Retreats in Nature
My sanctuary and deepest teacher is nature. For a more immersive 1:1 experience I offer nature based retreats in the two places I call home, Western North Carolina and the Manu Jungle of Peru..
Experience the Wisdom
of Living with an Indigenous Family in the Amazon
Join us on a transformative retreat in the Amazon of Peru, where you'll gain invaluable wisdom from living with an indigenous family. Immerse yourself in their culture, traditions, and way of life.
I partner with Novalis, an organization devoted to rainforest conservation and cultural preservation with the intent of bridging knowledge with our neighboring indigenous communities. Situated in the Las Piedras Forest nestled in the Southeast Peruvian Amazon. I have been blessed to live in this jungle and with communtiy for several years. For more information on Novalis click the link below.
Meet my Amazonian Family
And they hold the sacred knowledge of the healing plants of the jungle.
One whose laughter can be heard as the high pitch sound that pierces your heart to return home. She is the song of the matriarchy and the joy of the family. She is the Queen and Elder in her family, taking on the role of wisdom, patience, humbleness, strength, care, & curiosity.
The masculine force of the family, he has the pack leader mentality. His humble, quiet nature is the lead of his moments until a night of Mazato (a traditional, fermented yucca drink) comes in to play. In this space you see the colors of his songs fill the families heart and his inner medicine man come to share in healing.
Mother of 10, she is the keeper and carrier of what knowledge and wisdom within her lineage truly is. Through knowledge of medicinal plants, weaving and crafting artisans, her connection to life and her family is seen and held as the pillar in the family.
Known as the master artisan in the family, his skills of making the bow and arrow are as sharp as the arrows themselves. With a smile as big as the sun, he is the humble man often to the side, peering to his strong wife for direction in any moment. His companionship, and commitment to family are at the peak of his life.
Eldest Daughter to Karmen, she is a mother to 3, all at the ripe age of 21. A communicator and intermediary to the younger generation she is held as a key link connection between past, present, & future. A key component within the process of keeping the knowledge and wisdom of her lineage strong and held. Her laughter is as strong as her sarcasm.
Husband of Yuliana, he is the young father of 3 who still has a great pep in his step and joke in his speech. There is a comfort that Gustavo offers in his smile and willingness to participate in conversation. He is known for a good laugh and fun poke at the child like nature of what it means to be human.
Indigenous Culture
Through this full-spectrum life experience, you will deepen your understanding of what it truly means to live. You'll learn to create a healthy relationship with yourself and the world around you. Engage in sacred weaving practices that embody the essence of culture and connection with the local people. Wake and breathe with the natural cycles, living moment to moment. Experience planting techniques and relationships with specific plants and crops, and enjoy nights by the fire, singing alongside the jungle's animal soundscape. These moments touch and enliven the core of what it means to live harmoniously.
Tree House Lodging & Amentities
At Novalis, we blend comfort with the primitive. Amidst the deep jungle, you'll discover an oasis filled with howler monkeys and sweet smiles. We offer three types of lodging: tree houses (sleeping 2-3 each), personal tambos (jungle huts), and a shared Casa Grande (up to 8 people, 2 per room). Enjoy three delicious meals daily, ensuring your nourishment. Engage in yoga or meditation in our maloka (ceremonial space) or yoga hut, both enclosed with mosquito netting. Rejuvenate in our beautiful bathhouse made from hollowed tree trunks, or relax by the sheltered fire pits with hammocks. At Novalis, you'll find exactly what you're hoping for.
Plants and People
The interwoven lives of the Amazon's plants and people are inseparable. The Jungle's inhabitants regard these plants as integral family members, using them as medicine for both physical and spiritual healing. Sacred stories accompany the planting of staple foods like yucca and plantain. Embracing all aspects of the jungle, from harvesting and hunting to co-living, the people maintain a deep connection with nature. Tseri (tobacco snuff) is a sacred family practice, with tobacco revered as an elder, protector, and guide. Ayahuasca, used less frequently, opens the world of spirit and enhances life in the jungle. Reciprocity and right relationships are essential to Amazonian life.
Indigenous Culture
Through this full-spectrum life experience, you will deepen your understanding of what it truly means to live. You'll learn to create a healthy relationship with yourself and the world around you. Engage in sacred weaving practices that embody the essence of culture and connection with the local people. Wake and breathe with the natural cycles, living moment to moment. Experience planting techniques and relationships with specific plants and crops, and enjoy nights by the fire, singing alongside the jungle's animal soundscape. These moments touch and enliven the core of what it means to live harmoniously.
Tree House Lodging & Amentities
At Novalis, we blend comfort with the primitive. Amidst the deep jungle, you'll discover an oasis filled with howler monkeys and sweet smiles. We offer three types of lodging: tree houses (sleeping 2-3 each), personal tambos (jungle huts), and a shared Casa Grande (up to 8 people, 2 per room). Enjoy three delicious meals daily, ensuring your nourishment. Engage in yoga or meditation in our maloka (ceremonial space) or yoga hut, both enclosed with mosquito netting. Rejuvenate in our beautiful bathhouse made from hollowed tree trunks, or relax by the sheltered fire pits with hammocks. At Novalis, you'll find exactly what you're hoping for.
Plants and People
The interwoven lives of the Amazon's plants and people are inseparable. The Jungle's inhabitants regard these plants as integral family members, using them as medicine for both physical and spiritual healing. Sacred stories accompany the planting of staple foods like yucca and plantain. Embracing all aspects of the jungle, from harvesting and hunting to co-living, the people maintain a deep connection with nature. Tseri (tobacco snuff) is a sacred family practice, with tobacco revered as an elder, protector, and guide. Ayahuasca, used less frequently, opens the world of spirit and enhances life in the jungle. Reciprocity and right relationships are essential to Amazonian life.
Mountain Retreats
Join us for a transformative weekend in the heart of Asheville, nestled in the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains. Our small, nature-based retreats offer a deep dive into the healing powers of the outdoors.Experience the serenity of mountain and waterfall hikes, where the views are as breathtaking as the journey.
Engage in fire and water ceremonies that connect you to the ancient rhythms of the earth, and explore the local flora through guided herbal foraging. This weekend immersion is designed to rejuvenate your spirit, awaken your senses, and deepen your connection with nature.
Whether you’re seeking solitude or the camaraderie of like-minded explorers, our retreats provide a unique blend of adventure and tranquility, right at nature’s doorstep.
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