Amazing wellness retreat in the Scarlet Valley, the team the experience and the food was authentic and unique
Marc Dion

- Benjamin, Google Review, 2023
TESTIMONIALS
Over 10,000 guests have found healing, clarity, and connection at Soltara. Here’s what they have to say.
Amazing wellness retreat in the Scarlet Valley, the team the experience and the food was authentic and unique
Marc Dion
I had an incredible experience at Scarlet Valley. From the moment I arrived until the very end of the retreat, everything was thoughtfully organized and held with so much care. The facilitators were truly exceptional kind, compassionate, incredibly human, and always knew exactly how to support us when we needed it. Their presence made me feel safe, seen, and deeply cared for throughout the entire experience. The food was also amazing. Every meal was delicious, nourishing, and prepared with great attention to detail, which made a big difference during the retreat. I'm deeply grateful to everyone at Scarlet Valley for creating such a beautiful, safe, and transformative space. It was an unforgettable experience, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone considering this journey.
ISabella Delmas
Entire organization is very professional and supportive. I chose Soltara over others because they respect indigenous cultures and the ethical use of traditional medicine.
Katherine R
If there were more than five stars- I would add more! :) I attended a 7 day retreat at the new Scarlet Valley location and there are almost no words to describe the experience. The location is breathtaking. The center is an absolutely beautiful and nurturing place. And the food . . . .I can't even. Who knew vegan-friendly could taste and be so elevated and gourmet. Apparently not me before now! The staff was beyond excellent. And now to the actual retreat experience. This was my first experience with this plant medicine. Our facilitators - Bonnie, Nathan, Mbalia and Stephanie were angels on earth. Their own experiences and personal development paired with their deep empathy and servant leadership allowed me to fully lean into this experience. Having the ability to rest and grow in the space that was held, and to seek support and guidance when I needed it was so appreciated. I was able to be open and vulnerable, allowing this process to fully unfold within my body. Our maestros - Soi and Moises are deeply connected to the medicine, the tradition and their healing vocation. Their empathy and expertise were palpable through the ceremonies. This was not your run of the mill "yoga retreat" or modern take on the world of healing and personal work. This was a physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually challenging process with golden threads of beauty and self realization throughout. It had roots deeply entwined with the Shipibo tradition, wisdom and legacy - complemented by highly trained and experienced staff in the realm of psychology and navigating trauma of Western medicine. I left a piece of my heart in the Scarlet Valley - where it is planted in the red earth - keeping me connected to the memory of myself and this transformative experience.
Sharon Welch
This was, without question, the most transformational experience of my life. If I could give Soltara 10 stars, I absolutely would. The Scarlet Valley retreat center is breathtaking. Surrounded by lush, emerald-green mountains, it feels peaceful, sacred, and incredibly beautiful. Every detail of the accommodations was exceptional - comfortable beds, beautiful decor, spotless rooms, and a quiet atmosphere that made it easy to rest and integrate the experience. The food was absolutely amazing - fresh, nourishing, and delicious. Every meal was thoughtfully prepared and supported the healing journey. What truly sets Soltara apart is its people. Every member of the staff was kind, compassionate, warm, and deeply supportive. From the moment I arrived, I felt completely safe, cared for, and held with genuine love and professionalism. I attended the 5-day retreat, which was the perfect introduction to ayahuasca for my first experience. The Maestras were extraordinary. Their wisdom, presence, and care created a space where I was able to release years of emotional pain that had been stored in my body. I left feeling lighter, deeply seen, profoundly loved, and genuinely healed in ways I never imagined possible. I cannot thank Soltara enough for creating such an extraordinary healing experience. My heart is filled with gratitude for everyone who made this journey possible. It is a gift I will carry with me for the rest of my life, and I would return to Soltara without hesitation if I feel called to continue this work. Thank you, Soltara, for helping me reconnect with myself in such a profound and beautiful way..
P S
