Find Authentic Retreats in Gmar Spain

"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."

"Sanken Tsoma has a great knowledge of the plant medicines he is working with. I felt supported and accepted during the ceremonies which helped me a lot. He knows the spirit world and I could access all the wisdom I needed from the plants at this moment in my life. Thanks!"

"During the retreat with Metsa Yaka I felt that she is trustful, compassionate and has an open heart for healing and support. I also learned a lot from her about myself and the world we live in. Thanks!"

"Visiones is a beatiful place for healing. Authentic people and an authentic environment. The Shamans (Metsa Yaka and Sanken Tsoma) work together in an incredible way, providing an environment with balanced feminine and masculine energies, where I felt safe and supported. I am extremely grateful for the retreat I had with them. Thank you guys!"

"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."

"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 ❤️"

"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."

"Having been to a few retreats already i am really glad i came across this one as at has been one of the best so far! The staff is really knowledgable and supportive and i felt in good hands at all times. It certainly was challenging physically but i came out a stronger person. The location itself was really great as well as the view to the mountain range was incredible. Also the food served there was really good as well. Couldnt have asked for a better experience"

"I feel incredibly privileged to have been able to experience this wonderful healing retreat at From Gaia for You. Danilo and Ilse are very kind and welcoming, and I immediately felt comfortable, safe, and at ease. This allowed me to fully open up my mind, body, and soul for the healing work. We spent time reflecting on our feelings and lives to create awareness and set intentions for the restorative activities. The others on the retreat also helped to make it a beautiful experience and I felt very connected to everyone. I feel like I have finally been able to release negativity from past experiences which have been weighing on me for most of my life, and every cell within me has been healed. I am mindfully integrating my experience into my life at home. I can say with certainty that I will come back. Thank you, I'm eternally grateful 🙏🌟🌕☀"

"What a blessing to be welcomed into the home, and hearts, of Danilo and Ilse for this transformative journey. Their gentle and intuitive guidance led us on a journey of deep introspection, allowing us to meet our truest selves with compassion and wisdom. Through soul-nourishing practices and shared moments of vulnerability, I left feeling transformed, connected, and infinitely grateful 🙏🌈💖🌿."

"Amazing team, amazing experience. I felt safe, listened-to, and thoroughly supported. Thank you. "

"So now it’s has been five days since my experience with medicine. It’s been extremely intense all the way emotionally, somatic and vivid and complex visual imagery. Lots of sadness and pain came out of my being. I am still processing it and honestly I have not figured out how it impacted me in the long term. All I can say is that I don’t recognise myself as I used to know myself. I feel like I am detached from what I know I was… not really comfortable feeling or unknown feeling?.. I have definitely hard times with integrating my experience but hopefully I will land in my new self in peace and joy. I came here with intention to break through my depression I deal with like 15 years. Aleece and Wauter were friendly and I felt I could trust them which gave me the opportunity to let go of control during my trip and turn all my focus internally. Thank you guys 🙏 and a special thanks to this wonderful doggie Wally. I know I have lots of job to do to integrate this experience but I am hopeful. Peace and love ❤️ "

"I really like the retreat, Danilo and Ilse are super nice and lovely persons who really care about the comfort and integration of us, we had so beautiful and positive music all the time, the most delicious food and lovely company, they make sure everything is nice and comfortable to experience this process, I felt in trust and happy to share this experience with such a nice people! I’ll definitely come back. "

