"Bruno (Aya) is a master of his craft. This was my first time with Ayahuasca. The ceremonies were personal, eye-opening and literally outta the world!!! The sketches were a great insight into my own life. He has a lot to offer and I’ve learned a lot about myself and hope I do justice to my post ceremony integration. If Ayahuasca wills it again I’ll be back to Bruno in a heartbeat! Much love, respect and blessings to him and anyone considering this journey!
P.S.: Thank you Parvati (Bruno’s daughter)"
Highly Rated Retreats in Provincia De Alajuela Costa Rica
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Types of Retreat in Provincia De Alajuela Costa Rica
Short Retreats in Provincia De Alajuela Costa Rica
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Upcoming Retreats in Provincia De Alajuela Costa Rica
Experiences on Retreat
"My husband and I did a five-day couple's retreat at Blue Butterfly Center and are so happy that we did. Aya and Kay put a tremendous amount of work into creating a meaningful experience for us, from a beautiful location and thoughtfully prepared meals to the ceremonial aspects of the retreat. It was incredibly memorable, thought-provoking, and the experience gave us a unique look into our own patterns and ways of being that we likely would not have otherwise accessed. We felt incredibly safe, cared for and tended to during our time there and very much hope to cross paths with Aya and Kay again in the future! "
"I recently had the opportunity to participate in an Ayahuasca retreat, and I can honestly say that it was a transformative and enlightening experience. The retreat provided a safe and supportive environment, with experienced facilitators who guided us through the process.
The ceremonies themselves were profound and deeply introspective, allowing me to explore my inner thoughts, emotions, and spirituality in ways I had never imagined. The insights and revelations I gained during these ceremonies were nothing short of life-changing.
I left the retreat with a newfound sense of clarity, inner peace, and a deeper connection to myself and the world around me. I would wholeheartedly recommend this Ayahuasca retreat to anyone seeking personal growth, healing, and spiritual awakening. I'm already looking forward to doing it again in the future."
"I recently attended the Blue Butterfly retreat in Costa Rica, a truly transformative experience guided by skilled facilitators Aya Navin and Kaybeliz. This retreat seamlessly blends NLP and drawing therapyies, with yoga and introspection, offering a unique path to personal growth.
The NLP sessions unveiled profound self-awareness, unveiling hidden traumas I could then address with the help of the plant medicine ceremonies (which were personal, well facilitated, guided and beautiful) while the drawing therapy sessions allowed for creative healing amidst Costa Rica's breathtaking natural beauty.
The retreat's serene surroundings further enhanced the experience; a half hour walk from an untouched river and mountains, providing the perfect backdrop for inner exploration. Comfortable accommodations and a supportive staff from Olga, with organic fresh fruit and veg beautifully and deliciously prepared, and getting to know the local families fostered a sense of community and growth.
Leaving the Blue Butterfly, I felt revitalized and deeply connected. For those seeking personal growth through combining indigenous plant medicine experiences combined with Westernised NLP and drawing therapy under the expert guidance of Aya Navin and Kay, within the stunning landscapes of The Children’s Eternal Forest, this retreat is an unforgettable five-star experience."
"I can’t thank Bruno and Kay enough for their incredibly beautiful spirit and calming presence throughout my entire experience.
I felt safe and supported, understood and healed by both of their expertise. They take the ceremonies incredibly seriously as they should, one must respect the medicine and their knowledge of the medicine and how quickly they learn about you as a person is quite incredible. The fact that the groups are small only adds to the experience in my opinion - one can get such uninterrupted support from both of them that it made my time there all the more special.
I truly cannot thank Bruno enough for his patience with me (he knows what I’m talking about ;) ) his knowledge and confidence in the medicine and in me. I’d like to thank Kay for her caring and loving guidance and her amazing cooking!
They have a beautiful family and that’s a reflection on the type of people they are - one of a kind.
Thank you x"
"It’s very hard to put into words how much this experience has changed my life!
So to start: The centre is beautifully isolated in the mountains, surrounded by nature and beautiful views as far as the eye can see. It is simple yet beautifully decorated inside, in keeping with Costa Rica and the abundance of beauty it has to offer. The food was honestly amazing, and I made Olga and Kay’s work even harder by being gluten free but they both did a marvellous job of ensuring I was very full at every meal! Seriously delicious!
