Spirit Vine Ayahuasca Retreat Center Bewertungen 

My experience at Spirit Vine Ayahuasca Retreat in Bahia, Brazil, has truly been life-changing. I arrived as a heavy smoker, hoping to find some clarity, but I never imagined that after just my very first ayahuasca ceremony I would completely quit smoking. It wasn't something I forced-it simply happened. It felt as if years of addiction had been gently lifted away.

The care, wisdom, and presence of Silvia Polivoy, Ph.D., are beyond words. She creates a space where you feel completely safe, supported, and understood throughout the entire journey. Renata was equally wonderful-kind, compassionate, and always there whenever support was needed.

Everything about Spirit Vine reflects love and attention to detail. The accommodations were beautiful, peaceful, and comfortable, allowing me to fully immerse myself in the experience. The food was absolutely delicious, healthy, and prepared with such care that it became part of the healing process itself.

What makes Spirit Vine truly extraordinary is the energy of the place. Surrounded by the breathtaking nature of Bahia, you naturally begin to reconnect with yourself. It is a magical sanctuary where the body, mind, and soul are given the opportunity to heal. Every day I felt more grounded, more present, and more alive.

I left Spirit Vine with far more than I expected. I left with freedom from smoking, a renewed sense of purpose, and deep gratitude for everyone who made this experience possible.

Thank you, Silvia, Renata, and the entire Spirit Vine team, for creating such a sacred and transformative place. This experience will stay with me for the rest of my life, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone seeking genuine healing and personal transformation.

KEI-DI

If I think about a place that feels like a fairy tale and absolute safety, I would always say:
“It began again there.”

I am so grateful for my decision to be brave enough to visit this safe place and to truly listen to myself. It was my first time in Brazil and my very first retreat, and I can say with all my heart:
I would choose this journey again, and again, and again.

& In this experience, nothing was missing. It was more the feeling of wanting to open my arms even wider because the sense of wonder was so big.

During my time here, I was able to deeply cleanse myself, and for the first time in my life,
I experienced what it truly means to heal with others. Not only within myself, but in shared presence – through exchange, respect, and openness. I felt that everyone is welcome as you are and from where you are!

The space Silvia has created with so much care and authenticity made it effortless for me to fully surrender and eventually let go of the feeling of control. She is an incredibly wonderful leader – warm, yet highly professional.
And I felt that everyone was treated with equal respect. I truly found a home in peace during my time there – a home within myself.

What feels most sacred to me is this: I am leaving with miracles in my heart that I still carry with me every day.
I can now see my intentions – for my career, my future, and everything else with much more clearly. I am taking more from this retreat than I ever expected.

No words and no feeling could ever fully describe the love I carry for this place.
Thank you, Spirit Vine, for this first experience – and for all the ones that are yet to come.
I recommend it with all my soul.

Enjoy

One of the most profound and transformative experiences I have ever embarked on. From the very beginning, the atmosphere at Spirit Vine felt safe, welcoming, and deeply intentional. The host has an extraordinary ability to guide you with both compassion and clarity - she helped me recognise aspects of my character that I had never consciously confronted before.

What truly stood out was not just the awareness she brought, but the practical tools and techniques she shared. These weren't abstract ideas, but grounded methods that I've been able to integrate into my daily life. Since returning home, I’ve noticed a genuine shift in how I approach challenges, relationships, and even my inner dialogue.

The ceremonies themselves were powerful and held with great care and professionalism. Every detail - from the setting to the support throughout the process - made it possible to fully surrender to the experience. It's difficult to put into words just how deep and meaningful it all was.

During my stay, I felt a real sense of personal growth and emotional maturity emerging. It wasn't always easy, but it was incredibly worthwhile. I left with a clearer mind, a more open heart, and a stronger sense of direction.

I would wholeheartedly recommend Spirit Vine to anyone who feels ready for deep inner work and lasting transformation.

it’s a sanctuary if i ever saw one. there is something about this place, and its host, that feels outside of this world, or protected from its evils. there is care and attention to detail – from its design, landscaping, and food to the group selection, housekeeping rules, and therapeutic methods – that put you at ease, make you feel safe, and let your body and mind focus on the healing.

