"Bernice is a true medicine woman. She is caring and intuitive and I thoroughly enjoyed my time with her. She carefully guided me through many journeys, and I trust her completely.
I definitely would recommend Bernice and can’t wait to work with her again!"
Highly Rated Retreats in Tulum Quintana Roo Mexico
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Types of Retreat in Tulum Quintana Roo Mexico
Short Retreats in Tulum Quintana Roo Mexico
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Upcoming Retreats in Tulum Quintana Roo Mexico
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Experiences on Retreat
"Amina & Tony were amazing all throughout- from initially contacting me to explain the process of Ayahuesca, the philosophies & connecting with your wisdom within - to transform your mindset, heal & integrate back into the real world. They created a truly safe & inclusive setting, which for first timers was so important. The food and camp with wonderful too. Can’t recommend this enough if you are looking for a pattern interruptor to make meaningful change in your life ❤️ "
"Aya de la vid was absolutely such an incredible experience. The staff did such an amazing job of facilitating the entire experience and created such a warm and welcoming environment. I found tremendous growth and healing in my experience and felt I had someone with me holding my hand every moment of the journey.
A satisfied and grateful soul. "
"Amina was the best guide I could’ve asked for for my experience with ayahuasca. She approached everything from a place of love, and made sure that everyone was cared for throughout the retreat. I wouldn’t want to do a retreat without her as my guide, and will seek her out in future."
"Amina, Paola, Laeti, and Charlotte were amazing guides through this experience. I couldn’t have asked for a better group of people to share this with. The retreat exceeded my expectations. Everything was approached from a place of love and care, so that no one felt unsure or unsafe at any point. I would (and have) strongly recommend this retreat to anyone who is interested in experiencing the spirituality of ayahuasca."
"Bernice was the absolute best! Before we even booked, she was very helpful and very responsive to all questions we had. From beginning to the end, we felt safe, secure and welcomed. Bernice was with us every step of our journey and before we even got to the last day I was so grateful to her. We are so happy that we chose her and so will you!"
"Bernice was such a beautiful soul, she had a very safe presence and made sure I got the most out of the profound experience. She taught me so much in such little time and I hope we cross paths again. For anyone hesitant, this is your sign to dive right in, you won’t regret it<3"
"My experience guided by Tony and the truly beautiful group of healers in Cancun was indescribable. Exactly what I needed and so much more than I expected. Everyone I encountered was remarkably genuine and pure, I couldn’t have asked for a better group of people to experience this life changing medicine with, from the participants in our group, to all of the healers involved. The connection you’ll feel to everyone is absolutely magical. I felt safe and supported every step of the way, which was of course really important to me as a woman traveling alone. What a pleasant surprise that all of the other women in our group were also traveling alone! Tony & everyone at Xochipilli are wonderful gifts to the world. I am so grateful for this experience and all of the people I encountered along the way. A’ho family!"
"To be in the Divine - being One with the Divine - I have no human words to describe this experience. Bernice is a true Goddess in human form, supporting with love, sensitivity and understanding. This was the most profound experience that I ever had in my life. Thank you. Thekla Ewald Sydney, Australia"
"How do you describe an experience that puts you through some of the toughest moments of your life only to rise above them and realize the strength of your character and importance of your being? Each and every person at the retreat was kind, generous, genuine, and passionate. The music is trance-like, powerful, and sung with so much soul it brings tears to your eyes. Tony, the owner, is amongst the most beautiful of people you'll ever meet and is willing to share his heart with you. He's willing to sit with you, decompress, and help you understand your experiences after ceremony as you attempt to extract the messages amongst the hurricane of thoughts. Aya De La Vid is difficult, it's cathartic, and it's unique. Much love to my tribe. "
"I could not express my gratitude for my experience at Xochipilli in Cancun, Aya De La Vid. My appreciation and love for everyone there grew from when I arrived, from Tony to Arturo to his Familia. I felt safe and cared for. You can feel the team's passion and love for what they do, from the beautiful ceremonies to the delicious food made with love. Arturo is highly devoted to his work and is a true master of his art. I wish it did not take me 41 years to find this place. While living my life in deep depression and darkness, I knew this was something I needed to do, and I researched for a while before choosing a location; this place felt perfect. Being a user of multiple medicines and psychotherapy for over 12 years, I gained more insight and healing in one week than in the past 12 years. I am honored and appreciative that I had the means and opportunity to share this experience with many wonderful people. The people you share this experience with start as strangers but end as family. I recommend this place to everyone; the work done here is not for the faint of heart; you must be ready and dedicated to the process and respect the culture and ceremonies. The ceremonies are indescribable; the facilitators are talented (singing, playing instruments, and dancing). David, Lorena, Gabi, Esther, Luis, Jose, and David (El Professor) and caring that they pour everything they have into everything they do, and it shows. This experience was one of a lifetime and one I will never forget, I owe them my life, and I can say that if it weren't for them, I would not be here now. Simply put, you cannot give what you do not have or get what you do not provide. "
