• ★★★★★ Rated 5 out of 5 VocalReferences Text

  So grateful that I found New Life!!

  I couldn't imagine finding a better retreat than New Life for my first Aya experience. Matt and Jeanae create the perfect atmosphere for your journey. They provided enough space for each person to experience their individual journey, while also supporting the collective experience. They are truly exceptional at everything (and possibly every instrument?) and have thought out every detail! Along with Craig and Lena, the entire team makes you feel nothing but safe and supported throughout your entire stay.
  
  The small group size and many wonderful group activities (eg meals, yoga, trip to beach, sharing circles) create an amazing intimate family-like atomosphere to support you throughout - and after - your journey. It was so lovely getting to know this new family over the week (and after) and learn from others' journeys!
  
  Being able to participate in such an incredible journey alongside such dedicated, caring, and skilled facilitators is one thing, but the entire atomosphere of the resort provides such an incredible environment to give your all to the aya experience. Jay and his team have created a beautiful eco-resort where you are surrounded by so much beauty and nature. Being able to reflect on your experience from your balcony overlooking the ocean, listen to the many animals around you while taking a hike, taking a refreshing dip in the infinity pool, and beautiful seating areas were all unexpected treats. Every inch of the resort feels so luxorous and relaxing!

• ★★★★★ Rated 5 out of 5 VocalReferences Text

  This was our first experience with ayahuasca, and it was incredible!

  New Life Ayahuasca is the real deal. Matt, Jeanae, Craig, and Lina are deeply passionate about their work and take it very seriously. This high level of commitment is demonstrated in every aspect of the experience they create and facilitate for their retreat attendees.
  
  (1) a thorough medical screening before allowing you to make a deposit
  
  (2) clear guidance for retreat preparation to ensure an optimal experience
  
  (3) small, intimate groups with at least four staff members that guarantee personal attention
  
  (4) retreat activities that foster group bonding and promote health & wellness
  
  (5) a safe and sacred space for TRADITIONAL AYAHUASCA CEREMONIES
  
  (6) an EXPERIENCED & INSIGHTFUL AYAHUASQUERO FULLY IMMERSED in the world of ancient sacred traditions & practices
  
  (7) delicious vegan meals that even my husband (a staunch carnivore) said were good
  
  (8) a beautiful facility with comfortable accommodations, amazing views, a relaxing saltwater infinity pool, and access to nature
  
  (9) post-retreat integration guidance & resources, including links to integration therapists
  
  (10) no cult-like behavior or icky sales tactics
  
  This was our first experience with ayahuasca, and it was incredible. We are so happy we chose New Life and can't imagine going anywhere else. Matt and Jeanae are in their element and doing precisely what they were meant to do!
  
  I highly encourage taking advantage of the airport transfer to New Life that Matt and Jeanae offer. Although I wasn't looking forward to riding in a shuttle for two hours with strangers, the bonding that occurred during that ride was invaluable in the overall experience.

• ★★★★★ Rated 5 out of 5 Google Text

  New Life Ayahuasca is the real deal. Matt, Jeanae, Craig, and Lina are deeply passionate about their work and take it very seriously. This high level of commitment is demonstrated in every aspect of the experience they create and facilitate for their retreat attendees.
  
  (1) a thorough medical screening before allowing you to make a deposit
  
  (2) clear guidance for retreat preparation to ensure an optimal experience
  
  (3) small, intimate groups with at least four staff members that guarantee personal attention
  
  (4) retreat activities that foster group bonding and promote health & wellness
  
  (5) a safe and sacred space for TRADITIONAL AYAHUASCA CEREMONIES
  
  (6) an EXPERIENCED & INSIGHTFUL AYAHUASQUERO FULLY IMMERSED in the world of ancient sacred traditions & practices
  
  (7) delicious vegan meals that even my husband (a staunch carnivore) said were good
  
  (8) a beautiful facility with comfortable accommodations, amazing views, a relaxing saltwater infinity pool, and access to nature
  
  (9) post-retreat integration guidance & resources, including links to integration therapists
  
  (10) no cult-like behavior or icky sales tactics
  
  This was our first experience with ayahuasca, and it was incredible. We are so happy we chose New Life and can't imagine going anywhere else. Matt and Jeanae are in their element and doing precisely what they were meant to do!
  
