Bungalows

Nestled in lush tropical landscaped gardens, Spirit Vine Retreat Center has numerous spacious and comfortable bungalows. Each bungalow has a panoramic view to the jungle and is surrounded by flowered gardens. You can enjoy sitting on the balconies or relaxing in a hammock. Each bungalow has a private bathroom with hot shower, sofas, hammocks, two single beds or queen size bed (for couples), mosquito nets, and ceiling fan, and are serviced daily by the staff.

There is also one air conditioned bungalow which is available upon request. Retreat participants are expected to share these double-occupancy bungalows. The sharing is part of the fun! But if desired, single occupancy bungalows are available at an additional cost for those individuals who require privacy.

Common areas

The dining area sits up to 20 people comfortably and is an open terrace overlooking the rain forest from the large deck. Some of the daytime and nighttime activities take place in the cozy living area which features large couches, a library, and audio-visual center that includes projector, sound system, DVD player, and laptop for power point presentations. Internet Wi-Fi is also available.

Dormitory

The dormitory-style accommodation for five people is situated next to the pond. This comfortable and beautiful space has a large shared bathroom.

Swimming pond and massage room

A floral landscaped pond that lies at the heart of the garden which is a natural home for hummingbirds delights those who choose to relax or swim in the pond. This is the perfect place to reflect on nature and daydream in the natural spring-fed water. Next to the pond is a large deck that surrounds the massage room, which is like a small temple, half immersed in the jungle. Many jungle paths wind their way further into the retreat grounds.

Temple

The night time ayahuasca ceremonies take place in the beautiful temple overlooking the lush gardens and lake. It forms a large, octagonal space with a huge cathedral-like ceiling made from natural materials and is embraced by jungle. The energy of the forest is powerful and enchanting with the background symphony of nature sounds.

Course content

In addition to the exercises to access and work with your inner being, this retreat also includes:

• Basic meditation and breath work skills through the use of sophisticated biofeedback training devices (Wild Divine computer software)
• Guided imagery meditations designed to enhance communication between the mind and body conducive to transcendence
• Progressive relaxation skills for accessing deeper states of being
• Regular morning yoga classes and individual tuition on request
• Cleansing flower bath

Meditation and regression

Since the ayahuasca experience occurs in a modified state of consciousness, the spiritual insights, visions, symbolic messages, and communications received during the ceremonies can be difficult to comprehend in the ordinary day-to-day state of mind. Meditation training may help to create a mental space for the new visions and insights to sit more comfortably until the mind has time to fully incorporate all of the information received.

During the retreat, various meditation, workshops, and regression exercises take place. Although in the unconscious mind, time does not exist and everything is happening right now. Participants can re-visit past, future, or parallel lives and eventually unblock resources to reconnect with the power within.

Yoga

The ancient practice of yoga is a physical, mental, and spiritual discipline that leads one to a state of peace. Within the journey of yoga, one may attain health benefits and spiritual awareness. The class is composed of pranayama (breathing exercises), asana (poses), mudra (energetic seals), and meditation. The state of presence attained through yoga allows the practitioner to feel calm, relaxed, and confident.

Spirit Vine Retreat Center offers non-compulsory yoga classes that are gentle and easy, with a beautiful flowing style; a great introduction for beginners and deep relaxation for those with more experience.

Ayahuasca ceremonies

During this retreat, four ayahuasca ceremonies will take place at the Spirit Vine Retreat Center temple. Note that participation in these ceremonies is optional. The ceremonies at Spirit Vine Retreat Center are designed to optimize the ability of participants to relax deeply into their experience, connecting directly to source. The ritual of ayahuasca ceremony is an ancient practice that has traditionally been performed by shamans in South America for many thousands of years.

The ayahuasca ceremony is a powerful spiritual experience that opens the participant to a greater awareness of the essence of oneself in this realm. The ceremonies at Spirit Vine Retreat Center are held at night in the beautiful, purpose-built temple inside the jungle, and beside a stunning lagoon. Outside the temple, the symphony of sounds from the frogs, animals, and insects at night is the perfect backdrop to a night of spiritual discovery.

Music is carefully chosen for the ceremony that supports, triggers, and guides the participant in their spiritual journey with ayahuasca. Music can often be a powerful medium for spiritual awakening and the music played is sublime soundscapes that allow the mind to expand into endless space where visions and feelings of cosmic awareness flow as rivers of consciousness.

