"Francesca and Neils held a beautiful space that felt safe and accepting. They were there to help anyone who asked for it. The activities they had (which were completely optional) in-between the Aya ceremonies complimented the ceremonies and helped with working through anything that had come up."
Highly Rated Retreats in Costa Rica
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Types of Retreat in Costa Rica
Short Retreats in Costa Rica
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Upcoming Retreats in Costa Rica
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Experiences on Retreat
"Francesca and Neils have consciously crafted a container that considers the individual while elevating opportunity for all. Whether you have experience with ayahuasca or are newly called to healing, you will find your place here. The maestros are top tier and given a space they can pay true personal attention to each member of the group.
Time spent at Anam Cara will be an investment that will last a lifetime."
"The Pandorita Retreat takes place in a very loving family environment.
From the cooks to the gardener and the support team to the mastero, everyone is very concerned about the well-being of the guests.
The support team was available to us as a 24/7 contact person
The resort is surrounded by nature. The grounds are very well maintained and border directly on the jungle. Dolphins occasionally swim in front of the sea wall and you may encounter many native animals on the resort grounds.
Because of the ayahuasca ceremonies, the food is strictly regulated according to a certain diet in order to enhance the effects of the medicine.
The ceremonies are led by indigenous masteros from Peru. For me, the work and experience of the masteros was a very beautiful and exciting experience.
They were tireless in their love and care for the participants.
I had read a lot about the work of the shamans. During the ceremonies, all my expectations were far exceeded.
The ceremonies focus on physical, spiritual and ancestral healing.
During the ceremonies, the two supervisors and helpers of the Mastero were always present and constantly concerned about the well-being of the participants.
I always felt well looked after and cared for. Everyone was noticed and professionally guided through the experience with the medicine by the helpers of the Masteros.
In my opinion, the retreat was worth every penny and I would love to travel to Pandorita again straight away to deepen my experience.
I would like to thank the team and the Masteros for everything!
I miss you very much and wish you much strength and joy in your work.
With love Tom"
"Soledad was responsive, helpful and kind throughout our entire experience with her. The ceremony was very healing and she made us feel at home. There was no judgement whatsoever. Everything needed was provided. "
"Pandorita was a very profound, healing experience for me, it touched me deeply â and I am still in inner contact with this special energy from this special, wonderful place. The place is located directly on the Pacific Ocean within a peninsula, the sea is very calm and peaceful, just like the whole place.
I felt wonderfully looked after, the treatments and activities were great, the food was just right, naturally fresh, made with love and with the consistency needed for a respectful implementation of such a power workshop.
Our group was the focus, it was all about us and our process. I particularly noticed how everyone stepped back to give us the best possible experience and healing. I already had experiences, but they are not comparable to my experiences here on Pandorita. A lot of healing happened to me here that I could not have imagined.
One of the best and most important times in my life so far. Thank you all đ"
"It is clear that the staff and owners of SoulCentro are deeply devoted to spiritual, physical, emotional, and psychological healing and personal growth for all those who attend their retreats. The delicate care and attention to detail for all things created - from the meals made with pure love to the intentionality put into their traditional healing experiences, were exceptional. Most memorable is they helped you feel like family. I felt very at home and cared for, which helped me get the most from my experience."
"I couldn't be happier with the outcome of my 1st plant medicine experience. Reunion does a terrific job of creating a safe & nurturing environment for you to feel at ease & step into the work you go there to do. The week's entire design was so intentional that every aspect contributed to my profound healing journey. From the moment I arrived Reunion after a long travel day, I felt welcomed and supported and dare I say loved by the staff and my fellow participants. The facilitators guided us through the experience with care and expertise, ensuring that everyone felt comfortable and prepared for the journey ahead.
The Shaman led the ceremonies with wisdom and compassion, creating a sacred space for deep introspection and transformation. It was extremely helpful that they made themselves available to talk about any concerns that I may have had with the medicine and I trusted their combined expertise of over 4 decades of medicine work and 10 years of Neuroscience/Psychiatry. (Wakana & Shamanka)
The healthy meals provided nourishment for both body and soul, and the movement classes and workshops added depth to the overall experience, helping to integrate the insights gained during the ceremonies (which were not always easy, that medicine is some powerful stuff).
