• ★★★★★ Rated 5 out of 5 Google Text

  What a profound experience! This was my first experience with Ayahuasca and plant medicines in general. I was in a difficult transition phase in my life where my career, relationships, and mindset all felt like they were flying off the rails. I needed a catalyst to break out of this negative feedback loop and to start enjoying life again. I had done enough research on Ayahuasca to know that it was worth a try, but I did much more research on finding a practitioner that I could trust, and an environment where I would feel safe. I came across New Life by doing a google search and read all of their reviews, and was immediately convinced that this was the place.
  
  SET - Jeanae and Matt have designed a program around having the most meaningful experience with the medicine. While this experience may not always be comfortable, they ensure that whatever experience you have, you will be safe and will be adequately assisted by experienced staff if needed. Their program also helps you develop an optimal mindset going into each ceremony. This is achieved by the healthy and delicious daily meals prepared by Jeanae. The meals were Aya-friendly, Tico-oriented, veggie friendly, and absolutely delicious! Their program also prepares you by offering a comprehensive yoga session each ceremony day, which consists of light flow, some balancing, some ab-work for the puke muscles, followed by savasana and a light shoulder massage. Finally, they provide you ample downtime each day, for meditation, intention setting, and reflection, which is very important ahead of ceremony.
  
  SETTING - The property is absolutely astounding! It is several acres and includes hiking trails, quiet lookouts with amazing views, a lap pool, a hot-tub, and plenty of nature to explore. On my hike I saw some white face monkeys, toucans, and what I am still convinced are flying turkeys (no one believed me). There were also several common areas for guests to congregate, sip tea, and have post-ceremony crazy-talk. The most important factor with this property is the fact that each guest had their own private room and private bathroom. Each room was surprisingly large and the bed was very comfortable. I found that private rooms are not always offered with other retreats, which is unbelievable to me. While puking together in ceremony is quite the bonding experience, it is very important to have your own space to relax in peace and quiet, and to celebrate your own private toilet-time. I cannot stress this enough.
  
  SINCERITY - Matt, Jeanae, and Drew are extremely experienced with the medicine and have the upmost respect and integrity when working with it. Matt does not call himself a shaman, which is a loosely used term these days. I will say that I was blown away by his knowledge, authenticity, sincerity, and respect for the medicine. Matt has an unbelievable gift with music and conducting the ceremony. I have watched several ceremonies on YouTube after this retreat, and nothing comes close. It is hard to describe, but to use a gringo word, it is LEGIT. Jeanae is also extremely talented and plays the flute towards the end of the ceremony. This is a very peaceful transition in the ceremony, and I am grateful for that peace (you will be too!). Drew was also very experienced and helpful in ceremony. I cannot thank you both enough for caring for us in ceremony!
  
  Overall, I can't say enough positive things about this experience and the amazing people behind it. I hope to make this trip again sometime. It was truly an unforgettable experience.
  Gracias para todo! Pura Vida!
  Jonathan

• ★★★★★ Rated 5 out of 5 Google Text

  Great option for treatment-resistant PTSD.

• ★★★★★ Rated 5 out of 5 Google Text

  Very comfortable PRIVATE accommodations WITH BATHROOM! Not easy to find when looking for a aya retreat. And there's nothing like their comfortable soft beds after a aya ceremony. The hot tub and indoor pool took some steps to get to but even with my bad back isn't wasn't bad. Beautiful grounds to walk on. Matt and Jeanae take a lot of care in the food, yoga and ceremonies. Very grateful for this experience. Best of all you won't be doing a ceremony with more than 7 other people. This truly makes a difference in your experience. I was lucky and only had 3 other people in my ceremony which allowed me to focus on my experience and my healing. All these things play an important role in your entire experience. Don't waste your money on going to Rythmia. I promise you that you do not want to do a ceremony with 40-80 people. I can't imagine how chaotic that would have been but just having other people around can affect you. New Life is one of the most affordable retreats and the airfare is much cheaper to Costa Rica than Peru or Ecuador. Best of all even in the rainy season the weather is so much better in Costa Rica. I found that I went to bed earlier and got up earlier to enjoy the nothing before it started to rain but even the rain was pleasurable and the retreat is open and airy so plenty of nice places to sit and enjoy the outside. Also the pool and hot tub is indoors so you can enjoy them at any tim . The waterfall excursion was a nice plus as wel .

