• ★★★★★ Rated 5 out of 5 Google Text

  I can't say just how amazing New Life was. Jeanae and Matt are so wonderful and I'm so thankful to have had the opportunity to come to this retreat. They have the most beautiful property and so many trails to walk and I loved getting to do that each day. The food every meal was so delicious and I'm not vegetarian at all! I really hope Jeanae puts out a recipe book so I can make these things at home for my family! I loved getting to do yoga on ceremony days, it really helped to put me in a good headspace. Matt led each ceremony beautifully and the music he played was exactly what I needed during that time. I left the retreat with so many things learned. I am truly grateful to have had the experience that I did so I can implement those things into my life. I can honestly say for me, my experience was life changing. So much so, that my husband wants to come here for a retreat himself. I highly recommend coming here if you are interested in trying Ayahuasca at all. You will not regret it.

• ★★★★★ Rated 5 out of 5 Google Text

  Hands down one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. I’m so thankful for Jeanae and Matt. This retreat helped me in ways I can’t even explain and I’m already planning my trip to come back. Anyone interested in doing ayahuasca, this is the place to go.

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

  With Gratitude to Mother Aya and the New Life Team

  I want to voice my sincere gratitude to the team at New Life Ayahuasca (as well as the group who shared this experience with me) for providing such a loving and supportive space for meeting Mother Aya and receiving her medicine. I cannot imagine a better situation for such an important personal journey. Thank you.
  
  The Team
  
  Matt: Although he does not call himself a Shaman, it is clear that he is the real thing. As a person, Matt is a master of process with genuine curiosity and is courageous with honesty and vulnerability. As a Shaman, he is a master of bridging the ordinary and non ordinary worlds while offering modest but wise counsel in how to relate to your journey across that bridge into the spiritual dimensions of the psyche. I am impressed by Matt and I like him but more than that I am grateful for his sacrifice and his mastery.
  
  Jeanae: While Matt creates an amazing bridge between the ordinary and non ordinary realms, Jeanae is the loving keeper of the ordinary. She is practical and level headed but open and kind and quietly nurturing. She prepares delicious and healthy meals, takes your plates, listens to your stories, makes sure your basic needs are met, and does not draw any attention to the fact that she is looking after us all like a dutiful and caring mother.
  
  Jason: During my retreat Jason assisted Matt and Jeanae so I wanted to express my appreciation for him as well. Jason is gentle and easy going and funny but also courageous and a fellow traveler. Jason helps to model what it means to be on your own inner journey and how to share that with other people on their journey. He will look after you during the ceremonies and tends to things while you are not watching and overall is an essential part of the experience of New Life. Thank you for cleaning those purging buckets, Jason!
  
  The Group
  
  Although the retreat team is obviously essential for a healthy experience, so too is the group of participants. As the ego dissolves into the background of a broader, richer psyche, one becomes aware of the collective nature of the group. This experience is an important tension between a highly personal, individual journey as well as a collectivity that requires thoughtfulness and intentionality to be a good group member. For this reason I believe it is valuable that New Life limits its group size and I think you will come to that conclusion as well.
  
  The Setting
  
  The retreat center is actually a great design for this retreat. You get your own room (unless you want to share it with your partner) and your own bath. There is a nice open common space with books for reading and beautiful esthetic elements thoughtfully placed around the flow of rooms. There is a stellar view of the jungle and ocean from the common porch where everyone likes to hang out and debrief. The late night bonfires under the starry Costa Rican sky, the monkeys passing along the fence line after lunch, the cats and the massage therapist and the open-airness of the building design: it is a very good balance of intimacy and personal space so that you are fully supported by the environment for whatever aspect of your process is unfolding next. I was also pleased with the ritual space. It is essentially the yoga studio but adorned with ritual elements for the ceremonies. It is a good space for the purpose of the Ayahuasca journey.
  
  The Experience
  
  One thing that’s clear: each person has their own experience and that same person’s experience can differ dramatically from one ceremony to the next. It can also happen that a person has three very similar ceremonies on the same retreat. Going into the Ayahuasca encounter does not seem to be well suited for expectations. What seems to be more productive is focusing on surrender and acceptance during the ceremony. It does appear to be helpful to go into a ceremony with an intention but to hold that intention loosely and not allow it to become an expectation. Really it is the same set of principles one finds in meditation. What you seek becomes separated from you by the attachment you have to the idea of what you are seeking. Best to let the ideas go and focus on receiving the medicine through willingness and surrender.
  
  I found that the team at New Life modeled these principles during the whole course of the retreat and this clearly helped us find our way through the experiences.
  
  Finally, it has been about a month since my retreat and I see with each day how important it is to stay attentive to the slow, gradual integration process. What I am doing after the ceremonies is certainly as important as what I experienced during. This experience truly has marked the beginning of a New Life.

