Sacred Pathways
IFS & Amazonian Plant Teachers Retreat in Brazil
Join us on a 10-day healing journey in Brazil on 19 - 28 March 2025. We will explore the indigenous wisdom of Amazonian traditions with the support of IFS therapy. Guided by Cáli Ornelas and Mapuani Sampuany - Huni Kuin.
Healing with Amazonian Plant Teachers
During this 10-day retreat in Brazil, we will embark on a guided journey of self-discovery and inner parts with IFS & Amazonian Master Plants in the heart of an Atlantic Rainforest, near Rio de Janeiro.
Here, the Indigenous wisdom of Amazonian traditions meets the holistic, psychological approach of IFS (Internal Family Systems Therapy).
During our time, we will hold three Amazonian Master Plants ceremonies, in the Huni Kuin way, each including 3 different plants, Uni nixipã, Rape, and Sananga. They will be anchored in the Brazilian tradition of healing with Plant Teachers under the guidance of a trusted Majé - Guide.
The rhythm of live music, songs and Majé prayers will guide participants through a profound spiritual journey. We will learn to receive the teachings and the orientation of the Sacred Plants through the original Huni Kuin tradition.
We will aim towards a truly transformational experience that doesn’t just fade with time. We will learn how to receive the Sacred Plant's gifts and guidance from an original, Indigenous perspective with a container of a Western approach to psychotherapy.
For this vision to manifest, our retreat is honoured to be guided by two exceptional leaders born in Brazil: Cáli Ornelas, our retreat mentor and Mapuani Sampuany from the native Brazilian Huni Kuin people, our Majé and ceremony guide.
Cáli's compassionate approach supports the integration of Master Plant’s guidance and psychological understanding. We will be holding all of our parts, while Mapuani brings profound wisdom of indigenous traditions. Together, they create a sacred space for transformative experiences, deeply respecting their Brazilian roots.
During this retreat we will hold space for three ceremonies with the Amazonian Plant Teacher which has been a master healer in various traditions for thousands of years.
Integrating with IFS Therapy
A unique perspective of this Retreat is learning how to define intentions for the next step of your personal growth journey. Plant Teacher's guidance can be very extensive and given in a language that we are not used to interpreting and therefore make the best use of it.
With full preparation and clear intentionality for what we are in need to receive, the gifts and guidance given can become a last longing unfolding process.
Learning the importance of defining intentions that are directly linked to real personal longings provides an important anchor during the ceremonies. Additionally, it is a red thread to hold on to during the preparation and integration phases.
Once a clear intention is set, the Plant Teachers can show us ways to reclaim Self qualities, meet parts of ourselves that we lost touch with, and relax our manager parts in a unique way.
Embarking on an entheogenic journey without a clear intention means that we can experience a multitude of things, which may be both beautiful, surprising and challenging.
However, receiving personal support to ensure all our parts are on board, and clarifying our intention allows for the experience to become something potentially life-transforming.
To go through the preparation phase before the retreat, you will receive support on what it means to integrate Amazonian Sacred Plants with IFS understanding.
Each participant of this retreat will receive a 1-hour private intention-setting session with Cáli Ornelas, our retreat leader and an IFS therapist. This session is included in the retreat price.
Both the preparation and the journey will be also supported by two gifted facilitators and the creative visionaries for this unique retreat, Gabriella Csanádi, an anthropologist with a passion for Brazilian healing paths and an IFS Practitioner from Hungary, and Michał Pasterski, an IFS Practitioner from Poland and a founder of Life Architect.
If more than one pre-retreat session is needed for preparation, extra sessions can be scheduled with Gabriella or Michał.
We are also grateful to receive the experienced supporting presence and the sweet musical magic of Jean François Caroff (present on the photos below). Yube Jeff, as he is known for the Huni Kuins, has dedicated his life for over 12 years to Master Plants healing and the support of the Huni Kuin community.
Who is this retreat for?
This retreat is mainly for:
- People who would like to explore working with the Amazonian Plant Teachers in a setting that includes the wisdom of local, indigenous traditions and the safety of a western, psychotherapeutic approach,
- Individuals seeking deep therapeutic work through the use of Plant Teachers in a supportive container with a number of professional guides,
- IFS-informed and IFS-trained mental health professionals, therapists, practitioners and seekers,
- Anyone ready to dive into transformative experiences and explore profound personal growth.
