Retreat Info
About the Retreat:Who is Shangriballa? The idea for our name comes from two mystical places: Shangri-La and Shambala. Both are places of refuge, retreat, and healing in a valley surrounded by mountains.
Our Bufo Centre is located in the heart of Portugal and embroidered between enchanted valleys, viewpoints, waterfalls, river beaches, and mountain villages. Here, you can relax in the mountains, creating a perfect retreat for reconnection to yourself, nature, community, and healing.
Experienced facilitators offer one-on-one or small group sessions with Kambo and 5 Meo DMT or Bufo. Our unique treatment protocols were designed by founder Lisa Silva, a master practitioner of Kambo and Bufo.
Safety is our priority and we have fully trained first aid & medical facilitators with defibrillators on site just in case.
We offer three or five-day retreat options with integration workshops and airport transfer service.
Description of Services:- Pre-Retreat Support: We'll kick things off with a personalized online screening call, ensuring a smooth transition. Our team is here for you - all staff are first-aid trained, and a defibrillator is on-site for added peace of mind. We'll also provide you with carefully designed preparation guides to set you up for success.
- Tailored Kambo Ceremony: (Optional) Choose from various treatment options and protocols to customise your Kambo experience to your needs.
- Bufo Alvarius Exploration: (1-3 experiences) Embark on a transformative journey with Bufo under expert guidance.
- Sound Healing Sanctuary: Throughout your retreat, immerse yourself in the incredible power of sound. Combine low-dose Bufo experiences with deeply restorative, sound healing sessions.
- Integration Support: After your journey, choose from optional workshops in art therapy, TRE, and more, or relax and reconnect with nature. I and integration specialists will provide personalised guidance, expert advice, and takeaway guides designed to support you on your continued wellness path.
- Deepen Your Awareness: Explore the philosophies of unity consciousness and Advaita Vedanta, fostering a deeper understanding of your place in the world.
- Rejuvenate Your Body and Mind: Take a dip in our pristine natural swimming pool, sweat it out in the sauna, embrace nature integration walks, and explore your creativity with art therapy. Additional workshops, including trauma release, meditation, and walking trails, are available to enhance your experience further.
- Stay Connected: We'll conclude your retreat with follow-up calls to ensure a lasting impact on your well-being.
Practitioners:Lisa Silva's path to healing began in the heart of South Africa, where she immersed herself in the wisdom of the Sangomas, the African Shamans. From a young age, she honed her skills as a spiritual healer under their guidance, gaining a deep understanding of their traditions, medicines, and ceremonies. Her dear friend and mentor, Pinkie Adebisi, became your guide into the sacred realms of African traditions and the profound healing power of water.
Following a transformative personal healing journey steeped in South American traditions, Lisa embraced the use of Icaros, the potent medicine songs of the Shipibo Kanibo tribe. These songs now infuse her ceremonies with their mystical energy. This unique fusion of African and Peruvian shamanism empowers individuals to embark on their own journeys of healing.
A Master Kambo and Bufo practitioner, Lisa has extensive experience assisting hundreds of people in overcoming physical, emotional, and spiritual blockages. Her knowledge draws from a wealth of modalities, including a Doctorate in Homeopathy and a registration with the Complementary Medical Association (CMA).
Lisa's lifelong exploration of holistic therapies and plant medicines worldwide, along with her qualifications in various healing arts, have shaped her unique approach. Ayahuasca journeys further solidified her commitment to working with plant and frog medicines, allowing her to facilitate profound shifts in your life and foster balance across the emotional, physical, and spiritual realms.
In her practice, Lisa believes it's not about teaching or preaching to you, but about reaching you on your inner journey towards healing and self-discovery. Together, you create a space for transformation, allowing you to find harmony in your emotional, physical, and spiritual lives. As Lisa often says, "It's not about teaching someone nor preaching to someone; it's about reaching someone."
Miguel Silva
Miguel has walked an amazing transformative journey with medicines. Doing deep work and diving into the possibilities of change that the medicines offered. Like many, he was lost in life being a seeker of truth and who he was. During his first Ayahuasca ceremony, his intention was realized to connect with ancestral energy. This calling for reconnection resulted in us returning to his homeland, Portugal, which he left as a young child. His commitment to the work and serving others has grown, and assisting in ceremonies has given him a very grounded and calm masculine presence in holding space.