Spirit Vine Retreat Center is a trans-denominational space that is designed to allow the participants to optimize their own inner spiritual processes and development through self-reflection and integration. An instructor will work individually with each participant before and during the retreats to ensure they are ready and feel safe in the experience. During the retreat, the group process is very important and regular sharing circles are an intrinsic part of the reflective experience.

Spirit Vine Retreat Center grows its own ayahuasca vine and Chacruna plants and the tea is made here on the land with much loving care and attention. It is devoted to ayahuasca and the spirit of the plants permeates through the land and everywhere in the center.

• 

  Silvia Polivoy

  Silvia is a licensed clinical psychologist. She co-founded the Spirit Vine Retreat Center, a space created to hold retreats for those interested in spiritual pursuits. She received her license in clinical psychology in 1983 and had a private practice in Buenos Aires, Argentina, for 20 years until she began to feel the need to make a transition from studying and healing the mind to exploring the worlds of spirit.

Itacar is a small town located on the south coast of the Bahia state. Originally, Itacar was a fisherman's town. The first visit makes it seem like many other small coastal towns, but dig deeper and you will find a multi-layered microcosm of everything that makes this world a beautiful place. White sandy beaches, pure, unadulterated nature, gorgeous people, delectable food, tranquility, and most importantly, sunshine and awesome waves.

Whether body surfing in the warm ocean water, riding a barrel, or practicing yoga on the beach, Itacar attracts adventure seekers, eco-enthusiasts, and urban dwellers alike. Rent a canoe and take a bath in the waterfall in Conta River, scuba dive in Marau, or surf in Engenhoca beach (five minutes driving from Spirit Vine Retreat Center).

Stop by the artisans in Itacar and buy some presents. Dine at one of the many eateries serving local and international cuisine. After dinner and before dessert, stop by the Jungle to watch capoeira and perhaps even participate. Dance with people from all over the world on the cobble-stoned streets.

Itacar is quiet during the day but after the sun sets, the streets start to come alive.

Do not forget to try the typical Bahian specialty called Acaraje and Moqueca at least once before you return home. You can drink an Aai smoothie or a Cacao honey here too.

Nearby places

• Salvador, 240 kilometers

During the program, a special diet that is optimized for the ingestion of ayahuasca is followed. The Spirit Vine Retreat Center's dietary recommendations include a period of time before and after the retreats.

The delicious meals served are prepared by the cooks using only local fresh products and most of the organic fruits and vegetables are from the Spirit Vine Retreat Center garden. Every day, plenty of fresh vegetables, luscious fruit, salad, grains, and coconut water or fresh lemonade will be served.

The nutritionally balanced diet is gluten-free, and without sugar, salt, meat, or alcohol. Only healthy spices to replace salt. It is not unusual that people lose weight and feel healthier after an ayahuasca diet, although this is not the focus, nor a guaranteed outcome. Participants are suggested to start the diet, (which includes sexual abstinence) at least three days prior to arrival at the Spirit Vine Retreat Center and recommend its continuation for at least three days after the retreat.

• Local capoeira schools where you can get lessons with experienced teachers in town.
• Local walk in the jungle with a native guide. There are many nature walks through the jungles or along the coastlines.
• Renting a car and get some surfing lessons at one of the local beaches.
• Swimming in the lagoon and visiting beautiful beaches close by.
• The local town, Itacar is at the mouth of a large river that flows through thick jungle and it is easy to hire a local guide and a canoe for trips up the river to cacao farms, waterfalls, and native restaurants.
• Whale watching available from June to October.

• 4 ayahuasca ceremonies
• 8 nights accommodation
• Cleansing flower bath
• Delicious daily meals based on ayahuasca diet
• Guided imagery meditations designed to enhance communication between the mind and body conducive to transcendence
• Regular morning yoga classes and individual tuition on request
• Sessions on basic meditation and breath work skills through the use of sophisticated biofeedback training devices (Wild Divine computer software)
• Sessions on progressive relaxation skills for accessing deeper states of being

• Airfare and airport taxes
• Gratuities or tips
• Laundry or any other activity or service from the center
• Transportation to the retreat center
• Travel insurance
• Visa fees

Arrival by airplane

Please book your flight to arrive at Ilhus-Jorge Amado Airport (IOS). Transfer from and to this airport is available upon request.