You don't need experience with Master Plants to attend this retreat. If this is your first time, you will be given extensive support for this to be a safe and beneficial journey.
"One thing that stands out for me when I think about this retreat is safety. I felt safe all the way through, seeing an open-hearted, experienced and professional team caring about the group process."
Jan, Sacred Guidance Retreat in Mallorca, June 2024
Retreat program:
A more detailed schedule will be available soon.
- Day 1 - Arrival day & Opening Circle
- Day 2 - Preparation day
- Day 3 - Ceremony #1
- Day 4 - Integration day
- Day 5 - Ceremony #2
- Day 6 - Integration day
- Day 7 - Ceremony #3
- Day 8 - Integration day
- Day 9 - Integration day
- Day 10 - Check out
More details will be announced in the following weeks and months. Join our interest list to be notified when the enrollment opens.
Sign up for the 10-day Sacred Pathways Retreat in Brazil
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PRICE
3970 USD
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DATES / 19 - 28 March 2025
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GUIDES / Mapuani Sampuany, Cáli Ornelas
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BOOK YOUR SPOT
To book your spot on this retreat, please contact our travel manager Daria Szychta at d.szychta@lifearchitect.com
or contact us at +48 500 700 857
Retreat details
What's included
- Accommodation at Paraiso Azul Retiro (9 nights / 10 days = 8 full retreat days + check-in day + check-out day)
- Full board - 3 meals a day, although depending on the schedule some meals may need to be missed on the ceremony days due to the need for a pre-retreat fasting.
- Coffee, tea, lemonade, water and snacks throughout the whole retreat
- Transfer from the Airport to Paraiso Azul Retir on the day of check-in
- Transfer from Airport to Paraiso Azul Retir to the airport on the day of check-out
- 3 Amazonian Plant Teacher ceremonies
What is not included
- Airfares
- Individual/personal insurance
Payment
To secure your spot, you can pay the full price or start with a non-refundable deposit of 600 USD.
- There are three payment options:
- Credit or debit card,
- Transferring money to our Wise account,
- A traditional bank transfer.
Please note that if you choose to pay the deposit, you must pay the remaining amount within 60 days.
The final payment deadline is the 31st of January 2025.
It’s possible to pay for the retreat in 3 installments (we do not charge any interest): the first installment being the non-refundable deposit, in the amount of 600 USD. It's payable on signing up for the retreat. The next two installments should be paid monthly within the next three months, however, the last installment is due 30 days before the retreat. If there are any delays with the payments, we reserve the right to cancel your participation without a refund (although we will send a reminder first).
Cancellation policy
According to our regulations, in the case of resignation, we will collect a fee in the following amount:
- The amount of the non-refundable deposit (600 USD) upon cancellation submitted 70 days or more prior to the event start date,
- 50% of the retreat price upon cancellation submitted between 45 and 69 days prior to the event start date,
- 90% (total cost of the retreat) upon cancellation submitted not later than 44 days prior to the event start date.
The amount will be returned the same way the payment was made.
If you have to resign, but you will indicate another person to fill in the vacated spot, this person will be able to participate without incurring any additional costs.
We don't take responsibility for the necessity to move the dates of the retreat due to the sickness of the trainers or other unexpected events that we are accountable for. If you won't be able to attend on chosen dates, then we will refund you 100% of the amount you paid.
In the unlikely events of a natural disaster, war or other unexpected events that we are not accountable for, we may not be able to refund your money. To avoid losing money, please buy personal insurance including such events.
We are not accountable for cancelling or moving the flight dates. Please buy flight insurance in order not to lose the money for your flight.
Accommodation
We offer rooms with double and triple occupancy. Upon booking, please let us know which room option you prefer (subject to availability).
We will match your roommates, considering first of all gender and age, but also personality traits and place of residence. If you have any needs regarding this, please let us know. Couples (including married couples) are usually accommodated separately because we learned from previous retreats that sleeping in separate rooms positively influences the process that takes place during the retreat. If you prefer to stay together, just let us know.
