Eden
Sanctuary
Guest Experiences
Every person arrives at Eden with a different story and leaves with their own experience.
Here you can read reflections shared by people who have joined retreats, stayed with us and spent time at Eden Sanctuary Retreat Center in Chapada Diamantina, Brazil.
Stories From Our Guests
These reflections were shared by people who have experienced Eden and Know Thyself in their own way. Their words are personal, and every experience is different.
“My experience at Eden went far beyond my expectations. The beautiful nature allowed me to deeply connect with my Ayahuasca journey. I’d recommend Know Thyself and Eden to anyone on a path of self-exploration — it truly changed my life for the better.”
Millie Twigger, Nurse, United Kingdom
“Through the Know Thyself seminar and the three ayahuasca ceremonies, I have made significant progress in my personal development. I always felt a certain sense of loneliness within me that weighed heavily on me. During the ceremonies, I was confronted with this loneliness and came to understand that I always have the choice to feel connected to divine love, even when I am alone. This deeply felt connection will, I hope, accompany me for the rest of my life. My heartfelt thanks go to Paul and his entire team for making this experience possible.”
Dr. Nikolaus Treiber, Germany
“The retreat in Eden was for me the perfect context to take ayahuasca: beautiful nature all around, harmonious and thoughtful constructions, nutritious and delicious food, various practices to help get into the body, very nice and supportive group. I really appreciated being able to enter three ceremonies, putting less pressure on just one and allowing for a deeper work.
During the ceremonies themselves, the music felt transcendental and was incredibly supportive of the journey, being both a bridge and a portal between dimensions. The ceremonies were extremely powerful, joyful, and transformative, and left me with immense gratitude for my life, happiness, and unexpected new reflections and directions.”
Angeline Paulaine, France
“Thank you to Paul and the entire Eden team for holding this retreat with such presence and care. From the yoga sessions to the ceremonies and the loving support throughout, I felt truly held.
Although the ayahuasca experience didn’t unfold as I expected, it brought a powerful message to embrace my strength, allow myself to love and be loved, and release old protections that no longer serve me. I left with deep clarity and a sense of stepping into a new phase of life.”
Michiel Thunnissen, Netherlands
“Finding the right place was important, and Eden’s Know Thyself program was perfect for me. After 30 years of smoking, I thought quitting was impossible, but Ayahuasca helped me reach the root of my addiction. The program and the support I received prepared me for a true new start. I now have more energy, feel healthier, and look better. This program can change lives — but you must also want it from within.”
Mattijs Van de Vrijs. 40, Netherlands
Share Your Experience
Have you stayed with us or joined a retreat at Eden Sanctuary Retreat Center?
We would love to hear about your experience. Your words can help others understand what spending time at Eden is really like.
Guest-submitted experiences on Eden
I spent 6 nights at Eden Sanctuary in May 2026, including four nights in retreat, and it was a life-changing experience. I don't use that term lightly. I don't exaggerate when I say I emerged a different person than I entered. I didn't realize how much I needed this experience, but it soon became clear to me. The sanctuary itself is incredibly special and deserving of its name.
The way the setting sunlight hits the mountains in the afternoons, the way the butterflies weave their dance among the trees, it's a spectacular setting. Nearby waterfalls are accessible on relatively short hikes and offer their own kind of healing experience. The rooms are clean and comfortable, and the meals are nutritious and expertly planned to facilitate a plant medicine retreat. Julie's yoga classes helped ground into the physical experience.
Martina, Isa, Dina, and Jorge - these people held us in such a beautiful way. They are expert facilitators and made us feel so welcome and heard, each of us at different points in our individual journeys. My companions on the retreat were harmonious and delightful, and all had been magnetized by the same calling, which shows how powerful and aligned these people truly are with what they are offering.
The ceremonies themselves are expertly guided, with utmost reverence for the spirit and power of the plant, and respect for its heritage and traditions. I felt incredibly guided by Jorge, and with Martina and Isa's song, it was such a beautiful and safe space to experience some of the most profound transformations of my life. I recommend this retreat to anyone who feels called to it. Let the spirit work its magic. The somatic wisdom that is imparted by the plants, and guided into space by the shamanic ceremony, it is something that will forever be a part of me. It is indescribable other than to say that I am infinitely grateful, and I am already planning to return.
Megan F
United States
In the months after Know Thyself, my self-confidence rose significantly. I became calmer, more understanding, and more compassionate. Difficult situations no longer consume me — a greater awareness guides me. Ayahuasca took my pain and fear away, showing me they no longer served me. Thank you Paul, your magical team, and Eden.
Andrej
Lithuania
I can say that I came back from that experience a better person, more self aware, kinder to others and to myself. Over the last years I have attended 4 Know Thyself retreats. Each experience is uniquely insightful.
On my most recent visit I took my daughter and niece to experience the transformative power of the ceremonies. Both found the experience truly enlightening, learning about themselves and helping to guide their decisions about the future.
Each time I've returned, Paul has enhanced the experience, a process of continuous improvement, incorporating feedback and personalising the schedule to suit the participant group.
I have no hesitation in recommending Know Thyself retreats and the infrastructure that Paul has created there.
John T
United Kingdom