I attended the Spirit Vine Retreat for the second time in January 2026, and it certainly won’t be the last. I’m already looking forward to returning soon to this beautiful place.

The retreat is truly unique and diverse. There is yoga, healthy and delicious food, and workshops that go really deep—both spiritually and psychologically. The ceremonies are wonderful and healing. You are surrounded by stunning nature, can relax completely, and there is even a natural swimming pond.

I can highly recommend this retreat to anyone who genuinely wants to work on themselves. It’s hard to imagine how positively it can influence you and how profound the combination of Silvia’s workshops and Ayahuasca can be.

Simply amazing.

I participated in a 12-day retreat at Spirit Vine in January 2026 to see if it would help me heal from C-PTSD. It was my first experience with ayahuasca, and I was nervous at first, but Silvia quickly put me at ease with her calm and supportive presence.

One of the things I valued most was how Silvia blends Western psychotherapy with traditional plant medicine, so you truly get the best of both worlds. The workshops added depth and meaning to the ceremonies, and I learned so much from both Silvia and the group.

The setting is absolutely beautiful and creates a peaceful, safe container for healing. The group was small—only nine people—which allowed me to connect with everyone and witness not only my own healing, but theirs as well. I also loved the bungalow and appreciated the yoga and massage sessions, which supported the overall experience.

I would welcome the opportunity to return in the future, and would not hesitate to recommend Spirit Vine.

I had a great experience at Spirit Vine, it was more well-balanced and better paced than some of the other retreats I've participated in, and the workshops that Sylvia leads help to bring up things you didn't even know you were still carrying around.
The vegetarian food is great, the chef is amazing, though my body was strongly craving some animal protein by the end.
There is a big pond to swim in, which was a huge plus and offered a beautiful place to relax and recover in between ceremonies.
I plan on returning to Spirit Vine after some time integrating, and I would recommend it to anyone looking to heal.

I recently returned from my 3rd retreat at Spirit Vine. It had been a 5 year hiatus and this time , at a crucial juncture in my life very much needed. If you are looking for an ayahuasca retreat this is THE place. Such a beautiful setting in nature, so well cared for by the facilitator Silvia .. I always felt I was in a safe space to surrender and encouraged to break through.
Another very special aspect of this retreat is the workshops , sharing sessions and the other participants all contributing to a life changing experience .
Looking forward to the next one .
Thankyou.

I’ll always be grateful for the time I spent at Spirit Vine. This was my third time there.

Something fundamental shifted for me. It felt like finding my way back home. I left feeling free of a weight I’d been carrying for a long time, and more connected to life than I can remember being.

It feels like I recovered parts of myself that had been locked away in shame for years. Parts I didn’t even realise I’d lost. And with them came new capacities — a deeper sensitivity, a stronger connection to life, an ability to really be with people, and a renewed desire to engage with the world rather than keep myself guarded from it.

What stands out for me is how the work is held. The workshops helped me understand how to approach the ceremonies and how to stay with what was happening, rather than trying to force anything. Silvia has a deep understanding of this work and is a steady, grounded guide into it.

The setting is beautiful, and a lot of care is taken to make sure participants are fully looked after, including incredibly healthy food throughout. That care carries through into the work itself.

What stayed with me wasn’t an experience, but a shift.
It felt like a homecoming, and it’s still unfolding.

I have been to Spirit Vine 5 times.

Why so many times you might ask???

Because this place is pure magic.

Fortunately, I no longer feel desperate for the medicine. The medicine has already completely changed my life and put me on a wonderful path.

Now I go to Spirit Vine for "maintenance..."

To be reminded of what I need to do to create a great life filled with love and purpose.

Furthermore, I know when I go to Spirit Vine I will build relationships with wonderful new friends from all over the world. AND at the end of the retreat... I know my body will feel completely renewed.

If you are still searching for the right place to go... search no more. Spirit Vine is THE place that will help you get your life headed in the right direction.

Words are not enough to describe the positive impact that this retreat can bring in your life.

It was my first time that I visited Spirit Vine and tried ayahuasca. I am a mother of a 3 year old child and leaving her back home and flying 34 hours one way to just be here was 500% worth the effort and sacrifice.