The emphasis on integration and the tools they teach you both there and since I've been home have been truly remarkable and so above and beyond.
Overall, my experience at Reunion exceeded my expectations, and I left feeling renewed, empowered, and deeply grateful for the opportunity to embark on this journey of healing and newness. I highly recommend Reunion to anyone seeking profound healing and transformation in a supportive, nurturing and STUNNING environment. Major thank you to everyone at Reunion and to the April 13th group. <3"
"I came to the retreat feeling disconnected from my path, having just been through a painful break up. I also had some fear about being in ritual meditation with people I had not yet met, wondering if I could feel the level of safety I need to do deep inner work.
As soon as I met the facilitation group and other participants I felt those feelings dissolve. What remained was pure connection, gratitude and excitement.
The Shanti Wasi team were so excellent on so many levels! I think most importantly, for me, was their ability to be both guides and equals in a space that can be at times vulnerable.
I left the retreat feeling clear and empowered for my path moving forward, a far cry from the grief and fear that I carried into the retreat.
This group are really holding something unique and I feel blessed to have received their support and playful generosity.
If you feel called to journey inward in this style of ritual, I can recommend the respect and reverence to the lineage that this team has cultivated over many years.
Much love and respect."
"I, Bianca, was in the same workshop as the lady who wrote the review on April 24, 2024. When I read this, I felt the need to share my impressions of the encounter with her and also to clarify, how safe and professional this center is.
On the very first day, she told me and probably also some other guests that she had lied during the info pre-call with the Pandorita team. She had been rejected by several Ayahuasca centers and had therefore lied about her psychological state of health during the call in order to avoid being rejected again. In addition, the way she was acting during the first two days werenât really introspective, but more like she just wanted to âhave a good timeâ. She also kept bringing up her desires for possible sexual encounters during the retreat, eventough this is a complete no-go whilst working with the medicine and participants are asked to adhere to this rule such as other safety precautions like not taking medications etc. She joked about starting an Ayahuasca Sex Cult there.. When her second ceremony didnât go like she wanted, she started blaming the shamans, that they are illiterate people and that they are no doctors.. Some of the things she said seemed quite racist to me.. I felt that she - eventough she wanted to try the medicine - was not ready to face the depths, shadows and fears the medicine can bring up and experienced a panic attack or just was in extreme fight- and flight-mode.
Also from my point of view, the facilitators took great care of her and did everything possible to make her feel safe, they tried to talk her down also the morning after, all whilst also being very considerate towards the rest of the group and asking us how we were doing after her outburst and making sure that we also felt safe and being cared for.
Her journey back was organized for her after having had mutiple discussions also with the professionally trained medical doctor of the retreat who was not on site but on call in Switzerland.
Once she left, the energy shifted and we all could dive deeper into our processes and just focus on what we came here for. Everything happens for a reason and I am sure Grandmother Ayahuasca had orchastrated this exact situation for all of us.
When it comes to my own experience on Pandorita, I had the most magical, healing and beautiful time ever. Not saying that it was not hard, but after having studied the information on the website and the information call with the kind hearted spirit that is Marco, I knew what I was letting myself in for and that this was the exact right place to heal and at the same time be surrounded by paradise. Before the first ceremony we were also thoroughly briefed on site. I knew about the symptoms to expect when taking MAO inhibitors, such as dizziness, agitation, hot or cold flashes, increased blood pressure or a pounding heart. In addition, after the first ceremony, the dose for the next ceremony was determined in consultation with each guest. The shamans were extremely powerful and highly skilled masters of the medicine and knew exactly how to treat each and every one of us.
I could not have had a more perfect first Ayahuasca Retreat and have to give it 5 stars plus!
