Cultivating Pride & Authenticity | A Gay Men's Week | An Ayahuasca Journey

From Breakdown to Breakthrough: My Transformational Journey with Mother Ayahuasca at REUNION

Testimony

I received the call to sit with Mother Ayahuasca in December 2024, after collapsing once again under the weight of parental overload and the suffocating grind of survival within the system. Just the thought of embarking on this journey to Reunion gave me the strength to keep moving toward my goal. I offered myself this precious gift for my birthday in October 2025.

I arrived in Reunion exhausted and in tears, and I left completely transformed—with a deep inner calm that is truly priceless.

The support and care provided by Reunion far exceeded my expectations. The sound of the waves, the connection with the ocean, the nourishing food, the teachings I received, the beautiful group we formed and the heartfelt exchanges we shared, along with the support of my roommate PAM —all of it touched me deeply.

I returned home profoundly moved by this invaluable experience, with inner peace and a new path to follow. I’m already counting the days until I can embrace another opportunity to return.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart to all the beautiful souls who crossed my path.

Elizabeth — Ayahuasca retreat, October 2025.

“And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.” — Anaïs Nin

I have been to many plant medicine retreats over the past 7 years, and this has been the best and most transformative retreat I have ever been to. I wish I had found this place earlier (though they have been operating for just 2 years now).

Their intake process is more extensive than other centres, which ensures the best guest dynamics and that your needs are well attended to. Reunion holds week-long retreats once a month (except for special events a couple of times a year), which provide time and opportunity for guests to properly integrate with the guidance of their therapeutic staff after the retreat.
Their excellent staff-to-guest ratio ensures the guests are comfortable, safe, and have all their needs satisfied.

The location is also so beautiful and private. It is literally steps to the beach, and the lushly landscaped 30+ acre property offers many places to walk, relax, reflect, and process, in the middle of a tropical paradise.

Reunion is a not-for-profit organization, which means a lot to me, as the plant medicine and wellness tourism industry has been flooded by so many retreat centres that do not share the same ethical intentions and instead value profits over human healing. The local staff are all well-treated and respected there, and they were so nice and friendly, which made my stay even more enjoyable.

My experience has been so positive and transformative that I am returning in January to continue my journey. If you are looking for deep soul-searching and healing, I highly recommend Reunion!

I chose Reunion based on the striking beauty of the retreat centre and its surroundings, the sense of integrity and authenticity from its essence as a not for profit, and the genuine care and respect portrayed by the entire team. These essential ingredients made my experience truly incredible and I very much hope to return to this magical place to continue my journey soon.

I was guided to Reunion by an inner knowing — a soul whisper that it was time to sit with Mama Aya and receive guidance for the next phase of my path. What I experienced at Reunion far exceeded anything I could have imagined.
From the moment I arrived, I felt deeply held and safe. The facilitators created a container of care, wisdom, and integrity. Everything was explained with clarity and compassion — from the nature of the medicine to how it would work through the physical, emotional, mental, and energetic layers of our being. Their preparation and presence were impeccable.
The ceremony space was sacred and secure. The temple was supported by a team who stayed attuned to each of us throughout the night, gently checking in and assisting as needed. Even small things, like being accompanied to the restroom if we needed support, made such a difference. Every detail — from the clean and comfortable facilities to the steady grounding presence of the team — reminded me that I was safe to go deep.
What I received from Mama Aya was powerful. A complete energetic and cellular reset. A deep DNA upgrade. After the ceremony, I received clear guidance to take a Quantum Healing course and felt pathways opening within me — new channels of clarity, confidence, and direction. I’m now crafting new workshops, preparing to hold healing spaces and facilitate retreats. The experience confirmed that I am on the right path — and gave me the strength and inner assurance to keep going.
For anyone hearing the call to sit with this medicine for the first time, I wholeheartedly recommend Reunion. It is rare to find a space that is both spiritually expansive and profoundly safe. The facilitators — Wakana, Shamanka, Aliza, and Sheldon — held the container with such integrity and love.
The physical space is also incredibly nourishing. The food was healthy, vibrant, and so delicious — the kind of plant-based meals that feed not just your body but your soul. The rooms were cozy, beautifully designed, and minimalist in the most calming way. The landscape around the retreat center is absolutely stunning — ocean and pool swims, organic gardens, sacred spaces... all infused with intention and beauty. And every member of the staff radiated kindness, presence, and care. I felt supported and loved wherever I went.
Reunion is not just a retreat — it’s a return to your Self. To your Truth. To the next chapter of your becoming. I am forever grateful.

I just got back from Cultivating Pride & Authenticity at Reunion Costa Rica, and honestly… it was everything I didn’t know I needed.

The intentionality behind every detail of the retreat was palpable. The workshops, ceremonies, conversations, and shared moments created a beautiful container for self-reflection, healing, and growth. I connected with incredible queer souls from around the world, each bringing their own stories, wisdom, and light. Being in a space where authenticity was celebrated, where vulnerability was met with compassion, and where joy and liberation were central to the experience — it felt like coming home to myself in a way I hadn’t experienced before.

If you’re queer and craving a space to show up as your whole self, reconnect, and be part of something special — this retreat is it. Can’t wait to go back. 🌈