He has a particular connection to Kambo and Bufo. His grounding nature proves very reassuring for participants. Together we complement each other in facilitating life-changing experiences.Catherine Darbord
Psycho-corporal therapist, musician, sculptor of sounds, specialist in harmonic singing, Sound therapy trainer, author, and companion in awakening consciences.I train in yoga, meditation and other self-knowledge and health techniques, following training in natural medicine and alternative therapies, such as rebirthing and kinesiology.
I continue to explore practices from various traditions and philosophies by travelling to the four corners of the world. From my travels, I bring back the influences of Buddhism, shamanism, and Sufism. I use the power of sound, breath, and energy to lead towards well-being through different states of consciousness. In the 1990s, I made the choice to focus my work on the accompaniment of the being in the service of its development.
Always attracted to music, after studying the piano at the conservatory, I ventured very young to discover world music, constantly curious about new sounds. I explore the multiple dimensions of the voice through the yoga of sound, Psychophony, the Wilfart method, choral singing and harmonic singing. I specialize in the latter discipline, which I have been practising and teaching at seminars in France and abroad for more than twenty-five years.
My passion for the crystalline sound of harmonics also leads me to practice various instruments particularly rich in harmonics, such as the didgeridoo, Jewish harp, Tibetan bowls, crystal bowls, Taoist bowls, gongs, etc.
Team/Medical Staff:Lisa Silva is the retreat's main medical and emergency person. Her doctorate in Homeopathy gives her a great understanding of anatomy and illness. She does all the medical screening and has a first aid certificate with defibrillator use and CPR.
All other practitioners have a first aid certificate.Details
Founder(s) / CEO: Lisa SilvaGroup Size: 5-12Price Range: 1000-3000Our Process
Overview of Experience:At Shangriballa, your safety and well-being are our top priority. Before embarking on our retreats, we conduct a thorough screening process to ensure it's right for you. This screening assesses both your physical and mental health to identify any potential contraindications or risks. We also evaluate your emotional and psychological readiness, allowing us to tailor support throughout the intense experience. Informed consent and educational materials equip you with a clear understanding of the journey you're about to undertake.
At Shangriballa, your well-being is our primary focus throughout your entire experience. Our dedicated team of experts prioritizes providing comprehensive support and guidance to all participants. They are committed to ensuring your comfort and facilitating a transformative journey.For those who have experienced trauma, we understand the need for additional support. We collaborate with a network of experienced Psychedelic and integration therapists to provide you with the best opportunity for lasting positive change, should you require it.
Our commitment to your well-being extends far beyond the retreat itself. We offer a comprehensive aftercare program to ensure a smooth integration of your experiences into your daily life. This program includes ongoing support and resources, such as follow-up sessions with facilitators and integration specialists if needed. We'll equip you with the guidance and tools necessary to assimilate the insights from your journey, fostering lasting positive change. With Shangriballa's aftercare program, you'll feel supported, empowered, and equipped to continue your personal growth journey long after the retreat concludes.
Intake Process:All participants complete an online medical and psychological questionnaire followed by a video consultation where we discuss readiness and the best treatment options during the retreat. We focus on informed consent and make sure that each client understands all the risks associated with the retreat option; each client will confirm their consent on the intake form, and this is followed up with a signature at the retreat. If we are unsure about the client's suitability, we have an assessment done with a Doctor or Therapist.
Supplemental Modalities: Meditation, Art Therapy, TRE, Sound Healing, nature Integration, Breathwork, acupuncture, massage, extatic movement, re-birthingPsychedelic Substances Offered: 5 Meo DMTHow does this Center source medicine?:We use a synthetic version of 5 Meo DMT, which is more ethical and gives us better dosage ability. We receive our 5 Meo from a lab in the Netherlands.
The Kambo we use and provide our practitioners is bought directly from the Matses Tribe in Peru. We make no profit from purchasing kambo, and all the proceeds go directly to local communities.