  I highly encourage taking advantage of the airport transfer to New Life that Matt and Jeanae offer. Although I wasn't looking forward to riding in a shuttle for two hours with strangers, the bonding that occurred during that ride was invaluable in the overall experience.

• ★★★★★ Rated 5 out of 5 Google Text

  What an incredible experience this retreat was. The time to disconnect from the outside noise was well needed. The work that was done was intense and indescribable. The relationships that were built were unbreakable. Thank you so much Matt and Jeanae for your guidance and care, along with Craig and Lina. The price was a bargain for everything that was included. Highly recommend!

• ★★★★★ Rated 5 out of 5 Google Text

  Look no further for the right place to participate in ayahuasca ceremonies - this IS it. I've been to New Life 5 times in a span of 7 years so far and I can truly say that Jeanae and Matt create the outmost authentic experience you could hope for. Coupled with impeccable attention to detail and dedicated staff , you can rest assured you are in the right hands and on the right path

• ★★★★★ Rated 5 out of 5 Google Text

  I just recently completed my second retreat at new Life, the first being 2 years ago. There are several options available if Ayahuasca has called you. New Life , in my opinion , is the best experience for many reasons.
  First, Matt & Jeanae . You wont find more dedicated, passionate people to guide you through this journey. Two of the most beautiful souls I have ever met. Both during ceremony and hanging out on off days, they are real and genuinely care about you.
  The facility and the food are incredible. The meals are definitely made with love and the lodging is beautiful and comfortable.
  The ceremony itself will be your own personal experience but no matter what your reason or intention to be here, it will be life changing. That's a whole new conversation and could never be described in this format.
  One of the best reasons to choose New Life is the small groups they cater to. Most of the retreats I see will host upwards of 30 in the group. New Life will host smaller groups of 10 to 15. This provides a more personal experience and allows you to bond with everyone there.
  This is a magical place and a magical experience. I am planning my 3rd journey as I continue to grow. It will be at New Life. If Mother Ayahuasca is calling you, I highly recommend you stop searching where to go and schedule your own experience right here.

• ★★★★★ Rated 5 out of 5 Google Text

  I recently had the privilege of attending an Ayahuasca retreat led by Matt and Jeanae, accompanied by their fantastic helpers Craig and Lina. I must say it was an extraordinary and life-changing experience. From the moment I arrived, I felt a sense of safety and comfort that set the tone for the entire retreat.
  
  The retreat location was nestled in the midst of breathtaking natural surroundings. The serene and peaceful environment contributed significantly to the overall ambiance, allowing me to fully immerse myself in the transformative journey that lay ahead.
  
  Matt and Jeanae, our facilitators, deserve special commendation for their exceptional guidance and support throughout the retreat. Their expertise, compassion, and dedication to creating a safe and nurturing space were truly remarkable. They took the time to connect with each participant individually, addressing our concerns and making us feel seen and heard.
  
  Craig and Lina, the helpers, were also fantastic. Their presence and assistance during the ceremonies and integration sessions were invaluable. They offered support with warmth and kindness, ensuring that we felt comfortable and cared for during the entire process.
  
  The ceremonies themselves were conducted with great care and respect for the sacredness of the Ayahuasca tradition. Matt and Jeanae ensured that we were well-prepared and educated about the plant medicine, setting clear intentions and expectations. They emphasized the importance of surrendering to the experience and trusting the process, which was crucial for unlocking the deep healing and spiritual insights that Ayahuasca can offer.
  
  During the ceremonies, I felt supported by the facilitators, as well as Craig and Lina, who were present to assist whenever needed. The atmosphere was reverent and filled with a sense of unity and shared purpose among the participants. Matt and Jeanae's presence and guidance, along with the assistance of Craig and Lina, helped create a container of trust and safety, allowing us to navigate the profound and often intense emotions that arose.
  
  The integration sessions held the day after each ceremony were invaluable. Matt and Jeanae, along with Craig and Lina, skillfully facilitated group discussions and provided personalized guidance to help us make sense of our experiences and apply the insights gained into our daily lives. Their wisdom, empathy, and non-judgmental approach allowed for deep reflection and personal growth.
  
  In addition to the ceremonies and integration sessions, the retreat offered various other activities, including meditation, yoga, and nature walks. These complementary practices helped to further deepen the transformative process and provided a holistic approach to healing and self-discovery.
  
