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REVIEWS- ALL MEDICINES 
(2018-2023)

Modern Ancient Sanctuary  retreat programs are available for public bookings starting January 2024.

Private individual and private small group retreat requests are still welcome and considered based on availability.

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Generous feedback from our  participants over many years has supported us to develop and refine our Modern Ancient Method ™ and retreat framework. Starting out with only tailored private retreats allowed us to intimately connect with our participants and their experiences firsthand. We've shared some key observations below in the hope that it helps you to choose what's right for you.

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  • With four Ayahuasca ceremonies, (i) many participants were able to access a deeper level of healing, and (ii) some experienced a breakthrough ‘rebirth’ ceremony i.e. an experience of unconditional love which can ignite the ego dissolution process. Therefore, we designed our Divine Spark retreat program to include four Ayahuasca ceremonies.

  • Prior to the main ceremony, treating participants with Kambo (at least once) effectively cleared much blocked energy. This opened up a greater pathway for healing with the main medicine (Ayahuasca, Iboga, or Bufo). Over time we learned that working in this way can provide the best healing possible. This is why we now use Kambo in all of our retreat programs.

  • Participants reported feeling ‘lighter’, including after multiple challenging experiences, when cleansing with magical Amazonian plants and herbs. Therefore, we include various post ceremonies treatments to maintain energy hygiene on retreat and for each participant to feel safe.

  • Many people commonly report no visions or deep connection with sacred master medicines such as Ayahuasca, Iboga or Bufo. This can be due to layers of blocked emotions and ‘maya’ (energy of illusion). Overall, proper preparation and first treating with Kambo, as noted above, provides a greater chance of receiving deep healing and connection.

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Please refer to our Retreat Experience page for all retreat offerings. You can also read our blog post HERE to learn more about why we recommend at least four Ayahuasca ceremonies, removing maya and scared medicine ceremony preparation.

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NOTE: reviews are provided for informational and interest purposes only, and do not guarantee any particular outcome or result.

 ~REVIEWER INFO~

Name:  Shea A
Age:  41
Occupation:  Preferred not to disclose  
Country of Residence:  Paris, Fra
nce   
Intention:  Self-discovery  
Retreat Type:  Private

Retreat Length:  6 days
Year:  2018
Sacred Medicine/s:  
Bufo & Ayahuasca 

~REVIEW~ 

This retreat was magical. I cannot put this into words, especially my Bufo experience which was quick and intense. It was a totally different medicine to Ayahuasca where I purged so much and had great visions, super fast downloads and profound insights. I did not have any visions with Bufo, instead I passed out for around 30 seconds I was told. When I woke up I felt terror from a childhood memory that I had forgotten - in fact i never remembered it before. If I had I would be in counselling and I am now. When I returned home, I talked to my mother and she shared what happened to me which I was never told by my family before. I am in shock and it will take some time to recover for sure. I would like to do Bufo again in the future because I wonder what else is there now. It feels like only the beginning for me and a mystery that I will need to develop a new type of courage for this healing work. I am lucky to have a supportive husband and friends during this time, and this is very important for anyone wanting to take this journey. I trust Suya, Cara and and her team completely. They looked after me like their own blood. These are kind and beautiful people and I will return next time with my husband too.

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~REVIEWER INFO~

Name:  Will G
Age:  37
Occupation:  Business Analyst 
Country of Residence:  Berlin, Germa
ny  
Intention:  Life direction and change  
Retreat Type:  Private

Retreat Length:  10 days
Year:  2018
Sacred Medicine/s
:  Kambo, Bufo & Ayahuasca

~REVIEW~ 

Wow! I don't know where to start or if words can explain but I'll try. I feel my soul, my ancestors, my pain and my power to create more than what I am sitting in now. I felt comfortable right from the beginning when meeting Cara, and this trust supported me to continue with my ceremonies and program when I wanted to leave halfway through! I was exhausted and didn't feel I could continue. I'm happy I stayed because I had special visions and visits from my deceased family members with so much love and acceptance. The place is fantastic in the jungle, and I can only imagine how incredible it will be once the building work is completed. A stellar team, on point with the holistic education, very grounded and easy to talk to - really like my soul family. I'll never forget my time here at Modern Ancient, and I feel that Cara and Suya's light will always be with me. Thank you everyone, I am truly grateful and can't wait to come again next year.

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 ~REVIEWER INFO~

Name:  Rachel M
Age:  32  

Occupation:  IT Recruiter 
Country of Residence:  Leeds, United KingdoIntention:  Emotional healing (relationships)   
Retreat Type:  Private 