"If you are looking for an extremely structured and safe company to use, absolutely consider Avalon. The Shaman's they picked in my retreat were PHENOMENAL! They take great care in creating a program that allows you to go fundamentally and intrinsically deep in your healing, leaving you with a toolkit to delve into when you are integrating. Chef's kiss. It was a transformational process. In some ways life changing and in equal measure life affirming. HOWEVER... In my group there were certain individuals who were overwhelming and overbearing. Not only in the ceremonies but in every activity, including integration. Despite the groups outspoken view (we were told we could share without judgement), management decided to protect their brand and management structure instead of finding other ways to allow for certain overbearing individuals to have their experiences away from the main group. I say this on 4 accounts of accountability from management. The forth one i can allow some leniency, but it needs to be said nevertheless. I will also say this. Many of us and you reading this... "There is always a price to pay". Not all of us have endless funds and it is a serious commitment we are undertaking. 1. When i saw on the intake form "Do you agree to take a drug test" I took that very seriously and subject myself to extreme discomfort in the build up of the retreat in my diet phase. I took no drugs and stopped all my supplements, which normally made me feel fundamentally good in my day. No drug test took place and one member of the group admitted to be on anti depressants (admission of this was on the last day). This could have ruined the whole experience for us as we came to learn that the combination of anti-depressants and ayahuasca could be fatal. This was a huge oversight, especially as it felt the question asked was purely lip service. 2. Discernment was not applied in the interviewing process by management. Either the client in question lied about their personality or management did not ask deep enough questions to consider how individuals would impact the whole group. Furthermore, if management were lied to they should have had extra facilities to accommodate this, especially as the whole group bar none complained daily. Nothing was done. If you are reading this and on some level you know you lie about your personality, know that the majority will find out and some will have the courage to speak on the matter with INTEGRITY. Why else would be subject ourselves to such an experience. 3. We were told we could share our experiences without judgement and on the whole we could, however, when it came to speak our truth on specific individuals having an impact on ALL of our ceremonies it was met with a "spiritual cloud" to look within and assess whether in some way the deficit in our own understanding and area of healing needed more work. This was incorrect, misplaced and not delivered well. It jarred many souls' experiences. Energy never lies. 4. I wanted to share the above 3 points in my 1:1 session, but was challenged to think on whether the 1:1 was the right setting in which to share these thoughts. I pondered in silence and came to the conclusion that the uncomfortable amount of time it took for me to come to that conclusion that the 1:1 was not the right place. However, I did say to the facilitator to please arrange a time to hear my significant thoughts before the retreat ended in person, which was met with a commitment. The commitment never emerged. Therefore, i write this in full here. To note, I definitely don't mean 1 star, but in the world we live in many people read negative comments than positive, so here we are. "

"Avalon have thought of everything with love and care. I felt genuinely welcome and safe whilst being guided through my stay - Not just the ceremonies, but every activity and integration too. The team are warm and loving, the setting is beautiful - I would 100% recommend x"

"I want to say a huge thank you to the whole team at Avalon for everything that they did for my group and I over our 4 day ayahuasca retreat. Everything was perfectly planned from start to finish to create a safe and loving space where we could fully experience and integrate the powers of Uni (ayahuasca), and everybody did everything and anything they could to support us. A special thanks to our shaman Waxy Yawanawá and her daughters Hukê and Sanã, their care and guidance throughout was nothing short of amazing. If you have the chance to take part in a retreat here, do it. "

"I am so glad I chose Avalon for my first plant medicine experience. It was extremely well organised, the location was lovely, the food delicious and beautifully presented, the staff warm and caring. Waxy and her daughters were amazing and played, sang and took care of us during the Ayahuasca and Kambo ceremonies. The integration coaches created a safe space for us to share experiences and be vulnerable. Thank you so much. Blessings"

"I had an amazing week with incredible people. It was transformative and magical. The organization and the team were perfect. Everything was great. I couldn´t ask for more!!. A week of pure peace and love!!! I highly recommend Avalon! It changed my life for the great! Thank you Avalon team. It´s beautiful what you do!. Best "

"Danilo and Ilse have created a beautiful place here and you can feel with every fiber that they love what they are doing. They create an environment of deep trust which is essential to go deep. They create an environment of love which is essential to open your heart and let the healing begin. The rest is really up to you. The newly created dome is another highlight, and I will forever look fondly back on the Ayahuasca night sessions we had in there and the angelic singing of Isle - big fan here: please let me know once I can hear you on Spotify ;) I also start to miss the excellent food Ilse prepares and I might go back just for that (: All in all, these 4 days were nothing but magical to me and I give the experience a 10/10."