I've spent many years facilitating transformational work, so I arrived at Soltara with a different lens than I might have years ago. I wasn't looking for an extraordinary experience as much as I was paying attention to the quality of the container, the integrity of the facilitation, and the culture that emerges when a retreat is genuinely well held. What I found was a remarkable level of professionalism woven together with warmth, humility, and heart. From the first day, I was struck by the consistency of care. Every interaction - whether with the Shipibo maestros, facilitators, medical staff, kitchen team, housekeeping, or administration - felt grounded in respect. There was an unmistakable sense that everyone was working toward the same purpose: creating the safest and most supportive environment possible for participants to do deeply personal work. The ceremonies themselves reflected that same integrity. The Shipibo maestros carried the medicine with extraordinary presence and humility. There was no performance, no spiritual inflation - just decades of embodied wisdom expressed through quiet confidence and remarkable skill. What impressed me just as much was the facilitation team. They demonstrated an exceptional capacity to attune to each participant while remaining connected to the needs of the room as a whole. That's a difficult balance to achieve, and they did it with steadiness, compassion, and discernment. Their interventions felt thoughtful rather than reactive, and equally important, they knew when *not* to intervene - allowing people's own processes to unfold while remaining deeply available. One of the things I appreciated most was that Soltara doesn't seem interested in manufacturing peak experiences. Instead, there is a quiet confidence in allowing the medicine, the traditions, and each person's own healing process to unfold in their own time. That kind of restraint speaks to the maturity of the organization. And then there's the food. I'm not exaggerating when I say it deserves its own review. Somehow the culinary team managed to create food that was both deeply nourishing and genuinely exciting. Every meal was beautiful, incredibly fresh, thoughtfully prepared, and absolutely delicious. I found myself looking forward to every breakfast, lunch, and dinner with genuine anticipation. Beyond simply tasting amazing, I was amazed at how good I felt physically. By the end of the retreat my body felt noticeably less inflamed, my energy was steady, digestion was effortless, and I simply felt... healthy. Spectacularly healthy. It became clear that the food wasn't just feeding us - it was actively supporting the medicine work. It felt like another member of the healing team. There's something profoundly supportive about emerging from an emotionally and spiritually intense ceremony and being met with food prepared with that level of intention and care. The culinary team deserves enormous recognition for the role they play in the overall experience. Outside of ceremony, every aspect of the retreat reflected the same care. The accommodations were beautiful without feeling excessive. The grounds invited rest. The operational details that participants rarely notice were handled with such consistency that they simply faded into the background, allowing attention to remain where it belonged. Perhaps what stood out most was the culture. It's easy to create an impressive retreat. It's much harder to cultivate a culture of genuine kindness, humility, and mutual respect that is felt across every member of a team. Soltara has done that. Healing doesn't happen because a retreat is beautiful or because ceremonies are powerful. It happens when people feel safe enough to meet themselves honestly. Soltara understands that, and it shows in every part of the experience. I left feeling profoundly cared for - not just by the medicine, but by every person whose hands and heart contributed to the experience. That's a rare thing to find. My deepest gratitude to the entire Soltara team. You've built something truly exceptional.
Allison Bachmeier
This review is for Soltara Scarlet Valley. This retreat was my 4th 7-night retreat at Soltara and my first at the Scarlet Valley location. All of the love, care, and thoughtfulness I've come to associate with the Soltara experience was seamlessly replicated at Scarlet Valley. The reverence shown for the medicine, the healing power of the maestros(as), and the indigenous traditions, coupled with the exceptional warmth, strength, and loving support of skilled facilitators do so much to create a grounding and safe container to do the hard but fruitful work that comes with experiencing ayahuasca. Having spent time at both Playa Blanca and Scarlet Valley, and now knowing that the depth of the experience can be felt at either location, choosing between the two is just a matter of personal preference. Either way, you're in the best hands possible. Core Program Offering: I found the 7-night retreat well-paced for what I needed. 