Retreat Length:  6 days
Year:  2018
Sacred Medicine/s:  Kambo
& Ayahuasca    

~REVIEW~ 

It was my first experience in Peru and it was incredible! I have done ayahuasca before but did not get anything close to the type of support and information i received from Modern Ancient. I was nervous about if i would actually go but i spoke to Neshani who was very helpful and reassuring. She reviewed my medical history and the answers to my forms with me to confirm that i was not at risk. She also screened me for kambo and iboga even though i didn't know about them. I ended up doing kambo too so it was a good call. Suya supported my preparation over two months, and i really can't say enough thank you's because the coaching changed everything for me (my beliefs, perceptions and expectations). She is kind but very honest which made me realise i was not being accountable for the things i was saying i wanted to change. This was my first turning point when i saw that i was not coming to the medicine for all the right reasons. They are correct when they say your intergration starts even before you come on retreat! Cara did my kambo and at first i felt she was a bit pushy (because i didn't want to do it!) but i am glad i did and proud of myself for truly letting go in that moment. Cara is amazing - actually like the mother energy i was searching for, and i cried when we said goodbye.. Kambo was physically tough on me so I had to rest for the remainder of the day but the next day i felt an easyness i have not felt before. My four ayahuasca ceremonies were beautiful and only one was very dark but Cara helped me to understand why the things that showed up in my ceremony were not actually bad at all. Those few days gave me the emotional release and clarity i came for. I know a lot of people come to Peru for a shipibo shaman, and i did too, but i did not resonate with her. The icaro singing was beautiful but i definitely would have been scared if Cara wasn't with me. My best ceremony was the one Cara did, after i explained that i did not feel fully comfortable with the shaman. It was my breakthrough one, the music played and healing Cara did for me helped me relax and let go. I would say it was definitely more about the connection i had with Cara than the shaman which made my ceremony with her the nicest one. Now i am working with a coach Suya recommended to support the big changes i need to make in my life. I recommend finding a guide to work with because so much comes up AFTER the retreat and i can use my insights in a better way compared to when i did the medicine before at other places with no meaningful integration support.  My only little issue was the vegan food (i'm not vegan!), which i forgot about after my medicine ceremonies started.  The jungle energy is perfect, and the walk through the back of the land with one of the staff, Segundo, was nice even though there are lots of insects (it's a more dense jungle part). It's hard for me to put everything into words because i'm still processing things as i am writing this, but i know i will definitely be back and will bring my sister next time. I learnt about iboga too and i know when i am ready i will be back to start my healing with it. Thank you Modern Ancient and to the whole team for looking after me and making me feel so welcomed and safe in Peru.

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 ~REVIEWER INFO~

Name:  Lynda P
Age:  29
Occupation:  Nurse  
Country of Residence:  Barcelona, Spain
  
Intention:  To feel happy again  
Retreat Type:  Private, group of 2 people

Retreat Length:  9 days
Year:  2019
Sacred Medicine/s:
  Kambo, Bufo & Ayahuasca  

~REVIEW~ 

Everything was divine. These are my soul sisters and I love them and what they did for me in a such a short space of time! I have taken Ayahuasca on a few occasions at other centers like (DELETED) in Peru and my ceremony experiences have been scary!  This was my first time taking Kambo and Bufo and my first time at Modern Ancient.  I will be back here for sure!  Bufo is special and intense.  Very different.  I felt the energy more as I did more ceremonies. I had a horrible headache after Bufo for two days, so we did not do all of my program.  We concentrated on doing some amazing energy healing work and yoga instead with Suya. Through this program, I returned to the feeling of what it is like to be happy again.  Who knows how long the feeling will last!  But, up until now, it is still there and I have not lost the connection I feel in my heart!  Also, I must mention that the maloka is beautiful and special.  It is also closed off and super clean and I did not encounter any bugs or insects there!. I didn't come with unrealistic expectations as I am used to retreat centers in the jungle, but I was pleasantly surprised at the minimal amount of insects compared to other places.  To Cara and Suya:  You knew what I needed when I did not know myself. You are both powerful and strong women and I am grateful that you shared your journey with me. Thank you for showing me I am more than my problems and my past pains.  God bless you both and Modern Ancient.  Big love for Cara's vegan cat!

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 ~REVIEWER INFO~

Name:  Jonathan D
Age:  52
Occupation:  Software sales - Owner 
Country of Residence:  California, USA  
Intention:  Anxiety, on-off depression
Retreat Type:  Private

Retreat Length:  12 days
Year:  2019
Sacred Medicine/s:
  Kambo, Ayahuasca & Iboga 

~REVIEW~ 

The retreat program provided a fantastic opportunity to work with the substances in a very guided setting. Modern Ancient is a great place and I can't thank all the team members enough for making this a very special and memorable first time experience. I did not make this decision lightly and I was worried about the level of experience compared to some of the better known centers. But Iboga is not an easy find in a single retreat program with Ayahuasca. My fears were put aside when I spoke to Suya and then Cara, both knowledgeable, professional and genuinely interested in my healing journey.  I felt like I had known them for much longer and all the staff embraced me like family from the very first day. They are sisters and I can see the respect and support they have for each other.  What struck me is that the whole team laugh a lot and often, and there is a calm and light feeling. To add, the jungle energy is powerful and the center is modern as described.  The maloka feels and looks sacred and masterfully built with a tiled floor, indoor toilets and sinks as well as four entrances.  I felt warm, safe and enclosed in the space and energy. They provided clean and fluffy blankets as well as other personal touches which I appreciated and which made me me feel very comfortable.  The only thing I would say is I would have liked to have a bigger bed to sprawl out on!  but I am a big guy (6"4) and this is my general complaint with smaller double beds! More relevant is I have not had an anxiety attack since visiting Modern Ancient.  The coaching program for three months prior with Suya was powerful in itself and taught me about managing my energy, self healing and my belief systems. I don't know if the anxiety attacks will return, but I do know it is about how much I focus and make time for the practices. I intend to continue working with Suya and hope to off her waiting list for a full coaching program. To conclude, I highly recommend Modern Ancient, its founders and the onsite retreat staff. You really won't be dissapointed.

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 ~REVIEWER INFO~

Name:  Preferred not to disclose
Age:  44
Occupation:  Attorney 
Country of Residence:  New York, USA  
Intention:  Emotional healing (trauma) 
Retreat Type:  Private

Retreat Length:  9 days
Year:  2019
Sacred Medicine/s:
  Kambo, Bufo & Ayahuasca  

~REVIEW~ 

Suya and her sister Cara are my dream team.  Between them, they share a wealth of knowledge and experience which made my retreat experience a mostly smooth one. While I have had one Ayahuasca ceremony before, I was keen to explore this healing space deeper and learn about more about spirituality and plant medicine at the same time. I worked with Suya as my coach for three months prior to prepare me, which was a wonderful way to build trust and feel comfortable with a solo trip to Peru for this purpose. The weekly exercises and 'homework' taught me more about what surrender means in a practical way. The energy healing work allowed me to feel into my energy body and the health conditions I have struggled with on and off. The logistics and retreat materials were carefully prepared.  The quality of the retreat program far exceed the monetary exchange.  Not only have I started to make peace with some past traumatic issues for the first time, but I have also let go of lifelong addictions that I never thought I could. This includes a significant reduction in the amount of alcoholic drinks I have per week which has improved my life in so many ways already! I highly recommend Modern Ancient and their retreat program. I also recommend a period of coaching by Suya because this really was valuable and informative before, during and after my time in Peru.

