What to look for to find a safe, quality Ayahuasca Retreat?

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Like most things in life, there a broad variety of Ayahuasca retreat options, and a number of factors that effect the quality and cost of an ayahuasca retreat that you may like to take into consideration:

• Safety: Many smaller operators are not in a position to invest in safety, and unfortunately, there are too many sad stories out there. (recommendation: choose a retreat that does in-depth screening to ensure your physical, psychological, and spiritual well-being). ‍

• Legality:  Practitioners who have dedicated their lives to medicine work typically live in locations where it is legal, so they don't have to live in a state of "what if". (recommendation: consider whether travelling to a place with "new energy" might be in your best interests).

• ‍Size of the group: It's common for retreats to have 20, 50, even 100 people in ceremony, which can be chaotic. Additionally, you are less likely receive the level of attention from healers that you are probably looking for. (recommendation: choose a retreat with an intimate group of say, 8-15 people).

• Length of the retreat: Shorter retreats feel rushed, and there are limits to what can be done in a few nights. (recommendation: go for at least a week).

• Comfort: (recommendation: spend a little extra for something where you will be physically comfortable and have your own bedroom to decompress and integrate, especially if this is your first time). Your future self can thank us later.‍

• Cosmology: (recommendation: choose a retreat that supports your own subjective experience, or one that you feel aligns with you energetically). The energy of the retreat and ceremony leaders will have a profound effect upon your experience. ‍

• Holistic approach: (recommendation: work with an organization that takes a holistic approach to working with medicine, and has options to support and guide your mental and emotional evolution). If a provider implies that "medicine will solve all your problems", proceed with caution (because it won't!).‍

• Service: (recommendation: choose a place that you believe can serve your individual needs. Consider whether or not they've taken the time to get to know you and understand you, or it's more of a take it or leave it retreat center).‍

• Booking process: (recommendation: speak with the provider before finalizing your booking). If it's all online, ANYONE could be sitting next to you in ceremony.‍

• Expertise: (recommendation: work with an organization that emphasizes healing, and you believe has a breadth of expertise to guide your transformation). Look for facilitators and healers who have a lightness of being and a sparkle in their eyes.‍

• Reputation: (recommendation: Google the provider). You may be surprised by what you find. If there's not much information, that is also information :)

• ‍Volunteers: (recommendation: work with an organization that pays their staff). Unfortunately, it is common practice for retreat centers to cycle through young, eager, and worn out volunteers and/or not pay healers fairly. If the people supporting your retreat aren't living their best life, they're not going to be able to lead you to yours.

Given the potential, power, and sensitivity of working with Ayahuasca, who you choose to work with is undoubtedly one of the most important decisions of your life, so we encourage you to take the time and the energy to educate yourself to be able to make a good one. If you're in a position to do so, you may also like to consider a private retreat.

If our recommendations above feel energetically aligned for you, and you'd like to explore a journey with Behold, apply below.

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Looking for a little more guidance for one of the most important decisions of your life? Watch this video.

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In recent years, ayahuasca tourism has become increasingly popular, with people from all over the world seeking out ayahuasca retreats in countries where the brew is legal.

Sadly, ayahuasca is not legal in the Netherlands, so those looking to experience its benefits will have to travel to another country. However, there are many legal ayahuasca retreats available in nearby countries such as Portugal, Spain, and Peru.

Ayahuasca is a powerful tool for healing and self-discovery that can help people to overcome traumas, addiction, and other mental health issues. If you are seeking an ayahuasca retreat, be sure to do your research to find a reputable provider. There are many scams and dangers associated with illegal ayahuasca tourism, so it is important to be safe and informed before making any decisions.

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1. Behold Retreats, Portugal 

Finding the perfect ayahuasca retreat is paramount when choosing the location for your healing journey.  Currently, ayahuasca is illegal in the Netherlands but only a short plane ride away, Behold Retreats Portugal offers the perfect environment for a deeply healing experience. Their clean, comfortable and secluded retreat in the naturally tranquil surroundings of southern Portugal provides the ideal foundation for a truly healing ayahuasca experience.  Many previous guests have commented on the parallels between the physical surroundings of the retreat and their internal peace found while undergoing treatment with ayahuasca. Led by a team experienced in dealing with trauma and deep wounds, Behold Retreats Portugal offers safe and effective ayahuasca ceremonies for newcomers and returning visitors alike.  Whether it’s your first time experimenting with medicinal plants or you have experienced an ayahuasca ceremony before, Behold Retreats Portugal is one of the best ayahuasca retreats Europe has to boast. 

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Want to experience Ayahausca in a small group of thoroughly-vetted guests? We would love to speak with you.

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Check out our upcoming ayahuasca retreats in Costa Rica, Mexico, Portugal, and the Netherlands.

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2. Pont de Molins, Barcelona, Spain

At this ayahuasca retreat center, groups are no larger than 20 and often smaller. Ceremonies are conducted in English but should you have any enquiries that are hard to express in English, Arabic, Catalan, Portuguese, Romanian and Spanish are also spoken.  Healing massage, yoga sessions and awareness workshops are also offered at this retreat. Giving guests multiple options to learn and grow, alongside healing plant medicine treatment. Ceremonies and activities are provided by experienced shamans and trained psychologists on a beginner, intermediate and advanced skill level and conducted outside where possible, to be closer to mother earth and adhere to distancing guidelines. 

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3. APL Shamanic Journeys, Kalmar Län, Sweden

APL Shamanic Journeys strive to create a traditional ayahuasca ceremony by inviting a Peruvian shaman, who has experience with plant medicine and healing, to conduct their ceremonies.  The team is led by a highly experienced healer and herbalist, who provides training and knowledge on other medicinal plants as well as ayahuasca, such as Kamé and rapé. Daily yoga sessions and 5 guided ayahuasca ceremonies throughout your stay promise to offer guests ample opportunities to connect with mother earth and the master plant.  Group sizes are limited to 10-12 participants to facilitate an intimate ceremony of healing, contemplation and introspection.

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4. Font de Paz y Felicidade, Algarve, Portugal

At this healing retreat, guests can take part in a multitude of healing practices including yoga, meditation, dance, horse therapy and sound healing alongside ceremonies with plant medicine derived from ayahuasca, all provided by a team of certified and experienced healers. Located in the South West corner of Portugal, set in mother nature’s picturesque landscapes and close to beautiful beaches, the place really honors its name (Font de Paz y Felicidade meaning source of peace and happiness). And proves to be an ideal location for a healing ayahuasca retreat, as mother earth would have intended.

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5.  Playa de Santiago, Canary Islands, Spain

The peaceful Spanish island plays host to an idyllic ayahuasca retreat, the facility boasts an outdoor swimming pool, garden, terrace, restaurant and bar. So peace and comfort are easily found here. Guests’s stays are centered around plant medicine and healthy living in general, provided through healthy daily meals, a detox juice fast, colon hydrotherapy, and of course ayahuasca ceremonies. So rest assured knowing that choosing this ayahuasca center for your spiritual retreat, also comes with a plethora of other beneficial activities too.

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