Is cacao ceremony the same as Ayahuasca?

No. Ceremonial cacao is a food-based drink — warm and bitter, closer to a strong hot chocolate than anything else. It has no relation to Ayahuasca and nothing about it is psychoactive.

What does 'ecstatic dance' actually mean if I have never done it?

It means moving however your body wants to, with music playing and your eyes closed if you like. There is no style to learn and no correct way to do it.

Is there choreography or steps to follow?

None. No steps, no sequence, no instructor at the front to copy. Some women move a lot, some barely move at all, and both are completely normal.

Will I have to dance with a partner, or will people be watching me?

No partners, and effectively no audience — most women dance with their eyes closed, so nobody is watching you any more than you are watching them.

I have a physical limitation. Can I still take part?

Yes. Movement here means whatever your body can do that day, including swaying in place or lying on the floor for most of it. Tell a facilitator if you would like a spot near the wall or want to sit rather than stand.

Do I have to drink the cacao if I'd rather not?

No. It is offered, not required, and if you would rather sit with water while everyone else drinks, that is fine. Mention any dietary concerns on the preparation call, the same as you would for meals.

Movement-based release and heart opening

Cacao, Music, and Free Movement

No steps to learn. No mirror. No one looking at you, because everyone has their eyes closed.

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The cacao

A cup, and a few minutes of quiet

Ceremonial cacao is drunk warm and bitter, sitting in a circle. It is mild — closer to a strong hot chocolate than anything else.

You sit with it for a few minutes before the music starts. That pause is most of the point.

The dance

Free movement, no choreography

Music plays. You move however your body wants to. There are no steps, no partners and no talking.

Some women dance hard. Some lie on the floor for most of it. Both are correct.

It is one of the few practices in the week that lives entirely in the body rather than in the head, which is exactly why it is there.

If you feel self-conscious

Everyone does, for about four minutes

This is the session women dread second-most, after vocal activation. The self-consciousness is real and it is also short-lived.

The room is small, the women are on your side, and nobody is watching you because they are all busy with their own eyes closed.

If dancing is genuinely not for you, sit it out. Nobody will mention it.

In their words

Women who walked through

Jasmin

Soma Yoga · Nervous system wellbeing

New Zealand

“The retreat gave me a sisterhood I didn’t know I was missing.”

I feel nourished, full of love, and very relaxed. The quality of women who led and attended were full of wisdom and personality.

The dynamic at the end, filled with harmony, love, and connection, illustrated the retreat’s essence perfectly.

If you are feeling stuck, broken, exhausted, or simply in need of refuge and connection, go to the Portals Retreat. It’s a beautiful opportunity to reconnect with your wholeness.

Ciara

Founder of The Unity Studio · Songwriter · Mom

Toronto, Canada

“This retreat is an absolute must for any woman who is truly ready to know herself and step into her power.”

I joined the retreat knowing deeply that this would connect me more to my work, my transformation, and to Shannon, and all are true.

Being held in a space with the women is incredibly potent. Supporting each other to transform is priceless. The guides, the shamans, and the facilitators hold and create a safe, sacred space for transformation. It was truly magical, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

In my case, I’ve experienced the passing of my child from a terminal illness two years ago, which led to the demise of my marriage and career as my partner and I were in a music duo together. This precious week came at the perfect time for me and has supported me in moving forward in my highest purpose.

Shannon holds a sacred space for women, and her tender approach is gentle yet encouraging. The shamans and healers we worked with are high-level and authentic. I can’t think of a better place to meet Temazcal and the divine medicine of Ayahuasca for the first time.

I’m so grateful I did this for myself. I’ll never be the same.

Hagit

New York, USA

“The group of women was so beautiful, safe, loving, and compassionate.”

I’ve been interested in trying Ayahuasca for many years. I was searching for a healing retreat with women that included a variety of healing modalities. This retreat ticked all the boxes.

It provided a very safe and loving container for making huge shifts. Every activity was carefully and perfectly designed for deep introspection, all while being supported by incredibly strong, wise, and loving sisters.

I loved connecting with women from around the world and participating in memorable activities like visiting the cenote and watching the sunrise on the beach. The setting was stunning, the meals were healthy and gorgeous, and Shannon shares her gifts in a truly magical way.

The Portals Retreat was more than I ever imagined. I am forever changed and deeply grateful for this amazing journey of self-love and self-discovery.

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