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 ~REVIEWER INFO~

Name:  Mya H
Age:  28
Occupation:  Preferred not to disclose  
Country of Residence:  NSW Australia
   
Intention:  Eating disorder 
Retreat Type:  Private

Retreat Length:  10 days
Year:  2019
Sacred Medicine/s:  Kambo & Iboga
 

~REVIEW~ 

I have attended many sacred medicine retreats at different places around the world. My first medicine was Ayahuasca and I have done a number of ceremonies. I felt very called to start my healing journey with Iboga this year. After two weeks and a number of ceremonies at (DELETED) in Costa Rica, I was not able to go very deep (not much happened in any of the ceremonies). The facilitator and shamans at (DELETED) recommended findng a place with Iboga so I could go deeper because they could not help me anymore. I found the Modern Ancient Iboga microdosing vlogs online and arranged a private retreat. It was a totally different experience from the get go. It is true for me that Ayahuasca takes you further while Iboga takes you deeper inside yourself. I saw myself in the womb and what I had picked up from my mother and her great grandmother. I felt her and the situation she was in at the time of my conception and realised I had inherited ancestral energy which Iboga is said to work directly on. This felt like a huge weight off my shoulders as I have struggled with my disorder since childhood. I tried everything conventional but it only got worse. The amazing thing is my condition started improving after I finished my retreat at Modern Ancient. And it improved even more after I started changing other lifestyle and mindset habits. The coaching and integration sesssions taught me how to achieve that. It's been a fast paced life changing journey since I started attending medicine ceremonies and I can see how this is really an emotional healing journey, before anything else. Unfortunately I do not have the money right now to do a full coaching program with Suya, but I am thankful for her guidance on bio-energy healing and how to work with my energy system which has already helped me find alot of consistency. I want to say a big thank you to everyone I met and spoke to at Modern Ancient; Neshani for being so friendly and accomodating about my flights, Cara and Suya who made these difficult ceremonies possible with their support and encouragement and all the Peruvian team who were so caring and positive. Thank you Segundo for showing me through the rest of the land and our fun learning Spanish boat trip. I live far but I will be returning as soon as I have the money and time. Note by Modern Ancient: The Iboga vlogs referenced have since been removed from our YouTube channel however, more informaton on iboga is provided on our website and available within selected retreat programs. Iboga microdosing training is also provided within the relevant retreat programs with detailed guidance and coaching available.

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 ~REVIEWER INFO~

Name:  Rita C
Age:  36
Occupation:  Salesforce Admin/ Soul Seeker!  
Country of Residence:  USA   
Intention:  Addictions & drugs 
Retreat Type:  Private

Retreat Length:  11 days
Year:  2019
Sacred Medicine/s:  Kambo & Iboga 

~REVIEW~ 

I reached out to Moden Ancient after doing some research on Iboga and watching their online YouTube videos. They screened me and then we worked together to create a program that would be best for my intention. The owners, Suya & Cara, are very personable and relatable. I also learned that they are talanted healers each in their own way. I experienced preparation through some energy healing work with Suya where I actually felt her working in my body through remote sessions. She always emailed her feedback first so and it was aligned with my own experience which forced me to open up in believing in greater things than my mind thought at the time. I had the same experience in Iboga ceremonies with Cara when I could not purge and let the sickness out. Cara came over to me and started focusing around my back and spine and then she began purging and I felt a pulling inside and then suddenly the dizzness went away. It's hard to describe but my retreat was just awesome. One of the most challenging things I have ever done in my life, but still awesome! My addiction issues feel clear now. I also found the help of a specialized additction coach post retreat and followed Suya's recommendation to continue my integration and complete the full coaching course. I have not touched anything since I left Peru (5 weeks). I did not want to do Kambo, but Cara suggested I should and taught me how to work with the spirit of the Kambo frog. By my second ceremony I connected without fear so it was an easier process at least mentally. Modern Ancient is a special place, and I will be forever grateful for the time I spent there. The staff made this an unbeliveable experience from start to finish. I have so much respect for these powerful women and what they are creating. They have changed the direction of my life and my mind. I hope this willl also be the experience of all who should be so lucky to cross paths with them as well. Note: The Iboga vlogs referenced have since been removed from our YouTube channel. However, more information on Iboga is provided on our website and available within selected retreat programs. Iboga microdosing training is also provided within the relevant retreat programs with detailed guidance available.

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 ~REVIEWER INFO~

Name:  Susana A
Age:  33
Occupation:  Preferred not to disclose  
Country of Residence:  Italy   
Intention:  Lymes disease, anxiety, pain in legs 
Retreat Type:  Private

