Verified
A Rare Gem in the Heart of Cambodia
I spent time with Eileen and her team during two separate ayahuasca retreats in Cambodia (one 5-day and one 3-day retreat), and it’s hard to put into words how profound the experience was.
Eileen is a very experienced and exceptionally gifted shaman, spiritually connected and completely unrestricted in how she guides you. She is open to letting you go as deep as you’re ready to go to discover what is beneath the surface and the different layers of your personality. We tackled so much during both retreats that it took me several years to process. I am still discovering the effects of that work.
The other shamans are just as striking: highly professional, vibrant and deeply empathetic women, each very gifted in her own way. During the ceremonies, they stayed close, helped when I got stuck, guided and saved me when I needed it. Their presence brought tremendous depth and soul to the experience.
The setting added to it all. The first retreat was in an old lodge with a spiritual, almost ancient energy. The building and everything around it felt like a living organism, somehow becoming part of me and the journey itself. The second was in Kampot next to caves where rituals have been performed for generations. Deeply rooted in rural Cambodia and immersed in the nature and animals that came to visit us, it was the most magical energy.
The ayahuasca is responsibly and ethically sourced, which matters a lot to me personally. Between ceremonies, we did integration sessions and learned about Cambodian culture, ceremonies, and martial arts. The aftercare is very thoughtful. The team checks in and is there to help if you're struggling once you're back home.
During the short times I spent with the Somaya team, I had some of the most profound and transformative experiences. I was able to let go of infantile parts of myself and old patterns that even years of therapy wouldn’t manage to get rid of. Along the way, getting a glimpse of what I believe to be my deeper cosmic origin and experiences beyond this lifetime. I guess every ayahuasca retreat is different, and not every retreat is right for everyone, but I can't recommend Somaya highly enough. Who would have thought that in the middle of Cambodia I would find such a gem. It was a difficult and strange ride, but I wouldn't change any bit of it. It was perfect.
Verified
Couldn't be happier!
This was my first plant medicine experience and I couldn’t have been happier choosing to do this in Cambodia. I travelled from Indonesia for it. I was a bit skeptical at first to be honest because I really wanted to start my plant medicine journey traditionally in South America somewhere but the way Eileen and her wonderful staff organized everything overcame the traditional methods I had researched over the years.
This experience was quite intimate as we only had 4 people doing the ceremony the first night and only me and my partner on the second ceremony and 3 shaman between us so we really got a lot of one on one guidance/attention. It didn’t feel like a factory of people, this was as good as it gets.
The setting itself was really nice. My partner and I stayed in a lovely bedroom with a kitchen and bathroom and we had everything we needed. The kitchen was pointless for us really because we were fed the best food by the incredible staff. Not having to worry about the food was great because leading up to the ceremony we had to follow the strict dieta so it was a real relief not having to worry about what we could eat. The only thing we used was the refrigerator and that was only to store our water.
Eileen, Raksmey and Harley (shamans) each had something unique to bring to the table during these intense ceremonies. Personally it was really nice that the shamans were all female because the experience is such a vulnerable thing to do and having the comfort of woman there to help deal with deep emotions made me feel like I could really allow myself to let go and embrace the medicine.
As tough as it was, I couldn’t recommend this anymore. I wish everyone in the world would/could do this. There was some real deep healing happening there. I can’t wait to go back and upgrade myself some more.
Verified
An unforgettable experience
Somaya retreat was unforgettable! It exceeded all my expectations. I couldn’t ask for a better experience.
The homestay was perfect, a very peaceful place surrounded by nature on the river in Kampot.
The staff were amazing. They were great at communicating before we even arrived, assisting us with all our inquiries in a timely manner, and making sure our journey was running smoothly until we arrived. We got a warm welcome when we finally arrived, followed by a delicious home cooked meal. Everyone was kind and caring, making us feel very comfortable during our first experience with the plant medicine. They guided us through the ceremony, and made it a safe place to explore ourselves. I learned so much from our shaman, as she spent a lot of time with us one on one. Not only during the ceremony, but also before and after. The other facilitators were also really inspiring and shared a lot of knowledge and wisdom with us. I am really grateful for this experience, and I’d love to come back again to learn and grow. I highly recommend Somaya!
Verified
A Kaleidoscope Story
Diagnosed with complex post-traumatic stress I have been through many therapists and therapy methods over the last years and nothing seems to help me. I started to be open to other ways, since traditional health care, as a paradox made me even more mentally ill.
As an alternative medicine, my trauma IMDR therapist recommended Ayahuasca as a last try. When I was planning a trip to Cambodia, I found Somaya retreat and booked a stay 3 days in Kampot close to a cave at a spiritual place in total harmony with nature.
Back in my daily life and past trauma in Sweden, the present feels new. For sure something happened in my brain, the whole system, since my sessions with Eileen and her team of spiritual sisters. I feel a lot more grounded in Mother Earth and in harmony with time and space after my Ayahuasca experience with Somaya. Not stuck in a neurobiological loop, caused by traumas that became a part of your personality and hard limited life.
It can most simply be described as a kaleidoscope. The same grains of sand in all colours, with the wine of the soul, shook up my inner image (so far) and in one turn formed a new pattern. A new image of myself, and my history, which express my existence in a completely different way. It has dissolved old structures and has helped me to move on, with a new picture of the present.
The Ayahuasca ceremonies, professionally managed by Eileen, made my heart to the weight of a feather. In this spiritual place, dark and deep emotions were released, which turned out to be lighter and a new tool to understand myself - for the better.
A life-changing experience deeply connected to the universe, with a spiritual team. This retreat is the one!
Verified
Massive transformation
I had a big shift in my emotional healing on my retreat with Somaya.
The plant Medicine & the expert guidance of the 2 healers has completely changed me for the better & I've released some major negative trauma.
It's hard to put into words what I actually went through but I am a changed man & now I can start to live properly.
Eileen & Asmita genuinely cared about my healing & lovingly guided me through the ceremonies.
The facilities & food were also amazing & the side activities were fun & casual.
I would totally recommend Somaya to everyone who wants to fast track their healing.
It was totally life changing for me.