New Life Ayahuasca

Guanacaste, Costa Rica

Our mission is to provide compassionate retreat options to those who are seeking to restore balance to their lives through spiritual and personal healing. Ayahuasca shows us the truth of all things, revealing the light and the dark that exists in each and every one of us. It is through this duality that we can embrace self-love and personal growth.

New Life Ayahuasca offers 5 and 7-day ayahuasca retreat options in beautiful Costa Rica.
We are located in one of the world-famous blue zones, just one mile from the beach.
Our retreats include powerful ayahuasca ceremonies, intimate groups, yoga, delicious vegan meals, and beach trips.

Space is limited to 12 participants in every retreat to ensure we can provide individualized attention and support during such a personal and profound experience.

We hope you will join us.

Reviews (16)

5.0 out of 5
Overall 5.0
  • kanecoolus
    kanecoolus
    September 10, 2019 at 9:58 am

    This was our (my wife and I) second visit to NLA in a little over a month. Our first was in July 2019. Seems a bit unorthodox to repeat an experience in a short period of time given the amount of information one gathers from a retreat such as this. Anyone who has ever gone through something like this knows exactly what I’m referring to.

    Needless to say, it’s a testament to two points:

    Our experience with plant medicine was so exceptionally profound we felt compelled to come back in search of answers to more questions we had about ourselves.
    The care and support offered at NLA is nothing short of excellent. Without Matt, Jeanae and Drew to help facilitate our experience, there’s no way we would have had as profound an experience as we did (in our previous and most current experiences at NLA).

    We signed up for the 7 day retreat (3 plant medicine ceremonies, 1 kambo, 1 rape, and 1 San Pedro experience). There were a total of 8 participants, which we felt was ideal. I know there are other centers that cater to larger groups and while I can’t comment on what that experience is like given that I’ve never engaged in plant medicine ceremonies of that caliber, I can say that with 8 people, it allowed for a more intimate experience with the other participants. Not only did we use the retreat as an opportunity to connect with ourselves, but we were able to connect with the other members from the group in a deep and meaningful manner, of which we were grateful. It’s not every day you to meet random strangers, open up about each other’s vulnerabilities, and go on several intense journeys of self discovery.

    Matt’s presence as the ayahuascero is commanding and awe inspiring. How he is able to conjure up the strength to channel the medicine’s powers and convey them in such a manner that leaves a powerfully indelible impression is beyond comprehension. His live performance is one that will leave you feeling inspired.

    If Matt is the engine of NLA, Jeanae is the soul. She keeps the place running by organizing the daily activities, leads the yoga classes, prepares the meals (which are delicious and nourishing for the soul), and provides emotional support during the ceremony. She has a wonderful caring disposition about her.

    Drew is a jack of all trades. He does a little bit of everything to keep the facility running smoothly. There’s a magnetism about him that draws you to him. He has a remarkably positive way of viewing life (after going through some dark periods himself) that’s infectious and uplifting. There were several times during my experience where his presence positively impacted me (and my wife).

    If safety is a concern, I can assure you that the only concern you’ll have is the one in your subconscious. Then again, that’s why people are signing up for this, aren’t they? To understand themselves in a deeper way but from a completely different and novel perspective. Other than that, NLA engages all of the plant ceremonies in a safe manner. They don’t coerce anyone to do anything that they’re not comfortable with. They’re available to answer whatever questions or concerns you may have about your experience. As previously mentioned, they purposefully keep the group sizes to 6-8 people at each retreat in order to be able to provide a more personalized experience.

    We could not be more grateful for both of our experiences at NLA and we absolutely recommend this place to anyone who is interested in plant medicine ceremonies.

    P.S. Chopper is one hell of a cat.

  • trowdy
    trowdy
    January 18, 2019 at 6:35 pm

    I had a really amazing experience at NLA. Matt and Jeanae are very caring, friendly people and they run their retreat in a very professional manner. I was always well taken care of with great food and really comfortable rooms with a private bathroom. The house where the retreat is held is a really beautiful space to spend a week relaxing and taking part in the ceremonies. The ceremonies themselves usually have no more than 8 people and are really well guided by Matt with an additional 2 other people acting as ‘carers’ to assist people if they need anything.
    It’s always best to do your own research when deciding on which retreat to go to because drinking plant medicines isn’t always an easy journey. But I can honestly say that NLA is a great place to start if you’re looking for a safe, comfortable place to partake where you’re guided in caring, professional hands at all times.

  • joytotheworld
    joytotheworld
    November 29, 2018 at 10:35 pm

    Best Healing Experience Ever!

