Flower of Life — Hotel in Iquitos

I'm going to do my best to put a trip that was indescribable into words.

Two years ago is when I found out about Auahuasca. I set my intention that when I do it, I'll be in the jungle of Peru.

In November 2016, I decided to visit Peru. I began doing a lot of research on the diet, the medicine and sitting in meditation to find my intention for this experience. I was very strict with my diet. Raw vegetables and fruits, lots of water, brown rice, and eggs. One night, as I was hanging a tapestry on the wall of my new home, it hit me hard. My intention for going was to have visions of what world peace looks like. Wow!

I finished packing one backpack for my 11 day journey and was on my way to the airport. I've never had so much peace in my life about the mission I was embarking on.

When we arrived, 11 of us jumped on a well ventilated bus into the unknown. It was all our first time experiencing Peru. The ride lasted for two hours and it was the best ride of my life. The rain poured down, the window was open and the breeze landed on my face the whole way. We came to a stop and the world around me was out of a movie I'd seen once.

We transferred our bags to one boat and we got on a different one. Now is when it really settled in, I'm going to a magical secluded land, deep in the jungle. This ride was as magical as the bus ride. Looking at the homes on the land as we rode by. Waving at others going about their normal lives, we're tourists for sure.

About 45 minutes later, the boat docked where we were greeted by a group of children playing instruments. Nancy stood at the top of the stairs, hugging us one by one and welcoming us to her property. I just stepped into my heaven. The property is absolutely gorgeous. I had no idea what to expect upon arriving, but it certainly wasn't this. My expectations were greatly exceeded.

We all joined in the main house first before being given the key to our rooms. The space was big, homey, well ventilated, and quiet. The songs of the birds echoed. I was led to my room and, again, had my expectations greatly exceeded. The room was huge! Two beds, a sitting area, a front porch, a closet, very tall roofs and the best of all, a mosquito net around my bed. The bathroom was spacious and everything was spotless clean.

I walked back to the main house for lunch. We sat down, 4 per table, our places set with beautiful folds in the napkins and freshly blended juice on the table. We were served a beautiful salad, so colorful and refreshing. Followed by white fish, rice, beans and a potato. The food was so beautifully prepared, the portions were substantial and we got fresh cut fruit for desert. We were served 3 course meals for every meal. My favorite meal was the breakfast. We started with oatmeal. The very best oatmeal in the world, I'm convinced. Many times I asked for a second serving. Followed by scrambled eggs, white rice and beans and ending with fresh fruit. The food is one of the things I miss the most.

The service was impeccable. Literally, the staff was the most professional staff I've experienced on a trip. They acted on our needs intuitively. They kept the space immaculate. They served us with grace and love. By the end of the trip, we were sharing hugs and playing music together. I felt safe and secure with them. I trusted them completely to be around my things in my room.

I experienced 4 out of 5 ceremonies. My ceremonies were so beautiful! I have never felt so much love in my life. I've never felt so much strength and clarity about my purpose in this world. I heard the voice of God so clearly and ground to Mother Earth like never before. My experience with the medicine gave me my intention, which was to see visions of world peace.

The biggest lesson I learned was about strength. My strength was really tested and I learned how I can be strong in every moment. I learned gratitude is the key to prosperity, and I learned to always, ALWAYS, trust my intuition. Even when my ego brain doesn't know the reason, I get to...

What a magical and majestic place. The flower of Life is an amazing facility to experience mother ayahuasca whilst living in complete luxury. It truly is an unique paradise destination.

The medicine was top quality. I had very powerful, insightful and healing ceremonies. Not to mention, I got to receive a comprehensive alround healing experience including additional treatments such as; one on one consultations with the shamans (translator provided), medicinal vapor baths, floral baths, San Pedro ceremonies and other additional Amazonian plant medicines. Also the food itself is so clean and fresh it served as a medicine in itself.

The shamans that work there are completely authentic with over 30 years of experience. I personally have never seen shamans who were as safe and compassionate. They spent so much time with us both inside and outside of ceremony. Inside of ceremony, their experience was palpable. They worked conscienciously to provide maximum healing (on all layers; mind, body, emotions and spirit) whilst holding a safe and secure space. Outside of ceremony, the shamans would always make sure everyone was intergrating their experiences as smoothly as possible.

Everyone on the retreat gained so much healing and insight. Everyone grew beyond measure. No one left that retreat the same. Everyone was a new, more expanded, better version of themselves. Refreshed with new energy and perspectives, ready to tackle life head on.

The facilities themselves are second to none. The rooms are massive! And so beautiful. Like no other place I have ever seen before in Peru. Situated in amongst the serene deep Amazon jungle, it felt like I wasn't even on planet Earth. Such tranquil vibes.

The staff there are really amazing and provided impeccable service. The rooms were always clean. Meals were served courteously (3 course meals) and they were always there to give a helping hand when ever we needed it. The owner, Nancy, is also an amazing person. She always put the guests first, making sure everyone had the best experience possible. She is bi-lingual. So she would always help with any translations that were needed. She was very welcoming and it was obvious to me that she expressed herself from the heart. Spreading light and love to us all.

If your planning on adventuring into the realms of ayahuasca in Peru, I highly recommend the flower of Life. It ticks all the boxes. Authentic, safe, luxurious and cheap. And if your time their is anything like mine. You will walk away with a new and improved life. Truly...

So if your thinking of going, go. I did the 28 days tranform your life. Whether it has actually transformed my life we'll have to wait and see as I am 4 days out from leaving, but I can see the potential. I came there (from Australia) with major depression, complex trauma and suicidal thoughts. I can't say that its gone or that I'm cured but what I can say is that I'm not dead, feel some sense of relief from my pain and now have a sense of purpose.

I did 10 ceremonies and 2 San pedros. In my ceremonies I experienced leaving my body and going to another dimension, saw entities, aliens and creatures, structures and buildings and tripped in my mind or consciousness in ways I can't begin to explain. My San Pedro experience was calm, relaxed and subdued with some visions and dreams.

The accommodation while not first world amenities I think it is the best Peru has to offer for a retreat. Being an electrician I can see the build quality was pretty good (for Peru). The rooms were huge with wide open space and high roofs. Beds were comfortable and functional. Bathrooms were nice, okay and functional.

Food was prepared and cooked fresh everyday, just before you eat. Very nutritional and purposeful for ayahuasca.

My favourite experience there was visiting a local village and playing with a baby sloth. OMG?! I couldn't even speak the language but immediately felt a sense of belongingness and acceptance, a sense of family, which I've never really had in my life. If I were to ever go back it'll be for that!

So despite having nightmares being suffocated by bush spirits, blocked shower drains and basins, raped by a million mosquitoes, issues with some guests and guides, endless downtime and boredom, bland tasteless food everyday, vomiting the most vile gut wrenching throat ripping acidic engine oil like posion and massive hang overs I still love the place. I love the place because of the community the people have for each other and their guests, the genuine love, care and kindness they give and the wanting of you to be healed and feeling better. A feeling of a real sense of family and not just a job.

On my last day as I was saying good-bye to everyone, one of the guides who I connected really well with said to me, continue with your life my friend...Have also formed a big whatsapp group from all the other guest since I left. Four stars out of Five. Nancy has really...