• ★★★★★ Rated 5 out of 5 Google Text

  My husband and I recently returned from a seven-day retreat with New Life Rising, and ever since getting home, I've been trying to draft a review that I'd appreciate as a prospective participant. Honestly, words fail to describe the powerful, life-changing experience that we found here. I arrived feeling skeptical that plant medicine could show me what I was looking for, and I'm so thankful to say that my mind has been changed; this was the most enlightening week of my life. If you're even remotely considering an ayahuasca retreat, look no further. Matt and Jeanae are the most down-to-earth, genuine, caring individuals, and their commitment to and respect for plant medicine and knowledge is unparalleled. Every detail throughout the week was meticulously thought through and planned for, from the delicious vegan meals and lush ecolodge environment, to the yoga sessions and massage work - it was all in service of giving each participant the foundation to be in the best place to receive. My experience here allowed me to see my life, myself, and my relationships with greater clarity and perspective, lending me the insight on how to repair things that have needed attention. The way I fundamentally felt about certain conflicts was changed, and this was the greatest gift; I was able to lay down burdens I'd been carrying for far too long. The deep sense of knowing that I've gained from this experience has stuck with me even now that I’m back home, and it remains undeniable. I feel strongly that I would've never been able to make the connections or had the realizations that I had any place other than here. Attending with my spouse deepened our connection and has absolutely strengthened our bond. We are looking to the future with renewed excitement and thinking bigger for ourselves and what we want in life. My life has changed for the better knowing the wonderful people in our group, Matt and Jeanae, and our helpers Chris and Elisa. The small cohort size enables you to really get to know the others, and this is an asset as the conversations and connections that we made throughout the week felt nearly as important as the ceremonies. This is an individual experience, but so enhanced by the whole team as we cheered each other on and lent support to one another. What an unforgettable experience - my gratitude knows no bounds. We will absolutely be back! Thank you so much, Matt and Jeanae!

• ★★★★★ Rated 5 out of 5 Google Text

  Had the most amazing, calming, safe, and connected experience here! Without a doubt recommend this retreat for anyone who is ready for this journey.

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

  Highly recommended!

  Please take my word for it and if you’re on the fence, just go! This experience was one I’ll never forget and was one of the best weeks of my life. The trip paid for itself after the first ceremony. The facilitators are incredible and everything is done exactly as it needs to be. The experience was life changing. THANK YOU!

• ★★★★★ Rated 5 out of 5 Google Text

  Hi! Is this your first time? Oh no, you have no idea what awaits you my friend! Everyone has a different experience, mine was unimaginable - it was a miracle.
  1. I came alone with only Russian and very weak English - I was accepted as a native, they supported me, they spoke to me through a translator, I never felt bad or awkward. This is a place where you are truly respected
  2. Yes, I was terribly afraid, I had to fly 30 hours, I did not understand at all what to expect, because there are a lot of lies about Ayuvaska on the Internet.
  3. This is beyond all my expectations, I am a new person. My phobias and fears have left me. My complexes will no longer make me sit at home and hide from people. Yes, I refreshed my mind and can create many new useful habits - I have one more chance.
  4. If you feel that it is time - do not be afraid to change your life. Matt, Jene, Chris and Elizabeth will accompany you. Everything will be just fine
  5. My head was a mess, I was lost, ayuvaska, my efforts, the masters and those present in this house gave me breath. Go ahead my friend - you will succeed, dear reader.
  6. Thank you New Life Rising. Thank you for accepting me into the house, thank you for helping me, I love you.

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

  Chien Li

  There ain't no one putting anything other than a 5 star review who's been here. It's laughable. It's not one of those obligatory, oh I wouldn't want to harm their business pity 5*. It's a full on I need to tell the world how unique and great this place is 5*.
  Before I left home, every single person had trepidation and worry for me. I'm a single female of short slight stature travelling alone for the first time. They worried about the safety of ayahausca and how I might lose my mind. I promised to send daily "I'm alive" messages.
  They needn't have worried. Jenae and Matt treat the medicine and ceremony with such incredible reverence and care. Like holding your child for the first time. We were well prepared, all aspects were taken care of, from the things we should eat, the daily activities to help us prepare, relax and recuperate. They're always available, to talk, reassure or just share a laugh.
  I now have 11 new brothers and sisters that I will carry a piece of in my heart forever.
  If you feel lonely, lost, abandoned, numb, depressed, trapped in a cage/rut, do yourself the best favour and go. I promise you won't regret it.
  Jenae, Matt, Chris and Elisa may your stars shine bright and long. Thank you. Hasta luego