    I hardly know where to start … Everything about my trip to New Life Iboga / Ayahuasca in Costa Rica was wonderful from the medicines, the location/property, the hosts, the food, the cats, it was all amazing! Jeanae and Matt are phenomenal hosts and wonderful cooks. The house was large, clean, and had great views. The room they provided to me was perfect for my two weeks stay. The food was great – I’m a foodie – and I loved all the fresh, healthy home cooked meals they made! The trails around the property had beautiful views and I was able to see beautiful wildlife like the Blue Morpho Cota Rican butterfly and monkeys!
    For several years I had contemplated participating in taking iboga for spiritual healing reasons. This past year my life brought some major life challenges that propelled me forward in taking the leap to try both iboga and ayahuasca – and I also had Kamboo to make it a trifecta of healing medicines! And Oh Boy – I am so glad that I did! It has been one of the best decisions I have ever made! The journey changed my life and continues to positively change my life. I had researched several centers to visit, but I am so glad I decided to go down this journey at New Life Iboga /Ayahuasca. I hope to one day return and participate in more Ayahuasca ceremonies! I know one day I will re-enter the Ayahuasca world again!
    Going through the Ayahuasca in the first week really helped strip away my ego and open me up to heal on a deeper level. Some of my questions were answered through Ayahuasca, but Iboga showed me some deep-rooted parts of myself that needed to be addressed. Jeanae and Matt helped facilitate the interpretation of my visions and experiences by having me work with therapist Brian Murphy. Brian was great and very insightful. I am very grateful for this to be part of the experience. The ceremonies that Jeanae and Matt conducted were great. They both played instruments and put their heart and soul into the experience. For the Iboga ceremony they had a small community of friends that participated which enrichened the experience.
    After going through this journey, and returning to the states, I had the most amazing sense and feeling of peace that I have never had before. It has taken work to continue this sense of peace, but now I know it – so it is easier to return to this peace.
    A million Thank Yous to Jeanae and Matt for all that you did for me and continue to do for others! You are truly a blessing to this earth! One of the visions I had during iboga was seeing Jeanae and Matt being given to the earth as gifts from the gods! Thank you again for everything! I pray that all the good you are doing comes back to you a million fold. And I pray all your wishes and dreams will come true – I know they will:) Much love and blessings to you:)

  • TJimenez
    TJimenez
    September 14, 2018 at 7:37 pm

    My time at NLA has forever changed me. I gained insights and emotional healing that I never knew were possible. I cannot thank Jeanae and Matt enough for the relaxed, loving, safe and supportive atmosphere. I am extremely happy to have had my first Ayahuasca and Kambo experience at NLA with two truly honest and caring people. My experience at NLA will forever live in my heart and mind and I will see you both again soon! Forever grateful, Theresa

  • silky
    silky
    April 15, 2018 at 3:51 pm

    I don’t hesitate in recommending New Life, and Matt and Jeanae. I couldn’t have asked for a better (first) experience. The views are incredible, house and rooms really comfortable, food fantastic and I always felt welcome and safe.
    Matt and Jeanae are impressive, friendly, kind and dedicated people. I can’t comment on the experience you’ll have with the medicine itself, as it is always different, but you will be safe, secure, and in expert, caring hands at all times. Plus Jeanae’s yoga classes are excellent, and exactly what I needed!
    My journey is just beginning – and I hope to be back. A big thank you to Matt and Jeanae. I’m filled with gratitude.

  • kyledontliketoregister
    kyledontliketoregister
    February 7, 2018 at 4:59 pm

    So the location is great with beautiful views of the sunset over the coast from the top of a small mountain. Private room, bathroom, and meals are great. A great place to relax for a week and forget about the world. The ceremonies are well done and you’re always well taken care of.

    My experience wasn’t life changing, there were no epiphanies, but I do feel like I have a clearer direction in life. It’s something I’ve been working on and can’t say if this experience helped, but it certainly didn’t hurt.

    I would come back in a heartbeat, everything was awesome!