Now to the ceremonies - truly an out of body / out of this world experience. Ayahuasca is not a drug. If you want to get “high” then go take mushrooms or other psychedelics. This is medicine and should be respected, taken seriously and treated as such, with clear intention and lots of emotional and spiritual investment - this way you will get so much more than you could ever expect from this amazing medicinal therapy. Commit and focus on what you want to get out of it and you will not be disappointed.
On top of the ceremonies, the other healing sessions and drawing therapy really helped me open up my experience with ayahuasca at another subconscious level. Both Bruno and Kay are incredibly patient and loving people and only enhanced my experience further, they really are like extended family to me now.
If you’re thinking about an ayahuasca experience then definitely do it, and do it at butterfly centre - Namaste!"
"If, like me, you feel strangely called to this experience, there is a reason for it. Also, if like me, you feel some hesitation or doubt or worry about joining, there is a reason for that, too.
Some may give in to that doubt and not come, and I think that’s fine for them. But for me personally, I was filled with doubt about a lot of things. I was in my head so much that it was making me sick, especially mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. I found the healing I needed here. It wasn’t what I expected coming in, but I decided to trust the part of me that was calling me to the center over the part of my ego that was full of doubt and mistrust. I am very thankful I did.
Also, be assured that Bruno and Kay take very good care of all of their participants. They do not have the power to cure you, but they are excellent, wonderful, loving guides on how to cure yourself both with and without the medicine. As far as recommendations go, I give my full unequivocal endorsement to the Blue Butterfly Center.
I wish you many blessings, love, and peace no matter what your journey looks like. 🙏🏽"
"I hoped all my problems would magically disappear somehow during this experience but they didn't. What I did learn from this sacred medicine, and from Bruno, Kay, and all the lovely beings I met during this retreat are the ultimate tools for life; love, kindness, patience, gratitude, and a deep reverence and stillness I didn't know was possible. The mind can become incredibly still and present. In that state is where we can all reside, in peace, in the Self. Eye highly recommended this retreat. Infinite love family! 💚🙏👁🙏💚"
"This visit was everything I could have wanted and more. If you are Looking for a retreat center where the people are kind, gentle, and extremely knowledgeable then this is it. I felt so safe, welcomed and loved. Bruno and Kay are amazing people who understand people and the process. Not only were they here for me before I arrived but also after. If you are Looking for a safe, comfortable, family oriented environment then the Blue Butterfly Center is it. Btw - the food was amazing, too!! It was a beautiful experience and I am a different person because of it. All my love ❤️ "
"Nothing more to say - Bruno and Kai are beautiful souls helping others to remember their souls. If you feel called to come here, you are in good hands. "
"This retreat was an amazing chance to slow down and a trigger for me to start thinking about life differently.
The location, Casa Mendez, was stunning and very peaceful. Surrounded by nature, we saw sloths, hummingbirds, toucans, lizards etc in the day and had a night tour around the grounds seeing colourful frogs and much more. I could've sat in the back porch all day amongst the animals, plants and water features.
Bruno and Kay were very kind and caring and I learned a lot from them. I felt in safe hands during the ceremonies and was comfortable opening up to them. I really enjoyed the different activities and, although I didn't believe in every aspect of the techniques, the experience overall was incredibly valuable to me.
I was drawn to this retreat due to the location, price and the fact that there would only be a few other guests in the group. I think having a small group (4 total) made a huge postive difference.
Overall, this was the most valuable thing I have done for myself in a long time and I'm truly grateful to Bruno, Kay and Casa Mendez for the experience and the changes that this retreat has triggered in me."
"Words cannot describe how grateful I am for Bruno and Kay. They were so incredibly kind and welcoming; they treated me like I was a part of their family. I learned sooo much about myself, and they gave me the tools I needed in order to continue to grow and learn about my abilities. This retreat was so insightful and wonderful and beautiful and every positive word I can think of to describe it. I left as a more open, healed, and knowledgeable person. Do it!!"
"Bruno is an angel sent from heaven for me. He changed my life and I’m so forever grateful. He knew everything I needed without me having to say a word. Chills!! He’s beautiful inside and out and I’m so immensely thankful to have met him. His knowledge and wisdom goes beyond words. There was no coincidence for him to take me through this ayahuasca journey!! So grateful for you Bruno words will never be enough to express my gratitude!!!!"