Retreat Guide (PDF)
After signing up for this retreat, you will be provided with our Retreat Guide and the Preparation Guide (both in PDF format). The Retreat Guide will include information about the retreat location, how to get there, what to bring with you, etc. The Preparation Guide will include all that is needed for you to prepare for the plant medicine ceremonies - both psychologically and physically (especially the pre-retreat diet).
Language
The retreat will be run entirely in English. Speaking in any other language is not required at any stage of the retreat.
The minimum group size
For the retreat to proceed, we must have a minimum of half the participants signed up and paid (at least 10 participants). If this minimum requirement is unmet, we will notify all participants no later than 50 days before the retreat.
"To join this retreat was the greatest gift I have given myself in a while. My heart is full and I can't wait to see the unfolding of the insights I gained during this time."
Serap, Sacred Guidance Retreat in Mallorca, June 2024
Retreat venue
Ilha Grande is a tropical paradise situated off the stunning coastline near Rio de Janeiro. Enveloped by lush rainforests and crystal-clear waters, this secluded island offers a serene retreat for deep inner work and connection with nature. The area is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing in a peaceful setting, making it ideal for an unforgettable journey with Amazonian Plant Teachers.
Paraíso Azul is a luxurious retreat center located in a serene and picturesque part of Rio de Janeiro. The center features modern amenities within a tranquil setting, surrounded by breathtaking views of the ocean and tropical forest. Facilities include a spacious, open-air training area, a swimming pool, and comfortable accommodation options, ensuring a peaceful and rejuvenating stay for all participants.
Paraíso Azul prides itself on providing outstanding culinary experiences. Guests can enjoy three delicious meals daily, prepared with fresh, local ingredients. The menu caters to various dietary preferences, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and raw diets, ensuring that all guests' nutritional needs are met with delectable and healthy options.
Take a look at the retreat center surroundings:
Read reviews about our retreats
I came to the retreat to deepen my connection with the Plant Teachers and myself. To heal parts of myself that I have not been able to reach through other means. I believe that this work can give me a fresh perspective and a new approach to inner healing.
The preparation phase for me started months before the retreat. Through the private session, I was able to delve deeper into the longings and pain of two of my very young parts. This helped me to set a clear intention and identify specific aspects of my journey that I wanted to focus on. The inquiry with partners was a crucial part of my preparation, it helped to crystallize my intention as it encouraged me to explore my motivations and desires more thoroughly. As our majé, Mapauani brought profound wisdom and a deep connection to the Huni Kuin traditions. Her stories were enlightening and added a rich cultural context to our experiences. I felt incredibly safe and cared for under her guidance, which allowed me to fully immerse myself in the journey. Cali’s deep wisdom and compassionate presence created a safe and nurturing environment for everyone. Her teachings were profound and accessible, making complex concepts easy to understand and integrate. This work allowed me to attune to a different rhythm of life, slowing down enough to hear the voice of my soul and the guidance of the plant teachers.
I find myself acting and behaving in new ways that reflect the deeper understanding I now have of myself and my value.
I was drawn to the retreat to learn more about myself and the world I exist in. The preparation phase was a vital way to calm and reassure my parts about the process. I benefited from talking to others in the group and most importantly the invaluable support and guidance of Cáli and the intention setting. Together, Cáli and Mapuani were like a dream team of care, consideration, love and deep wisdom. I enjoyed listening to Mapuani's teachings on the master plants and found them engaging and a vital aspect of the process. The ritual, ceremony and reverence she and Cáli created was very moving and felt like a sacred experience. This was my first time with healing plant teachers, I feel like the intention really guided my process and all that I received. I was given direct answers to questions related to my intentions. What I'm nurturing right now is an honouring of the truths I was given.
The program was well structured and perfectly balanced around sessions, ceremonies, and free time.
The retreat was an amazing experience, safe for a first timer with an amazing support team, who were very attentive when needed, who also contributed significantly to the joy and intensity of the experience through the music, dances and songs. Mapuani’s care and attention to the sacredness of the plant medicine, and the ritual around it made the ceremony extra special. The most valuable part was the pre-work with Cali that we did to create a part-aligned intention, it anchored me and allowed me to maintain my center through strong moments. The food was, of course, amazing.
My preparation was very thorough and guided. I spent a considerable amount of time with my intention for the retreat which grounded me before and during the time.