The workshop was a deeply impactful experience and helped me a lot for my physical and mental health and also when it comes to my spiritual development. The ocean, the jungle and the wildlife are breathtaking, the Shipibo shamans are loving healing artists from an ancient tradition with magical icaros, and the facilitators are kind-hearted, devoted souls with a lot of experience. The massages, yoga sessions and food all complimented this amazing work with ayahuasca. It had inspired me to dive even deeper into the medicine that I ended up going to Peru and do a dieta and have ever since regularly partaken in more Ayahuasca ceremonies. Whenever I have the possibility again I will definitely come back to this beautiful sacred paradise!
Thank you for everything Pandorita!"
"While many reviews paint a perfect picture, I wanted to offer a more nuanced perspective on my experience at Soltara.
Soltara's Strengths
Professionalism and Experience: Soltara has a professional operation going, and itâs clear theyâve been doing this for awhile. There is a big team at the retreat center handling everything: food, facilitation, security, grounds keeping, etc⊠Overall coordination + planning was flawless. The ceremonies themselves were deeply thought through and itâs hard to think of what they could have done better.
Authentic Shipibo Practices: Soltara excels at preserving the traditional elements of Shipibo shamanism. It felt genuine and fascinating to be part of these practices.
Delicious Food: The food throughout the retreat was awesome.
Dietary Guidance: Soltara provided clear instructions and support regarding the pre-retreat dieta (dietary restrictions). The commitment from participants to the dieta was commendable.
Life-Changing Experiences: Witnessing the positive transformations of others was truly inspiring.
Comfortable setting: Modern, air-conditioned rooms, beautiful views, access to the beach.
Cons / areas for Improvement
Dry Season Ambiance: Playa Blanca during dry season does NOT look like the photos. In reality, the majority of the trees are barren. There are small fires around, and frequently the air smells smokey. At night, the atmosphere felt spooky to me (sort of nightmare-before-christmas-esque). If I was to come back, I would definitely do so during wet season!
Expectation of aligned worldview: If youâre not totally convinced that plants have spirits, and are uncomfortable saying âmother ayahuascaâ, Soltara might not be the best fit. This vocabulary and worldview is pervasive here, and alternative views are not really mentioned. To be fair, it is an ayahuasca retreat, so I suppose much of this is to be expected, but it seemed to me that there was also a healthy dose of new-age spirituality inserted, which I have an aversion to. I thus had a hard time totally trusting the facilitators, which is a vital element of any psychedelic experience, and consequentially contributed to a feeling of not feeling totally safe. To be fair, much of that is my own problem. At no point was I genuinely in danger during the retreat, and the facilitators were there for me if I needed them.
Limited Pre-Retreat & Integration Support: An opportunity to meet fellow participants and facilitators beforehand would have been beneficial. Integration support felt somewhat lacking, with only a workbook and optional integration circles offered.
Group Size and Programming: Our group of 21 participated in all activities as a single unit. More small group interaction and additional programming outside of meals, ceremonies, and daily meetings could enhance the experience.
In Conclusion
Soltara excels at providing a well-run, authentic Shipibo-style Ayahuasca experience with modern conveniences. However, manage your expectations regarding the dry season environment and the prevalence of new-age spirituality. If these aspects align with your preferences, Soltara is an excellent choice"
"Words can't describe how phenomenal this was. Firstly, I was amazed at how kind, strong, and open minded my fellow attendees were. Great friendships were forged, and I'll be keeping in touch with and visiting many of them. The facilitators and staff were so professional and ready for any situation that emerged during the ceremonies. Whatever they are making, it isn't enough! Personally the emotional support that I received from these people during and outside of the ceremonies was lifesaving, and it got me through some very difficult moments. On top of that, the Shipibo healers themselves were incredible. I've never met people with the kind of unconditional loving energy that they displayed, and the work that they performed on us at each ceremony was profound, mystical and wonderful. The energy of the songs that they sung to us was powerful. Finally, the food served at every meal was out of this world! Fresh organic tropical fruits I had never tried, chia seed pudding, guacamole, hummus, mini omelettes, etc. I miss it all! I have come back home with a new love for myself and the people in my life. Soltara is well worth the money, and I hope to go back again."