Retreat Length:  6 days
Year:  2019
Sacred Medicine/s:  Kambo
 & Ayahuasca 

~REVIEW~ 

My first impression is that Modern Ancient are very advanced in their soul teachings. Their name is the perfect one for what they do. I liked it that they use sacred medicine and communicate old wisdom in a way that fits into this modern world which helped me understand better about spirituality. The entire retreat experience felt professional, organised and thorough. From the teachings about ayurveda medicine that I knew nothing about to sacred medicine ceremonies and all classes/ handouts and integration follow up advice. To me, a lot of thought and care has been put into everything here and you can feel the heart of the sisters in their work. I know they will go on to help a lot of people like they did for me when they open for the public retreats. For me, this retreat was life changing. It was a complete work through and it really got me on the road to where I need to be going. I think it would be the same positive experience for anyone who really wants change or is in a difficult situation. I was there for eight days and those days are some of the most memorable of my life so far. I saw and remembered some things from my childhood. For over 12 years I suffered from physical pain and the ceremonies not only helped me with physcic surgery, but also showed me the cause of this and how to heal. It was truly out of this world. Both the sisters Suya and Cara helped me to make more progress in healing the pain more after I left the retreat. I tried a lot of things previously in my life, including mushrooms which did not work very well for me. The ayahuasca here was beautiful. My experience with kambo felt like I had been in a boxing ring. And my ayahuasca ceremonies were very hard at times but also very enjoyable and powerful. This was the quickest and lasting way for me to heal. I am surprised that some areas of my life and health really improved a lot after the retreat. My sleeping, anxiety, high blood pressure and random body aches and pains have not returned since the retreat. It is now been over a month. I also want to share that I had Lymes disease before and it was a battle. That illness has not returned after the retreat. Just like that! I also love how Modern Ancient explain the energetic problem of the diseases and how to tackle them at the root. They are fantastic. And you will learn a lot that you can take home and use when you need to remind yourself how to live peacefully with no suffering created for yourself. I do not have enough words or there are not enough English words available! To say that Modern Ancient are really super. On my arrival day, I met a war veteran who had completed his retreat but had stayed on so he could be at the center with the staff and relax. He told me he felt so connected to the place and like it was his home and did not want to leave. After my experiences, I understand him. The place looks very beautiful and especially after the kambo and ayahuasca ceremonies, it really feels like 'wow' to be in the Amazon! I really connected with nature, positivity and peace. My room was comfortable, Modern like they say and well looked after. The war veteran said he solved his drug habit and his depression is gone. He was super happy and positive. It was very inspiring. I will take some time to adjust my new way of being and thinking after my retreat into my normal life, but I know I will visit this life changing place again in the future. Sorry for my english right now and thank you to all the team at Modern Ancient, who are such beautiful people from the inside out.

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 ~REVIEWER INFO~

Name:  Preferred not to disclose 
Age:  38
Occupation:  Preferred not to disclose  
Country of Residence:  Oregon USA
   
Intention:  Addictions, drugs and alcohol  
Retreat Type:  Private

Retreat Length:  15 days
Year:  2019
Sacred Medicine/s:  Kambo & Iboga 

~REVIEW~ 

I am beyond grateful and humbled by the outstanding level of care and compassion I recieved at Modern Ancient as well as my results. Thank you to Cara, who held me in her ceremony space wiithout judgement the entire time and taught me about unconditional love and the power of God within me. Especially when my inner demons came out in full force! Thanks so much to all the helpers and men that were present in my ceremonies. They held me firmly and safely. I was a danger to myself and others. I had a seperate room from my brother who joined me for support and we were really well cared for. I am writing this 7 months after visiting Modern Ancient, clean, managing to stay off the drugs and going stronger than ever in 15 years. I passed my certification and have a new job which I am really pleased about. I also left an abusive relationship as soon as I returned home. I had not tried Kambo or Iboga before but I had done enough research and was given quality information and mindset (and spiritual) coaching by Suya before I came. But nothing could have prepared me for what I went through. This was a tough journey which needed all my physical strength in order to complete the retreat program. I went up to eight dots in multiple kambo cermonies and by my last two I experienced a clarity whcih made me feel alive like I never had in my adult life. With Kambo guiding me, I understood that I was my own resistence. I could write a very long review of my experience but every person is different and so my message is: Come with trust, let go, and know that you are in good hands with the spirits of Iboga and Kambo and what these super sisters have created! Sending so much love to Cara and Suya. And to the shamans and Peruvian staff who did an amazing job of gracefully holding this container of powerful healing.

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 ~REVIEWER INFO~

Name:  Daniel H
Age:  34
Occupation:  Recruitment  
Country of Residence:  United Kingdom   
Intention:  Addiction  
Retreat Type:  Private

Retreat Length:  9 days
Year:  2019
Sacred Medicine/s:  Kambo & Iboga

~REVIEW~ 

I'll start this review by saying, come to Modern Ancient to get back into your heart and a clear mind. I never expected the deep healing and real life impact that took place here. I am beyond words in trying to describe what I experienced or how my life has changed in the months after my retreat. The wisdom and practical methods for daily life are effective. Modern Ancient show up as an incredible team, full of light and with a high intellect for taking complicated spiritual woo hoo concepts and translating them to a regular person like me. In my case, I had a heroine addiction as well as other shameful addictions that I kept under wraps for a very long time and from close ones. The addictions and acting out behaviour were ruining my relationships, health and finances and pretty much everything. I was digging my own grave. I have done a lot of crazy things in my life, so taking Kambo, a frog venom, and a hallucinogenic root bark called Iboga and risking the thought of it being dangerous was not that big of a deal to me. It was actually my last resort. It’s been a life changing miracle at Modern Ancient. I absolutely recommend them and really hope they start their group retreats soon so that more people can benefit from their offerings, level of care and love. Thank you guys for everything!

