultimate self guided Ayahuasca Journey.
The Spirit Vine Facility is modeled to congruently mesh with your visions, and compliments the awe inspiring beauty of The indiigenous Atlantic Rain Forest, while incorporating a human friendly habitat where you unavoidably experience a oneness with nature and yourself.
The Bungalows are designed for an indoor / outdoor existence with the comforts of home.
And, a healthy mind, body, and lifestyle is imminent after spending (8) days gorging on natural fruits, vegetables, and gourmet creations for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Everything is fine tuned so you have the ultimate Ayahuasca Journey in their amazing aborigine south pacific / amazonian temple which blends into the local flora as if it had been there for decades.
Itacare and the surrounding area is slice of Paradise Found!!!!!
I guarantee that the individuals you meet during your Spirit Vine Retreat will grow roots in you, and the memories of their words, stories, and personalities will play a major role in your experience there and moving forward.
Everyone is special and Everyone has the opportunity to design their own Ayahuasca Journey. And, as a music fanatic for 45 + years I was blown away by Silvia’s selection and orchestration of music during the Spirit Vine Ceremonies. It will take you places you have never been before, leave you wanting to return frequently, and leave you with serious doubts about leaving.
If you want to better understand yourself, have an interest in learning “why on earth am I on earth”, or want to share a beautiful experience with a friend, I strongly encourage you to commit to a Spirit Vine Retreat.
I am planning to return in December 2014, and lI look forward to welcoming you into my extended tribe.
Gregory Kourtz
citonat
August 17, 2014 at 12:00 amThe two weeks that I spent at spirit vine have been the best of my life to date. Each day was it’s own adventure. The ceremony day starts with a powerful yoga session and the most delicious breakfast spread. After that you can go relax and explore the beautiful lands of the retreat or take a swim in the natural pond. Then there’s a light lunch followed by some creative session that helps you explore your inner-self. Finally you take some rest in your comfortable bungalow to prepare for the most adventurous, exciting, crazy journey of your life!
The ceremony room is very well made and comfortable, the only thing keeping you away from the amazing natural surroundings is a net to protect you from the insects (if you ask then you can even visit a beautiful secret garden where you can lie down and feel mother earth and hug trees and talk to the plants during your journey!). Once your journey begins, you feel so connected to nature, and you’re able to hear all the sounds from the leaves rustling to critters chirping because of the great way the ceremony room has been made and located.
The journeys themselves are guided by THE BEST MUSIC EXPERIENCE EVER 😀 Silvia has a great ear for picking music that takes you on a journey so deep that you never want to come out of it! At dawn when you finally leave the ceremony room, you can either go to sleep, or just sit by the pond and ponder over your journey and the beauty of life, nature and everything around you. Shortly after you’ll be served a magnificent breakfast (which you’ll be craving having not eaten since the previous afternoon) and then you are free to relax or express your journey using art (painting/drawing/coloring). The afternoons have lunch and a sharing session where everyone discusses their journeys and you learn from your group’s insights. Then dinner and sleep and some really vivid dreams!
The whole 8/9 “earth days” that you’re there feel like ONE EXTREMELY LONG DAY, a day that will completely change your life in the most beautiful way possible with the most loving, joyous and peaceful people you will ever meet. Right from the time you arrive to the time you’re sadly bidding everyone goodbye, you can be rest assured that everyone there will take great care of you and help you through the best experience of your life. If Mother Aya calls you, coming to spirit vine would be one of the best decisions of your life 🙂
lapaz4all
August 13, 2014 at 12:00 amSpirit Vine is a great place to explore ones spirituality and the great mother AYA! I had a great group of people to learn from, the accommodations were comfortable, food was great, their land is gorgeous and the experience of the ceremonies was life altering. Thank you Spirit Vine! I will definitely be back!
Black Cat Goddess! aka Witch # 2
Michal
August 6, 2014 at 12:00 amWhen I was researching aya retreats I was first focusing on Peru , but since I visited Peru 2 years ago I was looking for something else and I must say I made the right decision.
Having experienced the Peru side with shamans and now comparing it, the Brazil retreat is a clear winner for me.
