• ★★★★★ Rated 5 out of 5 Google Text

  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.

• ★★★★★ Rated 5 out of 5 Google Text

  My wife and I recently spent a week (7 day retreat) at New Life Ayahausca. First things first, if you're considering an Ayahausca experience, I'd highly recommend ending your search and simply book with Matt and Jeanae. If this is not the best Ayahuasca retreat in the world, then it has to be on a very short list. Add to that, the Pura Vida of Costa Rica, and you have an experience that can literally change your life.
  
  There were 5 other people on the retreat with us (making 7 in total). Adding Matt, Jeanae, and Jason (one of the support team members), the total group size of 10 seemed the perfect size. My experience with plant medicine (or psychedelics in general) is limited to a single psilocybin trip and some high-dose marijuana experiences. But after several suicide attempts, years of counseling/therapy, and a daily dosage of synthetic serotonin; it was time for me to try Ayahuasca. Other's in the group had a "more robust" background in the psychedelic arena. Matt, Jeanae, and Jason seemed to connect with and help everyone in the group navigate through the week in a unique and caring way; regardless of the person's history and past experiences. I won't go into detail on the emotional and spiritual aspects of the week; however, the Ayahuasca ceremonies had (and still have) an extremely profound experience on my life.
  
  On a practical side: the vegetarian meals cooked by Jeanae are delicious (and I love a medium rare steak as much as the next guy); the grounds are beautiful with amazing trails to hike; the pool is clean, large, and refreshing; the rooms (with adjoining bathroom) are private, clean, well kept, and very comfortable; the birds and monkeys are exciting to see; and the WiFi was unexpected bonus :-). Like I said up front, make your reservation now because this is simply an amazing place!
  
  Matt, Jeanae, Jason, and Chopper (the cat); thank you for a beautiful and life changing experience!!

• ★★★★★ Rated 5 out of 5 Google Text

  If you’re searching for an ayahuasca retreat, look no further. Matt and Jeanae are incredible people and do everything in their power to make your experience a pleasant one. They offer private rooms (which you won’t find at many other retreats) which allows you to really process your experience in private, and they also keep the group number small (9 max) which allows them to give you the help and guidance you need. Matt takes his calling very seriously and puts his all into each ceremony, which really shows in the beauty and authenticity of the ceremonies. I can say with all honesty that going to New Life was the best decision I’ve ever made, and I plan on going back in the future. If you feel a calling to experience ayahuasca I highly recommend going to New Life Ayahuasa!

• ★★★★★ Rated 5 out of 5 Google Text

  It is hard to put into words the gratitude I feel towards Jeanae and Matt for such a life transforming adventure.
  
  Ayahuasca is a present from the gods and these two dedicate their time and energy towards offering the best possible experience to their guests. After turning their life around thanks to the medicine, they are now driven by a sense of duty and share that precious gift with everyone in need.
  
  When they could easily turn their retreat into an industry, they prefer instead, to stick to smaller groups so that everyone benefits from both individual attention as well as well needed privacy. The added benefit of the reduced group size is the rapid sense of belonging and connectedness that take place, especially after the first session.
  
  As to the guests, I was astonished to find a guide in each and everyone of them. They helped me shatter limitative beliefs, offered precious wisdom and mentoring and highlighted hidden aspects of myself that were buried until then. I am now lucky to call some of them my friends. Life is well made indeed.
  
  When it comes to Ayahuasca, not only is it literally impossible to explain the experience, but I also believe one should go without expectations or excessive knowledge so as to reap the maximum benefits from it. When you will be called to take it, know that you will be in a safe and caring environment at « New life Ayahuasca » (something that is unfortunately not always the case).
  
  I cannot conclude this review without mentioning Jason, Fernando and Luis who all contribute to this wonderful experience thanks to their hard work, smiles, and dedication.
  
  Overall, I want to thank each and everyone of you for transforming people’s life. This is a very noble cause and we are privileged to have you. Take care and untill next time!
  