"Amina is a mind blowing medicine woman! Her ceremonies were unlike anything I’ve every experienced. She’s a transformative, powerful person! "
"This was a huge week filled with lots of love, many ah-has, wonderful people, and delicious food! Not to be missed! "
"I had a wonderful experience with Amina, our Shaman, and Tony. Could not have asked for a more powerful, incredible first Ayahuasca journey than what Amina took us through. Kambo was challenging - to say the least - but well worth it to cleanse the body and provide the best opportunity for an optimal Ayahuasca experience. Thanks! "
"A wonderful experience the way I was treated was very professional but the most important aspect was the love and compassion that Dr Gerry and Kate had for me before and after the journey of the Toad. I feel different with a love for my self and others.After the trip you have a perspective of life and puspose in life. Different than you have before. I definitely recommend this medicine. "
"Amina and Tony are true spiritual guides, who are following their calling, they are responsible, ethical, kind and loving. The real deal. In this retreat, I’ve seen them respect and honor the medicine, the participants, their individual and collective journey, and facilitate a retreat worthy of a meaningful transcendent retreat. Amina is incredibly gifted, born to do this, and a wonder to behold . Tony demonstrated wisdom, support, reassurance, deep knowledge, and faith in the medicine. Together they walk and live the talk. I am so blessed to have had them both together with the amazing people who were at this retreat with me for a first encounter with Ayahuasca. If you decide to meet the medicine and follow this journey, I highly recommend Aya de la Vida. Tony and Amina: Thank you both for the experience of a lifetime. "
"I went into the week with a lot of resistance and little expectation. It ended up being a profound and powerful week of healing. I recommend this retreat to anybody!"
"We booked our trip to Xochipilli in Cancun about 3 weeks before the retreat began, and I was instantly impressed by Tony's responsiveness and up-front communication. It was clear from the first phone call we had with him that Tony is incredibly passionate about helping others connect with plant medicine.
We had initially planned to have our first experience with the medicine in Peru, but life had other plans, and it all still worked out perfectly, because our time at Xochipilli with Aya de la Vid was excellent. The accommodations were comfortable and beautiful, the food was lovingly made, and Arturo and his team were brilliant facilitators. We always felt safe as we sat in ceremony. I also appreciated the small group size—another commitment Tony makes to ensure everyone has the experience they deserve!
In addition to all the immeasurable benefits that come from working with these medicines, we learned a lot about the local culture and history. I would absolutely recommend Aya de la Vid to anyone, and I'm sure we will meet Tony again on another of his retreats! Aho!"
"I remember how analytical and logical my mind was while reading these reviews. I was terrified as a young woman going alone to a foreign country to try something I wasn't sure about. I researched until my heart knew I had to do something. Then I spoke to Tony and was encouraged to follow my heart to come to this retreat. I will be forever greatful for having that courage. Everyone at this retreat creates a safe and loving environment. The people, music, medicine, and jungle enriches your soul. The feeling of true healing is indescribable. If you are reading this familia then you need to take a chance and come find yourself. Thank you Xochipilli! Thank you Arturo and everyone there for a life changing experience! 🙏 "
"Thank you for a great retreat. IXCA and the team did a fantastic job taking care of all our needs through this life altering experience."
"It was great. Bernice and everyone are great. Just make sure to take the recommended transport because I didn't and got lost for an hour. So glad I finally made. Thanks again :)"
"Bernice and her team are exceptional and caring and present with each participant. I could not have asled for a better experience."
"Such an absolutely beautiful experience…well facilitated by a nurturing and caring healer and her incredible staff. "
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I’m a 24 year old paramedic who’s worked in emergency medical services since I was 18. Due to the nature of the job, a first responder will experience some level of PTSD throughout their career. I felt like I lost bits and pieces of myself I never got back, especially after covid, which pushed me to my breaking point. I also had unresolved childhood trauma to add to this.
