Highest Rated
Ayahuasca, Events, Integration $2,250 - $3,150

Spirit Vine Ayahuasca Retreat Center

Itacare, BA, Brazil

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.

lagoon

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.

ayahuasca vine

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.

 

delicious cuisine

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 (258)

5.0 out of 5
Overall 5.0
  • jake95
    jake95
    December 14, 2023 at 9:18 am

    I wanted to wait a few weeks before posting a review so that I could integrate the experience a little before doing so. First of all, the location is amazing, the pictures on the website don’t do it justice at all. It’s far bigger than I expected it to be and is so beautiful it’s tough to put into words. Staying at Spirit Vine for 11 days, without the Ayahuasca or workshops, would have been amazing by itself. I still miss lying in the hammock and watching the hummingbirds in the tree next to my bungalow every day.

    The ceremonies and workshops themselves are very well thought out. I’ve been through psychotherapy before and the best way I can describe the experience as a whole is it’s like years of therapy condensed into 11 days. The ceremonies were very peaceful and the music really takes you on a journey throughout. The Ayahuasca itself was far gentler than I expected when comparing it to other psychedelics I’ve used, although I think a lot of this can be put down to the very clinical approach that Silvia takes in combining her extensive experience as a psychotherapist along with her work with Shamans in the Amazon. It was far more therapeutic than other psychedelics and I had far more clarity on the lessons it was trying to teach me during and after the ceremonies. The workshops were also incredible and opened my eyes to many things I hadn’t considered previously, giving me a lot to think about during the ceremonies themselves. The guidance from Silvia, Miro, Rick, and Elvis throughout the retreat was amazing. I was lucky enough to have one of the facilitators (Rick) as my room mate, who really helped to guide me through the whole experience and is just all around a great guy.

    I could go on and on but I highly recommend Spirt Vine if your intentions are in the right place, and you’re ready to do some inner work. Ayahuasca isn’t for the faint of heart, but I left this place a far more centred and conscious person, and now have a road map for how to approach many things in my life going forward. I will definitely be returning and hopefully sooner rather than later.

  • Fluid with grace
    Fluid with grace
    November 30, 2023 at 11:20 pm

    This was my 4th retreat I have done with Spirit Vine. Main reason I return here is because I feel very safe doing ayahuasca with Silvia. Spirit Vine has such a lovely vibe and it is a beautiful place to be when working on oneself. Doing ayahuasca for me is about working on myself and the things I learn about myself happen so organically here. For someone who is anxious and worried, I find myself letting go far easier when working with ayahuasca. Also what helps are the conversations with Silvia, as she has insights that help me uncover why I do the things I do and go away with skills to help me create the life I want. The retreat participants are told instructions that help create a safe environment for sharing and helping us uncover more about ourselves.

    I find myself healing, and learning from each other. This is the best place I have been for living life the way I want. Anyone who stumbles upon this review, I hope I can leave you with a sense of security that this is the place you want to be at when working on your traumas and any personal issues you have.

    Thank you to Silvia and people she has working with her to helping create this safe and caring environment. Miro, Rick and Elvis, obrigada. Thank you all, and hope our paths meet again.

  • Surfing the Matrix
    Surfing the Matrix
    November 28, 2023 at 1:14 pm

    I just finished my 6th retreat here 4 days ago, and the impact of the beauty and miracle of Spirit Vine is still reverberating through my whole mind and body. Never have I felt any “ been there, done that” from the retreats here; I just keep attaining higher levels of gratitude and love and understanding of so many things I previously knew nothing about. Everyone that comes here will tell you about the magnificent Garden-of-Eden-like setting, the delicious food, the roomy bungalows. But it’s the workshops that Silvia puts together, with her decades of experience as a psychotherapist, and her extensive expertise and knowledge of ayahuasca, combined with sacred plant medicine that sets SV apart from the others. Silvia’s love and seemingly boundless insight is the icing on the cake.

    Before coming to SV the first time, I did much research on the abundance of retreats around the globe, hoping to sort out and avoid any retreats that may have duplicitous intentions. I feel I’m so very lucky to have found SV. I’m a very different person since coming here, and I’ve seen how SV has helped so many others.
    It is also wonderful having Miro there helping out and being so caring and thoughtful.
    If you’re looking for a safe place to experience the efficacy and sanctity of plant medicine, this is it.

  • alexallard
    alexallard
    November 3, 2023 at 3:07 pm

    This my truly the best experience of my life. If you are looking for growth and a safe space to try ayahuasca, this is the place for you. Coming out of this retreat, I feel like an all new person. My depression is gone, my anxiety is much lower and I feel more calm than ever. It’s not only because of the ayahuasca, but also because of Silvia and the knowledge and tools that she shared during the workshops and group sharing. Silvia is so insightful and inspiring! I would definitely recommend this retreat to anyone who is looking to learn and grow!