"If you’re thinking about this retreat with Bruno and Kay it’s no coincidence. They changed my life and I’m so forever grateful! They are the definition of family and are so knowledgeable on so many levels with such beautiful souls. I’ve learned and have grown IMMENSELY and will continue to grow as it is endless. The therapies they incorporate is what really caught my eye for this retreat and wow did they go beyond what my mind could perceive. They have SO much experience & wisdom and it shows. The retreat is breathtaking and filled with so much love from the whole family. Each activity is so special and you can expect the unexpected in the most beautiful way. No amount of words could describe my gratitude to Bruno and Kay!!! If you’re thinking about going, have no doubts. Trust!!!!!
~ Everything is good, & go with the flow ~
Thank you again so much Bruno and Kay! You’ve left your footprints on my heart forever <3"
"The price is steep but for what you get, it's worth the admission. It was just myself for this retreat and from the start, Bruno and Kay treated me like their own family. From the beginning, I stayed at a beautiful bed and breakfast house. The owners of the house made the house themselves from scratch and it shows. There are multiple ponds with koi fish, turtles, lizards, and frogs. They also made a huge man-made forest with a ton of wildlife that I received a night tour at. I got the appropriate amount of meals when needed and with dieting requests as well. The activities done were drawings, meditation guidance and practice, and 2-3 more that I can't remember the names of it right now. All of those activities were amazing and helped me combat/prepare some of life's obstacles. As for the main event, Bruno and Kay, were very knowledgeable in the spirituality and even lent me books to help me on my journey since I knew nothing about spirituality. It was a huge learning curve trying to understand what they were discussing bit they were patient with me and answered all my questions with respect and dignity. As for the ritual, both Bruno and Kay joined and assisted me both times. They were attentive and helped me during the most painful and scary parts of the ritual. Though everyone will have their own thoughts and experiences, personally I believe both ritual events were successful with no mental or health complications. They prepared me mentally and physically to deal with the ayahuasca. I definitely received some answers to some questions I have had through life and raised even more questions that I will have to do homework to solve. Every retreat will have their own methods and style to doing retreats and the ritual, this place is no different, in a good way. If you have any doubts, I definitely recommend the butterfly retreat center."
"When I first got to the retreat center, I learned that the location where I was staying was a new space for the retreat. La Casa de Mendez was an absolutely stunning place and I felt like that made the whole retreat experience richer. Plant medicine was new to me and I was curious and nervous. Both Bruno and Kay worked with me prior to the ceremonies on different exercises that really made me look inward with some challenging questions. Not everything went according to a set schedule, which made me really switch my brain to go with the flow. I truly did enjoy my experience at this retreat and the people that I met at the retreat were kindred spirits. This experience will be one that I won't forget. "
"If you want to engage in a merely transactional relationship and be given straightforward instructions on how to best take advantage of the healing benefits of Ayahuasca in a take it or leave it scenario: this isn’t the retreat for you.
Bruno and Kay welcome you into their FAMILY. It is a weeklong DISCUSSION about the soul, the cosmos, our existence and how we can help rebalance ourselves and align to those levels of energy we had when we came into this world. The utilization of plant medicine is merely an aid in that journey. Bruno and his family believe the things they teach, they partake in the ceremonies with you and spread their love by welcoming you into their family as part of a spiritual awakening. There is no commercialism here. This is not a quid pro quo situation. It is an organic and constantly evolving situation as is the case throughout the rest of the world and time. If you are looking for a cheap and easy means of getting high, there are other less intimate and more “successful” methods. But if you are looking for true healing then look no further. "
"If you want to engage in a merely transactional relationship and be given straightforward instructions on how to best take advantage of the healing benefits of Ayahuasca in a take it or leave it scenario: this isn’t the retreat for you.
Bruno welcomes you into his FAMILY. It is a weeklong DISCUSSION about the soul, the cosmos, our existence and how we can help rebalance ourselves and align to those levels of energy we had when we came into this world. The utilization of plant medicine is merely an aid in that journey. Bruno and his family believe the things they teach, they partake in the ceremonies with you and spread their love by welcoming you into their family as part of a spiritual awakening. There is no commercialism here. This is not a quid pro quo situation. It is an organic and constantly evolving situation as is the case throughout the rest of the world and time. If you are looking for a cheap and easy means of getting high, there are other less intimate and more “successful” methods. But if you are looking for true healing then look no further. "
"Bruno welcomed me into his family (literally) the experience was immersive and emotional. The group was small and tight knit which made it a very beautiful experience.
