Hi, this is Isher. I'm particularly interested in working with people who have a history of depression, addiction or people who are just looking take hold of their lives again. Anyone who's interested in exploring their inner urge to expand their consciousness without the fear of being judged will always have my full attention and loving respect.
After living 30 years of my life living with recurring depression, a feeling of not belonging and a general sense of not knowing who i am or why i'm here, i decided it was time to do some serious work on myself and. I started meditating and it certainly helped with being able to witness myself and my behavioral patterns and moods. But why was i having these patterns and moods? What was underneath them? I came across a man called Dr Gabor Mate (An expert in trauma, addiction, stress and childhood development) around 8 years. This lead me to the use of plant medicines. First with Ayahuasca (which showed my the roots cause of my behavior patterns as well as helping me shed my mental and spiritual pollution that i felt society had installed in me. Then with San Pedro/Huachuma which i feel made me complete again and gave me my clear focus, mental strength and a purpose in life.
I decided to focus mainly on working with San Pedro as i have so much respect for the gentle and patient nature of the medicine. I don't claim to be a shaman like in the South America traditional sense. I totally respect the shamanic ways and have work and journeyed with Shamans, but I feel this tradition is a sacred one that is so often exploited and by westerners. Shamanic ceremonies should only be conducted by genuine shamans of which they are few a far between in my experience. I also feel that experiencing your journey with loving support and with as little distractions or interference as possible gives the participants the deepest and most transformational experience. I'm descried as being a gentle giant and a big open heart. I offer plenty experience working with medicines as well as safety and protection. I'm originally from the UK but now living in Portugal where we have the perfect location to truly work with this medicine at it's best.
I strongly believe in everyone's individual reality, and that everything is just how it's supposed to be. I feel that we should try our best to embrace our fears and emotions, not run away or drown in to them and we should always show gratitude to the human experience. Life and awareness truly is a blessing.
Blessing on your travels
Isher
Hi, my name is Marijke. I guess you could say I started my healing journey back in 2005 when after experiencing a burn out cause by then career, many bouts of depression and a heavy relationship with cannabis, I decided there must be something else, this can't be it! I enrolled on a 2 year course at a school of living art in The Netherlands. It was here that really started to take a deep look inside myself.
Later, I heard someone talk about a life changing experience with a plant medicine called Ayahuasca. I was intrigued and felt a strong calling to try for myself. I combined the sessions with psycho therapy initially and I'm glad I did so as I could really open up to my therapist as well as help me keep my feet on the floor.
I eventually became a facilitator at the same centre in which I took my first Ayahuasca session and then became a ceremony leader for 5 years. I also met Isher here and we struck up a strong friendship. I later worked as a facilitator at another centre in The Netherlands, this working with different shamans from Peru. Now I'm working with Huachuma at The Lighthouse. All in all I've guided hundreds of participants through their plant medicine journeys.
On a personal level, plant medicines have helped me see different perspectives, have a healthier acceptance of myself and therefore others. I'm kinder to myself and my shadow side. I realise that the world didn't change but the way I look at it now makes it easier to live in. I feel like I've received healing on many different levels.
I like to keep it real, I'm down to earth and have a strong protecting energy. I love to see people regain their inner power and strength.
I know that it's a big decision to embark on a medicine journeys and that you should research strong as to whether or not this is right for you but I also know that if you do feel strongly about doing it and that you're well prepared and physically healthy enough, you could receive some real benefit from them.
Details of this retreat
We lovingly invite you to a 4 day (3 nights) San Pedro /Huachuma gathering at The Lighthouse in Portugal.
Welcome Home!
Are you ready to switch on the light of your Lighthouse?
This is an open call for anybody who is looking to make their next steps into self empowerment. At our retreat in Portugal, we pride ourselves on creating a space for all to develop, heal and recover your comfortable seat in life.
Our aim is to organise humble yet powerful sittings with the wise medicine of Huchuma, for open and inquisitive minds and souls. As individuals we will be self exploring through inner reflection and as a collective group we will be sharing and supporting each other with the view to form authentic mutual understanding and support.
The Lighthouse welcomes you all to join us on this journey of universal discovery!
Quick overview:
🌵 All meals are included (Vegetarian or vegan;
🌵 1 introductory Rapé/hapey (medicinal snuff) ceremony on day 1;
🌵 2 San Pedro ceremonies on day 2 and day 3;
🌵 On day 3 we will also explore a little nature park where you have the possibility to swim in the waterfall. If time allows we would also love to show you the Douro river!;
🌵 A bed in either a shared bedroom with max. 2 others (same seXs), a private room or tent;
🌵Bathrooms are shared.