"When deciding it was my time to sit with plant medicine for the first time, admittingly still nervous, I knew that I wanted to attend a retreat that was not only well rated online but one that was recommended from a friend who had experienced it before. My friend without any hesitation recommended that I attend the Shanti Wasi retreat in the deep jungle of Costa Rica, and that night I sent in my registration for what would be an experience hard to put into words just 4 months later. The team at Shanti was incredibly warm, intentional, and accommodating weeks and days even leading up to the retreat, available to answer any questions I had. This just validated again and again my need for this level of attentiveness and support experiencing such an impactful journey for the first time. The retreat center was off the grid, deep in the Osa Peninsula, and beautifully immersed in the Costa Rica jungle, with monkey's swinging in the endless types of tall trees over us, macaws circling the area like they were protecting its visitors. Ocean waves crashing in the background of every deep conversation. The ceremonial activities were beautifully curated for a safe, intimate experience with some of the most touching music I've ever experienced live. Not once did I waver in my thought we in this large group were not being well cared for and permitted to be safe to explore the depths of this incredible medicine. From the communal meals to the integration circles to the 1:1 conversations by the water, this retreat was designed for human connection. It was designed for shared experiences, for holding space, and for allowing others to hold space for you. If you are ready to experience sitting with plant medicine for the first time or the 20th, you will not be spared any level of hospitality, safety, and love - I highly recommend Shanti Wasi in Costa Rica and so honored and excited to return myself. "
"My week at Anam Cara was the most profound week of my life. Francesca and Neilâs are unbelievsble. The venue , food, staff are all top notch. I highly recommend. . "
"Iâm so glad I did this. It was exactly what I needed to get out of this negative space Iâve been stuck in for too long. Iâm forever grateful and canât wait to return in the future one day. Thank you!!!"
"Deciding to attend a retreat at Reunion was one of the BEST decisions I have made. Not only are the grounds beautiful and make it easy to sink into the place but the contributors and facilitators take excellent care of their guests on every level. There is so much intention behind everything they do at Reunion and the environment is set up for you to do the work you come here to do. It matters to me that they are a non-profit organization and are investing not only in this home they have created but within the medicine community as well. My trust was deepened in their team throughout the week and I can honestly say it was a deeply transformative experience. If this is something you've wanted to explore, look no further - sign up for a discovery call to have any of your questions answered and register. You are worth it."
"July 2023, I left on Day 4 of my 11-day retreat after surviving the most frightening night of my life.
In the second ceremony, the Shaman doubled my dose from the night before. I knew I was in trouble because I heard my higher self clearly say, that if I didnât get out, I would die. Physically I was having trouble breathing, I was too hot, my mouth was too dry. I was dehydrated. They told us to stop drinking at 3 pm and it was well past 8 pm, around 90 degrees with what felt like, 100% humidity.
I called Gigi over and told her I needed help getting out, but she tried to talk me into staying even though earlier they said we could leave. I knew I needed out, so I called Aum over. I couldnât walk by myself.
He and someone else helped me out, I could barely walk and then collapsed outside the building. They surrounded me and I begged them to give me space, as I couldnât breathe. They also blew essential oils in my face which I told them I didnât consent to as I couldnât breathe! I begged for a doctor, and they offered the sweet man who was a doctor in acupuncture, but I asked for a medical doctor. Pandorita is too remote and couldnât get medical help for me. I begged them to call my emergency contact, which they didnât because they didnât have his number on file.
So I knelt in the grass, falling in and out of consciousness because they had given me too much of the âmedicine.â I begged them to keep the ants from biting me because I couldnât brush them off my body myself.
They didnât give me first aid other than Aum checking my pulse. They didnât offer coconut water to rehydrate me or even walk me to the showers to cool me down. I wanted an oxygen mask and a saline drip, and of course, they didnât have that.
I was just there suffering, struggling to breathe, hoping I wouldnât die.
5 am the next morning, not remembering how I got there, I woke up in my bed, alone, still high. I slowly struggled to get to the bathroom which was about 100 yards from the campsite. Then made my way down to the kitchen, through WIFI, and called my emergency contact. He coached me how to take care of myself. Get water. Find food to raise my blood sugar.