• ★★★★★ Rated 5 out of 5 Google Text

  I want to voice my sincere gratitude to the team at New Life Ayahuasca (as well as the group who shared this experience with me) for providing such a loving and supportive space for meeting Mother Aya and receiving her medicine. I cannot imagine a better situation for such an important personal journey. Thank you.
  
  Matt: Although he does not call himself a Shaman, it is clear that he is the real thing. As a person, Matt is a master of process with genuine curiosity and is courageous with honesty and vulnerability. As a Shaman, he is a master of bridging the ordinary and non ordinary worlds while offering modest but wise counsel in how to relate to your journey across that bridge into the spiritual dimensions of the psyche. I am impressed by Matt and I like him but more than that I am grateful for his sacrifice and his mastery.
  
  Jeanae: While Matt creates an amazing bridge between the ordinary and non ordinary realms, Jeanae is the loving keeper of the ordinary. She is practical and level headed but open and kind and quietly nurturing. She prepares delicious and healthy meals, takes your plates, listens to your stories, makes sure your basic needs are met, and does not draw any attention to the fact that she is looking after us all like a dutiful and caring mother.
  
  Jason: During my retreat Jason was their assistant so I wanted to express my appreciation for him as well. Jason is gentle and easy going and funny but also courageous and a fellow traveler. Jason helps to model what it means to be on your own inner journey and how to share that with other people on their journey. He will look after you during the ceremonies and tends to things while you are not watching and overall is an essential part of the experience of New Life. Thank you for cleaning those purging buckets, Jason.
  
  The setting of the retreat is very thoughtful and relaxed with a great balance between private space and the support of a small, intimate group.
  
  One thing that’s clear: each person has their own experience and that same person’s experience can differ dramatically from one ceremony to the next. It can also happen that a person has three very similar ceremonies on the same retreat. Going into the Ayahuasca encounter does not seem to be well suited for expectations. What seems to be more productive is focusing on surrender and acceptance during the ceremony. It does appear to be helpful to go into a ceremony with an intention but to hold that intention loosely and not allow it to become an expectation. Really it is the same set of principles one finds in meditation. What you seek becomes separated from you by the attachment you have to the idea of what you are seeking. It seems to work best to trust Mother Aya to do Her work and you stay open to receiving the medicine and letting go of any attachments to ideas or expectations.
  
  I found that the team at New Life modeled these principles during the whole course of the retreat and this clearly helped us find our way through the experiences.
  
  I will definitely be returning to New Life and will recommend it to anyone who says they are ready to encounter wisdom and genuine healing.

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

  Life Changing

  When I got called to Ayahuasca and began researching retreats, I instantly knew this was the place I wanted to go. I can't say enough good things about how beautiful the property is, how delicious the meals were, how enjoyable the waterfall day was and how welcoming and helpful Matt, Jeanae and Jason were the entire time.
  The ceremonies exceeded my expectations and were beautiful from start to finish. Matt's singing and leadership were mesmerizing and made me feel very safe even though I was completely out of my comfort zone. Jeanae's presence was helpful, peaceful and her flute playing is so beautiful it brought me to tears. Jason's presence and comradery was appreciated and you can tell all three of them share a special bond in the work they do together. This is not easy work to do but I look forward to getting to know Mother Aya much better and am continuing to process and integrate my experience. I'm beyond grateful to have had this adventure and cannot wait to go back! Thank you NLA for feeding my soul in such a sacred way.

• ★★★★★ Rated 5 out of 5 Google Text

  This retreat was the best experiences of my life. It was challenging work but so worth it! Matt and Jeanae went above and beyond to make us comfortable and have fun while giving us a safe space to explore the benefits of the medicine provided. I can't wait to go back!

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

  Forever Grateful

  This was my second retreat with New Life and I am beyond happy that I was able to go back! My first ever Ayahuasca experience was with Jeanae and Matt in 2019 and it was truly life changing.
  
  I spent the last two years enjoying better overall health having more clarity and continuing to grow. It has been a journey where each step is intentional and necessary.
  
  Life continues to happen so unfortunately this time I arrived with so much pain, regret, confusion and grief. I was really struggling the recent loss of two close family members and with many other major life changes as well. Things I had never had to deal with before. From the moment I arrived though, I felt at peace, supported and safe. Jeanae and Matt are so entuned with the group and are so authentic.
  
  I could not imagine a better environment where you can be vulnerable while also being understood. Each day I feel stronger and more at peace. There is a definite shift in me and I have a sense of direction/focus that I really needed right now.
  