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 ~REVIEWER INFO~

Name:  Paul M
Age:  35
Occupation:  Preferred not to disclose  
Country of Residence:  Hong Kong
   
Intention:  Self-discovery  
Retreat Type:  Private

Retreat Length:  7 days
Year:  2019
Sacred Medicine/s:  Kambo, 
Ayahuasca & San Pedro 

~REVIEW~ 

Thank you team Modern Ancient! This was one of the most profound experiences I have ever had! Thank you all! Everything was excellent! Right from info and preparation before the retreat, the retreat experience and the integration sessions after the retreat. The quality of care and attention by the staff felt above and beyond. I love the transformation approach, understanding my energy body and Ayurveda because it all made sense in light of my ceremony experiences. I found the education and coaching extremely valuable. Suya is highly insightful on many topics and bringing it all back down to what matters. I appreciated the affirmations and meditations and still use them along with the morning routine which my wife and kids are learning too. I highly recommend Modern Ancient to others. Their approach and the sister act team makes for a special dynamic and real family feel. I felt like part of the furniture only by my second day! I enjoyed the positive vibes and laughter, whereas my assumption was that it would be a heavier or darker experience. That's not to say the ceremonies were easy by any means but more of a testament to the vibe of the team and their attitude toward life. I will definitely be back! I am very excited to keep going on this path and to have met this team!

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 ~REVIEWER INFO~

Name:  SJP
Age:  29
Occupation:  Lawyer 
Country of Residence:  Prefer not to disclose

Intention:  Spiritual growth, anxiety  
Retreat Type:  Private

Retreat Length:  5 days
Year:  2021
Sacred Medicine/s:  
Ayahuasca 

~REVIEW~ 

I write this review with an incredible amount of gratitude in my heart. I've been a client of Suya for a few years now. I initially came to her In 2017 to try energy healing work for the first time. I had a really awful experience with Ayahuasca at (DELETED) with badly managed ceremonies (i.e. a large group of people with little preparation for several ceremonies and no decent care or follow up even after texting and emailing so many times). So, I vowed to never ever do it again. I felt angry and betrayed and almost closed myself off to my spiritual path. Suya was able to restore my confidence and help me, including deep healing, clearing and grounding work which made me feel stable again. Before I came into contact with Suya, I was taking anti-depressants due to my horrific Ayahuasca experience. I was able to stop taking the medication within less than three months of working with with her. I had no idea about protection work, how to manage my energy or that I had picked up a lot of negative energy from other people at my Ayahuasca ceremony. I also was made aware of how my mental illness had been triggered, which also runs in my family. I was in a bad place - worse than I had been before starting with Ayahuasca. With ongoing coaching and energy healing sessions I was able to feel lighter. It was a gradual but successful process over 9 months. This is really a trust game. I am glad I was put into contact with Suya who helped me to move on from the bad Ayahuasca experience from my past. The medicine experiences at Modern Ancient in Peru were scary to start with as I was purging out dark energy, but Suya and Cara were by my side the whole time and held my hands during the dark ceremonies. Not all my ceremonies were dark, I had some amazing and powerful ceremonies following the challenging ones. I'm so grateful for these wonderful healing experiences with Ayahuasca. There were many things I saw in ceremony visions, including a vision about the strangulation of Mother Earth. Part of the vision was about animals, I saw and felt their pain, so now I try to be vegetarian as often as I can. I also saw the humilitly I did not have in the last fight with my only sibling. Whilst we are now on speaking terms, we still have some way to go in repairing our relationship. Overall, Suya and Modern Anient have changed my life and set me on a course of expansion, love and trust for people and life again. The whole set up is very professional, caring and detailed. I highly recommend the program because of its educational and holistic approach. I have been doing the Ayurveda routine a couple of times each week since I returned and it does work especially for colds. The mindset training is what supported my intergration. You'll never know exactly what will happen so choose the right guides to support you. Before my awful Ayahuasca experience, I would say I felt a deep connection to spirituality and the concept of a loving universal energy. I'm glad to have that faith now restored. Thank you dear Suya for the reminders that I have "enough light raised within me to weather any dark storm" ! I plan to keep building upon my medicine journeys and experiences. My advice to anyone reading this is to be courageous and brave, and of course choose your sacred medicine guides wisely :-) Thank you again Modern Ancient for keeping me in your safe, healing and loving space.

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 ~REVIEWER INFO~

Name:  Jenn P
Age:  36
Occupation:  Real Estate agent 
Country of Residence:  New York, USA
  
Intention:  Emotional healing, trauma  
Retreat Type:  Private, group of 2 people