• ★★★★★ Rated 5 out of 5 Google Text

  There are not enough stars in the sky to star this place.
  Every single person on this retreat talked about how we needed to get the word out, if everyone could experience this there would be so much less pain in the world.
  I'm really not someone to rave publicly about something, even if it was lovely that's a memory for me. But this, this is something else. This experience has touched my heart and soul so profoundly that I am endlessly grateful that I chose this retreat above others.
  The care, attention and reverence that Jenae and Matt have put into the whole experience shame the most luxurious of establishments.
  I spent the most meaningful week of my life here and I am so sad to leave. But I carry a piece of it in my heart forever. Plus I'm definitely coming back.
  If you are at a point where you think I cannot live like this anymore, go. Go get some guidance, clarity, divinity and joy. Show yourself some love and go. I promise you won't regret it. The 11 other people I met there unanimously say the same.
  Jeanae, Matt, Chris and Elisa, thank you, from the bottom and top of my heart. Hasta luego ♥️♥️

• ★★★★★ Rated 5 out of 5 Google Text

  My first ayahuascas experience was at New Life Rising. I watched their blog for years before committing to traveling to Costa Rica to join the group. I am a mother, grandma, wife and so overly focused on being practical or safe. Even so, the Ayahuasca journey called to me and I did way too much research on it. I actually booked retreats and cancelled due to fear. Finally, I committed to joining New Life Rising for a retreat in Costa Rica. I am so happy that I was able to be with such a real, honest, safe group for my first experience with ayahuasca. They are the real deal. The retreat was amazing. There was time for play and bonding with the group, as well as, massages, yoga and quiet time for personal reflection. This all supported the ceremonies which were amazing. Everyone had different experiences and we all shared at share circle. Even with different experiences, backgrounds, ages, we felt connected. The experience is intense for sure, but Jeanae, Matt and their team are there to support and keep you comfortable through it all. I will always feel connected and love for them. I recommend them with all my heart.

• ★★★★★ Rated 5 out of 5 Google Text

  If you’ve ever been at a crossroads in life where you know it’s time to take the next step to really deep dive into your soul to get clarity, answers, insight & do some deep self reflection I would highly recommend giving New Life Rising a try. I’m one week out from
  a 3 ceremony 6 night/7 day retreat and I’m still in awe of the new energy I took home with me. Going in I felt very overwhelmed & disheartened by some current life events that had transpired. Not knowing how to shed the dead weight I no longer needed to carry on my own I decided to give Ayahuasca a try. I’d be amiss to say I wasn’t terrified going in but Matt & Jennae make you feel at ease about the whole process. The ceremonies are beautiful. Even through the darker tougher moments I’d think of the tips they offered & that helped to lean into the lessons & breathe through it all. Matt & Jennae exude a peaceful nurturing energy & I truly felt cared for by the entire staff during and after ceremony. The selfless work they do is such a gift to anyone who is called to sit with this beautiful plant medicine. I truly cannot thank New Life Rising enough for this newfound clarity & lightness. I cannot imagine a more perfect Ayahuasca experience.

• ★★★★★ Rated 5 out of 5 Google Text

  I recently spent 7 days at New Life Rising with my husband, and it was one of the most profound and healing experiences we’ve ever shared. This retreat gave us the space not only to work on ourselves individually, but also to heal together as a couple in ways we never expected. It brought a new level of connection, understanding, and love into our relationship.
  
  Matt and Jaenae are truly beautiful souls. Their presence is gentle, grounding, and deeply intuitive. They held space for us with so much compassion and care, making the entire journey feel incredibly personal and safe. There was no rigid structure, no pressure, just full permission to move through our own process at our own pace. That freedom allowed us to truly listen to ourselves and each other, and to trust the medicine.
  
  The ceremonies were powerful and sacred, held with deep respect and intention. Their music was absolutely incredible, heart-opening, grounding, and so full of spirit. It added a profound depth to the ceremonies and supported the medicine in ways words can’t fully capture. The environment was peaceful and nurturing, the food was wholesome and nourishing, and the energy of the space invited deep introspection and growth. We never felt alone in anything we were going through.
  
  New Life Rising is more than a retreat, it’s a space for transformation, connection, and real healing. Whether you’re coming alone or with a partner, I can’t recommend it enough. I am hoping we will be able to attend again in the near future. If you are looking for an ayahuasca retreat, look no further!