The chat group and preparation group call were also very calming and felt exciting to begin connecting ahead of time together. The individual session with Cali to review my intention was so clear and wonderful to have it recorded to reconnect again later in the time between that session and the retreat. I always love and appreciate Cali's guidance and this time was no exception. Many gems were shared, especially in the context of considering IFS & master plants together. I am so very grateful for Mapuani's strong, playful and loving teachings. She is such an embodiment of the plant teachers to me.
The need to heal childhood trauma and move forward with my life brought me to this retreat. I received a lot of guidance, many wisdoms that I am now integrating into my lived life. One such piece was a mantra of: Accept, Allow, Be.
Out of the 8 plant teacher journeys I’ve embarked upon before; this retreat was light years ahead of the other journeys. Cali created an environment where I felt safe and held. I was able to relax and trust the process as a result. The ceremonies were given with a level of grace and skillfulness that was startlingly beautiful. It was a deep privilege to be present and have Mapuani reveal and share her ancient ancestral line to her people and the forest. Even though we, as a group, were going through our own experiences alone, we were kept as one. We experienced the tribe. Cali and Mapuani's chemistry, experience and ancestral legacy provide an ancient, grounded and breathtakingly skilful journey.
My intention was that I wanted to be free from a strong belief that my parts held about right and wrong. The first ceremony gave healing and brought peace to what I wanted to be free of, and the second ceremony, even though I kept the same intention, brought in what I needed to replace it.
It's difficult to express what I got, but these gifts shift my reality, it's like 'now this is true' but there aren't the doubting parts and thoughts of 'did I get this right', it just is. My parts have accepted it is so. It is also a surprise, the insights/gifts come in a way my parts don't expect, but they trust. And so, since the retreat I have just been continually seeing how this new way of being is my new reality. I can see myself approaching situations differently and have the confidence to go with and tune into my own truth. This was a sacred and beautiful healing.
I was curious to try a new way of working with plant teachers. I prepared well and meeting Cali was super helpful in making my intention crystal clear.
I loved how Mapuani was approachable and that I could receive guidance from her. I loved how Cali gave her FULL heart to this retreat, she truly cared about the process, her team and the participants. I struggled to be focused for so many hours when we sat in for integration sharings. For me what's important in preparation and integration is to get out of my head and be more in my body. I was able to find my own space before the ceremonies to move, and I appreciate having the space for ourselves to prepare the way we need. It was very helpful for me to have one day in between the ceremonies. I'm still getting more insights, dancing helps to get out of my head, the insights keep coming and the experience is still integrating and unfolding in me.
To join this retreat was the greatest gift I have given myself in a while. My heart is full and I can't wait to see the unfolding of the insights I gained during this time.
My intention and the guidance I received are still unfolding, but what I know now is to accept every part of me, taking care of myself with love and listening. I know that I‘m very strong and I understood that I can access this part whenever it is needed to take action and to move things forward. It is also related to self-worth and honouring my opinion and my knowing and standing my ground even if others may think differently. Also what came through is to honour more my femininity. It was and still is so beautiful to have been with all these strong women and also this motherly energy and care for each other made me realise how much I miss this in my life. Not having my mother around for many years, it felt like this beautiful gift for me and my parts who silently were crying about this loss of connection. Thank you for a truly magical 5 days!
I went to this retreat with a desire to dive deeper into my soul and bring more understanding to my internal thought processes and habits. The calling to try plant teachers in this specific setting with IFS and Cali was clear.
The most beneficial for me was the enquiry sessions before with the people who were joining the retreat. A clear intention and the session with Cali to figure out what this intention could be. Also very helpful was for sure the diet and writing my intention on the mirror in my bathroom to see it every day. Once I made the decision with the intention to connect daily with the parts in me who wanted to maybe change the intention or were doubting if this is the right one. During the retreat, I had a part in me who wished Cali could talk and talk and share more. Listening to the teachings and guidance was very healing, and very good for my parts to feel calmer when things started to get challenging. It was very nurturing. I love Cali so much, what a wonderful soul. Mapuani, soooo much wisdom so much love. I love her strength, her care and her beauty. What an amazing being. Looking forward, who I want to become by taking action and being gentle with myself. Life is a celebration and it has to be celebrated daily, with little things that make me happy. So much gratitude!