I think for me meeting Silvia - the conductor of this retreat was the highlight of the whole experience. The way she prepares and conducts this retreat, including the sessions that she conducts on varied topics like Breaking Generational Trauma, Healing your inner child and, meeting your true potential were just mind blowing. I actually found out about a family secret that was of course kept from me for generations and had affected my family including me.

I have travelled a lot in my life, but this retreat is literally heaven on earth and you can feel the positive energy vibrating in the whole property.

Also, the sharing sessions conducted are immensely helpful and you take som much from other’s journey and how can take insights from that and apply to your own journey and life.

Silvia’s pursuit of excellence can be seen in every aspect of this retreat, be it the sessions, the place, and the activities like watsu which again helps you go deeper into your ayahuasca experience.

I recommend this retreat to everyone who is looking to change their lives in a positive way. Mother ayahuasca has truly blessed this place :)

If you want to be held and nourished by nature while journeying through the vast universe of your own inner world, going deeper than you've ever gone before to find yourself, this is the place for you. This was my fourth retreat at Spirit Vine with Silvia. I have been going since 2019. For me, doing ayahuasca at Spirit vine is like a reuninion with my soul. A coming back home to what's real, what's true, seeing my ife experience clearly, understanding my trauma, what needs healing, and gaining clarity and direction towards where I am wanting to go. I don't know where I would be in life with our these touchpoints for recalibration. It's like a magnet that brings me back to my center. I have learned so much from Silvia and the healing modalities she teaches. Her techniques and tools have aided me to integrate and practice what I have learned long after the retreat is over. The people that attend the reatreats are also part of the magic. They are some of the most incredible, inspiring individuals with rich life experiences and perspectives that leave a strong and lasting imprint. I can't wait to return again.

The number of people who return to Spirit Vine year after year is the only review this place truly needs. Once you’ve experienced the container Silvia has created, you understand why people come back. This November marked my second retreat here, and returning felt less like a leap of faith and more like a homecoming.

Ayahuasca is a powerful gift — but power without care is dangerous. What Silvia offers is restraint, intelligence, and a rare steadiness of hand. Every aspect of the retreat — safety, structure, food, rest, group work, integration — is considered. The result is a space where you can let go without falling apart, where surrender does not mean abandonment.

Spirit Vine is genuinely LGBT+ friendly. Across both retreats I felt entirely seen and at ease. Coming to this work carrying trauma from a homophobic childhood and only coming out later in life, safety around identity was not a small concern. Here, acceptance was not performative or discussed — it was simply present. And that presence made deeper healing possible.

Silvia brings a rare integration of deep psychological training and spiritual practice, giving the work both unusual depth and a strong sense of safety. I have heard many difficult stories from people who encountered ayahuasca in poorly held settings before eventually finding Spirit Vine. The contrast is stark. Silvia has the rare ability to truly see people — and then guide them, firmly and kindly, back toward themselves. She has a gift for empowering without imposing.

The group work here deserves special mention. I underestimated its power before my first retreat. Watching people show up honestly, speak vulnerably, and be held within a carefully designed structure is a healing experience in its own right. This year there were four workshops — two new to me and two I had experienced before — and it was striking how much deeper the repeated work landed. Silvia’s workshops are intelligent, sometimes playful, and quietly profound. People speak without being interrupted. The room stays steady. Nothing needs to be fixed or explained away. In that steadiness, something long forgotten is allowed to surface. The tools offered here are priceless; they continue working quietly long after the retreat has ended.

For years I understood — intellectually — that my hyper-vigilance, numbness, and inability to rest in my own body were the legacy of growing up with addiction and narcissism in my family. I could name it. Analyse it. Explain it clearly in a therapist’s room. But knowing is not the same as feeling. Talk therapy had given me insight, but my nervous system still behaved as if danger were imminent. Ayahuasca, when held well, works differently — it allows the body to experience fear, memory, and emotion without shutting down, and to discover in real time that it can survive them. In ceremony, fear released its grip. Safety registered not as an idea, but as a lived bodily truth — the nervous system releasing patterns it no longer needed to survive. This changed how my body understands the world.

Some people build their lives through family. Some of us must build our lives after family. My nervous system was exhausted from decades of survival, numbing, and dissociation. Spirit Vine has played a fundamental role in changing that.