• ★★★★★ Rated 5 out of 5 Google Text

  Where do I begin? New Life Ayahuasca was an experience I will cherish for the rest of my life. It was my first time out of the country and I couldn’t have been in a more safe and positive environment. Matt and Jeane was the best host. Every day was filled with the relaxation and yoga, massages and some of the best food, clean food I have ever eaten. I really want the recipes from Jeane that’s how great the food was. My Aya experience was intense to say the least, but it was the best therapy and clarity I’ve ever had all my years on this earth. I’ve been back in the states almost two weeks now so I am still trying to integrate everything that I have learned into my life. However I feel so much better. I decided to try planet medicine for my issues with generational curses and depression (I said I wasn’t ever saying that word again, but typing it is fine). The Shaman Ron was amazing. He was so genuine and easy to talk to. All I felt was great energy from him. I would like to say that he saved me from a lifetime of pain. He removed the negative spirit from around me and my bloodline and I am forever grateful. I feel like I can actually start enjoying my life and live, really live. Everyone who was attending the retreat was some of the coolest people I have ever met. I am really looking forward to growing closer with those people and I’m even thinking that maybe I should attend a retreat every couple of years just to keep myself sane in this world we live in. New Life Ayahuasca is the place to go if you need healing. I am forever grateful. Peace and Love

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

  A New Me

  Where do I begin? New Life Ayahuasca was an experience I will cherish for the rest of my life. It was my first time out of the country and I couldn’t have been in a more safe and positive environment. Matt and Jeane was the best host. Every day was filled with the relaxation and yoga, massages and some of the best food, clean food I have ever eaten. I really want the recipes from Jeane that’s how great the food was. My Aya experience was intense to say the least, but it was the best therapy and clarity I’ve ever had all my years on this earth. I’ve been back in the states almost two weeks now so I am still trying to integrate everything that I have learned into my life. However I feel so much better. I decided to try planet medicine for my issues with generational curses and depression (I said I wasn’t ever saying that word again, but typing it is fine). The Shaman Ron was amazing. He was so genuine and easy to talk to. All I felt was great energy from him. I would like to say that he saved me from a lifetime of pain. He removed the negative spirit from around me and my bloodline and I am forever grateful. I feel like I can actually start enjoying my life and live, really live. Everyone who was attending the retreat was some of the coolest people I have ever met. I am really looking forward to growing closer with those people and I’m even thinking that maybe I should attend a retreat every couple of years just to keep myself sane in this world we live in. New Life Ayahuasca is the place to go if you need healing. I am forever grateful. Peace and Love

• ★★★★★ Rated 5 out of 5 Google Text

  An amazing adventure in a great location- I would recommend this retreat at this spot to anyone who wants to have an authentic ayahuasca experience. Matthew and Jeanae have created a safe nurturing environment with wonderful food, your own room and bathroom for a powerful endeavor that will bring forth whatever you need at that time. I have to say Matthew's guitar abilities brought me to a realm beyond this world. I am hoping he recreates his music, but maybe it is only to be experienced with mother ayahuasca.

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

  Beyond Grateful For The Experience At New Life Aya

  I can’t say enough good things about New Life & Matt and Jeanae. All of the logistics were covered no problem. It was a breeze to get from the airport to their spot and back again after the 7 days my partner and I spent there. I would quite literally go back just to have Jeanae’s cooking and yoga for a week.
  
  They’re honestly some of the most easy going humans in existence and it’s very clear that they pour themselves into their work.
  
  Their place is AMAZING. The views. The pool. The space. The rooms. So many good books! Most nights after ceremony were spent by the fire, chatting or not, in awe of the stars and looking out over the towns way down below.
  
  If you get “the call” and you’re willing to be open, don’t overthink it...I can’t think of a more comfortable environment to have this experience in. This doesn’t even scratch the surface for how highly I would recommend them. I’ll be back to visit them as often as I’m called.