  Overall, my Ayahuasca retreat experience with Matt and Jeanae, along with the fantastic assistance of Craig and Lina, was truly remarkable. It exceeded my expectations in every way, leaving an indelible mark on my spiritual journey. I felt safe, supported, and held throughout the entire process, allowing me to delve into the depths of my being and emerge with newfound clarity and purpose.
  
  If you're seeking a profound and life-changing Ayahuasca experience, I wholeheartedly recommend Matt and Jeanae's retreat, with the added appreciation for the fantastic helpers Craig and Lina. Their expertise, genuine care, and commitment to facilitating healing and growth make them exceptional guides on this transformative journey. Prepare to embark on a profound adventure of self-discovery and leave with a renewed sense of purpose and connection to the world around you.

• ★★★★★ Rated 5 out of 5 Google Text

  Well, where to begin. This experience has been life changing and just what I needed. I did not expect to make lifelong friends and to meet people who have inspired me to be the best version of myself. Thanks to people like Craig and Lina I gave myself the opportunity to be vulnerable. Thanks to my fellow attendees I felt safe, loved, encouraged, and supported. To the individual who is reading this...you are in capable hands. Matt and Janeane are authentic quality people who sincerely care about the individuals who come through their doors. When you are ready, and only when YOU are ready I highly encourage this experience. Come with an open mind, an open heart, and with open arms. Leave your expectations, what you need is not always what you want. Best of luck!

• ★★★★★ Rated 5 out of 5 Google Text

  I went to New Life with tempered expectations and a bit of hope. I think I got what I needed. I didn't have the deep cosmic experience that some people had but I do feel healed somewhat. I have been battling addiction with alcohol for years and every time I've quit, I've done it with a fear that I would start drinking again eventually and always did. There was always a "justification" for drinking again too, and a "rationale" that during relapse made it okay in my mind. Ayahuasca, I think, eliminated that broken thought process. I no longer fear relapse and I am in a better overall mood every day. I'm not gonna say I'm a completely new person. I will always have to be of the knowledge that I'm an alcoholic and that no matter how socially prominent alcohol is it's something that will only ever serve to poison me and my ability to maintain healthy relationships with the people in my life. Ayahuasca has facilitated a renewed ability to know that and to know it without trepidation. Not only will I never drink again but I don't think I'll ever experience social guilt for not drinking. I mean I can say that with confidence! I hope this provides some perspective for anyone struggling with addiction who may be considering Ayahuasca. It also doesn't hurt that Matt, Jenae, Lina, and Craig are probably the kindest people you could ever hope to meet and that the retreat property is insanely nice. The food was always great as was the view, be it looking out over the ocean or watching monkeys (legit MONKEYS) climbing and scampering through the trees! I believe I made some wonderful new friends during my time there and I really hope to return some day and see what else Mother Ayahuasca can show me. Go.

• ★★★★★ Rated 5 out of 5 Google Text

  Such a beautiful experience. Matt and Jenae are incredible leaders, they made me feel safe, inspired, and cared for. Watching Matt in ceremony was like watching a new art form that I’ve never seen. The facility was so so so nice. The food was incredible. A perfect retreat. Would love to come back and drink with them again.

• ★★★★★ Rated 5 out of 5 Google Text

  My experience at New Life was amazing. Matt and Jeanae created a great atmosphere and made you feel like family. From the start of the retreat, you felt completely comfortable and like you were at home. To top it off, the lodging, food and staff support were top notch. New Life went above and beyond in every aspect and i highly recommend it.

• ★★★★★ Rated 5 out of 5 Google Text

  I attended my 3rd retreat with New Life at the beginning of March 2023. My first and second retreats happened in 2016 and 2017 and at that time, I was trying to work through heavy childhood traumas. I needed several years to integrate the lessons Aya revealed - I needed to do the work. In 2022 I started to feel the call again - the term “tune up” kept popping into my head, and so scheduled a retreat with New Life - as I thoroughly trust Matt and Jeanae, and further trust that they have my and other guests best interests in mind. New Life is now in a different location than the beautiful place I visited 6-7 years ago, but I view the new property as an evolution - just as Matt and Jeanae have evolved in their practice and facilitation, and just as I have evolved in my life, the new location feels like where New Life needs to be now. It is a beautiful location with a safe and welcoming energy. I had a great retreat experience - after years of personal work, I was ready to release the past and fully face forward while also living more intentionally in the present. Aya helped me to do that and has been a blessing for me in my journey, as have Matt and Jeanae and the team they have assembled. I highly recommend New Life and know I will go again, for the occasional tune-up and for the opportunity to spend time with like minded others who are on their own healing journeys.