The journey in Cali’s retreats has long-lasting impacts and afterwards the support I receive allows integration to occur continuously, revealing the graces of the plant healing slowly over time.
I have been with Cali for 16 years attending retreats and as they evolved, I followed her recommendation for this particular type of work. The depth and breadth of her dedication, her guidance, love and caring support have never wavered in all these years. Mapuani now brings traditions and a deep respect for the plant teachers. Through her, I have taken into my being the sacredness of the master plants. I can see that their Brazilian roots have brought them together to deliver a very powerful message and experience. Now I am allowing the days to unfold with more ease and clearer direction. The guidance I received during the ceremony was clear, however, it was the grace of tolerance, gratitude and inner peace that is allowing my intention to unfold. I had an unforgettable experience that I am certain I will never get anywhere else.
A need to get past the chatter of some parts and connect with guidance brought me to this work.
It was very special having Mapuani communicate and embody the sacredness, ritual and tradition of the plant teachers, it allowed me to connect with the privilege of receiving and added to the connectedness I felt during the ceremonies and the entire retreat. When Cali sits in front of a group something magical happens, she has a way of connecting with you in a unique way, sharing her own life experiences with the teachings, this makes it so real, keeps it grounded in reality and helps my parts receive and accept the messages. I would have really appreciated some silent time, to be in the presence of a group but to be focused on the inside would have helped more my integration. Receiving plant master teachings heals my parts like nothing else I have found. You have to do the work to find and set an intention but the relaxation my parts feel when they know they don't have to figure out the answer themselves is such a relief. They trust that I, and the medicine, have this, they can just be with me, watch and observe and learn new stuff (which is one of their favourite things). For me, it has been a life-changing experience that has opened up a whole new way of being me and I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to receive this from Cali & Mapuani.
The profound connection of the tribe, the joy, and the sense of unity with everyone present made these ceremonies incredibly powerful and unforgettable.
I appreciated the thoughtful alternation between movement and contemplative inner journeys and ceremonies, as well as the balance between interaction with other participants and solitude with journaling and contemplating. The long group sessions were a bit challenging where we needed to sit for extended periods, but I also found them to be very valuable. These sessions provided deep insights and meaningful connections, despite the physical discomfort. The guidance I received during the retreat brought to the surface the ways of being that I need to embrace more fully, as well as the obstacles that stand in the way of what my parts long for. It has been an intense journey so far, and I am committed to nurturing these new insights and continuing to grow through them. I would like to express my deep gratitude for the entire experience. The retreat has been profoundly transformative, and I am incredibly thankful for the guidance, support, and incredible space that was provided. Every aspect, from the setting to the teachings and the community, has contributed to my growth and healing in ways that words cannot fully capture. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
Words aren’t quite enough! Cali’s guidance was critical to experiencing a wonderful, energising and insightful retreat. Mapuani’s guidance is just as critical as Cali’s!! Her words, her chants, her touch and her dance led me and guided me through the ceremony and afterwards with care and a joy that was beautiful to feel.
I have been a client and student of Cali’s for nearly 20 years and I was very keen to do my first plant healing retreat with her. I am working and feeling through many insights since receiving the plant teacher's guidance. The ceremonies gave me insights into my initial intention - my feelings towards not feeling a clear path in life - but also started to open up many other embodied feelings that were new to me, for example feeling safe and easy in my own body. I am spending time after the retreat to continue integrating and exploring these insights.
Sign up for the 10-day Sacred Pathways Retreat in Brazil
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PRICE
3970 USD
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DATES / 19 - 28 March 2025
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GUIDES / Mapuani Sampuany, Cáli Ornelas
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BOOK YOUR SPOT
To book your spot on this retreat, please contact our travel manager Daria Szychta at d.szychta@lifearchitect.com
or contact us at +48 500 700 857
"The profound connection of the tribe, the joy, and the sense of unity with everyone present made these ceremonies incredibly powerful and unforgettable."
Gabi, Sacred Guidance Retreat, June 2024
The Spirit of Brazil - a 3-day Experience
As we wind down from our retreat, why not stay a few days more to explore Brazil’s vibrant culture and nature with us?