• ★★★★★ Rated 5 out of 5 Google Text

  Wow what an experience!
  The most humbling, terrifying, amazing, and soul shattering event of my life to date! I’m glad I did it but be prepared for anything!
  Matt and Jeanae have done an incredible job of putting in place the perfect setting for this type of journey.
  The beautiful mountain setting, the ocean view in the distance. The expanse of the open spaced house in which you have your own comfortable private room to go to. The small number of guests that can attend....all make it just the perfect setting for self reflection.
  Matt blew my mind. I can’t say anymore then that., you’ll have to see for yourself.
  Jeanae his counterpart was also crucial to the process ... she’s always there when and if you need her.
  Truly a five star plus experience!

• ★★★★★ Rated 5 out of 5 Google Text

  All the positive reviews that have been said about New Life is accurate and I hope to give some well deserved credit to Matt, Jeanae, Drew for what they do at NLA. Here's some things I can think of off the top of my head:
  - Warm genuine small tight knit family feel with these guys
  - Delicious, thoughtful, well prepared breakfast, lunch, and dinner by Jeanae
  - Great yoga sessions and massage sessions.
  - Good accommodations with rooms w/own bathroom.
  - Great affordable prices and value for all that they offer.
  - Stunning beautiful views, hiking trails, and nice open space.
  - Ceremonies were safe, respectful, and you feel well taken care of. The medicine they had was top notch as well.
  - Well thought out schedule for the week to allow for rest and recovery.
  Overall, just great energy from everyone at NLA and the retreat itself. You will truly feel cared for and have the space to find whatever you're seeking on your journey. I will go back if I'm ever called for another journey.
  Thank you all again you awesome folks at New Life.
  -David

• ★★★★★ Rated 5 out of 5 Google Text

  In the infamous words of the poet and singer India Arie :
  I met a prophet dark as the night
  She could see into my soul
  Said she'd been watching and had some advice
  She said shadows make you whole
  A life without pain is a wolf in sheep's clothes
  Cause if you listen to the lessons that it holds
  You'll find the gold
  Child its time to break the shell
  Life's gonna hurt but its meant to be felt
  You cannot touch the sky from inside yourself
  You cannot fly until you break the shell....
  
  Those were the words I can use to best describe a personal journey. If you take a leap in faith, you may find you can experience a beautiful journey to yourself - in this safe and healing environment. You break the shells, the walls, the false illusions you carry deep inside you and help recover who you really are.

• ★★★★★ Rated 5 out of 5 Google Text

  I can’t say enough good things about New Life & Matt and Jeanae. All of the logistics were covered no problem. It was a breeze to get from the airport to their spot and back again after the 7 days my partner and I spent there. I would quite literally go back just to have Jeanae’s cooking and yoga for a week.
  
  They’re honestly some of the most easy going humans in existence and it’s very clear that they pour themselves into their work.
  
  Their place is AMAZING. The views. The pool. The space. The rooms. So many good books! Most nights after ceremony were spent by the fire, in awe of the stars and looking out over the towns way down below.
  
  If you get “the call” and you’re willing to be open, don’t overthink it...I can’t think of a more safe and comfortable environment to have this experience in. This doesn’t even scratch the surface for how highly I would recommend New Life. I’ll be back to visit them as often as I’m called.

• ★★★★★ Rated 5 out of 5 Google Text

  Wow! Let me first say that I have known Matt and Janae 4 years now and it has been so wonderful to have seen their growth in that time. I have also worked with powerful plant medicines both as a provider and a recipient and have gotten to know a lot people in this small, but growing community.
  
  A few weeks ago I reached out for help. It dawned on me that I had been fooling myself into a false sense of stability for a over a year. I’d pick myself up after a period of feeling down, but always short lived. Lots of ups and downs. My how time flys! It had been 2 1/2 years since I last participated in a proper ceremony. Which was one of the first they had done at their current facility. Now they have had dozens (hundreds?) of ceremonies and I have to gush over how well the compliment each other. In and out of ceremony, I truly felt cared for with pure intentions. Janae is an excellent cook and yoga instructor. And she applied Kambô to me for the first time. I felt very safe and trusting. Matt has a remarkable teacher and has learned how to invoke spell-bounding icaros that can be both captivating and disassociating. Adding to the sense of security as well as authenticity.
  
  Any way...they are meant to be doing this and it shows as they seem to glow! They also have a new fellow there who helps out in ceremony, Drew. A contagious ball of love and light.
  
  Great massage therapist too!
  
  Ok, ttfn ta ta for now

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

  A truly healing experience!