This place is so beautiful and Silvia is great. If you are first timer that want’s to meet mother aya I would strongly consider this one before traveling to Peru. Reason why I say this is that this place is much nicer and it’s located only 10 minutes away from beautiful beaches where you can relax and think about your journey’s.I was one of those people that believed that shamans and Peru was the only way to meet Aya but after this experience I realized that what really matters is a nice safe place ( preferably in the Jungle) with a good people like Silvia to help you if needed.
Thanks again Spiritvine for this wonderful experience !
LOVE
Michal
amzing place !
Jyri
August 5, 2014 at 12:00 amThe setting at the retreat is beautiful and relaxing. I wondered if I’m too removed from the problems I needed think about in my life. However, since I’ve been back, changing things has been easier. I’ve asked myself “Was I really the person who had such trouble with these issues? Why didn’t I just stop and think where all the resistance for change was coming from?”
Silvia is wonderful. For me she was what made this retreat. I now have her voice in my head when I do stop and think about life.
Also.. get rid of jet lag before you go. You do not want to be half asleep during any of the ceremonies.
Tomas
July 29, 2014 at 12:00 amI have wanted to try Ayahuasca for a while.
Differently from most people I did not go there to heal some particular problems, my intention was to strengthen the bond with my higher self and explore the realms beyond the physical.
The Spirit Vine is a magnificent place to visit. Gorgeous grounds, meticulous gardens and very comfortable bungalow.
I lived in a bungalow by myself, enjoying the hammock in the terrace, reading books, writing in my journal and sunbathing.
The breakfast was utterly delicious, especially after yoga sessions and followed by a very professional massage. Even without the Aya ceremonies it would still have been time spent great!
The beaches nearby are phenomenal, easily the most beautiful beaches I have ever seen! And the ubiquitous coconuts on each corner is a nice touch.
I would strongly advise to opt for the 4 ceremonies retreat, as each ceremony is different and provides insights, realisations and healing with each subsequent session being more beneficial for those who learn to navigate the realm that Aya takes you to. In fact one person from our group stayed to live there and to teach the world what Ayahuasca has taught him!
I loved it there and I am looking forward to coming back for more. The Spirit Vine combines the exotic nature of rainforest, the mystique of Aya and comfort level that will leave few wanting more.
A big thanks to Silvia and Michael for making this experience so wonderful!
Tomas, Lithuania
pray4funk
June 26, 2014 at 12:00 amYou are looking for a life changing experience? No need to research anymore , you found the place !
Spirit Vine takes place in a magnificent setting in the brazilian jungle without any hassles … not too many mosquitoes , snakes or stinging animals but the beautiful butterflies , fireflies and exquisite birds will colour your journey.
For my first psychedelic experience I was a little afraid of the unknown inner trip so I choose this place, instead of a more “exotic” retreat in Peru, because Silvia is an trained professional psychologist but the retreat exceed all my expectations:
First of all Silvia is to my eyes a rare human being , probably enlightened by her work with the Ayahuasca , and all she wants is to be here for you to enhance the wonderful effects ayahuasca will have on you.
Secondly the Jungle setting and the rythm of the ceremonies and activities will allow you to go quietly deep within yourself and find new friends ,that like you, want to go to the next level .
Finally the nature ,the beautiful people of Itacare ( one of the best place brazil have to offer) and the ayahuasca that grows on site will show you a different look at life , I hope, like me , that you will find strength , wisdom and peace in your everyday life.
Be ready to become a better version of yourself!
Thank you Silvia, Thank you Michael!
cannot wait to be back …love …David
travellingmike
June 21, 2014 at 12:00 amMy first experience at Spirit Vine was in 2011 and having been to retreats in Peru and other countries, nothing compares to Spirit Vine. My experience in Peru is that the centers and local area tend to be more primitive with little focus on spiritual development. In other countries, my experiences were not as impactful. I think this may be due to the ceremonies being outside of the indigenous environment of ayahuasca (Brazil/Peru).
Spirit Vine, however, is the perfect blend of a native jungle environment with very comfortable accommodations, coupled with an individualized approach to spiritual development. Plus, the local surfing town, Itacare, is vibrant and bright with great energy, people and beaches!
My experiences at Spirit Vine keep me coming back for more and more!