• ★★★★★ Rated 5 out of 5 Google Text

  I only have amazing things to say about Matt & Jeanae. They have built a beautiful retreat for people who are looking for a safe and gentle introduction to this incredible plant medicine. They welcome all with open arms - holding space in such a genuine way during the ceremonies.
  I love their new location & accommodations at Toji eco resort and can’t wait to come back next year.
  I recommend them to everyone, and will continue to do so for the years to come. If you’ve been searching for a place to discover mama aya, look no further.

• ★★★★★ Rated 5 out of 5 Google Text

  I approach New Life with as little expectations as possible and some anticipation as to what it will be like. I was pleasantly surprised not only by Matt and Jeanae's ability to conduct a beautiful and safe ceremonial experience but also by the love, humbleness, and grace they portray. Greig and Lina both support protecting the sacred ceremonial space and are so kind, supportive, full of compassion and so much love.
  
  The food was simple yet very delicious, the space was beautiful surrounded by nature, birds, monkeys, and butterflies. I felt like I was in a little paradise that I would have loved to stay in forever!
  I was so lucky with the group that I shared this experience with, we all connected so beautifully and shared stories, tears, and laughter.
  
  I hope to come back one day to New Life and drink again with these beautiful souls that I was blessed to meet and with Matt, Jeanae, Greig and Lina and repeat one of the most beautiful weeks of my life.

• ★★★★★ Rated 5 out of 5 Google Text

  I had no idea what to expect when I decided to venture to Costa Rica and experience Aya.
  I couldn't have picked a better place for this. The amount of love, support and care you get from Matt, Jeanae, Lena and Craig is immeasurable. You can feel their passion behind what they do and their absolutely genuine want for you to have the best experience possible. Whatever that may be for you.
  I got exactly what I needed from this.
  I enjoyed it so much, I do have intent to visit again.
  I loved and appreciated the small group size. This made the experience that much more memorable and allowed me to feel safe and taken care of which I feel allowed for more medicinal integration.
  It was a magical experience and I'm glad to have met each one of them along with all the beautiful participants I met.
  Much love and gratitude
  Ah-ho! ❤️

• ★★★★★ Rated 5 out of 5 Google Text

  This was one of the most important things I have ever done in my life. At the time of my retreat, I have been sober from drugs and alcohol nearly 13 years. Even though I felt truly blessed, my past and my anxiety would put me in a dark place. I feel I really tackled this head on in my ceremonies. I felt like I had completed a thousand 5th steps. I’m very grateful that Matt and Jenne had the vision for this place, and Craig and Lena are amazing. Truly remarkable people all around.

• ★★★★★ Rated 5 out of 5 VocalReferences Text

  Life Changing Experience

  To be honest I wasn't sure what to expect going into this retreat, but, this experience has given me an entirely new perspective of myself and the people around me. Matt and Jeanae are exceptional people and the work they do is to be commended. Everything from the location to setting was perfect. Craig and Lina rounded out the team and elevated the entire experience with everything they do. I left with a sense of calm and clarity that I haven't had in years, and the glow doesn't seem to be wearing off.
  
  Since this ended I've taken steps that I was reluctant to take for years and I am looking forward to continuing down this path. I am not sure when I will return, only that I will, because this was truly a life changing experience. No matter what I say I can't possibly express my gratitude to the entire New Life team. Thank you so much and please keep up the amazing work you are doing.
  
  Looking forward to clearing off this mental baggage before returning for what I am sure will be an entirely unique second retreat.

• ★★★★★ Rated 5 out of 5 Google Text

  I was fortunate enough to be apart of one of New Life’s recent retreat’s and there are truly no words for how amazing my experience was. Matt and Jeanae are pure magic all through out the retreat and you really feel the love they are sharing to make a great experience during the ceremonies. Craig and Lina had so much care for everyone and complimented the retreat so well. Everyone was doing their part to give the best experience and it really felt like they cared throughout the entire thing. I’m so grateful for all of them and all of the amazing people I met during the retreat, it was a life changing experience. I would give a million star review if I could. I look forward to seeing them all again when I’m ready for my next retreat.

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