  I have nothing but good things to say about my experience at New Life Ayahuasca. Actually, words are hard to come by to really describe it, so I’ll focus on the basics for this review.
  
  My reasons for choosing New Life Ayahusca:
  Like many, I was drawn to ayahuasca for personal, psychological, and spiritual reasons, and I knew that I would likely be diving pretty deep into my conscious in a way that I’d never experienced. Given these facts, I wanted to have this experience in a safe and nurturing environment, so I set out to research via the Google. I came up with lots of “hits” that upon further reading, turned out to be “misses”, until I came across a positive reference to New Life in the comments section about another Ayahuasca retreat in Costa Rica. I ventured over to the New Life site, and was impressed and reassured by the extensive honest information about ayahuasca, including guidance and advice for selecting a retreat. I also was impressed that ceremony size was limited to fewer than 10 people, which I did not see in any of the retreats I researched (some were as large as 90+ people!!). This was important to me, because I viewed this experience as potentially life-changing, and wanted to be around people who viewed the experience as something far more meaningful than checking off a bucket list item. After speaking with Matt and Jeanae on the phone, where they answered my list of questions, and also asked me questions, in particular, why I wanted to experience ayahuasca, I knew I had found the right place.
  
  The Property/Facilities
  Located in a remote, mountainous area, where on a clear day you can see the ocean beyond the rolling mountains and valleys, the retreat center is laid out in a way, where, if you want privacy you can easily get it (private rooms and bath, lots of walking paths, and areas to sit outside to reflect), and if you want community and companionship, you can get that as well (the fire pit at night, the back patio overlooking the mountains, and the dining room). This was perfect for me, because I do like my alone time, and was able to get than when I needed it, but I also was so blessed to be part of a wonderful group of soul searchers, and spending time with these individuals in the communal settings was an integral part of my experience.
  
  Care and Nourishment
  The food was great - all fresh and clean, prepared with love by Jeanae. When meal times were called, we all ran to the dining table! The massage therapist was amazing - he did not speak English (and my Spanish is beyond rusty), but he was incredibly intuitive. He knew exactly where my problem areas were, where I had a chronic tendon inflammation in my ankle, and his touch was perfect for these areas. The kambo was a pleasant surprise. I was undecided about trying it until the morning of, and then opted to do so in order to help me with the next Ayahuasca ceremony. I felt really energized and “light” afterward, and into the next day, leading up tot he second ceremony. Yoga sessions led by Jeanae were grounding and relaxing, and were an ideal prelude to the Ceremony, where going in grounded, relaxed and with intention helps to make the most of the experience.
  
  The Ceremony
  I won’t go into details here, because I believe the Ceremony is meant to be experienced by the individual, and that’s part of what makes it, in my mind, a sacred event. Having said that, I will say that Matt conducts the ceremony with his whole being, with the utmost heartfelt sincerity. I felt safe to let go and travel where I needed to go, whether that be within or outward. Had I not felt that, I could not have had the transformative experience that I did. I also would not want to go back. Jeannae and Drew provided support (for walking, bathroom, any other worries) for our group as Matt guided us in the Ceremony, which was comforting.
  
  The Final Word
  Matt and Jeannae are healers in every sense of the word. Western society needs leaders like them now more than ever. The experience I had at New Life Ayahuasca was indeed in the top five for my life (I’m at the midway point now), and I believe that this experience (the healers, the plant medicine, the ceremony, my fellow soul searchers, the place) will continue to teach me about love, compassion, forgiveness, and openness, and remind me of the work that must continue to keep the fire burning bright.

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

  My experience with this plant medicine

  Drinking the plant medicine Ayahuasca is a very personal journey. It can lead to profound insight and perspective shifts. I was very much fearful going into this. I no longer fear the experience but want more. I felt very safe with Matt the Shaman and his wife Jeanae. With New Life you get a trip to a beautiful water fall, a massage, yoga sessions and healthy delicious food. Needless to say I will be returning.

• ★★★★★ Rated 5 out of 5 Google Text

  The professionalism, passion, and nurturing hospitality demonstrated by Jeanae and Matt of New Life well exceeded my expectations. Everyone who gets called to Ayahuasca for the first time is nervous, insecure, anxious, and excited. And after hosting group after group after group--all of whom most likely had the same questions, worries, enthusiasms that my group had--Jeanae and Matt treated us as though we were the first and only group to ever partake in ceremony with them. That is paramount.
  