Afterward, I finally had the strength to make my way up the hill to where Gigi, Aum, and Montserrat slept. I was beyond angry. I wouldnât go inside. I expected that I would be kept safe, not that I would have to beg for them to take care of me while they tried to intuit how to help.
Never ONCE did they think that I might be having a medical emergency. And they were high, too. Although Aum claimed he hadnât partaken. Gigi admittedly did.
I never had asthma before, but I have had it ever since, and only recently when after months of having a cough that wouldnât go away, I went to a specialist who confirmed that the ceremony with the ayahuasca plus tobacco was the initial triggering event.
My lungs may be forever damaged.
And never mind the mental damage of doing such strong psychedelics and then having to leave in the way I did without anyone to process it with me. I was so lost when I came back to the United States.
And Pandorita did not offer a refund. They paid for one night in a hotel in Santa Jimenez and the difference in changing my flights. Marcoâs words still echo in my ears, âYou were the one who wanted to do ayahuasca.â I was. I did, I had for years since I heard what a remarkable and healing experience it was. I did all my research much like anyone who is reading my review.
I expected that I would be safe and I was not. Nothing that I experienced was what I had read about. And I am sad about it all. I wanted it to be great, and I nearly lost my life.
Ayahuasca is unregulated. There is no legal recourse. There are no safety standards. And if you have a bad experience, thereâs a lot of victim blaming and shame associated surrounding your negative experience. Everyone talks about their great experiences, but youâre pretty much shamed into silence if you donât have a good one.
"
"I recently had the opportunity to participate in an ayahuasca retreat at Reunion, and I must say, it exceeded all my expectations. For those who have felt âthe callâ as they say, and / or seeking guidance on where to embark on this profound journey, I wholeheartedly recommend Reunion as your plant medicine retreat destination. As a first-time participant and solo traveler, I naturally had some apprehensions about safety and the overall experience. However, from the moment I arrived, those concerns vanished. The tranquility and beauty of the surroundings immediately put me at ease.
Every aspect of the retreat has been meticulously planned, ensuring a sense of genuine care and support throughout the entire process. The facilitators and shamans prioritize the well-being and safety of each participant, allowing for a deeply transformative experience. Additionally, the culinary offerings were both fresh and delicious, complementing the serene atmosphere of the retreat. The accommodations were spacious, clean, and comfortable.
I enjoyed the daily movement classes, which added an extra dimension to the holistic experience. There is a nurse available on-site and a range of amenities including a spa, and a fully equipped gym. Reunion truly caters to every aspect of well-being. As I reflect on my time there, I eagerly anticipate returning in the future to continue my journey of self-discovery."
"Thank you Neils and Frankie, and beautiful soul Kitty! And thank you my wonderful friend El who recommended this fantastic life changing journey.
I am in my late 50's and had not researched much as I trusted the recommendation. I went with my friend whom I also trusted. I have learned that this is the BEST experience you could hope for as the guest and ceremony size is limited an intimate safe space is created. The Medicine is authentic and the Shaman truly special.
As I integrate back into my regular life, I have experienced such a profound shift in the experience of myself and how I interact with others. I am so grateful! I am a mental health professional so have been working with others and on my own healing journey for a lifetime. I truly wish I had known about and taken the leap 20 years ago.