4 ceremonies and structured integration activities like group shares, with ample downtime to spend solo or connect with other guests and the facilitators. Felt so held and cared for, more than enough to experience some really tender, vulnerable moments that I already know will be pivotal to my healing journey. Big shoutout to Robert, Vivi, Camelia, Sebastian, Dominique, and Ilan, and the amazing maestras Silvia and Karina for all the love and care you actively radiated throughout the entire week. And I would be remiss if I did not also say thank you to Blagomira for her wonderful spirit and steadying words during my preparation support call. So much love for all of you! Location: The property is gorgeous! Though the website video feels true to life, the essence/beauty of this place is hard to capture. Scarlet Valley also somehow feels slightly more intimate than Playa Blanca, though that may just be the relative closeness of the buildings to each other, a design element that made connecting with others a lot more accessible. I tend to prefer a lot of alone time, but there was something about Scarlet Valley that prompted connection. I miss the beach and star deck at Playa Blanca, but the pool deck/dining area turned out to be a great place for stargazing after ceremony. Extras: I took advantage of the volcanic mud bath and a maderotherapy massage, both of which I highly recommend. Skin was visibly glowing after the mud bath and the massage did wonders for my legs for days after. Overall: A once-in-a-lifetime special experience that I will never forget. Thank you Soltara for carving out this beautiful space where healing feels like home. Love you guys <3
Nick Washington
Soltara - Scarlet Valley The medicine shines a light on the parts of our heart and soul that need healing. During my retreat, a powerful, positive shift took place with how I felt about a relationship with a family member. It's hard to put into words how special the people who help guide you through the process are. The stunning beauty of the surrounding area, exquisite food and thoughtful/comfortable accommodations at the Scarlet Valley location all contribute to a life changing experience. Soltara is a gift for those open to receiving it.
Shawn H.
I had an absolutely incredible experience at Soltara's new Scarlet Valley location. The property offers gorgeous mountain views, a pool, ample indoor and outdoor lounging space, and a walking trail through the jungle to observe the plants and wildlife. The facilitators did a fantastic job creating a safe and supportive container, and the maestras are truly gifted. The 7-day retreat was paced perfectly. I cannot recommend this place highly enough.
Rhiannon T
I cannot say enough about Soltara's overall ethos in the healing space. From the INCREDIBLE, outright angelic facilitators to the Shipibo maestros and maestras who are extraordinary beyond words. My seven day retreat was wonderful to say the least. I love the property, the food and the staff. I love the jungle and the beach. I love the rooms which are so peaceful and beautifully positioned. I love the star deck and the amazing view, the howler monkeys and the trail to walk to find your center in the jungle. I love the small group sizes. I love the care with which the program is put together and how individually seen and heard every single person feels. I felt SOOO cared for. To speak to the ceremonies themselves and the work the healers do would require 20 pages. This was my first experience with the Shipibo tradition (my second with ayahuasca retreats) and I was blown away. Absolutely astonished. I knew the medicine is powerful but this tradition is my favorite I have sat with and I am over the moon grateful that they share their ancestral traditions with us at this beautiful place and to all the facilitators and staff who hold such amazing space for each of us.
Kinga Philipps
Real voices. Real journeys.
We are honored to witness and support the courageous work of healing and transformation.
From All Walks of Life
Four guests reflect on their first ceremonies at Soltara — the fear they moved through, the breakthroughs they found, and the community that held them every step of the way.

Ronnisha's Journey
Ronnisha, a marriage and family therapist, shares her first Ayahuasca experience at Soltara — the grief she processed, the support she found in learning to ask for help, and why this place felt like home.

Deeper Healing
Returning guests from around the world share their experiences at Soltara's retreat designed for those ready to go further on their healing journey. Featuring guest stories from Wisconsin, Hong Kong, and Missouri, this is a raw and authentic look into what it means to return, and why it matters.

Nico & Bethany's Story
Actor and author Nico Tortorella and Be.come Project founder Bethany Meyers share their Soltara experience, reflecting on the depth of the Shipibo tradition, the safety and care they felt, and what it meant to do this work knowing they were never doing it alone.

Jonathan's Story
Jonathan arrived at his first retreat carrying fear, doubt, and questions about safety — the same ones many people hold. What he found instead was steady support, real preparation, and a community that stayed with him. He left with clarity, forgiveness, and a lightness he hadn't expected.

Shai Maté's Story
Seven days. Four ceremonies. What began as a search for self-love became something deeper — a slow shedding of anger, fear, and years of emotional armor. Through tears and trembling and moments of raw honesty, he found his way to true peace within.