We learned together, grew together, laughed together and cried together, it was like years of close friendship packed into an impossibly small space of time.
"
"Bruno and Kay are wonderful! They deliver much more than just two ayahuasca sessions. Because the maximum number of people is 4, it allows for a very individualized experience. The whole environment, the preparation and the integration is designed to provide the best possible healing. The drawings and the talks with Bruno and Kay are very helpful. It is very useful, because it helps you focus on some things you might not have thought of. They also provide a very safe and comfortable environment to do the ceremonies.
When I arrived at the Butterfly Retreat center, I had a lot of tension, stress in my body and my mind had a tendency to start racing very easily. Now, I am much less stressed, it's been forever since I felt this sense of calm. The stress is dialed down 80% and it's much easier for me to bounce back to a default calm state after a stressful situation. I smile more easily now.
I'll be forever grateful to Bruno and Kay for all the help!"
"Through loving kindness and acceptance, Bruno gently opens your heart and mind to a world within yourself. He does this all with a quick wit and lightheartedness that can be hard to describe. Bruno has many gifts to offer, including profound insight that will stay with me for a lifetime. I am in awe of what Bruno is doing to those who seek his assistance."
"It is hard to find the words to describe my time at the Butterfly Retreat Center. What I witnessed within myself and the other guests, over only a few days, was miraculous. Bruno, Kay and Family offer open hearts and profound guidance, moving you to reconnect with your soul. My experience with them will be forever etched into my heart and mind, and for that I am truly grateful. "
"Bruno has a good heart with true intentions to allow each individual to expand their consciousness and their heart. He gives the space necessary to do your work and steps in with wisdom from time to time. "
"Bruno and Kay have an amazing and loving family. My experience here was a transformative one. Everyone in my group can attest to that. After the first ceremony each person had a major shift in openness for the rest of the days together. Very safe. Very relaxing. Amazing view each morning on a hillside overlooking the volcano.
Couldn’t believe how interesting and educational the whole experience was. I’m a different person after this, or at least closer to who I should be. Thank you. "
"Great and magical experience in a beautiful environment. This experience means a lot to me. Thank you very much Bruno, Kay & his lovely family!"
"It's been a few weeks since my retreat and I'm still uncovering things I've learned and let go of. The back drop of volcano start nights and mountains made it the perfect place to find yourself and not take life so seriously. You're welcomed into a loving family and given so much individual attention. My marriage is in the best place it's been in years, I'm a more patient and loving mother. This retreat helped me let go of so much self hatred that years of meditation and yoga never could. I made life long friends and am already planning another trip to Costa Rica. I was skeptical but now know I was meant to meet these amazing people. Just book it. "
"Every word from Brunos mouth was intentional. So much respect for our physical being and so much respect for the medicine. His presence makes you want to live daily with intention. There are so many things he said that I will hold on my heart. Including all his perfectly timed Dad jokes. Forever grateful for Bruno and the selfless time he devoted to me. "
"The entire experience with Bruno and family was life changing. Every conversation, activity, integration, nutrition, and session was truly what my broken heart and unbalanced being needed. I will continue to grow and better myself, multiple times , per year through them. Beyond thankful. If you feel called to the medicine, Bruno and family are pure and genuine facilitators. "
"The experience was an amazing one. From the month before the retreat, where Bruno and Kay helped set the expectations and recommendations (diet, self work), all the way to the retreat itself which was special, evolving, transformative, insightful. They hosted from the heart, and I know I can always reach out to them in the future for more guidance.
I came to reconnect with my self and the medicine together with Bruno and Kay’s guidance helped me do that."
"A truly life-changing experience. Bruno and Kay welcome you into their family and share their love, wisdom, and patience with each individual on the retreat. The retreat is highly personalized and individual attention is paid to each. The setting itself could not have been more enveloped by natural beauty. You wake up to a view of the largest volcano in Costa Rica, overlooking green mountains and a beautiful lake. The local community, food, flaura and fauna add to and enhance the overall experience. I put my trust in Kay, Bruno, and their family, and it was reciprocated tenfold. I would recommend this retreat to not just people searching for answers, but to anyone looking to understand themselves, and the world at large on a deeper level. Everyone should do their own individual research on whether or not Ayahuasca is right for them - it is a powerful and unique medicine that demands respect, understanding, and the right mindset. If you do choose to pursue Ayahuasca, there's no better environment than with Bruno, Kay, and their family. "