If you are considering communing with Mother Ayahuasca and want a safe space with genuine, caring, supportive people and an intimate group setting, I simply cannot recommend Crystal, Damian and CAYA Sanctuary enough! That being said, it was the most amazing, life-changing experience of my entire life! For that I am so grateful!!! Ineffable is the best description of the entire experience because no matter how much you try to explain it, there are really no words that do the experience justice. I know this is going to be long but I wanted to answer the questions I had when looking for a place to take this journey for the first time.

After over 20 years of struggling with my mental health and grief and exhausting my efforts with the western medicine way of drugs and talk therapy, which never really cured anything, I can’t express how thankful I am that I found Crystal, Damian and CAYA Sanctuary!

While I’ve known about ayahuasca for over 10 years, it wasn’t until almost 2 years ago that I really felt called to take the journey with Mother Ayahuasca myself. So, I started researching places to go. Making a decision to explore a healing journey like this is not something to be underestimated. Obviously, I wanted to make sure I found a safe place. After a great deal of searching I came across CAYA Sanctuary. My first thought after reading through their website was “This place sounds perfect!”. It had everything I was looking for. However, I didn’t find a lot of reviews, so I was still a bit skeptical. If you’re reading this, you are probably feeling somewhat the same way. I am fortunate enough to live within 2 hours of CAYA, so I arranged an in person meeting and tour of the site with Crystal and Damian. From the moment I arrived I felt like I was on the right path and after meeting them in person I was completely at ease and comfortable. They took their time and answered any questions I had. They are two of the most authentic, genuine, caring souls I have ever met! I decided that day that CAYA was going to be where I would take my journey. They helped me choose the right dates for my ceremony as I had a few high stress things going in my life at the time.

Crystal and Damian assisted me with all the preparation necessary. They did a zoom prep call and helped with my intention setting. One of the things that attracted me to CAYA was Crystal’s background in psychology. I even had a breakthrough realization during my prep call that I hadn’t had in years of therapy. They were available to answer any questions I had leading up to the retreat.

From the moment I arrived for my retreat I felt welcomed and completely safe. Everything was nice and clean without feeling sterile. The beds are super comfortable. The mats they provide for the ceremony are also comfortable. All the food they provided was high quality, healthy and delicious and there was plenty of it! If you need anything all you have to do is ask.

The guardians for my retreat, Fia, Nico and Kris were equally as authentic, genuine and caring! They were all available to you 24 hours a day, if needed. Everyone was very knowledgeable. Before ceremony they did a great job giving orientation and answering any questions. During ceremony it was almost like they anticipated your needs. If I needed something there was always someone right there ready to help. I truly felt safe and supported during the entire experience! With set and setting being so important when communing with Mother Ayahuasca feeling safe is of utmost importance!

The music played during ceremony was wonderful! They provided live music as well as recorded. The icaro sung by Nico was absolutely beautiful! The song selections couldn’t have been more perfect!

Another thing that attracted me to CAYA was the intimate group setting. I had some anxiety about going alone. I also worried, with a larger group, if I would get the care and support needed. I was glad they limit the group size at CAYA. You come as strangers and leave as family!

They say one night with ayahuasca is equal to 10 years of psychotherapy, in my experience, it’s true, if not more! Sitting with the medicine provided more than almost 30 years of prescription drugs and psychotherapy ever has for me! I am not claiming it’s a magic potion that will solve all your problems. YOU still have to do the work afterwards, which is where integration comes into play. They hold group integration discussions the morning after each ceremony which allowed everyone to process their journey and gain insight from others they might not have seen themselves. I wondered if the additional day after the ceremonies was necessary. For me it was and it was much appreciated! The continue to offer weekly zoom integration calls after your retreat that you are welcome to join.

I feel so fortunate to have had such an amazing first experience and hope this review helps others do the same. I hope to be able to attend another retreat at CAYA soon. Thank you Crystal and Damian for all you do!