• ★★★★★ Rated 5 out of 5 Google Text

  Beautiful people trying to help a world in much need. Thank you for your hospitality. It was an honor.

• ★★★★★ Rated 5 out of 5 Google Text

  It's a shame the scale only goes to 5 stars. You can not do better than this. Matt, Jenea , and staff truly made this one of the best experiences of my life. Looking forward to returning one day!

• ★★★★★ Rated 5 out of 5 Google Text

  Would give 10 stars if i could. Matt and Jeanae are the real deal, and their place is a true sanctuary. This is not always an easy experience, but growth and transformation can begin here. Traveling alone as a woman in a foreign country and putting myself into a vulnerable state with a group of a dozen strangers was a bit unnerving. But i was completely safe at New Life Rising. The way Matt and Jeanae completely transform during ceremony and just POUR themselves out so thoroughly for hours on end, to help one group of people at a time. Again and again. Unwavering and unrelenting. The work they do here is nothing less than incredible and to see how they pour their souls into this work is awe inspiring! There really are angels among us. Matt, Jeanae, and Elizabeth are 3 of them that you’ll meet here. You know it’s a huge decision, you can feel it. Do your research. Read reviews and check into the ones writing them. Be careful. This is not something you want to do in the wrong place or with the wrong people. If you’ve found New Life Rising, you’re gonna be okay. Namaste, Friends. 🙏

• ★★★★★ Rated 5 out of 5 Google Text

  Let me get straight to the point. I researched Ayahuaska retreats casually for two years before committing to New Life Rising. But for me what stood out were a few things. #1 Matthew never once tried to sell me anything during our initial call. He only cared about what prescriptions I was taking and also any health issues. He responded quickly and from the time we had our first conversation to even after the retreat I felt genuinely cared for. #2 The maximum number in the group is 12. There are several Ayahuaska retreats out there who have larger groups of 20+ people. Can you imagine a shaman seriously managing the energy in a room of that size? No thank you! Please do your research before committing to your most important and personal decision doing Ayahuaska! I went in 100% and did my best to follow the suggestions prior to taking the medicine but most importantly have a specific intention. Which I did. And am still reeling from what happened next. Let’s just say taking Ayahuaska at New Life Rising was the best decision of my life! Ayahuaska heard my intention and addressed it to me in a clear, precise, meaningful message in living color and yes she speaks to you! My only regret was waiting so long. But again everything in its own time.
  Matthew and Jeanae are the real deal and I promise you won’t be disappointed.

• ★★★★★ Rated 5 out of 5 Google Text

  A Tearful Thank You to New Life Ayahuasca (April 23 - April 29, 2025)
  My second journey with New Life Ayahuasca in six months has left my heart brimming with gratitude and love. The sacred medicine is my guiding star, revealing a path to joy and purpose that I’ll carry forever. Each ceremony felt like a warm, healing embrace, transforming me in ways I can’t fully express.
  Matthew and Jeanae, our incredible shamans, are Mother Ayahuasca herself in human form. Through them, her divine energy flows—loving, powerful, and life-changing. I’m in awe of their sacred presence. Chris and Lina, the beautiful souls who cared for me, were like angels, intuitively knowing exactly what I needed without me saying a word. Their silent, selfless support touched me deeply.
  New Life Ayahuasca is my sanctuary, a place of miracles. I’m forever grateful to Matthew, Jeanae, Chris, and Lina for this gift of healing. If your soul calls you here, answer—it will change your life.

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

  Life-changing!!

  I had the most life-changing experience!! It’s hard to find words to explain the growth that came this very sacred medicine. The magic is in the whole ceremony, sharing at the beginning, which were complete strangers that have now turned into friends for life. Matt and Jeanae I’m helping so many you are seeking answers on many levels. I can’t thank them enough for having this opportunity in space for people to do the work that the medicine is allowing them to.!!
  I highly recommend this for anyone seeking deeper depth and guidance in their life.

• ★★★★★ Rated 5 out of 5 Google Text

  Matt and Jeane are the real deal. It was such a transformative experience and they facilitated by creating a safe container. Their icaro songs are also out of this world! I feel renewed and look forward to further integrating from my time here. I am grateful for what New Life Rising provides.

• ★★★★★ Rated 5 out of 5 Google Text

  What a life changing experience!! I found new friends that have forever changed my life!! Thank you Matt and Jeanae for the healing work/space. You both are offering an incredible opportunity for so many!! ❤️

• ★★★★★ Rated 5 out of 5 Google Text

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