Find Authentic Retreats in Europe

"It was, without a doubt, the most meaningful experience I’ve had in my entire life. Calling it a mere “retreat” feels inadequate. This was a profound journey of healing, self-discovery, and renewal. From the very start, Danilo, Ilsa, Bruno, Porchi (Dog), Gaia, Sénior Libre, and even Isa (Babysitter)—welcomed me with an openness and authenticity that I had never felt before. Each of them seemed to be a unique force of nature, effortlessly working together to guide me toward the bright light that shines within me. If your wings have been clipped by life’s burdens, they gently help you grow them back. If your inner shield had shattered under the weight of fear, shame, guilt, and anxiety, they skillfully guide you in mending it. The love and healing energy of Mother Earth flowed into every moment, filling me with courage, acceptance, love, and joy. Over the course of those days, I laughed, I cried, I felt anxious, and I felt sad. In other words, I truly lived. It was like experiencing a great movie—one that stirs every emotion, leaving you wanting to sit through the credits, reluctant to face the lights coming up and the world outside. Yet, as the final hours approached, I understood I had to return home, carrying these lessons and newfound insights back into my daily life. This place gave me memories of a lifetime and ‘Hope’ that there is a way to overcome our demons permanently. And I know I’m not alone in this. Every review you read about this retreat is real and heartfelt. They are honest reflections of the extraordinary healing that takes place. If you are ready to embrace your journey, to release what no longer serves you, and to rediscover what it feels like to fully live, I can’t recommend this experience highly enough. It may just be the most meaningful thing you ever do for yourself. Thank you for everything. GC 🫶🏼"

"An incredible experience that is difficult for me to put into words. But it gave me exactly what I needed. After a very short time, I notice how my relationships with my loved ones, but also with myself, have improved greatly. I can't thank Ilse and Danilo enough for creating such a unique place and sharing it and this energy with the world. I am grateful that my life has led me here and that the two of them, along with Bruno, accompanied and supported me on this path. Big Thanks!"

"What a wonderful experience! I and 5 other people I’ve never met attended the retreat at the start of December. I was made to feel truly welcome and cared for from the start by Danilo and Ilse, at a challenging and questioning time in my life. All of the attendees bonded from the start; everyone was happy to open and share putting us all at ease. This was made so easy by the beautiful setting and the warm and supportive nature of our hosts. I felt a bit broken going in to the retreat, but was reassured that everyone there, although we all had different issues to explore and deal with, were ultimately there for the same very human reasons. It created an amazing feeling of genuine connection. Having Bruno join us was an added bonus. Like Danilo and Isle, he was a very warm, kind and caring human being and made us all feel so calm and cared for. Most importantly, he helped us understand the answers lay within us and for the ultimate need to love ourselves. The whole setting, experience, beautiful music, nourishing food, mutual openness and sharing made it a truly transformative experience. The key now is putting in to practice what we learned in real life and each day. We probably all go here attracted by the ‘magic’ of Ayahuasca, Bufo and the other medicines. Whilst the medicines are helpful, the real magic is in the connection, bonding and nuturing environment on a very human level that Danilo, Isla, Porchie and Gaia have created. Having been I can see why all the reviews are 5 star and it’s something I would definitely do again. Much love. Thanks all 🫶. PK"

"I recently had the pleasure of attending this retreat, and I can confidently say it was one of the most significant experiences I've ever encountered. From start to finish, every aspect of this retreat radiated excellence, love and acceptance. Upon arrival, I was greeted by warm smiles and porchi the most fantastic dog ever which instantly made me feel at home. Ilse and Danillo have clearly put their hearts into creating a space where everyone feels safe and supported. The attention to detail in both the setting and programming is extraordinary—each moment seemed thoughtfully curated to foster connection with oneself, and with eachother. One aspect that truly stood out was the sense of community cultivated throughout our time together. Everyone came with open hearts, ready to share their stories and support one another on this journey of self-discovery. It felt like a family. Additionally, the meals provided during the retreat were not only delicious but also prepared with love using fresh ingredients. Each meal was an experience in itself; i can easily see myself going vegan just by eating Ilses cooking. As we concluded our time together, I left feeling rejuvenated and inspired—filled with gratitude for all that I learned about myself as well as my relationship with others around me. I cannot recommend this retreat highly enough! If you’re seeking an experience filled with love, growth, community—and perhaps even a bit of magic—look no further! Thank you once again Ilse, Danillo, Porchi and of course Bruno who helped us all and is such a caring person."

