New Life Rising Reviews

Heath Jansen 2026.01.18

     

Where do I start? My wife and I were celebrating 30 years of marriage. We wanted to create a new foundation for our next chapter together. After researching many retreats in Peru and Costa Rica my wife and I chose New Life Rising. I personally had some reservations about Matt and Jeanae being westerners but realized that I was prejudging them. After reading their biographies, I felt they respected and honored the shamanic practices of plant medicine. Their continued dedication to plant medicine and education is what convinced us to book our retreat with New Life Rising. We wanted an intimate setting with a small number of participants with a traditional ceremony and we both feel they delivered beyond our expectations. Matt and Jeanae created a beautiful atmosphere that was warm and inviting. Their combined male and female energies felt well balanced. My wife and I felt very safe and well taken care of by them and the other facilitators (Eliza and Saul). The experience was very powerful and transformative. I am extremely grateful to Jeanae, Matt and our new family to share this whole experience. I surprised my wife by renewing my vows at the opening of our second ceremony. The Maloka ceremonial space felt sacred. It couldn’t have been more perfect! The ayahuasca ceremony itself was incredibly special. I felt guided throughout the experience through song, music, and dance. Jeanae brought a beautiful feminine energy with her voice and Matt brought an amazing sense of mastery with his masculine energy. We enjoyed the grounds and they provided wonderful meals. Very loving atmosphere and we enjoyed having their golden retrievers running around. Howler monkeys swinging in the trees and iguanas throughout . This place was rooted in nature and delivered a serene peaceful experience! No matter where Matt and Jeanae plant their roots, I personally know they provide a safe and life changing plant medicine experience. My wife and I will definitely be doing ayahuasca with them in the future. Absolutely grateful for them and our experience!!! Soooo much love, Thank you 🙏🏾

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Mason Jansen 2026.01.18

     

HIGHLY RECOMMEND ❤️!!! My husband and I got back this week from Costa Rica, what an amazing experience! The grounds were beautiful, the family that runs it and the dogs that also run it ☺️, so much love. The home cooked meals were delicious, I never felt hungry, each meal was just right. Our group was perfect. Everyone came from different places, all of us ‘in’ different places yet created a bond so personal. And then Matt and Janae… They create and deliver such an intimate, safe, loving, balanced, authentic experience from start to finish. From traditional feeling ceremonies to casually hanging out, they are INCREDIBLE!!! For my personal experience also my first experience with ayahuasca, it was great. I was so scared going into it, and i felt instantly Comforted after drinking my first cup. I typically don’t use hallucinogenics with so many people so close, and even with some struggling it still felt so intimate and safe. And a shout out to my amazing husband who read a 30th wedding vowel renewal right before our second ceremony, started it off with such love in the miloko ❤️🥰.

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laura nicolescu 2026.01.18

     

My life is forever changed because of New Life Rising, and that’s heavily thanks to Matt and Janae. I have so much respect for their work and could not imagine going through this experience with any other shamans. I had extended my stay after the retreat ended for my integration and each time I shared with someone that I went to New Life Rising for my aya experience, relief and joy would always be the response. The people on my retreat were amazing. They each showed up with so much openness and vulnerability, making my time there feel like I was surrounded by people I had known my whole life. I came alone as a 29 year old female and felt incredibly safe and cared for. Everything was done with love, from the home-cooked meals to the yoga sessions and share circles. I loved every conversation and moment spent with Matt and Janae. If life ever brings me back to ayahuasca, it will be with New Life Rising. They set a new pace for my life filled with so much love, gratitude, and magic ❤️

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Noemie Thibault 2025.12.21

     

Un immense merci à Janae et Matt pour leur accueil profondément humain et leur présence si juste. Vous nous avez guidés avec une grande bienveillance à travers l’une des expériences les plus transformatrices et enrichissantes de ma vie. Nous étions un groupe de 12 personnes — une taille parfaite, intime et sécurisante, que je n’aurais pas imaginée autrement. Tout était pensé avec soin : la sécurité, le confort des mini-cabines, la beauté apaisante des jardins, les massages professionnels, les sorties à la plage… sans oublier une nourriture absolument exceptionnelle. Chaque détail contribuait à créer un espace de confiance, de douceur et d’ancrage, nous permettant de nous déposer pleinement et de vivre les trois cérémonies avec ouverture et sérénité. Ces journées resteront gravées en moi comme un moment rare, aligné et profondément transformateur. Deplus notre groupe était génial. Un énorme merci à Travis et Eliza! Merci du fond du cœur pour cet accompagnement si précieux!

