Ayahuasca | Integration $2,250 - $3,150

Spirit Vine Ayahuasca Retreat Center

Itacare, BA, Brazil

5.0 (319 reviews)

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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.

Learn more about Spirit Vine Ayahuasca Retreats

Reviews (319)

5.0 out of 5

Overall 5.0

annapaquin
December 12, 2024 at 10:48 am

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.
Connor
December 12, 2024 at 9:23 am

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!
John11
December 8, 2024 at 5:16 am

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.
Jojojo123
December 6, 2024 at 3:41 am

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.
AJVH
December 6, 2024 at 2:34 am

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.