  I love the beauty of the property, the view, and the animals. One morning there was a white faced monkey in a tree outside my bedroom window. It was amazing, he was looking right at me! I am also very fortunate to have had such amazingly kind and generous people in my group. They helped me so much!.
  
  If you are feeling called to Ayahuasca, do not hesitate. Know that many of us travel alone to New Life in Costa Rica. Jeanae and Matt have everything organized and are incredibly thorough. From their driver that picks you up at the airport to helping organize the return to the airport as a group with all the information necessary about re-entry requirements.
  
  I truly am FOREVER GRATEFUL!

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

  Very refreshing

  I've had an amazing time and gained valuable insights.
  Sitting by the fire after the ceremony and having heartfelt discussions was my favorite part.
  Having yummy vegetarian meals all week really set me up to being more disciplined with my diet.
  I committed myself to doing yoga every morning and I have not missed a day.
  Running through the jungle was fun and the pool was a welcome surprise.
  Overall, I feel very refreshed and energized.
  Looking forward to going back.

• ★★★★★ Rated 5 out of 5 Google Text

  I've had an amazing time and gained valuable insights.
  Sitting by the fire after the ceremony and having heartfelt discussions was my favorite part.
  Having yummy vegetarian meals all week really set me up to being more disciplined with my diet.
  I committed myself to doing yoga every morning and I have not missed a day.
  Running through the jungle was fun and the pool was a welcome surprise.
  Overall, I feel very refreshed and energized.
  Looking forward to going back.

• ★★★★★ Rated 5 out of 5 Google Text
• ★★★★★ Rated 5 out of 5 Google Text

  I thoroughly enjoyed my time on the retreat and had a week I will remember for a long time! I felt fulfilled and overwhelmed by the amount of healing and discovery I experienced with some lovely people in an intimate setting. I was well looked after and more importantly - experienced a full recovery from a long-term mental illness. The week was mixed with beautiful walks in the surrounding area and some time for yoga also. The food was really well cooked and was prepared appropriately for the ceremonies and massages. I can’t express how much this made me love my time in Costa Rica! To share this retreat with some beautiful people made it even better!

• ★★★★★ Rated 5 out of 5 Google Text

  Amazing. After experiencing its very appropriately named NEW LIFE probably because that's how you see life after. Thank you Matt and Jeanae for everything - we love you so much!

• ★★★★★ Rated 5 out of 5 Google Text

  Matt and Jeanae are kind and compassionate people who have opened up their own journey to help others live a new life. So grateful for this place and their knowledge and teaching about the medicine. Ceremonies are epic and intimate. I will continue to go back year after year.

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

  We loved it

  We are so grateful that we experienced the healing power of Ayahuasca with Matt & Jeanae at New Life. We're also blessed that we went through this life changing experience with the most wonderful group of people. We each had our private rooms and bathrooms which was perfect for when we needed time to process and recoup. Matt is an amazing shaman and sings the icaros so beautifully, and Jeanae and Jason's presence during the ceremonies is very comforting. Thank you for everything, you guys are the best!

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

  Best Healing Community

  Matt & Jeanae have created one of the warmest environments I can think of. From the moment you talk to them on the phone, you know youre in the right hands. They provide a nurturing environ ment, with the right balance of giving space and helping. I am forever grateful for their part in healing my soul. I can't recommend them & New Life Ayahuasca enough. I will be back.

• ★★★★★ Rated 5 out of 5 Google Text

  I have never felt more safe or taken care of. Matt & Jeanae are true Caretakers. I cannot recommend New Life Ayahuasca enough. It will change your life.

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

  Eye opening!

  I just finished my first retreat at New Life Ayahuasca with Matt & Jeanne here in beautiful Costa Rica. What a wonderful experience! Such a great group to experience this with. I feel as though I have a whole new family. I have a lot more work to do to clear the pain in my life, but lady Ayahuasca made it quite clear to me that I need to release that pain before it causes illness in my body.
  I came away knowing without a doubt that my pent up depressed emotions are what’s causing my health issues!
  I couldn’t have had a more wonderful environment. Matt & Jeanne are wonderful hosts. The food was amazingly healthy, the waterfall trip was so much fun, Yoga was great & the massage was probably the best I’ve ever had! If you’re contemplating an Ayahuasca experience, I would highly recommend New Life. It was so comfortable from the moment I got there and was an experience I will forever remember. Thank you!!

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

  Best Ayahuasca Retreat

  Matt and Jeanae are amazing people and really cares for every guest. I am so happy that I chose this retreat and I highly recommend anyone that’s interested in drinking ayahuasca to whose this place. The waterfall trip was amazing, the massage was great, and the ayahuasca journey was unforgettable. One of the things that separates this retreat from the others is that you get your own room. Experience of a lifetime.

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