Retreat Length:  7 days
Year:  2021
Sacred Medicine/s:  
Bufo & Ayahuasca 

~REVIEW~ 

My partner and I spent 7 days at Modern Ancient in Peru. It was a life changing experience in so many ways and for our relationship. We wanted to meet the medicine in the traditional way but also somewhere which was not too alien to us so we would be able to relax and feel safe. We definitely didn't want to go to one of these pop up circles again as I had a bad experience and continue to hear of people having bad experiences. I also wanted to drink Ayahuasca in a country where it is legal so I could fully relax during my ceremonies. A friend recommended us to Suya, and we went from there. The first thing I want to mention is that this is a family business, and you really get to feel that when you meet Neshani, Suya and Cara. Their sisterhood is real, and we were welcomed with open arms. They fully screened us for intention, medical info and other risks. It is a thorough and professional process that focused on our safety (but I would have been dissapointed if rejected!). Thankfully there were no serious barriers or high risks in the end and we were cleared to go to Peru! I feel lucky to have had Suya as a guide for my preparation, because her approach is completely practical and she is quite fun to work with. She helped us look at our intentions in a new way, manage our expectations and bring excitement and lightness into our nervousness and fears. I liked that everything she gave us to prepare were routines and practcies that she also uses for herself. Her knowledge and experience is impressive. Not to mention her drive and energy! She says she does this all around a full time corporate gig (give me some of that energy and discipline please!). I felt so good on her program weeks before the retreat that I questioned if I actually needed to try the medicine!!!! But I am glad I did as I would not have been able to heal so quickly without it. I have since been learning about Aryuveda and dietary changes which worked fast to reduce my long term eczema, bloating issues and other small but noticeable things (e.g. I feel less tired in the mornings and now have more frequent bowel movements). They provide a lot of formal materials. Neshani and Suya patiently answered all our questions before we came to Peru, even the silly ones! Everything in Peru went smoothly apart from the issue with our luggage. It did not arrive in Iquitos from Lima. We were warned this sometimes happens and we did as requested in the instruction guide and packed our esssentials in our hand luggage. When we arrived, we were impressed with the beauty of the center. The maloka is georgeous! The outside is made of wood, the roof has traditional leaves and the inside has white marble like tiles. Great modern/ancient look! I loved it and took so many pics! We both had seperate rooms and again very modern with enough rustic so you don't forget you are in the jungle! We also liked the bathroom and shower facilities which were to a high and modern standard. We enjoyed meeting everyone and learning about the project more. It really does take a lot to do construction in the rainforest. They started from scratch, with no electricity or anything. It's amazing how these sisters are so dedicated to their path! They are so inspiring and courageous, and we shared some tears together. In every ceremony the team were there, including during the difficult revelations and purging, I felt their warmth and love urging me on. Every single cermony of mine apart from two were challenging. I couldn't have continued with the ceremonies if it hadn't been for the encouragement of these sisters They are compassionate and firm, want you to make the most of your time on retreat and get the best out of it. I am so happy I did not give up, even when my body and mind were exhausted. I broke through one of my biggesst fears and my visions were incredible. I did an amazing ayahuasca ceremony alone with Cara, and it definitely resonated more than the Shipibo style ceremonies I did. Her ceremony was more of a hybrid Peru/ western style, but I felt more connected and less nervous than I was in the other ceremonies because Cara is so full of love and care. She played songs were in English as well as the Shibibo ones. It was a truly modern ancient ceremony and she is a giifted healer. I could not purge at times and she somehow took my sickness and purged it out herself which I felt leave my body in an instant - it was fascinating. My mind still finds it a little crazy when trying to understand how that actually manifested. This was the best place and team for our experience and we were sad to leave. Their dedication and personal touch is beyond words. We have sent many of our friends to Modern Ancient who have also had outstanding experiences. I love the personal touch with the sisters which was felt in our ceremonies. I plan to return soon with my sister for family healing. I feel they hold the space well for this and are good real life examples of healing family trauma. In a time where there is so much hype and commercial interest around plant medicines, and also a lot of spiritual ego and woohoo teachers and healers (sorry it has to be said), we feel truly blessed to have found Modern Ancient and Suya and Cara. I hope they will be able to mantain this level of service and experience when they officially open for the public but I imagine so because of their small groups. Thank you Modern Ancient and stay blessed!

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Review by Michael H - Year 2022

 ~REVIEWER INFO~

Name:  Michael H
Age:  25
Occupation:  Graduate student  
Country of Residence:  United Kingdom
   
Intention:  Growth  
Retreat Type:  Private / small group

Retreat Length:  8 days
Year:  2022
Sacred Medicine/s: 
Ayahuasca 

~REVIEW~ 

I was a total newbie and this is something I am now recommending to people I know.  I will never ever forget how time stretched and I felt like I spent a few decades in the Ayahuasca ceremony and then when I returned from the vibration, I found out it had only been four hours at the most!  I will also never ever forget the peace that I felt during my first Ayahuasca ceremony. I felt like I was truly resting and I had never experienced that type of peace in my life. My time on retreat was mindblowing. I can’t recommend Modern Ancient enough or stress how important I feel about others taking sacred medicine. I can honestly say that we can’t break through our barriers or through the matrix without it. The whole before, during and after info and care that I received was more than 1st class and Modern Ancient have the experience and resources to really get their guests into their ‘chakra balance’. The entire experience was a true wake-up call for me, to stop playing small in my life. Therefore, the best life camp/ bootcamp ever! Suya and Ama-ra are very authentic, down to earth teachers that confidently guided me into my ceremonies and through difficult experiences at times. Before my retreat, I was meditating for long periods and had a hard time focusing and controlling my mind. Also, I was not able to fully breakthrough into that ‘bliss’ meditation state. Now I do shorter periods that are far more effective because my spiritual practices make more sense and I have been able to connect with the energies better since my retreat.  All the theory about the chakras made sense but I never knew how to work with the knowledge until this retreat.  It’s something I can’t truly explain but it feels like it clicks on an energetic level and I’m getting it. After my retreat, I feel what the Buddha teaches is true. The theory of chakras feels embodied for me. I cleared so much of my illusion energy. Modern Ancient hits all the spots and they do it quickly. This is a true bootcamp program and I will be returning to do an Iboga retreat.

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 ~REVIEWER INFO~

Name:  M Coleman
Age:  36
Occupation:  Trader  
Country of Residence:  NYC, United States
  
Intention:  Personal growth   
Retreat Type:  Private, small group

Retreat Length:  5 days
Year:  2022
Sacred Medicine/s:  Kambo 
Ayahuasca 

~REVIEW~ 

I will definitely return to Modern Ancient. It was beyond all my expectations. Everything was pretty amazing. The healing, the Modern Ancient team, the whole retreat and surrounding nature spaces, the food, the room, the maloka, the ceremonies. I am still totally blown away by the Kambo and Ayahuasca ceremonies and experiences I had there. I am super grateful for Modern Ancient and all my insights which have helped me realize so much about the way I need to show up for myself and the people close to me. I’m writing this review months after my retreat but I still feel so connected to the team, staff and medicine. Thank you again Suya, and Cara.

