Spirit Vine Ayahuasca Retreat Center — Local services in Região Geográfica Imediata de Ilhéus – Itabuna

I visited Spirit Vine for the first time during the pandemic, in November of 2020. As a birthday gift to myself, I decided to go, and it turned out to be one of the best decisions of my life. My priority was to find a trustworthy facilitator who spoke English and was highly experienced in both Indigenous and Western healing practices. I wanted a space where I could actually understand and integrate my journey without being left in confusion, and where I wouldn’t have to fear messy distractions or others losing control.

I consider myself lucky I found Spirit Vine because my expectations were not only confirmed but clearly exceeded.

The founder and facilitator of Spirit Vine, Silvia Polivoy, has created a Retreat Center where you can feel safe, be vulnerable, and truly be yourself. Her strict safety guidelines and meticulous attention to every detail have made my experiences nothing but amazing and deeply transformative. As an introvert and someone initially terrified, I still can’t believe how my fears naturally dissolved in such a beautiful environment, surrounded by nature and like-minded people.

Almost immediately after first communicating with Silvia, I could sense her professionalism. She responded to every question and provided clear instructions on how to prepare, which made my first trip from the US to Brazil very smooth.

The accommodations at Spirit Vine resemble those of a hotel resort. The bungalows are cozy, neat, and impeccably maintained. I especially appreciated the beautiful hot showers, and I loved falling asleep in my comfortable bed to the soothing sounds of the jungle.

I met such interesting people from all over the world at the retreats. We all connected quickly, because we shared the same purpose: to work on our spirituality. A key aspect of the safety guidelines at Spirit Vine is respecting each other's healing journey and personal space. Silvia emphasizes the importance of boundaries, fostering an environment where we can learn from one another and heal together in the most respectful way. I have made friends at the retreats that I cherish to this day.

Silvia holds a PhD in Clinical Psychology and she also learned from shamans directly at the source, exploring various healing plants and shamanism. With all this many years of experience, she has developed her own unique method that merges ancient traditional practices with western techniques. During the group workshops, she guides us to achieve a light trance, accessing forgotten memories, to start putting the dots together. She provides us with tools that we can later utilize during the ayahuasca ceremony, emphasizing that healing is a proactive process, and, that ayahuasca is not a magic pill. This approach is not only humble but also quite rare in a world full of fake gurus and self-taught shamans. Silvia is always the main facilitator; the other staff members are always rotating because most of them live abroad.

Self-empowerment, helped me express my intentions and find the courage and inner strength to face parts of myself that I didn’t know before.

Although there is a group dynamic, Silvia works with each participant individually if necessary. Witnessing my peers experience breakthroughs, learning from each other, and healing together was a truly special and transformative experience. The ceremonies are organized and tranquil, with no distractions, allowing everyone to focus fully on themselves.

The entire retreat offers a perfect rhythm of rest, deep work. Yoga sessions and optional massages help to release physical pain and tension. Sharing stories, connecting with others, painting, and swimming in the lake add to the enriching experience.

It’s truly beautiful to know that there are others out there who feel similarly and I‘m so grateful I found this place. I’m looking very much forward to...

Just over a month ago I left Spirit Vine for the second time and I have not been able to put pen to paper and write a review just because there is so much to say and I didn't want my review to be full of cliches and a repeat of the all the praise that has already been given in previous reviews, but I actually think that is impossible so here goes......

The land that is Spirit Vine is truly magical, the minute I arrived I felt something sweep-over me filling me with excitement and absolute joy and I instantly felt a sense of belonging and of being at home – albeit 5000 plus miles away from home! The accommodation and all the amenities are just perfect, and everywhere and everything is so clean and so comfortable. Every inch of this place feels so warm and safe and welcoming. You are surrounded by nature in all its glory with the natural beauty all around you and the sounds of the forest orchestra from the surrounding wildlife is simply intoxicating.

Lou the chef with her team in the kitchen create the most amazing dishes (breakfast, lunch & dinner) that consistently tantalise and awaken all of the senses and every mealtime is something unique and something sensational. Furthermore, every mealtime is buzzing with energy and excitement as the group come together and bond and each time I walked away from a meal I felt completely replenished and nourished, not just my body but my mind and my soul.