What struck me on returning this year was how much deeper the work goes. Each retreat peels back another layer. If my first retreat was about re-entering my body after a lifetime of fear and dissociation, this second was about learning how to stay there — building capacity, resilience, and presence. The work compounds. It deepens. It waits for you to be ready.

Most of our experience of life — and of ourselves — remains unconscious. Spirit Vine turns the lights on. It feels less like fixing something broken and more like entering a vast, previously sealed chamber: a cave of wonders you didn’t know you were carrying. Spirit Vine is a place where careful hands, deep listening, and powerful medicine work together to return people to themselves.

The Spirit Vine Ayahuasca Retreat Center is a safe and supportive place to process and recover from past trauma. Silvia has been perfecting the art and science of deep psychological transformation at this magical place for the past 20 years, establishing the perfect setting for a meaningful inner journey. Pre-ceremony spiritual workshops help participants move into the proper mind set, and post-ceremony sharing sessions lead to a deeper understanding and integration of what Ayahuasca brings into consciousness. The natural setting, beautiful facilities, and delicious meals enhance the peace and equanimity of the experience. Also, it’s worth noting that the Spirit Vine tends to attract the participants and volunteers you want to share your journey with, and that’s an important consideration when selecting a retreat. I am really happy with the experience I enjoyed there and look forward to returning soon.

Spirit vine is special. The attention to detail given to every aspect of of the experience is emblematic of the passion behind the retreat. Be it the wonderful accomodations, the workshops, or even the fact that Sylvia personally screens and vets participants, to get to know each and every one of us personally and ensure that Ayahuasca is right for them.

But perhaps the most special part is Silvia herself. Sylvia devotes her full attention on us during the retreat, dines with us, chats with us, and if we wish speak with us privately on any matter. In addition Silvia combines her decades of experience as a psychologist to Ayahuasca, making the insights and healing we experience even deeper.

The attention to detail is hers, which is very comforting to know. And for someone who is exploring Ayahuasca for the first time her experience and background are very reassuring, both beforehand and during the retreat.

I could not imagine a safer and more comfortable experience, and I personally would hesitate to go anywhere else. In order to heal we need the right guidance certainly, however more importantly we need to be and feel safe, only then can we let go. And that is what spirit vine offers.

This was my third time at the retreat, and it feels like coming home—a safe place to strip away the layers, give yourself permission to release the anchors that no longer serve you, and reconnect with your true self.
Here, you’re guided, challenged, and nurtured to see the truth within yourself. It’s a safe space to do the work needed to move through the journey of life. You’re held by a community of like-minded souls—sharing stories, supporting each other, and reminding one another that you’re not alone, and that everything will be okay.
A total jam! 😀
🌿 Thank you, Sylvia, for creating and maintaining this little piece of heaven on earth, with a portal back to the origin. Your determination and commitment to healing the children and letting them play is inspiring. 😇
🙏 Elvis—thank you for holding space, for your words of wisdom, and for the laughter (absolute leg end 👍).
🍲 Gratitude to the on-site team and the chef for taking such good care of us.
✨ And finally, thank you to the incredible people I’ve met and had the honour of sharing space and time with.

When I first arrived at the retreat, I honestly wasn’t sure what to expect. I came with an open mind, but also with many doubts especially about myself. I’ve never been a very social person. It’s always been hard for me to connect with new people, and I was worried I wouldn’t be able to feel comfortable around others in such a vulnerable setting.

But what happened during those days truly changed something inside me. From the very beginning, I was welcomed with warmth and acceptance. Slowly, I started letting go of the social anxiety that had been holding me back for so long. I realized I had built walls around myself that no longer served me and the people around me helped me feel safe enough to lower those walls. For the first time in a long time, I felt like I belonged. And that opened the door to a deep personal transformation.

Each ceremony brought something new. Even when I didn’t “feel” much on the outside, I now understand that there was a lot happening within. One particular ceremony hit me deeply. I felt a powerful emotion rising a moment of forgiveness, of wanting to release everything I had held onto. It was as if I saw my life flash before me, and I was finally ready to stop hurting myself with old habits. That one night gave me clarity I had been searching for for years.

