For many women, ayahuasca offers healing, clarity, and reconnection. But it can also open the door to vulnerability — especially in the wrong environment.
From sexual misconduct to spiritual manipulation, this guide is a no-BS look at why women must take extra care when choosing an ayahuasca retreat in 2025 — and what to look for to stay safe.
🚨 Why Women Are More at Risk
- High vulnerability during ceremony: You’re physically and emotionally open — eyes closed, purging, suggestible, sometimes semi-conscious.
- Power imbalance: Facilitators, shamans, and male staff are often positioned as authority figures or spiritual leaders.
- Cultural gaps: In some regions, female empowerment or Western consent norms aren’t the default.
- Underreported abuse: Victims are often shamed, gaslit, or told, “It was part of your healing.”
Best Retreats tracks reports from guests and forums — and unfortunately, misconduct toward women is one of the most consistent patterns we see.
💬 Real Experiences, Real Warnings
“He told me the medicine told him we were meant to heal together. I felt frozen and confused — and I’d just drunk ayahuasca.”
“I was touched during a ceremony. When I told the retreat leader, he said, ‘That’s just your trauma surfacing.’”
These are not rare. They are systemic. But you can protect yourself.
✅ Questions Every Woman Should Ask Before Booking
- Is there a written sexual misconduct policy?
If not, that’s a red flag. - Are there women on the facilitation team or staff?
All-male leadership = lower accountability. - Are private ceremonies discouraged?
Some predators use solo ceremonies to isolate women. - Are guests encouraged to share experiences openly — even negative ones?
If you’re only hearing glowing reviews, dig deeper. - What happens if a guest reports misconduct?
Centers should have a clear, written response plan.
👀 Red Flags to Watch For
- “Sacred sexuality” or energetic healing that involves touch without explicit consent
- Male staff entering women’s rooms unannounced
- Spiritual justifications for romantic or sexual advances
- Gaslighting of concerns (“This is your shadow work”)
- No clear code of ethics or response to accusations
🛡️ What Safe Retreats Do Differently
- Female-only or women-led options
- On-site female support staff during ceremonies
- Private sleeping quarters or locked accommodations
- Transparent misconduct policies and training
- Anonymous post-retreat feedback channels
These aren’t luxury perks — they’re basic safety protocols.
🔎 How Best Retreats Helps Women Vet Centers
At Best Retreats, we:
- Track guest-submitted reports of inappropriate behavior
- Flag centers with recurring issues or patterns
- Publish Critical Notes that include misconduct risk when applicable
- Highlight centers with women-led teams and strong ethics policies
You can also submit your experience — anonymously — to help others avoid unsafe spaces.
🌎 Women-Only Retreats: A Growing Option
Women-only retreats offer a safer space for:
- Processing trauma without male presence
- Building sisterhood and support
- Avoiding subconscious fear during deep ceremony work
Search for retreats with all-female staff, or that welcome women and non-binary guests exclusively.
💡 Final Thought: Trust Your Gut — and Ask Better Questions
If something feels off, it probably is.
The most dangerous retreats are often the most charismatic. Ask the questions that make staff uncomfortable — and notice how they respond. Transparency is safety.
You are not difficult. You are discerning. And you deserve a space that protects your body, your spirit, and your story.
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