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Review by Marco P - Year 2022

 ~REVIEWER INFO~

Name:  Marco P
Age:  27
Occupation:  Retail  
Country of Residence:  London, UK
   
Intention:  Heartache 
Retreat Type:  Private, small group

Retreat Length:  5 days
Year:  2022
Sacred Medicine/s:  Kambo
 & Ayahuasca 

~REVIEW~ 

When I entered and walked through the big golden like entrance gates of Modern Ancient (they are literally huge metal golden painted gates at the entrance!), it really felt I was coming into a very different space. Ama-ra who first greeted me told me something which I really resonated with and loved hearing while we were talking about spiritually and all things interesting. She said I had arrived at the gates of my true divine nature and that I would now be racing along at a faster speed to my higher destiny path and my higher self who is my true twin flame. I learned from her that the color of the higher-self is gold as it’s source energy is the sun. Well, that was music to my ears as I believe myself that our true twin flame is our higher-self. I never expected to hear that during our first conversation and laughed at how there really is no co-incidence in life. I absolutely love the grounds of Modern Ancient. The maloka is fab and the Yin Yang / black and white designs are good reflections of the light and dark in us all. I felt so at home during my retreat, it is a safe space to be for inner work. It also felt exciting to be in Peru working with Mother Ayahusaca in her homeland with Shipibo shamans. The room was comfortable and the staff really attentive, full of care and support. I discovered a lot at the workshops, it really felt like I was in the school of life, learning new things and how to cope better in my life. I felt like I was very busy with myself! But I did have enough time alone to process my stuff. I gained clarity about many things including my twin flame journey. I smashed through a lot of blockages and imbalances and am eternally grateful to Modern Ancient. After my retreat, I actually met my ‘true’ twin flame (‘true’ being the one before ‘I’ and my great higherself merge) and I am still with her now in ‘permanent union’. We both plan to do an intensive retreat at Modern Ancient next year.

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 ~REVIEWER INFO~

Name:  Angela P
Age:  42
Occupation:  Education management 
Country of Residence:  United Kingdom
   
Intention:  Expansion  
Retreat Type:  Private, small group

Retreat Length:  6 days
Year:  2022
Sacred Medicine/s:  
Ayahuasca 

~REVIEW~ 

The level of care, safety and support by the Modern Ancient team is unrivalled. I am a single, white, non-Spanish speaking female, and I wanted to travel to Peru alone to work with Ayahuasca in an authentic and natural setting. Prior to my retreat, I was nervous as I read things on the internet about Iquitos like crime rates and I also worried about other things that could go wrong in ceremonies (a female acquaintance was inappropriately touched by a male shaman while in an Ayahuasca ceremony at (DELETED) and the facilitators did nothing about her complaint). Knowing this, safety was a big concern for me. I was also scared that I might have a bad reaction with Ayahuasca and end up in hospital or worse. I nearly never made the trip to Modern Ancient due to a lot of fear. But I knew I had to, the pull was so strong towards the medicine. Before the retreat, I really did feel that I would be risking my life in many ways. I emailed my concerns to Modern Ancient before booking and I was greatly re-assured by their responses. I had a very long phone call with Neshani who calmed me down and went over lots of details and all my questions which I really appreciated. I was comforted that Modern Ancient took health, safety and security very seriously. For those that want to travel to Peru to do an Ayahuasca ceremony, I feel the following information is important to know: -They pick you up and drop you off at the airport and you are accompanied to and from the center and even on boat rides and jungle walks. Ama-ra and/or Suya was with me at all times. The center is very safe. You have your own room and a strong lock on the door even though you don’t need it. The rooms and showers are very modern and really comfortable. They have huge gold looking metal gates to the entrance of the land as well as security guards on and around the premises. The healing team includes both the female founder sisters, which I was grateful for as once you’re in ceremony it can feel quite vulnerable. The male Ayahuasca Shaman was good, he sang his icaros well and did not behave inappropriately. - The Ayahuasca ceremonies were strong in energy and very hard to navigate and control internally. I felt my heart beat so fast it scared me. The staff always explained and reassured me from an energy point of view and helped me to steady my breathing and calm my rational mind. But my other mind could not help but think what if something bad happened to me and I had a heart attack? I had read stories on the internet about people dying as they were carried from deep in the jungle and had to be transported on a boat across the river and died by the time they reached a hospital. The thought might sound overly negative but reading about things like that online terrified me. I was relieved, and maybe you will be too, to know that the center is 15 minutes away from a modern hospital. They decided to construct the retreat center to be close to the hospital in case of any situation. They haven’t had any emergencies so far (which was good to know!). I believe that because they really do screen you well and check your medical history. - I also read online that other plants (like Toe) are put in the brew and it makes the already strong Ayahuasca too strong, but Modern Ancient reassured me that this was not the case and that the medicine was made in a traditional way and with positive energy of the light. The last worrying thing (sorry to sound so negative but I think it might be valuable to someone reading this!), is that I have heard of many dark practices with Ayahuasca and shamans in Peru. One of the recommended books in the preparation guide is by the author Peter Gorman, and this confirmed some of my fears. HOWEVER, I can safely say that the Modern Ancient team are an incredible, supportive, trustworthy and safe center to take Ayahuasca at. The ceremonies are of the light even though clearing the negative energies in me during ceremonies was the hardest thing I ever did - as you can probably tell by all the fears I Iisted! I received great healing from mother Ayahuasca which has helped me in so many ways in my life for long after my ceremonies were complete. I am writing this six months after my retreat. I also had the best and beautiful guided meditations and energy healing with Suya wich helped me before the ceremonies and was a big bonus. I know I wasn’t an easy participant and I am grateful that the whole team were so patient, reassuring and kind toward me. I really appreciated that so much as I had so many fears based on what I read online and the personal experiences from others who have visited Peru. Make it your goal to do your research and find the right center who does things right. Modern Ancient is definitely the right Ayahuasca center for me. They pay attention to small details to create the right setting and will make you feel at home with their smiling and funny team. Overall, I am impressed by the fantastic care on retreat, the follow up integration information advice and all the love and friendship from the team which made me feel a part of their family vibe.