  Pura Vida ❤️
  
  Leonardo

• ★★★★★ Rated 5 out of 5 Google Text

  Amazing experience that I highly recommended. Jeanae and Matt run an incredibly warm, comfortable, and thoughtful retreat center. From day 1, you truly feel like you are part of a family. There is no need to think twice, you will undoubtedly be in good hands.

• ★★★★★ Rated 5 out of 5 Google Text

  Beautiful setting. Delicious food. Comfortable accommodations. Amazing facilitators. Epic experience. This was more than I expected, a truly life-changing experience that I will never forget. If you are considering an opportunity to dive deep into your psyche, clean out the cobwebs, and emerge renewed, look no further. Jeanae and Matt are the real deal. You will not be disappointed!

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

  2nd Retreat and it keeps getting better

  I have attended two retreats with Matt & Jeanae and am now planning my third. The first retreat opened my eyes to the transformative healing power of Ayahuasca, now I understand that my journey is just beginning. The second retreat offered deeper levels of understanding and a relationship with the medicine that I never expected. Matt and Jeanae have created a loving space free of judgement, where guests are given the privacy and freedom to explore what called them to this home in the Costa Rican hills. The ceremonies themselves take the guests on a journey starting deep within the Amazon, through laughter and pain, and ultimately into your heart. Jeanae cooks, Matt sings Icaros, Chopper roams, people leave happy.

• ★★★★★ Rated 5 out of 5 Google Text

  New Life Ayahuasca is becoming a second home for me, and I do not state that lightly. Co-owners Matt and Jeanae have created something truly wonderful within the hills of San Ramon, Costa Rica. It is a place to experience the transformative powers of Ayahuasca free of judgement, in a home-like setting that offers both privacy and intimacy with the small retreat groups or by oneself by the midnight fire. The food is fantastic, massages are relaxing, the Kambo is healing, and Matt guides the Ayahuasca Ceremonies with beautiful Icaros that transports the group deep within the Amazon, weaving an emotional journey of strength and protection. I have attended twice, and am already planning my next visit. Thank you Matt & Jeanae.

• ★★★★★ Rated 5 out of 5 Google Text

  You won't find two people doing this work with more integrity, Matt and Jeanae are very humble and grounding human beings and provide the environment you are going to want for such a powerful experience. The property is beautiful, food is great, groups are the perfect size, I didn't have to worry about anything except for my own inner life. I will probably be doing Aya with these people for many years

• ★★★★☆ Rated 4 out of 5 Google Text

  Didn’t attend the retreat. Had to cancel last minute due to a mishap in transit.

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

  Just Do It

  New Life Ayahuasca is my happy place! Matt & Jeanae are wonderful hosts, the property is beautiful and relaxing and the medicine has the power to change your life in ways that nothing else can. I've been to 2 retreats at New Life in the past 3 years and I'm still constantly discovering new things about myself from my time there. In my experience, ayahuasca is not a cure-all but instead it's like a wise grandmother teaching you things about yourself that will help you to be incrementally happier and healthier.

• ★★★★★ Rated 5 out of 5 Google Text

  Absolutely incredible experience. Matt and Jeanae are incredible, made me feel very comfortable throughout the journey.

• ★★★★★ Rated 5 out of 5 Google Text

  I had an incredible experience here and I already can’t wait to go back! This was my first time with the medicine and I was very nervous, but Matt and Jeanae made me feel comfortable from the minute I got there. Right away I appreciated having my own room, and it turned out to be even more valuable on ceremony nights. The property is beautiful, we saw toucans and capuchin monkeys and even a few turantulas! The food was amazing and mostly vegan, and the ceremonies were beautiful and meaningful. The rest of the time was a perfect blend of activity and down time. Jeanae was an amazing host, yoga teacher, chef, kambo practitioner and friend. Matt was also an amazing host, and led the ceremonies in a powerful way, the kind of powerful where you KNOW there are spirits communicating directly to him, in a personal way and also for the participants. I could really go on and on about how awesome this place and the experience was, but it basically sums it all up to say I will be coming back here, and don’t think I’ll ever feel the need to go anyplace else. Thank you Matt, Jeanae, Jason and the cats, for a life-changing experience!!!