I worked closely with Neils and Kitty and both have made such a profound impact on my life, as did the other participants I was so privileged to share the journey with. I don't know how Ayahuasca and the Shamas know what is specifically needed for each person BUT IT and THEY DO AND IT WORKS! Don't wait! face your fears and change your entire life experience for the better. "
"Joe was a fantastic guide for the psilocybin retreat that I attended. He was warm, welcoming and engaging. He took time to spend with me one to one prior to the ceremony to allay any apprehensions that I might of had, explain the format, what to expect and generally put me at ease so I was as relaxed and open as I could be ahead of the ceremony. He was incredibly personable and I felt that I came away from the experience having made a new friend in Joe. I would definitely like to return to another of Acsauhaya's retreats with Joe maybe to experience an Ayahuasca ceremony next time. Thank you for being you Joe đ"
"I had been wanting to take part in a Psilocybin ceremony for a while so chose my retreat carefully and from the reviews that I read and what I saw written online about Acsauhaya I was confident that they were a credible organisation. I wasn't disappointed, they treated the whole process from booking to the retreat itself with utmost professionalism. The ceremony was an amazing experience which I really enjoyed and it left me with sense of connectedness with myself and everything around me. I would highly recommend Acsauhaya to anyone who is considering a psilocybin experince - they will will look after you with the utmost care and you will be sure to have a transformative experience. Namaste x"
"I just returned home after my second retreat with Soltara at Playa Blanca in Costa Rica. I did a ton of research starting over a year ago before I booked my first retreat with them in June 2023. It was an amazing experience, and I left knowing that I had more work to do and would be back. I scheduled my second retreat with them for April 2024 and it was the most healing and transformative experience of my life. The staff and the facilitators are top-tier. If you are looking for the perfect setting for your healing Ayahuasca journey, you have found it with Soltara. I cannot recommend them highly enough. They have amazing facilitators, staff, chef and food, yoga and rooms. The staff builds such a safe and intentional container for this important work. It makes ALL the difference. They also have after care support and other resources available for pre and post retreat. Which has been super helpful. Happy journeying "
"I've had experience with plant medicine before, and I wish now my first experiences had been at Reunion. The brilliant team there make you feel so supported and safe. Everything has been thought out in advance to give you the care you will need - from hydration drinks & electrolyte water at all times, to integration and embodiment sessions, to the wonderful facilities that help you feel immersed in the beauty of nature while having all the comfort of a luxury travel resort.
The shamans that lead our ceremonies were from Peru and obviously deeply cared and gave their heart and soul into making it a profound experience.
I'd recommend this to anybody who's nervous about trying but wants an authentic experience - the perfect blend of ancient tradition and modern care & support"
"Awesome."
"I took a great deal of time selecting the location and retreat centre I was going to do my healing with. From start to finish Soltara in Costa Rica stood out and delivered. Everything was simply incredible. The location, the food, the staff, the workers, the accommodations, everything. I look for to telling everyone about this place. Simply magical. Already looking forward to my return."
"Place is amazing"
"I've been to many different retreats with ayahuasca, and I can honestly say this was an expertly held container with incredible facilitators, maestros, well thought out schedule and venue. The details really matter, and safety really matters. Anam Cara did a amazing job all around. Francesca, Neils, and Kitty have a wide range of high level skills that really adds to the experience. Highly recommend"
"Anam Cara provided an incredibly spiritual, powerful and safe environment for working with the medicine. I came in with a very intentional purpose to release trauma and my PTSD and I got this and SO much more. The retreat center is beautiful, the ceremonies were intimate and meaningful, and the results so far have been profound. I will recommend Anam Cara and Niels and Franchesca to anyone on a journey for healing. As a side note the food was AMAZING!"
"I just concluded my third retreat with Anam Cara, Neilâs Poole & Francesca Barone - one as a guest, and two as a collaborator - and it is my greatest honor to work alongside them in this capacity.
Neilâs and Francesca are truly gifted in the medicine space. Not only do they curate an impeccable retreat experience, but they do so with complete integrity and deep knowledge and respect of the medicine, plant teachers, and the Shipibo tradition, melding ancient technologies with modern application.
Anam Cara is world class, and I wholeheartedly give them my full trust, deepest respect, and highest recommendation.
"
"The whole week was so well thought out, Francesca has created such a safe space for exploration and healing. The food was so clean, nourishing and delicious. I canât say enough good things about Francesca she is amazing. "
"Due to certain circumstances in my life this opportunity presented itself to me. This is way outside my comfort zone but I just said F- it and went. I canât express how life changing the experience was. The deep human connection and shared energy was something Iâve never experienced before. The ceremonies can only be compared to religious experiences (Iâm not religious). The venue was incredible. Neilâs and Francesca created such a safe healing space with incredible nourishing food. I highly recommend the whole experience. "