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 ~REVIEWER INFO~

Name:  K Choudhary
Age:  Preferred not to disclose 
Occupation:  Preferred not to disclose  
Country of Residence:  Canada
   
Intention:  To lead a healthier and happier life  
Retreat Type:  Private, small group

Retreat Length:  8 days
Year:  2022
Sacred Medicine/s:  Kambo
 & Ayahuasca 

~REVIEW~ 

I spent eight days at Modern Ancient in Peru and completed two kambo ceremonies and three Ayahuasca ceremonies. This was my first time working with the medicine, and it is an experience which I will never forget. My intention was general: to lead a healthier and happier life. I was not depressed per se, but weighed down with my career, raising kids and overall feeling heavy about life. I often felt like there was a cloud over my head and I had been trying to figure out for some time what was ‘blocking’ me. I recently had a cancer scare and although it was cleared, it was enough for me to start seriously thinking about what needed to change. I’d changed my diet, been to therapists, energy healers, started yoga and taken up art classes but I wasn’t able to fully breakthrough. A friend had a life changing experience working with Suya a few years before and was able to put me in touch. From my first consultation until my last integration session with Suya, my experience with Modern Ancient has been overwhelmingly positive and inspiring. Everything I was taught resonated, including my beliefs and disassociation from childhood trauma. During the third ceremony I experienced my breakthrough. I connected directly with the energy of the medicine and felt the pain of the Earth as if it were my own. Then I felt my mother as if I were her and the free will I had before me to choose my own path instead of carrying my family energy. I know the insights will take me months to process. I couldn’t have reached this stage of awareness, especially about understanding and experiencing energy in this way, without the support of Modern Ancient and Mother Ayahuasca. The preparation I received was invaluable. It was a lot of information but broken down into a manageable and practical application, including the information recieved while I was on retreat. The staff, cosy accommodation and location were perfect. The maloka is a magical place and the high spiral ceiling and white tiles made me feel like I was in an ancient temple! The center is definitely modern and beautiful which is great because the medicine experience can be uncomfortable in itself. I would say the medicine is a catalyst for serious change, and I have begun making them. I also feel lighter and am attracting more fun experiences and more positive people into my life now. Coincidently (or not!) my relationship with my mother improved after twenty years as well as lots of other subtle things. I am beyond grateful and I know this is an experience I will return to again when the time is right. Thank you Modern Ancient for your guidance and welcoming me into your soul family with open arms and hearts.

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 ~REVIEWER INFO~

Name:  Jason F
Age:  47
Occupation:  Consultant 
Country of Residence:  United Kingdom
   
Intention:  Depression  
Retreat Type:  Private

Retreat Length:  9 days
Year:  2022
Sacred Medicine/s:  Kambo, 
Ayahuasca & San Pedro 

~REVIEW~ 

Dear Suya and Ama-ra, my retreat experience was simply amazing. I feel emotional every time I think about it. I have made big shifts in my life (health, marriage and finances) that I hoped to make for years but then never did. Thank you for generously sharing all your knowledge and wisdom with me. I learned so much about nourishing my mind, body and soul with you both while being at Modern Ancient. I have created new lifestyle habits, including learning more about Ayurveda and have since had the energy, motivation and discipline to continue going further in my personal and professional growth. Every day I am remembering your voices, to manage my energy better. With your encouragement, I am also feeding myself with meditation practices and offering to the Divine daily through prayer which is moving me beyond my mental and physical limitations. I appreciate that you have created a center that puts God first, and you live your lives in service to the Divine power above and within us all. Thank you for helping me find the God within me. I no longer feel overwhelmed by the waves of depression, sadness and loss. My family and everyone around me noticed the big changes and I receive a lot of compliments asking how I turned myself around so quickly. Of course, I am sending them all your way because I believe that working with the medicine and ancient wisdom in this way is a quicker way to a more fulfilling life. My only regret is that I waited so long to finally come to Peru. Please keep going, your retreats are life changing. Our world needs a healing place like yours and more understanding, love and compassion.

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 ~REVIEWER INFO~

Name:  A Whitaker
Age:  43
Occupation:  Preferred not to disclose  
Country of Residence:  USA
    
Intention:  Healing, depression  
Retreat Type:  Private

Retreat Length:  1 month
Year:  2023
Sacred Medicine/s:  Kambo
 & Ayahuasca 

~REVIEW~ 

I came to Modern Ancient lost and extremely depressed after the death of my parents in a car accident. I was blocking my grief, confused about my existence and didn't have any direction. I was quite happy to take my own life if it did not work out after the retreat. What took place during the month I stayed at Modern Ancient was the rebirthing and transformation God wanted me to go through. I had many healing sacred medicine treatments and my family were with me the whole time on the other side. I have learnt so much about how our spirit is eternal and our bodies are an important change of clothes. I had lots of questions about life answered and learned about past lifes, reincarnation and karma. My faith in God started to restore itself. If I had not gone to Modern Ancient, I know I would not be in my physical body any more. The whole team is award winning. The sisters Ama-ra and Suya are two beautiful souls who obviously love healing and helping others. They have so much knowledge and practical help to offer. Getting to know them and their own family trauma recovery was inspirational for me. I am eternally grateful for the direction I received and I continue to put into practice all I learned at the retreat. I know I will go on to do more ceremonies in the future. I feel forever supported by the energy of Modern Ancient and my Ayahuasca ceremonies.

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Any transformational successes, referenced and made by Modern Ancient Sanctuary and their clients are intended as aspirational and motivational statements only and do not indicate your own personal transformation potential. The success of Modern Ancient Sanctuary, its clients and any other examples used across www.modernancient.com and elsewhere are exceptional, non-typical results and act as no guarantee that you or others will achieve the same results. Personal results and success vary by person to person and your own results will depend on various factors including, but not limited to, your individual commitment, discipline, capacity, experience, level of motivation and willingness to change and apply the teachings and methods provided to you.

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