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Brenda Briggs 2025.12.19

     

Let me start by saying, Matt and Jeanae are two of the most wonderful, down to earth people. I felt welcome from the first minute, not to mention supported and safe. The small group sizes made me feel seen and heard also. The food was amazing, the people, the environment. I can’t recommend New Life Rising enou

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Scotty Banjo 2025.12.19

     

Phenomenal experience. Matt and Janae are special people and true healers. They provide a welcoming and safe space to explore whatever your intentions may be. The hardest part was saying goodbye. Well, it’s more like see you later, as I look forward to my next ceremony with them.

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Alisa 2025.12.16

     

This experience was wonderful. Truly safe environment, lovely grounds, wonderful group of people. I felt supported all the way through. So grateful to Matt and Jeanae for bringing this experience to the world and for being such genuine and caring people. I already miss the icaros and the music played in ceremonies. I feel more at peace, more awakened, and more connected to the Devine after ayahuasca. I thank everyone who was involved.

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ryan Davies 2025.12.14

     

My experience at this retreat was deeply meaningful and grounding. From the beginning, it was clear that the space was held with care, integrity, and respect for the medicine. Matt and Janae were exceptional facilitators—present, attentive, and genuinely committed to creating a safe and supportive environment without being intrusive. It is very evident, their dedication to their craft. The preparation and intention-setting beforehand helped me feel ready and informed, and the ceremonies themselves were profound and clarifying. While the process was challenging at times, it always felt purposeful and well-supported. What stood out most was the integration afterward, which helped turn insight into something lasting and practical. I left feeling more centered, aware, and grateful for the experience. For anyone approaching this work with sincerity and readiness, this retreat offers a strong, respectful container for deep inner exploration.

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Emily Perkins 2025.12.01

     

Absolutely amazing..so grateful i chose New Life Rising for my retreat couldn’t have asked for a better experience! Coming solo as a 50 year old female i felt so safe and cared for. Matt and Jeanae are unbelievable healers and humans and i will forever be grateful for their work. Chris and Eliza held calming beautiful space and i adored getting to know the two of them! Last but not least Daisy and the golden gang brought endless smiles to my week @ this gorgeous property. Its truly magical and i can’t wait to come back again! Definitely the best.

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Brian Murphy 2025.11.25

     

My experience at New Life Rising was something very special to me. Although I've had some knowledge of plant medicine, this was my first with Ayahuasca & i approached it with an open mind and heart to what it could offer to & for me. I was not let down, i was set free. My intention & prayers was to leave my trauma & baggage I've held on to for far to long. With the help from Matt & Jeanae that was achieved. What i wasn't expecting was the gift i received from Ayahuasca. My gift was Clarity & Focus & I've been using it in my everyday life. My relationships in all aspects of my life are better and growing. I could go on & on... we'll have to wait till next time.... To anyone looking & reading reviews like i did. New Life Rising is the real deal. The groups are intimate & Matt & Jeanae are High Character human beings that i feel truly blessed & grateful to have spent a week with. Good luck to all,i hope you find what you're looking for....💪💪🫀🧠

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Passion Pool & Pond Johnathan Riehl 2025.11.19

     

From the moment I arrived, I felt the care and integrity of Matt and Janae. The ceremonies were beautiful, deeply meaningful, and approached with reverence that felt welcoming to my Christian faith. I always felt protected from evil spirits, and supported by the guiding presence of the team and the group. The songs during ceremony nurture the soul and together with the instruments and the medicine healing can begin. With the help of ayahuasca, I was able to release the shame surrounding my addictions and divorce—the weight I carried for so long. It wasn’t just the ayahuasca ceremony; the share circles after each ceremony, the resort, the incredible food, the beach excursions, the facilitators, and my comfortable room all contributed to a truly unforgettable, life-changing experience. My heart is full, and I am grateful beyond words. Thank you, Matt and Janae—you will always have a place in my heart.

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cody leer 2025.11.06

     

Beautiful surroundings, great food, intimate ceremonies. Highly recommended retreat in a remote setting.

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Emmeline 2025.11.05

     

The retreat Matt & Jeanae offer was so much more than I ever could have hoped for or imagined. Their kindness and dedication to helping others, the beautiful location, and delicious food are just a few of the amazing points of this experience. It is one I will never forget. If you are wondering whether to book with them, I cannot recommend it enough. The smaller groups made me feel safe, seen and very comfortable. The trips to the ocean were very well organized and so perfect in between ceremonies. 10 stars if I could!