• ★★★★★ Rated 5 out of 5 Google Text

  Greatest thing I've ever done. I'm 36 years old, working from home in big tech, living a stable but monotonous life, wrought with depression and self-doubt, and recently out of a divorce and a cross country move. I was confused about a lot of things and was having hard times with allowing my PTSD to control me. The ayahuasca ceremony led by Matt was beautiful, heartfelt and inspirational. I traveled 9000 years passed in a few hours on earth to understand how much of my life I was wasting worrying about things I had no control over. I was able to let my past go. I now feel emotionally centered and more in-control of my path.
  
  Matt and Jeanae are the most gracious of hosts. Very down to earth, not some spaced-out hippies. The property was gorgeous, the rooms comfortable, clean, and bright. Jeanae's cooking was wonderful. Mostly all vegan of which I had little to no experience. I lost 3 pounds and felt more energetic in the mornings than I had in ages.
  
  A note about ayahuasca. Everyone will react differently. You will do well to really take some time before the trip and understand what you want to accomplish. Ayahuasca can reveal your true self to you which was frightening for me because I was always in denial about my emotions. My trip had a very clear mission but I knew exactly what I wanted to get from it. After the purification part of my trip, I was rewarded with visions of the purest beauty imaginable. But all my visions had very personal links. I felt reborn in some ways which I will never forget.
  
  If you did research on ayahuasca or DMT and ended up here, look no further. New Life Ayahuasca was the answer for me.

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

  Greatest thing I've ever done.

  Greatest thing I've ever done. I'm 36 years old, working from home in big tech, living a stable but monotonous life, wrought with depression and self-doubt, and recently out of a divorce and a cross country move. I was confused about a lot of things and was having hard times with allowing my PTSD to control me. The ayahuasca ceremony led by Matt was beautiful, heartfelt and inspirational. I traveled 9000 years passed in a few hours on earth to understand how much of my life I was wasting worrying about things I had no control over. I was able to let my past go. I now feel emotionally centered and more in-control of my path.
  
  
  
  Matt and Jeanae are the most gracious of hosts. Very down to earth, not some spaced-out hippies. The property was gorgeous, the rooms comfortable, clean, and bright. Jeanae's cooking was wonderful. Mostly all vegan of which I had little to no experience. I lost 3 pounds and felt more energetic in the mornings than I had in ages.
  
  
  
  A note about ayahuasca. Everyone will react differently. You will do well to really take some time before the trip and understand what you want to accomplish. Ayahuasca can reveal your true self to you which was frightening for me because I was always in denial about my emotions. My trip had a very clear mission but I knew exactly what I wanted to get from it. After the purification part of my trip, I was rewarded with visions of the purest beauty imaginable. But all my visions had very personal links. I felt reborn in some ways which I will never forget.
  
  
  
  If you did research on ayahuasca or DMT and ended up here, look no further. New Life Ayahuasca was the answer for me.

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

  A New Life

  Matt and Jeanae are excellent and caring hosts. The entire retreat feels comfortable and you are made to feel at home at the retreat home, which is large enough to provide individual space while still feeling intimate and cozy. Matt is an incredible guide during the ayahuasca ceremonies, and both he and Jeanae make every effort to make the participants feel safe and comfortable. Every individuals experience will be different, yet it feels like one must be open to the medicine to reach something truly transformative; which was my experience. Matt and Jeanae are great, the food is amazing, the location is private, all the elements are in place for ayahuasca to work her magic. I will be back. Thank you!

• ★★★★★ Rated 5 out of 5 Google Text

  I chose New Life as my first place to experience an Ayahuasca ceremony. I have sense returned here for a second time. Both times yielded radically different experiences for me. Please read the end of the post for an update regarding my second experience.
  