"Attending the ayahuasca retreat hosted by Danilo and Ilse last weekend was one of the most profound and transformative experiences of my life. From the moment I arrived at their home, I felt a deep sense of safety and belonging. Bruno is a truly remarkable human being as well—kind, compassionate, and deeply intuitive. Their presence radiates a genuine love for what they do and the people they guide through the process. Throughout the experience, I felt supported at every step. Their calm energy paired beautifully with Ilse’s nurturing and intuitive care, making the retreat a truly balanced and harmonious experience. I am deeply grateful to have crossed paths with these beautiful people. Their dedication to helping others on their journeys of self-discovery and healing is inspiring. I left their retreat not only with a renewed sense of clarity and peace but also with a profound appreciation for their work and the beautiful souls that they are. C.P."

"Great Place, wondefull staff and very professional. I felt safe and heard at all times. You are guided expertly through this experience. I can warmly recommend. "

"It felt like home! Great people, great experience! I will definitely like to go back again! Thanks for the great experience!"

"Just finished a private one on one session over the weekend- last friday afternoon. Psylicybin Hero dose, combined with Olivers wonderfull sound therapy. All I can really say is that the whole experience was amazing. The location in the beautifull country house in the nature, Olivers compassion and patience, the set and setting was perfect. I will definitely be back next year. Everyone should experience something like this in my view. Thanks Oliver"

"It was my first time taking going deeper with psilocybin, and I have no regrets whatsoever. Aleece and Wouter are amazing people who are truly trustworthy and committed to taking the best care of you. Wouter kindly picked me up from Alicante and brought me to their picturesque location in the mountains. Upon arrival, I was warmly welcomed by Aleece, and we began the retreat. I felt completely at ease, allowing the psilocybin to work its magic. The experience was profound and transformative. Returning to reality afterward was a joy, as I sat outside with Wouter and Aleece, chatting and soaking in the beauty of the surroundings. The most crucial takeaway from the experience is to reflect on and integrate the insights and realizations you receive during the session. Make an effort to incorporate them into your daily routine; otherwise, they may fade away."

"I had an amazing stay with Danilo and Ilse. The setup of this retreat is great, but also leaving room for a very personal touch. It is great how they take the people into their home and make them a part of their family for the week. Porchi is the best therapeutic dog I have ever encountered and I am missing his hugs and kisses. 🐶 The way Danilo and Ilse are able to have such an effect on people within four days by using different plant medicine is so special and all thanks to the great love they share with each other and the group. "

"This is very fasinating, becuase i was at a sound healing course in norway and during this course i had a vision of a Terrier dog in London whom I in my vision thru guided meditation had the honor of helping out in my vision. I had the same feeling at the retreat with Porchi. I think a soul bond was found <3"

"i had a great experiance of sheding my old self that lives for self denial and people pleasing. i still belive i will fall for the rouse of people pleasing, however i am more aware of the people pleasing and it also gives me a "puke" taste in my mouth =P thank you to Ilsa, Dani, Bruno and Porchi <3 i will remember your effect on my for ever. "

"that’s the word i have been using the most when describing the experience to my friends. danilo’s and ilse’s intelligent approach is spiritual and therapeutic, serious and playful - perfectly adapted to our “european” culture. the fact that we were a small group of only 5, stayed in their home together with their child gaia and (therapy) dog porchi, the cozy dome in the garden where the ceremonies were held while we could watch the stars, the combination of different plant medicines (rapéh, kambo, san pedro, bufo alvaris), the integration sessions every morning (which were at least as important as the ceremonies themselves), ilse’s singing (she has the voice of an angel), the tasty homecooked meals, and last but not least not being eaten alive by ants in the rainforest - all the above made the experience a “complete” one for me. the welcoming atmosphere made everyone feel at home and at easy quickly, able to be open to an often entirely new experience. i wouldn’t have wanted it any other way. thanks a lot!"

"Perhaps the best ceremony facilitation I have experienced. Beautiful, caring, warm, slow, safe. I had a pretty much flawless and profound experience with Avalon. I would highly recommend it."