The environment created by Silvia and Elvis made all the difference. Silvia is not just a facilitator she’s a true guide. Her energy is calm, caring, and completely grounded. She knew exactly how to support us, when to step in, and when to simply hold space. I felt seen, heard, and respected at all times. Even after the retreat ended, Silvia continued to check in and respond to my questions. That level of care and commitment meant the world to me. She didn’t just do her job she truly stayed with me on this journey.

Elvis, her assistant, was also such a gift. Always present, supportive, and full of positive energy. He made me feel safe and taken care of throughout every part of the experience.

I also want to mention the food it was incredibly good. You can tell it was made with love and attention. Clean, nourishing, and fully aligned with the work we were doing. It made me feel supported on every level, not just spiritually, but physically too.

The workshops offered throughout the retreat were so helpful. They prepared us mentally and emotionally and gave us tools that I know I’ll keep using in my life going forward. Each activity had a clear purpose, and they were all delivered in a way that felt natural and honest.

This retreat helped me reconnect with myself in a way I didn’t think was possible. I faced parts of myself I had ignored for years, and I came out stronger. I still don’t have all the answers, but I now feel like I have a direction and a deep trust in the process.

I’m truly grateful to Silvia and Elvis for their guidance and kindness, and to the entire group of participants who helped me break through barriers I’ve carried my whole life. I can say with confidence that I’ll be back.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for everything.

This is my first time attending an Ayahuasca retreat in Brazil. I was a bit nervous at first, as I had previously participated in Ayahuasca retreats in Colombia, where I was already familiar with the setting, the people, and the structure of the ceremonies. Stepping into a new environment, especially for something as profound and transformative as Ayahuasca, naturally brought up some uncertainty.
Sylvia, the facilitator, is a psychologist with many years of experience guiding Ayahuasca ceremonies. She creates a safe, caring environment where participants can explore their inner world, understand themselves more deeply, and make sense of the insights that arise during the ceremonies. This support is a crucial part of the healing and integration process, and Sylvia does it with remarkable assertiveness and skill.
When engaging in this kind of deep inner work, where emotions, memories, and subconscious patterns are brought to the surface, it’s essential to feel held in a safe and supportive space. Knowing that I would be guided by people who are experienced, grounded, and genuinely caring was important to me—and thankfully, that’s exactly what I found here.
Beyond the ceremonies, the retreat space itself is absolutely beautiful—peaceful, harmonious, and thoughtfully designed. The accommodations are comfortable and the food is not only nourishing but also beautifully prepared with care and intention for the purpose of the ceremonies.
I feel extremely grateful for this experience and would highly recommend it to anyone who feels called to this path.

This is the fourth time my wife and I have taken part in a retreat at SpiritVine, and each time has been a unique experience — surprisingly deep, and always building upon the previous one. SpiritVine is the perfect place to discover or deepen the path of consciousness that Ayahuasca opens up. The setting is beautiful, and above all, it offers a sense of complete safety — which is essential for surrendering fully to the depth of the experience. Silvia brings the richness of her personal experience, both as a psychotherapist and as an explorer of expanded states of consciousness. We absolutely recommend it.

My experience at Spirit Vine was life changing. I don’t think I could have accessed, and begun to process, childhood trauma without the entire experience. As soon as you enter Spirit Vine, you feel you’ve entered a safe, soul hospital in another dimension where you can rest and find your true self.

As someone with social anxiety, the group setting felt really challenging for me at first, but by the end of the trip, I had a deeper understanding of why I felt triggered by strangers and even came out with life long friends who I shared the depths of my soul with.

Every detail is meticulously planned out so that you can truly focus on healing. The bungalows are immaculate, the food is nourishing and delicious, the nature/pond is restorative, the multiple ceremonies help you cultivate unforgettable experiences with the medicine (you need to do this more than once to learn how to respond) the schedule allows for reflection, the group sessions teach you so much, the workshops give you lasting skills, and Silvia takes the time to go deeper with all who ask for her—making herself available multiple times a day for questions/support. With her decades of experience, she knows how to help you get to the heart of issues and gives ample support in helping you reshape your past to have your best possible future.

I can go an on and on. This experience has truly changed my life for the better. I had major transformations that were not possible after years of traditional talk and EMDR therapy.

Thank you to Silvia, Elvis, and the whole Spirit Vine tribe for holding me while I looked within myself. I’m so much freer now.