Journey into Yourself: Healing & Transformation at Costa Rica’s Oldest Ayahuasca Retreat

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In Partnership with New Life Rising

Imagine standing on the precipice of transformation, ready to step into the unknown with a group of people who were, just a day ago, complete strangers. Yet, as you gather in a circle, the shared experience of ceremony creates an inexplicable bond.

You find yourself in a safe space guided by the expertise of seasoned ayahuasqueros who have dedicated their lives to helping others heal and grow. The universe opens before you, and within it, you begin to see the potential for a life of harmony, balance, and fulfillment.

This profound connection to nature and the universe is at the heart of New Life Rising in Costa Rica. As the oldest operating ayahuasca retreat in the country, New Life offers the opportunity for profound personal transformation.

Here, in the lush embrace of the tropical forest, you are invited to rediscover your roots. Find a sense of belonging. And reconnect with the natural world through the wisdom of plant medicine.

The New Life Ayahuasca Retreat Experience

At New Life, the journey begins long before participants arrive. Matthew Mormello and Jeanae White, the founders and guiding ayahuasqueros, personally speak with each guest to ensure they are a good fit for the retreat. This conversation includes a medical screening, thus ensuring the safety and wellbeing of every participant. From the moment guests arrive, they are welcomed into a nurturing environment designed to support their journey.

The ayahuasca retreat itself blends traditional practices with modern comforts. With groups of no more than 12 participants, the experience is intimate and deeply personal. Guests stay in cozy forest cabins—crafted using wood harvested from the property—where the sounds of howler monkeys and the vibrant colours of macaws create a harmonious backdrop.

I’ll be forever grateful for what Matt and Jeanae gave me. During my first retreat several years ago as a solo traveller, I went in hoping to heal my childhood trauma. What I got was not only healing from that but also a brand new outlook on life. I found a new way to engage in life and how to become a better mother, wife, and friend. 

When my husband saw my change, he decided he wanted to give it a try as well, so we went back together last year. The healing I saw come from my husband still brings me to tears. His story is one that I cherish and I can’t explain the gratitude I feel towards Matt and Jeanae for that. Our lives are forever better because of this place.

– Karli Smith

Throughout the week, guests participate in three ayahuasca ceremonies in the maloca (​​ceremony house), each a journey into the depths of the self. The ceremonies—performed in darkness and silence in the Peruvian Mestizo tradition—are guided by Matt and Jeanae, who sing Icaros and play a variety of instruments throughout.

Matt and Jeanae are not just facilitators. They are deeply connected to the practice of ayahuasca, dedicating time every year to continue training in the Peruvian Amazon. They have the skills and knowledge needed to navigate the complex energies of ceremony and to hold a safe, supportive space for their guests.

Their dedication to traditional practices is evident in every aspect of the ayahuasca retreat, from the music that guides the ceremonies to the respectful way they approach each guest’s journey. As they guide participants through the medicine, they create a space where deep healing can occur.

A Story of Passion & Heart

The story of New Life Rising is one of passion and transformation. Matt and Jeanae met in Costa Rica in 2014. Both were there to treat drug addiction using plant medicine, specifically iboga. This experience sparked a deep interest in plant medicine, leading them to their first ayahuasca ceremony. The profound impact of that experience set them on a path of healing and learning, leading them to train under Ron Wheelock, the “Gringo Shaman” of the Amazon.

In 2015, they founded New Life in a 10-bedroom house on 20 acres of Costa Rican jungle. Their goal was to share the transformative power of ayahuasca with others. Then, in 2021, they moved to a new location, expanding their offerings but keeping the intimate, family-like atmosphere that defines them. The same staff has been with them through the years, a testament to the close-knit community they’ve built.

When I came to my first ayahuasca retreat, I was in awe of their dedication and commitment to not only helping others but also to their own personal journeys with plant medicine. I had never been to Costa Rica before, and I fell in love with the warm weather and tropical vibe. Because of New Life’s day trips, I have been to a waterfall in the jungle and one of the most beautiful beaches I have been to yet. 