Once joyful, driven, and energetic, I became lonely, depressed, and lifeless. I’ve been sober (no nicotine, no alcohol, no drugs, etc) since 07/2022. Still, I lacked purpose that I once had. I turned to shamanism and mother ayahuasca 01/2023. I was welcomed with open arms. Bernice and Maestro have the kindest of hearts. Bernice is a very motherly figure and actually reminds me of how caring my own mom is. Maestro takes the time to assess your intentions and what you’re searching for. I stayed for four days where I drank Ayahuasca the first night, Psilohuasca the second night, San Pedro the third day, and bufo the 4th day. During the entire experience I felt completely safe. I broke down mental barriers I never even knew existed. I processed childhood trauma and any trauma I carried from work. I broke myself down and built myself back up. This took some serious work, and demanded a safe space. I am finally myself again (the version I’ve always wanted to grow into). After seeing so much death and the worst in people at work, I became numb. I didn’t know how to feel even if I wanted to. I can finally feel again. I can love again. I love myself. I love life and every breath I take. I’m eating right, I’m working out, I’m taking care of myself and grounding myself. I vibrate positive energy, just like I always have deep to my core. This experience was the hard reset I needed to find my purpose. I got exactly what I came for. I would totally do it again. Father sky, Mother Earth, thank you for allowing me to experience this journey and heal from within. "
"I am a new psychotherapist residing in the San Francisco Bay Area. Several. While in graduate school I attended a week long psychedelic assisted therapy workshop that blew my mind. I had never dipped my foot into psychedelic waters out of a healthy fear of the destabilization involved as well as having been a child of the 80’s in the thick of the “war on drugs”. Having been in therapy myself for many years prior to (and during) graduate school , I was fascinated by the profound impact that ayahuasca has had in the lives of therapist, neuroscientist, those impacted by trauma and people with various backgrounds and life experiences . Aya La Vid’s tag line of “healing people to heal the world” sealed the deal. I made the commitment to sit with grandmother Aya to not only support my ability to hold space for and connect with my clients but to attempt to “shake” my own residuals somatically stuck trauma that years of SSRI’s were masking. The first leap was to go off my medication. It’s been over two months and I can almost positively say I’m will never be on psychopharmaceuticals again. I am now two weeks past my first ceremony. Amina and Tony were amazing. I felt safe, supported and held by there presence. The retreat space was magical and staff was warm attentive and kind. A profound connection was forged between all of the guests of the retreat who came from such rich and varying experiences, backgrounds and geographical locations . The experience was life changing . I would recommend I to anyone being called. The schedule is perfectly curated and spaced allowing for time to rest, reflect, relax, play and participate in other profound ceremonial practices. My intent was to be “one-and-done”. However I now look forward to sitting in ceremony again, when called. I can not recommend aya la vid and ayahuasca enough. You will not regret it.
M
SF, California "
"My time at Samskara was by far one of the most transformative events I've had in this lifetime. Every little detail of this retreat was immaculate, from the amenities, the beautiful land, and the most beautiful collection of souls/staff members. This place feels like home, family, and love. The way they plan the week of activities and ceremonies to flow effortlessly, and comfortablely made this experience so much easier. The staff is always there for you, no matter what it is, they are so loving and understanding. They know how to make you dig deep in your soul, and provide all of the tools and wisdom for you to use to transform yourself from the inside out. I really cannot say enough great things about this place. It was there I met my true self and was shown my purpose and direction in life, and I cannot thank this team enough for hosting such a life changing experience. The knowledge and love gained here does not go to waste, it is being spread on everything I touch and its beautiful to see. I will be back to visit anytime Aya calls. xoxo
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"I experienced so much in the 6 days that I was at this retreat. I feel like I am still integrating. Highly recommend this retreat. You not only sit in ceremony, you partake in may activities that help your retreat experience. I will be coming back for sure. "
"Definately a retreat you should experience! Anna was great! She was very welcoming, supportive and very organized. The staff, Lorena and David were incredible and helped me realize some things around relationships. Arturo was great, he is very kind and welcoming. I didnt expect to receive so much from this retreat. It is not like other places I have sat with the medicine. Highly recommend Samskara retreats. I am full of gratitude for the lessons ans healing. "
"I am still integrating this retreat! It was a great experience working with Ayahuasca. I had tried other plant medicines but this one really opened my heart to so much in my life. The most healing and transformational retreat I have been to. The staff is so loving, supportive and as soon as you walk into the space, you feel the safety of the container. My life is completely changed. I have so many tools and insights to work with and so grateful that Samskara offers post retreat integration support! That is important to me."
"I am still talking about my experience with everyone! This was my very first time sitting with Ayahuasca and Kambo and it was a very safe space and great experience. The staff is very experienced and supported us with so much love and compassion. A huge thank you to Samskara for organizing this retreat which flowed so smoothly. Arturo, Anna, Lorena and David are very attentive, kind and made my first time experience an unforgettable one. I was told that people come back 2 or 3 even 4 times and now I understand why. I will be coming back for sure and this time bringing all my friends with me!"