Silvia and Tio have created an idyllic environment and they have curated an outstanding programme to prepare their participant’s minds, bodies and souls for the ceremonies themselves. Before each ceremony I felt nourished, relaxed and equipped so that I was confident and could navigate my way through each journey and understand what was happening and in order to take the most from each one. I did the 9 day retreat and had 4 absolutely amazing ceremonies. After each ceremony I would journal and draw as I was far too excited to go to sleep! I have taken so much away from each of the ceremonies, much more than I had ever imagined possible. I fully trusted the process and followed all the guidance and I believe that I fully immersed myself. I do genuinely feel that I have truly embraced my inner child and reconnected with my own power in so many ways and have had a spiritual awakening that is literally out of this world.

The connection that l felt with all the participants was so strong from the very start and we all remain connected to this day through our Spirit Vine WhatsApp group/social media and monthly Zoom meetings – the first of which took place yesterday and was absolutely amazing to see and share our experiences and talk about our own personal integration journey’s since leaving spirit vine. So, on top of everything else I have gained soul friends for life!

Silvia & Tio, what can I say about these two? There are literally no words that can encapsulate all that these two amazing people are! Immensely knowledgeable, intuitive, empathetic, kind, caring, generous absolutely everything positive that can be said and then some! I cannot thank them enough for everything that they do at Spirit Vine. I am eternally grateful for this experience and I will...

Spirit Vine in Bahia Itacaré, Brazil, provides a deeply meaningful Ayahuasca retreat experience in a uniquely beautiful and serene setting. Even nearly ten years later, my memories of this special place remain vivid and deeply cherished.

The retreat center is set amidst beautifully maintained landscapes, featuring comfortable pathways lined with trimmed grass, vibrant flowers blossoming everywhere, and lush coconut trees offering fresh coconuts directly from the land. Being located in the atlantic rainforest, the retreat is surrounded day and night by the sounds of abundant wildlife—from birds and insects to frogs and other creatures—creating a constant, natural soundtrack that reflects the richness and vitality of the environment.

The food at Spirit Vine is fresh, nourishing, and thoughtfully prepared. Meals feature a variety of local fruits, including watermelons, mangoes, papayas, honey melons, and coconut water straight from the trees. All meals served are vegetarian, varied each day, and prepared with care, complementing the holistic experience of the retreat.

The Ayahuasca ceremonies at Spirit Vine take place in a uniquely designed space that is partially open to the surrounding jungle, with netted walls that let the sounds and energy of nature flow in while keeping insects out. The ceremonies are held in silence, accompanied by carefully chosen music, allowing each participant to engage in a personal inward journey within a safe and supportive setting.  Silvia – the owner and primary facilitator – is an experienced clinical psychologist who has also cultivated a deep understanding of shamanism and spiritual practices through decades of immersion in the field and working with ayahuasca. Silvia offers support and provides tools that enable and empower each participant to do the work themselves—to navigate and integrate their experiences throughout the retreat.

Complementary workshops, yoga sessions, and therapeutic massages further aid gentle, holistic integration, fostering self-awareness and inner harmony.

One of the retreat's most rewarding aspects is forming genuine connections with fellow participants. Sharing experiences and insights within a supportive community greatly enhances the retreat's impact, creating lasting friendships and mutual support.

Reflecting now, I am deeply grateful for the insights, friendships, and lasting sense of peace cultivated at Spirit Vine. I'm thankful for the opportunity to attend multiple retreats guided by Silvia, whose expertise in both Western psychology and traditional practices has been invaluable. Ultimately, it was the supportive setting and careful attention provided by Silvia and her team that allowed me to fully embrace and integrate my Ayahuasca experiences. I felt safe, protected, and well-cared for throughout the retreat, making genuine transformation possible. Returning to Spirit Vine is always a joy, and I eagerly look forward to my next visit. I genuinely recommend this retreat to anyone seeking authentic self-exploration, meaningful connections, and personal growth in a warm, welcoming, and nurturing...