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Matt George 2025.10.31

     

Incredible experience that was truly life-changing. Everyone should experience this at least once in their life. Matt and Jeanae were particularly remarkable and I can’t recommend them any more highly. Thank you both again; looking forward to the next time in Texas!

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Lauren Luongo 2025.10.28

     

Going to New Life Rising is the best thing I have ever done for myself. I just got done with my second retreat with them and I can't wait for my next one. I will never go anywhere else for a ceremony. Jeanae and Matt are truly two of the most impressive people I have ever met. Everything about them from the way they move, to the way they care, and their knowledge isn't comparable to anything you'll ever experience. They created such a beautiful and sacred space for people to feel safe to heal. There really isn't enough words to describe how much New Life Rising has changed my life. The retreat space itself is a dream come true. The cabins were comfortable, cozy, and surrounded by nature. The property is gorgeous, the food was delicious, the massages and the beach trips were a great bonus too. I am honored and forever grateful for New Life Rising.

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Cory Landau 2025.10.28

     

This was the most unbelievable experience of my life. It’s even better than advertised. It’s normal and understandable to be nervous going into something like this. But Matthew, Jeanae, and their helpers made me feel safe, and comfortable before, during and after. I would’ve been more than content with just the ceremonies themselves. But in addition to that the food, yoga, and activities they provided were also lovely. I’ll be forever grateful. I highly encourage everyone to see them. At least once.

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Sareena Presnell 2025.10.27

     

I did a retreat in January. Long awaited review but I needed the time to process. I really related to Matt and Jeanae's story, I too struggled with addiction. I was able to get clean and was hoping for a change, to stop repeating the same cycle of abuse. My first ceremony was like a terrible detox while hallucinating. Lol not fun. I didnt want to do a 2nd but really glad I did. I was so connected and the energy was amazing, the high was better than anything Ive ever experienced. I was shown how lonely and terrible addiction was and the other side of that happiness and connection. Since being back home I was confronted with some pain killers again. Weird thing happened though, I got headaches and nausea. I tried again and again battling my mind. Maybe just a little more and youll feel better. Maybe a different pill. Thats honetly the hardest part, the work you need to do is retraining your mind. Mother Aya gave me a new life I just have to claim it. Thank you Matthew and Jeanae for helping me and so many others. Really great retreat.

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Monique Sprigg 2025.09.14

     

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T&K 2025.09.10

     

This was our second experience with ayahuasca, and our first privilege to journey under the shamanic care of Matt & Jeanae, the two beautiful souls whose life mission is making New Life Rising the truly extraordinary experience it is. They brought our small group together in a beautifully maintained and tranquil setting with comfortable air-conditioned accommodations. They prepared delicious healthy vegan meals (plus eggs), and generously spent their time helping us all relax, interact & prepare for our ayahuasca medicine experiences. Matt & Jeanae attentively and compassionately led us during three sacred ayahuasca ceremonies with mapacha smoke cleansing, icaros and chimes. Mornings following ceremonies, our group gathered to share about the messages ayahuasca had brought to us, and we continue to interact & support one another via the Signal chat group set up for us. We both most highly recommend New Life Rising & we’re already looking forward to our next retreat with Matt & Jeanae.

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Logan Bullitt 2025.08.29

     

I have been on retreat with New Life Rising twice. I have not traveled with any other retreat centers and I don't feel called to go anywhere else so far. I do feel like I need to write more than one review, however; one for the version of me that was looking to travel with Ayahuaska for the first time and another for the new and expanded version of myself looking to return to Ayahuaska. For the first timer, I would tell myself to book with New Life Rising as soon as possible and without delay. The season doesn't matter, the schedule doesn't matter. Getting here and experiencing this would be my highest priority. I would reassure myself that Matt and Jeanea and their entire team would treat me like family, would take care of me, mind, body and soul, and that I would feel safe, secure, loved and supported throughout my experience. With 20-20 hindsight, there was no reason to wait. Investing in myself with New Life Rising has been the most significant, life changing self improvement investment of my life, beyond anything I could have imagined. For the returning, expanded version of myself, I would say to do it as soon as possible and to listen to your intuition. I had many indications in my life that I was supposed to return soon and I never considered traveling with anyone other than Matt and Jeanea. I can't say that I will never travel elsewhere, but at this moment, I feel loved, supported and safe with New Life Rising and I feel inspired and energized to continue this life's journey with support, love and guidance from Ayahuaska, Matt and Jeanea! Thank you!

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