They say that ayahuasca is not for everyone, but it is definitely for me. My experiences in ceremony have completely changed my perception and restored a sense of confidence that I never knew existed. I am super grateful that I found Matt and Jeanae and that I followed my instinct to embark upon a journey with ayahuasca. The medicine and their guidance have literally changed my life and helped me learn to love who I am.

– Laura E. Ritchie

The retreat has a high rate of repeat guests. Some return to deepen their experiences; others to find clarity during times of change. Bill Smith, a guest of New Life in December 2023, described his experience as life-changing. He praised Matt and Jeanae for their warmth and dedication.

“New Life Rising changed my life in ways that can only be described as a labour of love from two caring souls that have such a passion for helping people,” he said. “They made me feel like family, and that’s exactly how I left there—like family and on a road toward true healing.”

What to Expect on an Ayahuasca Retreat

The daily rhythm at New Life is intentionally unstructured, allowing participants to explore their journeys at their own pace. Mornings begin with a nourishing breakfast, followed by gentle yoga sessions that help to prepare the body and mind for the day ahead. Guests have time to rest, reflect, and explore the beautiful property, with its tranquil pool, cool-water jacuzzi, and abundant wildlife.

Ayahuasca ceremonies start at 6 p.m. and last about four hours. Afterward, guests gather around a fire. They usually sit in quiet reflection, processing their experiences together. The following day, a beach trip helps to rejuvenate after the night’s ceremony, with a sharing circle after lunch where the group can come together to integrate and discuss their experiences.

This organic, easy flow of activities creates a space where guests can connect with themselves and each other, fostering a sense of community that often extends beyond the retreat. In the words of Jeanae, “Ayahuasca is a lot to go through, and we feel like layering on activities just to seem like one retreat is ‘a better deal’ than another isn’t the answer. To us, Ayahuasca is enough.”

The food at New Life is healthy and clean. The meals are primarily vegan, with the exception of eggs at breakfast, prepared with fresh, locally sourced fruits and vegetables. While the diet is not strict, guests are encouraged to avoid red meat, dairy, and processed foods in the days leading up to the retreat. This ensures they are in the best state for their ayahuasca journey.

On ceremony days, participants fast for six hours before drinking ayahuasca, a practice that helps to prevent absorption issues and enhances the experience.

Embracing Your Personal Journey

Ayahuasca is not for the faint of heart. It is a powerful, often challenging experience that requires courage, openness, and a willingness to confront the deepest parts of oneself. But for those who are ready, New Life Rising offers a safe, supportive environment where profound healing and transformation can occur.

My husband and I were drawn to New Life Ayahuasca for two reasons: Matthew and Jeanae’s outstanding reputation and their small, intimate retreats. They are deeply passionate about their work and take it very seriously. This high level of commitment is evident in every aspect of the experience they create and facilitate for their retreat attendees.

New Life’s ceremonies are held in a safe space that respects and honours traditional indigenous Ayahuasca practices. This connection to the roots and history of Ayahuasca adds a profound depth to the ceremonial experience. The facility itself is beautiful, offering private, comfortable accommodations and easy access to nature. And the delicious vegan meals served are so good that even my husband, a staunch carnivore, devoured and enjoyed them.

– Starla West

At New Life, less truly is more. It is a place where you can strip away the distractions of the outside world, reconnect with nature, and rediscover the wisdom that lies within. So, whether you seek healing, clarity, or a deeper connection to the universe, New Life Rising offers a path to transformation that is as profound as it is beautiful.

Your Turn: Upcoming Retreat Dates

New Life Rising’s ayahuasca retreat experience includes traditional healing ceremonies, group sharing circles, Hatha yoga sessions, therapeutic massage, nutritious meals, beach trips, airport transfers and much more.

Their intention is to create a safe and supported environment that nurtures honest self-reflection, personal healing, and inner growth. They believe that the combination of Ayahuasca, along with these additional holistic therapies, can facilitate deeply transformative experiences.​​