San Pedro/Huachuma is a medicine that can provide plenty of insights, strength and personal meaning. Although some consider it a gentle medicine, it's also very powerful with it's teachings and results. If you're feeling lost or struggling to understand your purpose in life, our San Pedro gatherings at the Lighthouse could be the answer. We want to create an environment where a fellowship brothers and sisters can come together and encourage each other to step in to our power in this ever-evolving world.
Please take into account that an Huachuma ceremony can last up to 12 hours. It can thus be mentally, emotionally and physically demanding. You might feel tired, drained or low mood a few days proceeding the ceremony. We therefor recommend you take it easy (take some days off), keep your diet clean and stay mindful of your state of being. Within a few days you should feel renewed and in a better state of wellbeing.
Practicatlies:
🌵 The ceremonies will mainly facilitated by Isher. As a second (or sometimes third) facilitator Nancy, Marijke or Rui will be there;
🌵 We accept a maximum of 6 participants ;
🌵 We speak English, Dutch and German
🌵 We offer a 45 minute 1-on-1 online integration or guidance session after the retreat should you need it.
More information about us and our retreats can be found on our website.
BOOKING PROCESS:
Please contact us for availability before booking.
After you've booked at RetreatGuru we will send you an intake form.
- Fill out the booking form with detail & attention;
- After receiving your form, we will review your answers;
- If we feel you are at the right place with us, you will receive an e-mail with the payment details to make the deposit (make sure you check your spam box);
- Be aware that only after you've made the deposit, your spot is reserved and confirmed;
- After the deposit has been received, we will send you all the information about the (preparation for) the retreat;
- We reserve the right to decline reservations. If we do so, you will get refunded the full amount.
Schedule
We will prepare you beforehand the best we can for the ceremony ahead by taking our time to give you as many tools as possible to navigate through the journey.
The ceremonies always start with us giving thanks to the plants for calling us together for this experience. Then there is an opportunity to share your intentions should you wish to. After drinking the brew we usually sit and try to connect with the medicine and allow it to move through our bodies and mind. We then go for a little walk on the grounds of the Lighthouse and connect with nature. There is one facilitator per 3 participants, allowing everyone’s needs to be safely catered for. Our ceremonies are not shamanic ceremonies like in the South America traditional sense. We totally respect the shamanic ways, but feel this tradition is a sacred one that is so often exploited and by westerners and should only be conducted by genuine shamans of which are few a far between in our experience. We also feel that experiencing your journey with loving support and with little distractions or interference gives the participants the deepest and most transformational experience. There will be live music and carefully selected recorded music, as well as some periods of silence but mostly you are free to go where you are comfortable. There's times when we will take a walk around the beautiful grounds of the property where you'll really feel the connection of nature, the earth and the skies. Your journey could last anywhere from 8 to 12 hours in total.
After the ceremony there will be plenty of time for sharing, grounding, eating and opportunities to get to know the new you
We are a 45 min car drive from Porto airport and a 15 min cab journey to the train station followed by a 1 hour direct train ride which cost €8. Detailed instructions will be given when bookings are confirmed.
Accommodation
Rooms are private or shared with max. 3 to a room.
Bathrooms are shared.
1 person in a shared bedroom (max. 3 persons)
Private bedroom
Venue & Amenities
A/C in Rooms
Free Wifi
Spa
Sauna
Pool
Towels
Free Parking
Kitchen
Tour Assistance
Hot Tub
Coffee/Tea
Cafe
Restaurant
Fitness Center
Yoga Studio
Housekeeping
Bicycles For Rent
We are situated in the heart of the Douro Valley, an area of outstanding natural beauty. Just 50km east of Porto, easily reachable by car (50 mins) or train (60 mins) The house has stunning views into the Douro Valley and is minutes away from the Douro river and all of it's leisure activities and beauty spots. On the property we have many different spots to hang out and enjoy nature's beauty.
Meals
Menu Types
Vegan
Vegetarian
Pescetarian
Ayurvedic
Includes Meat
Organic
Gluten Free
Dairy Free
Nut Free
We will serve vegan or vegetarian meals.