"I stayed at La Mezquita for the introduction weekend and honestly can’t recommend it highly enough. The team are all really wonderful people and they ensured that my experience was the best it possibly could be. The food, the accommodation, the activities were all exceptional but the live music on the first night and stunningly located mountain day led to some great memories to last a lifetime. Thanks La Mezquita for an unforgettable weekend."

"Leon is a kind-hearted and grounded guide whose ceremonies are as beautiful as they are healing. He creates a sacred space where everyone feels held and honored, leading each ritual with a gentle strength that invites participants to go deep. A talented guitarist, Leon infuses his music with emotion, and each note adds a layer of beauty and depth to the experience. His kindness and sincerity make him a truly exceptional presence on this journey."

"Camilo has a gentle yet powerful presence, embodying a wisdom and purity that shine through in everything he does. As a yoga teacher and meditation guide, he brings incredible depth to each practice, helping others to connect with their own inner peace. His knowledge of spirituality, world religions, and the history of plant medicine is astounding, especially given his youth, and he shares this wisdom with humility and genuine enthusiasm. His spirit is uplifting, and his care for others is always felt."

"Miriam is a truly radiant soul, carrying a warmth that reaches everyone she meets. Her presence is both calming and inspiring, and she brings profound compassion and insight to her work as a psychotherapist. With a rare combination of intelligence and sensitivity, Miriam guides you through the process with care and understanding, making each step feel safe and transformative. Sings like an angel."

"La Mezquita is a truly magical place, led by warm, compassionate people who create a safe and transformative environment for anyone seeking deeper insights. My weekend there was profoundly moving, a journey beyond all expectations. The ceremonies were masterfully crafted, each detail carefully considered. The live music was mesmerizing, amplifying the experience with rhythms that connected us to the moment and to each other in ways that felt almost otherworldly. The outdoor ceremony in the mountains was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. Surrounded by the raw beauty of the landscape, the San Pedro and mushroom ceremony was profoundly grounding, guiding me into deep layers of my own being where I encountered and released emotions I was holding. It was a journey of vulnerability and healing, as if the medicine and the sacred space around us unlocked parts of myself, allowing me to let go and feel a profound sense of liberation. The mountains, the stars, and the incredible energy of the space all heightened the journey, creating memories and insights I’ll carry with me forever. A huge thank you to the beautiful souls at La Mezquita for such a life-changing weekend. I’m so grateful and can’t wait to return! ✨ "

"I attended a bufo retreat held by the lovely Ness Dalga and it was a truly life-changing experience. The whole team was welcoming and accommodating from the second I signed up for the retreat and I was feeling safe the whole way to the end of the retreat. The ceremony was done with such care and warmth and attention, I always felt the caring energy from the staff. I cannot recommend it enough!"

"Having attended many different types of plant medicine retreats, including ones led by authentic Peruvian shamans, Iam not exaggerating when I say that this is by far the best one yet. From the get go, I was welcomed into Danilo and Ilses house. The small group size allowed for a greater sense or intimacy and streamlined the healing process. I will return. Much love!"

"I had my first Bufo experience in Barcelona with the Avalon team on November 8th,2024. Ness and her team were incredible in guiding us through the journey! For me, it was a transformative experience, starting with meditation and leading to the Bufo inhale. At first, I felt shaking and anxiety, but then I sensed my mind and soul separating from my body. I heard a voice inside me saying, “Now, go back.” It felt like every cell in my body was infused with information, and I revisited a traumatic experience I thought I had already overcome. The journey then took me to a vision of my future “bohemian wedding,” where all my friends and family were filled with joy, and Ness, our shaman, was singing her songs. I woke up with tears of happiness, feeling deeply relieved and filled with hope. Thank you all for this incredible experience! My takeaway was to embrace my feelings, knowing that the divine has us all✨✨✨. I’m sending AYO to each of 🤍"

"When booking this retreat, I was one foot in one foot out, mostly as I wasn't sure if this was my kind of thing, however, knew something needed to change to move forward. When arriving at 'From Gaia for you', it was instantly warm and caring. We had good wholesome food, and had to face our inner self, which is something you rarely do. The whole retreat was very well run, it never felt pushy, or too commercial. It never felt like a business, it truly felt like I was welcomed into their family. My limits were pushed to show that I can do things I would automatically want to do, and I can feel exhilarated afterwards. For anyone dubious about this type of retreat, all I can say to you is be open minded, brave, and you will get more than you know form it. Thank you Charlotte x"