Practice reciprocity with local communities?: YesPhotos
Reviews
14 Reviews on “Shangriballa”
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Retreat Info
Details
Our Process
Photos
Reviews
14 Reviews on “Shangriballa”
Leave a Review
Moi moin everyone! Hailing from the frozen lands of Finland, I never imagined a trip to Portugal would crack me wide open and leave me feeling so profoundly transformed. Nestled in the heart of the Portuguese mountains, I found this retreat centre offering Bufo experiences. What I embarked on was a challenging yet deeply grounding journey of self-discovery.
The Bufo ceremony itself… well, let’s say it wasn’t your typical summer cottage experience (ei ollut ihan tavallinen mökkiloma). It was intense, a bit like diving into a frozen lake in the dead of winter (kuin olisi sukeltanut jäähän talvipakkasessa). It forced me to confront some hidden truths I’d buried deep beneath layers of Sisu (Finnish grit). But the facilitators, especially Lisa Silva, were incredible. They held space for me with immense compassion (myötätunnolla), creating a safe environment to navigate the wild experience.
And speaking of safe spaces, this retreat was the most non-judgmental place I’ve ever encountered. People from all over the world, each with their own stories and baggage, yet we all felt welcome. It was like a giant international perhe (family) for a few weeks.
While undeniably challenging, the Bufo was just the beginning. The integration sessions that followed were crucial. Processing the experience with Lisa and the group helped me translate those wild visions into something meaningful. It wasn’t all purging negative emotions though (ei pelkästään puhdistanut negatiivisia tunteita). A profound sense of joy, connection, and a renewed appreciation for life emerged from the depths.
So, this might not be it if you’re looking for a relaxing beach getaway. But if you’re ready to delve into the hidden corners of yourself, surrounded by supportive souls in a breathtaking setting, this retreat could be life-changing. Be prepared for a challenge (varautu haasteeseen), but trust that the rewards are immense.
This is an amazing venue and really kind and experience people, I felt safe and look after all the time. My worry was talked about and I was told what is best and it works. Thank you for this gift. I recommend this place a lot.
From the moment I arrived at Shangriballa retreat center, I felt a sense of peace wash all over me. The stunning mountain views, the nourishing food, and Lisa’s incredible healing sessions were all instrumental in my personal transformation. This retreat is a true sanctuary for the soul, I wish I can live here, I will come back to take part in their projects, top people.
This retreat wasn’t just about relaxation; it was a deep dive into self-discovery. Lisa Silva’s sessions were profound, and the mountains seemed to hold a healing energy. I left feeling lighter and more connected to my true self.
“A Journey of Profound Healing” – This retreat was unlike anything I’d ever experienced. Lisa Silva’s guidance was transformative, and the setting nestled in the Portuguese mountains was pure magic. The delicious food and powerful healing sessions left me feeling renewed and empowered.
Highly Recommend for Anyone Seeking Healing and Transformation
This retreat at Shangriballa was an absolute game-changer for me. As someone struggling with PTSD and anxiety, I was incredibly nervous beforehand. However, from the moment I arrived, the facilitators put me at ease. They created a warm and welcoming environment where I felt genuinely cared for and supported.
The program itself was exceptional. It was meticulously planned and executed, with a perfect balance between structured activities and free time to soak in the breathtaking natural beauty of the surrounding area.
Lisa, the lead teacher, deserves special recognition. Her knowledge of spirituality was profound and mind-blowing. For those seeking a deeper physical and emotional cleanse, Kambo ceremonies were offered, facilitated by Lisa, a true master in this practice. Her “Kambo Nadi system” left all the participants amazed by its effectiveness.
The retreat itself wasn’t easy. Facing and letting go of trauma is a challenging process. However, with Lisa’s guidance and the support of the entire Shangriballa team, I felt empowered to confront my inner demons.
Even though the retreat is over, I’m still integrating the experience. I’m incredibly grateful for the ongoing support offered by the team. They’ve made a real difference, and I continue to feel held and supported on my healing journey.
This experience has been so transformative that I will definitely be back to Shangriballa. Even if it’s just to volunteer and contribute to this amazing project.
I’m at a loss for words. What an incredible experience! The Kambo Nadi treatment truly made a difference for me. I no longer feel the heaviness I once carried, and it’s as though I’ve let go of everything I was holding on to. I feel amazing, light, motivated, and happy. Viva Kambo! Lisa and Miguel are truly the best. They made me feel incredibly safe and I love their energy. Thank you so much.
