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.

Another retreat at The Vine and the same feeling, which I could sum up like this: Total gratitude!!! To Nature, which gifts us these “bridges,” opening these doors to greater understanding, to greater awareness through the wisdom lent to us by the Master Plants! Thanks to Silvia Polivoy for her impeccable guidance; the workshops we held before and after the ceremonies are fundamental, as they allow us to prepare and better integrate this experience, which takes us so deeply within that we understand the world around us much more fully and profoundly. Empathy, respect, the certainty of Unity, of connection, of clarity, in this “sanctuary of Nature” that is The Vine, are renewed and expanded once again within me, marveling at Life and its most loving mystery. It is the kind of experience that transforms us for the better and forever. Infinite thanks ❤️

From a young child through to adulthood, I never felt like I truly fit in anywhere.

I always connected more easily with children, animals, and nature than with other people.

Over the years, I became a chameleon, constantly trying to become the person I thought others wanted or expected me to be.

I kept repeating the same patterns throughout my life. It felt like I was the female lead in Groundhog Day—reliving the same cycles in my relationships, both romantic and family, my personal choices, my career decisions, and the protective walls I kept so high that no one could truly reach me.

While researching ayahuasca retreats, I came across Spirit Vine, and it deeply resonated with me for so many reasons. After speaking and exchanging emails with Silvia Polivoy, the retreat leader at Spirit Vine, I knew it was the right time to take the leap and experience a retreat.

It changed my life.

I feel more alive and more connected—to myself, to others, and to nature—than ever before.

One gentle suggestion: be prepared to do the inner work and remain open to the process. At times, it can be emotionally challenging, but it is absolutely worth it.

I would also recommend following the dietary guidelines before arriving. If it’s within your budget, I would highly encourage you to experience both the optional massages and Watsu (water therapy on the pond of the Center).

The massages helped me relax and become more open before the ceremonies. Watsu the following day of the ayahuasca ceremony was incredibly cleansing, soothing both my body and my mind.

Silvia has a remarkable gift for helping you open up to yourself, so be prepared to be vulnerable—not only with yourself but also around others who are on their own unique journeys.

Renata was equally supportive. Together, they made an incredible team, providing warmth, compassion, and gentle guidance throughout the retreat.

I felt completely safe, supported, and protected the entire time I was there.

For me, the lagoon became a special place where I floated peacefully every day. I also discovered a newfound love for hammocks.

This is your adventure. I encourage you to take the leap and open yourself to Mama Gaia.

I attended in January, and I’m already looking forward to returning.

10 out of 10 recommend. Silvia and her staff did a phenomenal job at meeting me where I was at in life. From wonderful amenities to amazing plant based food, the stay truly helped my soul reset.

Silvia’s great knowledge and guidance was amazing. The confidence and wisdom she instilled in me is present to this day.

Will definitely return again!!

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.

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 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.

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 so much from other’s journey and how can you 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 🙂

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.