"I recently attended a 4 day Holistic Ayahuasca Retreat with Avalon in Barcelona, and it was truly life-changing. From start to finish, everything about this experience was carefully curated and incredibly powerful. The Avalon team was not only professional but genuinely caring, supportive, and deeply loving. Each session felt thoughtfully designed to guide us through profound healing and transformation. One aspect that stood out was how much emphasis they placed on integration. The team made sure we had the tools and support to process our experiences, which I now realize is absolutely essential for getting the most out of a retreat like this. The accommodations were exceptional as well. The setting was peaceful and surrounded by nature, creating a perfect environment for introspection. The facilities were clean, comfortable, and well-maintained, providing a safe haven to relax and recharge. Having shamans from the Amazon guiding our sessions brought an authenticity and power to the experience that I’ll never forget. Their wisdom and presence helped create an atmosphere of trust, which was crucial to delving deep into the journey. On top of all that, the food was incredible. The chef put so much care and creativity into every meal, which was nourishing and delicious. Sharing meals with everyone fostered a sense of community, and I left with strong connections with people I feel truly bonded to. It was amazing to witness each person receiving exactly what they needed. By the end, it was clear that everyone had grown in profound ways, leaving as renewed and better versions of themselves. I wholeheartedly recommend Avalon to anyone who feels called to this journey—it’s an experience that will stay with you forever. "

"It was very great. My first experience with magic mushroom, I was pretty anxious but Aleece and Arjan were very efficient at making it a confortable experience for me. It was a wonderful, it really gave me what I was expecting and I'm very glad that I did it. Thanks again, and I'll probably come back next year."

"Well organised by a really good and genuine human being - that cares. Within the first 10 minutes of us chatting before the ceremony - I felt like we know each other for years, and that I am in good hands to go through this the first time. I fully trusted Nancy - and I wasn't dissapointed. Marek"

"I am so happy I decided to do my first Ayahuasca retreat with Danilo and Ilse. The intimate environment, the small group and the live music created such a safe and beautiful experience. I had no idea what to expect from Ayahuasca but it was the most transformational experience of my life - and I have done my fair share of plant medicine and psychedelics before. If you feel called, listen to the calling. It knows ❤️"

"All communications with Nancy were clear and concise. On the day itself, despite my expected nerves, I felt incredibly comfortable and my experience was well received. This was my first time and I felt it was overwhelmingly a positive outcome. I didn’t want it to end. I felt Nancy was very experienced; from her ability to work with me to choose the right dosage, to the atmosphere created to support my journey. If you like a soul with a gentle and loving energy, then I recommend Nancy. I hope I have the opportunity to do this again. "

"Wouter and Aleece are wonderful hosts putting me at ease totally. They explain everything very clearly and are very open to questions. I have never done anything like this and at 71 years of age, was somewhat nervous going into it. The room was so comfortable, calming and just made me feel very safe along with the knowledge that they were constantly there to reassure and give whatever was needed. I don't think I have ever opened up to strangers as I did with them. I can honestly say this experience has changed my life. I went into it feeling traumatised from recent events, exhausted, angry and in pain. I came out of it feeling more relaxed and at peace than I have for years and what surprised me the most, was the physical lessening of the pain. I guess when you are that tense it increases pain. I fully intend to do it again in the future and would highly recommend them to anyone who wants to give it try."

"I’ve been to Shangriballa for a 7 day Bufo retreat and it was fantastic. It’s hard to put into words what I experienced at the retreat or what a profound impact it has had on my life so I will not go there, however I’ll say that the impact was huge and very positive. Lisa and Miguel were great hosts and I immediately felt at ease in their presence, which is important when undergoing such a personal journey. They were excellent at preparing us for the experience, and the care and love I felt before and after was out of this world. True genuine humans. I look forward to eventually coming back again! One more note about the experience - if you feel called to it - definitely don’t hesitate and do it, though keep in mind that this is not the case for everyone. Bufo gives what you need, not what you want, so keep an open mind and be prepared to let go. Much love!"