I spent three nights at Shangribala and found Lisa and Miguel to be incredibly knowledgeable and intuitive. I felt safe and trusted them throughout the process. The staff was very friendly and the natural surroundings of the facility were lovely. The Kambo Nadiitreatment was amazing and incredibly powerful and healing. I experienced a profound sense of love that dissolved all my emotional pain, leaving me feeling completely renewed after the trip. It was a very transformative experience that I loved!forever grateful
My fiance and I recently spent the most incredible few days with Lisa and Miguel up in the hills near Loural Village.
We were instantly dumbfounded by the beauty and tranquility of the area, with incredible views across the valley in the most picture perfect surroundings.
With Lisa and Miguel’s guidance and knowledge we embarked on an amazing journey of self discovery, self realisation and oneness with nature, culminating in a particularly personal and emotional wedding blessing and powerful, yet perfectly blissful bufo ceremony.
We will forever be indebted to Lisa and Miguel for providing us with such a unique and deeply personal insight into the magnificence of unity consciousness and very much looking forward to returning sometime soon to continue our journey.
💓
In May, my husband-to-be and I embarked on an intimate Bufo alvarius experience at Shangriballa, crafted and designed by the remarkable Lisa, and supported by the equally gifted Miguel. This experience, led by Lisa, has profoundly influenced my spiritual journey, surpassing all my previous encounters with Bufo.
Lisa’s intuition and guidance were instrumental in my journey. She possesses an uncanny ability to sense precisely where I was in my exploration, allowing me to delve deeply into the understanding of my true self. Her magical voice, a beacon of light, guided me through layers of discovery, peeling back the veils of illusion and leading me closer to the core of my being.
Miguel’s contribution through sound healing was nothing short of transformative. The frequencies he created resonated deeply within me, facilitating a powerful spiritual experience that transcended the ordinary and ushered me into the realm of unity consciousness. The synergy between Lisa’s guidance and Miguel’s sound healing was a harmonious dance of energy and love, creating a sacred space where profound transformation was not just possible but inevitable.
The magic that unfolded during our time at Shangriballa was a testament to the wisdom, unconditional love, and pure energy that Lisa and Miguel embody. Their land, blessed and vibrating with high frequencies, is a sanctuary for anyone seeking to experience the depths of their spiritual potential. If there is a place where the extraordinary can happen, it is here, under the care and guidance of these two incredible souls.
I wholeheartedly recommend Lisa and Miguel’s transformative offerings at Shangriballa. Their unique blend of intuition, sound, and sacred space provides a gateway to the most profound spiritual experiences imaginable.
I spent three nights at Shangriballa and found Lisa and Miguel to be incredibly knowledgeable and intuitive. I felt safe and trusted them throughout the process. The staff was very friendly and the natural surroundings of the facility were lovely. The Kambo Nadii treatment was amazing and incredibly powerful and healing. I experienced a profound sense of love that dissolved all my emotional pain, leaving me feeling completely renewed after the trip. It was a very transformative experience that I loved!forever grateful
“The Bufo ceremony I attended was a truly transformative experience. The level of care and professionalism displayed by the practitioners was outstanding. From the moment I arrived, I felt supported and guided through the entire process. The practitioners were highly knowledgeable and created a safe space for deep healing to unfold. I left the ceremony feeling renewed, inspired, and grateful for the profound journey I had embarked on. I wholeheartedly recommend this experience to anyone seeking profound healing and spiritual growth.” – John M.
Meeting lisa and miguel truly changed my life ..
They hold beautiful safe sacred space with love and kindness.
Have always felt safe and heard .. lisa is also amazing to talk to after and during integration and has a way with words to help the process of healing.
Forever grateful 🙏🏻
Absolutely transformative experience at Shangriballa! If you’re looking for a place to truly heal and rediscover yourself, look no further. The care and attention to detail were simply outstanding. The program they offer was incredibly well-structured and facilitated in a way that allowed me to confront my anxieties head-on, and finally feel a sense of hope that I haven’t felt in years. I cannot recommend Shangriballa highly enough. This retreat was a life-changing experience, and I am eternally grateful for the amazing support I received.