Join us for a 3-day visit to Paraty, a bohemian city nestled between the Atlantic rainforest and the sea. Paraty’s colonial architecture, white buildings decorated with brightly coloured window frames, and nearby waterfalls and forests have attracted many artists, writers, and chefs who have settled here. This is the perfect place to relax and explore the diversity of Brazil and connect with its true spirit.
This time is for unwinding and reflecting while discovering the region’s rich culture and beauty. You can join group activities or enjoy some quiet time. Our flexible program includes forest walks, cultural experiences, and local cuisine to enhance your well-being.
We’ll stay at a cosy hotel in Paraty, providing comfort and tranquillity. We will enjoy both community and personal time in this beautiful setting.
Our travel experience begins the day after our retreat and is exclusively available for retreat participants. We’ll enjoy seamless organization with accommodation, meals, and transportation provided for all 3 days – the 28th, 29th, and 30th of March.
Check out the program highlights and the package price below (Sacred Pathways Retreat Brazil + 3-day Spirit of Brazil Experience). We look forward to sharing this peaceful extension of our journey with you.
What will you experience?
We begin our journey with an authentic Pataxó experience, hearing tales of ancestral stories, resistance, and wisdom by the bonfire. We learn about their traditions, and cleanse in a nearby waterfall. Throughout the day, there will be opportunities to relax, explore at your own pace, or simply enjoy the surroundings. As the day unfolds, we explore Paraty’s historic center to learn about its vibrant past and culture.
We’ll delve into Afro-Brazilian culture by visiting a Quilombola community, descendants of enslaved Africans who escaped and formed their own free communities. We’ll learn about their history and take part in a Jongo workshop, a traditional dance that serves both as a form of spiritual cleansing and a symbol of resistance. You’ll have time to relax and reflect, whether by taking a quiet walk or simply enjoying the rhythm and energy of the community at your own pace.
We explore the biodiversity of Brazil’s Atlantic Forest, taking in its rich ecosystem. The forest paths offer moments for reflection and a deeper connection to nature. Afterward, we enjoy a local meal, celebrating the unique flavors of the region. This day combines nature, good food, and tranquility, providing a beautiful end to our journey.
What's included:
What's included in the 3-day Spirit of Brazil package?
- 3-day excursion program: 28.03, 29.03, 30.03.2025,
- 3 nights at the same venue in Paraty (28.03 – 31.03.2025) with double room accommodation,
- Full board (3 meals a day),
- All-day transportation,
- Care and support of the organizers and local Brazilian tour guides.
The price presented below is the price of the Sacred Pathways Brazil Retreat (3970 USD) and the 3-day Spirit of Brazil Experience (1200 USD).
Sign up for the 8-day Sacred Pathways Brazil Retreat & the 3-day Spirit of Brazil Experience
The price below is for a shared double room during the retreat and the 3-day Spirit of Brazil Experience.
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PRICE
5170 USD
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DATES / 19 - 31 March 2025
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GUIDES / Mapuani Sampuany, Cáli Ornelas
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BOOK YOUR SPOT
To book your spot on this retreat, pleas contact our travel manager Daria Szychta at d.szychta@lifearchitect.com
or contact us at +48 500 700 857
Frequently asked questions
What is the cancellation policy?
If you withdraw 70 days or more before the retreat, we charge the deposit amount (600 USD). If you withdraw between 45 and 69 days before the retreat, we charge 50% of the whole retreat price. If you withdraw less than 44 days before the retreat, we charge 90% of the retreat price.
Can I pay in installments?
It’s possible to pay for the retreat in 3 installments (we do not charge any interest): the first installment being the non-refundable deposit, in the amount of 600 USD. It's payable on signing up for the retreat. The next two installments should be paid monthly within the next three months, however, the last installment is due 30 days before the retreat. If there are any delays with the payments, we reserve the right to cancel your participation without a refund (although we will send a reminder first).
Do I need a visa to Brazil?
What kind of rooms will be the participants accommodated in?
What if I have special nutritional requirements?
Just let us know about it prior to the retreat. The cook can prepare vegan and gluten-free meals for you. We are also open to other types of diets.
Contact us, we will answer all your questions
Travel manager d.szychta@lifearchitect.com
8:00 am - 4:00 pm (BST, UTC+1)
3:00 am - 11:00 am (EDT, UTC-4)