  At New Life, you'll enjoy all the personal space you'd like on the property, which is situated atop the high ground in a very safe neighborhood in San Ramon. The external setting, with the house's many views from the back patio that overlook the hillsides below that trace all the way down towards the ocean (the best sunsets EVER!) initiates and inspires a calm and peaceful internal setting for ceremony and reflection. And with as much personal space that you'd like, the group naturally congregates daily in the common living space and around the back patio table, where we had the greatest conversations.
  
  Group Interaction: Having said that, there is no scheduled or organized 'sharing' or reflection time. This is part of the design, and rightfully so. Drinking ayahuasca can be extremely intimate, and if group reflection is going to happen, it's best for it to occur organically. Drinking ayahuasca is work, not play. Jeanae and Matt are there to help guide you, not carry you. Each group, I would imagine, is very different, with different personalities and chemistry. Our group was full of extroverts who loved having challenging and exploratory conversation together. If we were all introverts, I'd imagine that having scheduled time to discuss our visions and feelings would have been uncomfortable. Matt and Jeanae are available at all times, and I really respected and enjoyed the space they gave us and encouraged us to give others during the week.
  
  The Food: I've never eaten better in my whole life. I mean that. Sure, I've eaten incredible dinners, but in terms of nutrition, mindfulness of what I was eating, and the purpose behind the designed diet--I was very impressed with the food. A lot of effort goes into the group meals, and it showed.
  
  The living quarters: The rooms are perfect. They're small, intimate, comfortable, simple. The common spaces are great for congregating and relaxing, writing, meditating, etc. There's plenty of hiking throughout the large acreage to partake in as well. There's a large pool to do some laps in, and plenty of space to do yoga, some cardio PT..whatever the heart desires. And again, those sunsets from atop the hill, sonnnn!
  
  The Ceremony: The gentle, re-assuring, nurturing touch and sober presence from Jeanae was so important to those of us who were going into our first ceremony. None of us knew what to expect, and to have her there as an attentive caretaker to all of us at any time for any reason was profound. And Matt, who is the ceremony facilitator (or Shaman) ...well, I don't presume to have the vocabulary to be able to express how special his guidance was. His chanting & singing is OTHER-WORLDLY! He puts his heart and soul into every ceremony, and is the ultimate adventure buddy to have on such a quest. Our group was so impressed by how much effort he puts into each ceremony. Upon the culmination of our third ceremony, I remember seeing him on his hands and knees, his head resting in the lap of Jeanae. She just caressed his head for a while. I was so moved by how much of himself he gave to us that week. I'll never, ever forget him joining all of us, one by one towards the end of the ceremony, as he performed individual blessings with us. He'll be my brother forever after that.
  
  10 out of 10. New Life exceeded my expectations, and I came out of the experience a better version of myself, with new friends and new perspectives on life. If you're on the edge about going, I hope this review nudged you over it. Go! Go! Go!

• ★★★★★ Rated 5 out of 5 Google Text

  Amazing experience.....very professional and insightful. Matt and Jennea are wonderful hosts.
  
  The ceremonies opened up windows I am still exploring.
  
  I will be going back

• ★★★★★ Rated 5 out of 5 Google Text

  Matt, Jeanae, and Drew were terrific hosts and my experience here can be summed up in one word: excellent. This was my first experience with ayahuasca and after my time at this retreat, I could not imagine going anywhere else. Very laid back and relaxing environment and Matt is a terrific and extremely talented shaman. I did yoga for the first time and actually enjoyed it, and the waterfall excursion was superb.

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

  Amazing experience

  I had a really amazing experience at NLA. Matt and Jeanae are very caring, friendly people and they run their retreat in a very professional manner. I was always well taken care of with great food and really comfortable rooms with a private bathroom. The house where the retreat is held is a really beautiful space to spend a week relaxing and taking part in the ceremonies. The ceremonies themselves usually have no more than 8 people and are really well guided by Matt with an additional 2 other people acting as ‘carers’ to assist people if they need anything. It’s always best to do your own research when deciding on which retreat to go to because drinking plant medicines isn’t always an easy journey. But I can honestly say that NLA is a great place to start if you’re looking for a safe, comfortable place to partake where you’re guided in caring, professional hands at all times.

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