  • kepler452b
    kepler452b
    January 8, 2018 at 2:36 pm

    After drinking ayahuasca five times in two different places and not feeling much , I finally had my very powerful and profund experience during this wonderful retreat…the quality of the brew is very good and the way Matt leads the ceremony is fantastic…no way you will leave this place without having an ayahuasca experience… When I booked this retreat I thought it was a little bit expensive compared to some you can find in the Amazon rainforest but when I left I felt like I should have paid more….the location is astonishing , the house is amazing and you will have your huge single room…the food Jeanae cooks is fantastic (and I am italian) and you will have yoga class and one good massage… I am going back 100%

  • Tim
    Tim
    December 18, 2017 at 11:33 am

    Matt and Jeanae are very dedicated to their work with this sacred medicine and tend to every detail throughout your stay so that you can focus solely on your own personal work. I’m basically speechless as to the talent and dedication with which Matt conducts the ceremony and I felt safe the entire time. The food is incredible and just what you need, when you need it and the retreat centre is privately located on the top of a mountain overlooking the ocean. The house is perfect for accommodating the group size and is conducive to both alone time or interaction with the other members of the retreat. I felt I could be completely honest about my personal reasons for being there and found everyone to be incredibly accepting and of course non-judgemental. They also have safe high quality medicine that can be trusted. Deciding to work with Ayahuasca in your life can be a tough decision but I can assure you that Matt and Jeanae will take care of you and guide you through the experience. With so much going on I was glad I chose New Life Ayahuasca for my first encounter with this sacred plant medicine. May I wish you all the best on your journey!

    -Tim, 33, British Columbia, Canada

  • ML
    ML
    October 24, 2017 at 7:13 am

    I had a truly life changing experience. Matt and Jennae are truly professionals in their craft; the experience they provide at NLA exceeded my expectation and I have already suggested to all of my open-minded friends and family to visit NLA. The ceremonies were intimate (less than 8 people) and absolutely well-guided.
    No matter where you decide to visit, definitely do your research on where to take your journey because this type of experience can be exceptional. In my opinion, this experience is best held in an intimate and sacred manner like NLA.

  • Mishay
    Mishay
    July 28, 2017 at 1:19 am

    I live in Japan and decided to make a trip out to Costa Rica to try ayahuasca. Mainly out of curiosity, and some personal-development issues I wanted to work on.

    This was my first ayahuasca experience.

    Everything I read beforehand pointed to the importance of putting yourself in a great environment (especially the first time) and with a shaman or guide that you can trust.

    I was super happy with the experience at New Life. I can personally vouch for both Matt and Jeanea who run it — they are wonderful people and have a beautiful, secluded retreat. You’re surrounded with a small group of like-minded people so it’s intimate, but you don’t have to socialize the whole time and can enjoy a lot of quiet/personal space. Also, there is a badass swimming pool and some of the best cooking I have ever had.

    Honestly, I would pay to stay at their place even if they didn’t have ayahuasca — it’s that good.

    A little bit more about the actual trip:

    Taking ayahuasca isn’t some tourist attraction like seeing the Eiffel Tower or visiting the petting zoo— this is the real deal. It isn’t even like a fun mushroom trip. It’s a lot more difficult than that, but it can be very eye-opening.

    I definitely recommend having an “intention” or point of focus for each ceremony is so you can maintain a sense of purpose.

    Ayahuasca will transport your mind to a whole different dimension, make you think you’re a tree frog, and kill your ego 1000 times over. It will crush you and bring you back to life.

    Really, it will put you through the gauntlet, but it’s well worth it.

    I’m excited to see how my life unravels over the next few months after my experience, and I can’t wait to make another trip out in a year from now! 🙂

Add Review

Leave a Reply

Recent Reviews

  • Mirco KeithW Review of Alma Healing Center by Sandra & Paulina are amazingly gracious hosts. They are genuine, authentic souls, and just really friendly people. Their approach is sincere. My partner and I attended a three-night retreat at their retreat center in Mindo. With their guidance, I felt… Read More from KeithW Mar 28, 11:20
  • Mirco joceolson Review of Alma Healing Center by My experience with the Alma Healing Center was extraordinary. I booked a private, three-night Ayahuasca retreat in the Mindo cloudforest for my partner and I and we left feeling extremely inspired to begin coming back annually. This was the first… Read More from joceolson Mar 28, 11:10
  • Mirco jen Review of Awakenings Ayahuasca Retreat by I booked a last minute trip here in March 2024. I had been to an ayahuasca retreat in Peru a few years before, and had a good experience. I’m glad I had that basis for comparison, because I can speak… Read More from jen Mar 28, 08:59
  • Mirco carlyrosre34 Review of Arkana Spiritual Center by Arkana is truly a magnificent home for one to heal. I received more than I could ever have the words for there, and I’m eternally grateful for everyone at Arkana for supporting this journey into my own self. Everything from… Read More from carlyrosre34 Mar 27, 20:51
  • Mirco zinchenzo Review of Arkana Spiritual Center by I attended 4 ceremonys in this place that will change my life forever. Arkana is a paradise deep rooted in the amazon jungle. The facility itself is so beautiful, surrounded by a symphony of jungle sounds that are so peaceful.… Read More from zinchenzo Mar 26, 16:36