    Before going to this retreat, I was skeptic about all the 5 stars review, but I assure you that those are all real. There is absolutely no way that you can come out of this experience without it being one of the best experience of your life, believe me!

  • DanSquared
    DanSquared
    October 24, 2023 at 4:07 pm

    It’s difficult to know where to begin, but i’ll start by saying this trip easily exceeded my expectations in every way, and that’s saying something because they were quite lofty.

    The entire experience was beautiful and magical. I am in awe and gratitude at the magnitude of healing I experienced. A little background, I struggled most of my life with addiction. I’ve been in an out of treatment centers for much of my adult life and have had lots of various therapies.

    While I understood intellectually, the various reasons for my pathologies, this understanding alone was never enough to bring about true change in my life.

    Through the workshops (shadow work, inner child, etc) and ceremonies, I am able to bridge the gap between the mind and the heart and feel certain truths in my being vs just understanding intellectually. This has made a world of difference. I was able to let go of a lot of guilt and shame that I carried around since childhood.For the first time that I can remember, much of my anxiety has lifted and I am excited to live life.

    What a beautiful gift!

    Last thing I will mention is that the group was in such good hands with Silvia and Miro. Everything is thought out to meticulous detail.

    The things that struck me most about Silvia are her passion for her work, sense of humor, but above all how she embodies the ideals she strives to instill within the retreat attendees (ie healing, passion, creativity, etc.)

    Someone in the group remarked how the Spirit Vine model should be the future of psychotherapy and I would tend to agree..

  • Guy
    Guy
    October 24, 2023 at 1:45 pm

    If you are thinking about doing an Ayahuasca retreat, make Spirit Vine your first choice and you will not be disappointed. It is the perfect place for first-timers as well as a favourite of many returnees and it was easy for me to see why from the moment I arrived. Silvia’s warm welcome is followed by a continuous loving, nurturing energy which offers as much space or intervention as you require. The organisation and care is executed effortlessly and puts you at ease the entire time. The surrounding nature is spectacular and provides such a serene environment for your stay. There are so many hidden treasures to this experience that are not only about the Ayahuasca. Miro is such a wonderful addition to the spirit vine team, he was always so thoughtful and helpful whilst also providing great banter at meal times. The food is excellent and plentiful, the chef manages to make it feel like a treat even without salt and sugar. Silvia has a wealth of experience and wisdom and I would recommend seeking some one to one time with her to get further clarity on yourself. At Spirit Vine you are never in any doubt that you are safe and cared for and if you are open to it, it can be a life changing experience.

  • norsey563
    norsey563
    October 24, 2023 at 8:19 am

    Through and through, this was incredible. I had so many moments of awe for the curated, guided experience that Silvia and her team provide. A cutting-edge mix of group psychotherapy workshops and ayahuasca ceremonies and sharing. This was my first time using the medicine and what could have been scary was beginner-friendly. The lodging and food were excellent, as were the grounds in a beautiful slice of Brazilian rainforest. The photos on the website don’t do it Justice. I had just the breakthrough that I needed after feeling severely depressed and blocked this year. Silvia also curated such a great group of diverse people, I made friends for life and it was easy to be intimate and open up with the group. I couldn’t recommend this highly enough. As I told friends and family after, the retreat made me realize I’d been sleepwalking for 20 years and it woke me up. A big fog has been lifted. Thank you Silvia.

  • Sharane
    Sharane
    October 23, 2023 at 8:03 pm

    This was my second visit to Spirit Vine, so clearly I am a fan. My initial visit was preceded by an enormous amount of vetting and research as I really wanted to be in an experience with facilitators that were safe, extremely experienced with the medicine, working in small groups and catering both in dosage and integration to the individual. I also wanted to know that they made their own ayahuasca and that it was pure.

    Spirit Vine is all of that PLUS all of the wonderful things that the hundreds of reviewers say (location, meals, etc). I know it’s hard to believe that there can be this many people sharing the same thing and giving 5 star after 5 star reviews, but it’s true. This is a special place for healing and expansion.

    Silvia is quite humble and will not say it herself, but her decades of work with plant medicines, and her expertise specifically with Ayahuasca are a true treasure for those of us wanting to work with this medicine. She navigated the jungles of the Amazon to learn to work with ayahuasca decades before most westerners were even thinking about plant medicine, and prior to that she had an established practice as a Psychologist. She brings vast wisdom about the human psyche and creating real change, the world of shamanism, the realms of expanded consciousness, and the practicality of integrating it to our “real life” here on 3D planet earth. This is a space where she puts it all together in a way that is simultaneously magical and full of mystery and yet highly practical, tangible and helpful to everyday life.