  First of all, I did over 10 years of research on the subject. I knew the experience was going to be right for me, I needed to find the location that would be right for me. I originally had my heart set on Peru, but later learned of a luxury resort in Costa Rica with all the bells and whistles. Both places are striking on contrast and I wanted to choose something in between.
  
  I did not want the submerge myself deep in the Amazon jungles of Peru for my first experience, not knowing how vulnerable my mental, physical, and spiritual state would handle Aya. Nor did I want to completely remove the rawness of the Aya tradition from the experience.
  
  New Life proved to be a beautiful healthy balance for me. The location is on a large property covered in forest where there is a lot of nature and life to see. The view up in the mountains was breathtaking to say the least.
  
  What I appreciated about the rooms were how big they were and all guests get a private room to themselves which is highly important when doing the medicine for the first time. The groups are small in intimate. Only 6 people in our group. That too proved to be an important part of my experience. If I was a part of a group that included 30-80 people, I would have gotten extremely overwhelmed. A small group is a must (for me at least) when doing Aya for the first time. You will learn so much about yourself and often others will play into your experience with the medicine. 6 people was the right amount to process all our experiences together.
  
  The food was healthy and delicious! Matt is a legitimate shaman in every sense of the word (although Shaman is not a word he will use to call himself). That includes being humble and respectful of people's experiences. The shaman is a super important person to guide you while using the medicine. You need to be able to trust them and respect them. They need to show integrity and experience. He is all that and more.
  
  Jeanae (Matt's wife) is also a facilitator at the retreat. She prepares the delicious meals, leads yoga sessions and administers the Kambo ceremony. She also took us on a nice hike through the forest. She is such a lovely woman and full of soul. She has this permanent smile on her face that made me feel happy every time I was around her. She also offers support at the ceremonies which turned out to be quite helpful to me. Both her and Matt are kind people who take care of their guests amd are there to answer any questions you have, and boy did I have a lot!!
  
  4 MONTH UPDATE: I just completed my second retreat at New Life, 4 months after my first one. This time around I had a radically different experience than the first time. The medicine gave me a lot of emotions to deal with and process through. I am happy to give a review on New Life in this aspect as well.
  
  It's easy for a retreat to offer 5 star service to guest that are having an amazing time, but how do they fair up when a guest is having a hard time with the medicine? I mean after all, most of us seek out Aya because of heavy shit we want to release right? I am happy to report that they still deserve a 5 star rating and I was in good hands.
  
  I came to process through life traumas, and boy did the medicine allow me to "go there". Matt and Jeanae respected my emotional state. They gave me space when I needed space and made themselves available when I needed some one-on-one counseling. They did everything in their power to emotionally ease any fears or uncomfortable feelings I had, without pressuring me to feel any different. Jeanae especially knew what to say and do to help me find my "power" again. They are amazing and are doing a fine job in their contribution towards the evolution of humanity.

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

  Joy and Gratitude

  I was called to Mother Aya, after my husband went to New Life. At first I was not called. I though not for me. Then, my husband went 6 months prior and returned home a different man, I was so grateful for his peace and reclamation of his true self. My kids immediately noticed a difference. They positively exclaimed, "what happened to Dad?"
  
  
  
  6 months later, I was called to learn from Mother Aya. My experience at New Life was deeply profound and bliss filled. The grounds are private and safe. The experience was perfect for me. The simple, natural culturally abundant environment and quality care was restorative and perfect. I met wonderful people and felt privileged to witness their journey. I had a wonderful experience and powerful insight to blind spots I needed to explore. Matt and Janea are generous with their love and desire to help people without being over bearing. They are kind, wise and perfect space holders for Mother Aya to speak perfectly to each participant. Matt and Janea, your love and work is so appreciated. Thank you for taking such good care of us. Doing what you do and providing life healing medicine to so many. My family would not be the same without your work. Thank you, I am forever grateful. See you soon. Much love, Alexis

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