What's Included
3 nights stay;
2 Huachuma Ceremonies
All meals (vegetarian or vegan);
Pick up from the local train station;
1 introductory Rapé (medicinal snuff) ceremony;
On day 3 we will also explore a little nature park where you have the possibility to swim in the waterfall;
A bed in either a shared bedroom with max. 2 others (same sexe) or a private room. Bathrooms are shared;
Should you need it; we offer a 45 minute 1-on-1 online integration or guidance session after the retreat.
What's Not Included
Airport pick-ups
Customer Reviews
5.00 out of 5.0 average rating
5.0
Verified
The Grandfather is Calling You
I spent a very productive few days here at the Lighthouse in Portugal with Isher and Marijke. They have created an ideal environment in which to take San Pedro. The nature of the medicine really blends with the nature of the valley and I felt I was able to commit to the experience. Thank you to Isher and Mijke for your support and encouragement. Also grateful to Chuma the dog for his positive energy! Step into the lighthouse, the grandfather is calling you.
5.0
Verified
Huachuma revolutionized my thinking
Isher and Marijke helped me to make the most of my Huachuma experience through setting my purpose, working with the medicine, and following up on the experience afterwards. Everyone comes with different needs, so this kind of personalized guidance was useful and important. Writing this review two weeks later, I realize that Huachuma revolutionized my thinking. My intellectual concepts became actual lived experience. In short, it opened up a new space (paradigm, even) for being that will take years to explore and appreciate. Thank you.
5.0
Verified
An Incredible Experience at The Lighthouse
I recently attended a retreat at The Lighthouse with Isher and Mareike, and it was truly one of the most grounding and transformative experiences I’ve had. As someone who tends to approach things pretty analytically, I was curious (and a bit cautious) going in, but they really exceeded all my expectations.
Before the Experience
Right from the start, Isher and Mareike created a sense of trust and clarity. They took the time to explain everything about the huachuma experience—what to expect, how it might feel, and what could come up during the journey. It really helped me feel prepared and at ease, which made it easier to fully lean into the process.
During the Experience
Throughout the trip, their guidance was amazing. They have this incredible ability to hold space while letting you navigate the experience at your own pace. Whether it was through thoughtful conversations, moments of empathy, or just being quietly present, they struck the perfect balance. Anytime I had questions or needed support, they were right there with wisdom and care. It felt like talking to people who genuinely understood and wanted to help.
After the Experience
What really impressed me was how much they emphasized integration afterward. They gave me practical advice on what to expect in the days and weeks following the retreat and how to work with everything I had learned. It didn’t feel like the experience ended when the ceremony did—they made sure I had tools and insights to take back into my everyday life.
Why It Stood Out:
Well-Organized: The whole retreat felt really thoughtfully planned. Everything was structured enough to feel safe but not so rigid that it felt overwhelming.
Holistic Support: They addressed every aspect—mental, emotional, and spiritual—which made the whole experience feel very complete.
Genuine Wisdom: Isher and Mareike are incredibly knowledgeable, but they explain things in such a down-to-earth way. It’s clear they really know what they’re doing.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a meaningful and grounding retreat, I can’t recommend The Lighthouse enough. Isher and Mareike are compassionate, wise, and genuinely amazing at what they do. I left feeling more connected, clear, and inspired than I’ve felt in a long time. I’m so grateful for their guidance and would absolutely go back or recommend it to anyone.
5.0
Verified
A wonderful journey
My time at The Lighthouse was nothing short of life-changing. From the moment I arrived, Isher and Mareike created a warm, safe space where I felt supported and understood. Being surrounded by others on similar journeys made the experience even more powerful—there was a deep sense of connection and shared purpose. I will forever feel connected to the other participants of this journey. Through the huachuma experience, I finally let go of personal struggles I’d been carrying for years. Isher and Mareike guided me with such care and wisdom, giving me the space to face what I needed to and release it on my own terms. By the end of the retreat, I felt lighter and more hopeful, with a clear vision for my future that I hadn’t been able to imagine before.
If you’re looking for healing, clarity, and a sense of belonging, The Lighthouse is the place to find it. I’m so deeply grateful for this experience.
5.0
Verified
Transforming experience.
Expert guides and guidance in a beautiful,natural environment create the ideal situation to support the healing process Throughout my experience here I was well informed and any concerns were listened to with compassion and wisdom.A wonderful,life-enhancing experience thanks to the medicine and our wonderful hosts Isher and Marijke.
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Payments made through Retreat Guru do not include the cost of: plant medicine, psychedelics or similar products.
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A preparation course valued at $109 is included with the retreat at no extra cost
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