    She is the first to say that ayahuasca will not heal you without your committed participation. YOU heal you, but that the portal, awareness, insights and expansion that this medicine provides is beyond anything that I have experienced in my lifetime of spiritual practice and curiosity.

    I consider ayahuasca a profound teacher and an integral part of my path. If you are curious and committed, the changes I have seen for myself and others in these circles can be astounding. I also know very well that “set and setting”… the who, how, where, etc of how this medicine is served is beyond important. This is a place that takes that responsibility very seriously.

    If you are called, know that this is a place that you can be safely held and trust in the process. I for one will be back again, and I thank Silvia from the bottom of my heart for so tirelessly bringing this healing opportunity to so many people.

  • Katie USA
    Katie USA
    October 23, 2023 at 1:54 pm

    I attended a Spirit Vine retreat with Silvia and Ti0 in February of 2022, and I am writing this in October 2023. So, please know that my review comes from over a year of processing my experiences. I have also attended ceremonies in other settings multiple times since then, so I have comparisons.

    Without a doubt, Spirit Vine has been the best experience I have had so far. It changed my life forever. I cannot recommend it enough.

    In regards to the retreat experience outside of ceremonies, everything was amazing. The vegan meals are delicious and unique – I haven’t had anything like chef Lu’s food before or since! And of course, there was fresh tea constantly available. I stayed in a 3 person bungalow, and everything was clean and nice. The grounds themselves are absolutely gorgeous and well maintained.

    Before the ceremonies, they offered workshops
    that help you navigate the journeys, and they were tremendously helpful. Not every retreat is going to provide you with those resources. Furthermore, I liked how they offered yoga in the morning of the retreat and gave us the option of paying extra for reiki and/or massages beforehand. Of course these things aren’t necessary, but I think taking advantage of them helped me.

    For the ceremonies themselves, I have found them to be very different from anything else I have participated in. No one is really guiding the ceremony/doing work on you – you’re just in the dark, with the music playing. They are always there to help you if you need it, but will leave you alone otherwise. At other retreats, there might be group singing, a fire, or someone doing rituals that are associated with indigenous traditions including blowing/spitting tobacco, singing icaros, or offering the administration of rapé (Amazonian stuff tobacco). For me personally, I prefer Silvia’s method with fewer distractions. But, everyone is different.

    However, the most important thing I should mention is that you are SAFE at Spirit Vine! I have not witnessed such a commitment to protecting the participant’s boundaries since my time there. There was no one wandering around the grounds who did not work at Spirit Vine. Participants are given strict rules about how to interact with each other – especially regarding physical boundaries. I never once was afraid that Silvia or Ti0, or that any of the participants were going to touch me or be in my space at any point. Ever. In the Ayahuasca community, there are so many people who are so delusional in their “love and light” philosophy that they will push your boundaries. This might just be with pressuring you to give/accept hugs from facilitators or participants or more serious in regards to sexual assault. These are real problems within the psychedelic tourism industry, but you do not need to worry at Spirit Vine.

    In regards to the effects attending the retreat had on my life…everything has changed for me. I was a weekend binge drinker before, and now I might have 1-3 drinks total a month. Sometimes none! I have an autoimmune disease, and I was in so much pain before. But, now I have invested in naturopathic treatment and getting my lifestyle in order, and my health has taken a 180 turn. Before, I was in contact with a lot of people in unhealthy ways. Now, I am able to draw boundaries better with people.

    If it is in your capability to attend this retreat, I would encourage you to do so!

  • Matt_F
    Matt_F
    September 9, 2023 at 12:18 pm

    Life Changing!

    My friends and I had been waiting for over five years to do something like this. We wanted to make sure that we found somewhere that provided a bespoke, authentic and also safe experience for us – and we were not disappointed.

    The retreat was magical; a place where all your inhibitions and reservations melt away as Silvia, Noor and the team take you on a journey filled with insights and revelations. You are shown what you need, not what you want. Their knowledge, intuition and emotional intelligence allowed my experience to flourish which is why I am so glad I chose Spirit Vine.

    The location in the jungle, the food and drink, the attendees, sessions and the ceremonies were all very important and combined perfectly to make the experience truly unique. I realised how much effort and planning went into this by the team and it made all the difference. You will have everything you need from an accomodation, social and safety perspective. The people I shared the experience with will never be strangers and the retreat felt like a home from home.

    The journey itself was incredible. This was my first experience and I can’t really describe it in words, the positive impact it has made. But I can tell you to trust the process, as they have thought of everything.

    It was an incredible experience and I hold it in the highest regard. I am forever thankful for the opportunity. It was wIthout a doubt something I will remember until the day I die, and cannot wait to do it again.

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