Reviews

     

 Had a great trip! So grateful! Got a lot of insights, even from my infancy. Blockages were allowed to flow freely. The team is great, sooooo loving. I have asked several things of Margriet and she does it all with such heartfelt care, thank you. My heart is still full of it! Also enjoyed the panoramic view, the wood fire that was lit outside and the delicious food. Give everyone such a trip, in this wonderful place with these fantastic guides, This is the place to go Love! 

Irena

     

 This was the first time that I signed up for an Ayahuasca retreat and honestly speaking, I did not know what to expect, I questioned whether I was ready or not and was a little apprehensive of how I would react to the medicine. Despite these doubts, I decided to go for it without any preconceived notions because it was a “now-or-never” moment. Before, during and even after the ceremony, Margriet and Yaron made me feel safe, took care of me, and comforted me when I was on my journey. They watched over me closely, they brought food to me when I couldn’t stand up and held my hand when I was emotionally vulnerable. I felt very safe with Margriet and Yaron around. The retreat is situated in a gorgeous location. The boathouse in Broek in Waterland is an ideal place to hold a retreat with breath-taking views of horses grazing in the fields, a nice backyard to lose yourself in thoughts or in writing, and even to enjoy a nice cup of tea. The nature walks in the morning were peaceful and tranquil, as we explored our surroundings. It was very comforting to have Sambal (the cute house cat) around as her presence instilled in me a sense of tranquility. Magriet and Yaron are very friendly and open individuals who have lived a rich life and have interesting insights about how to deal with the mental rigours and challenges we often find ourselves in. Moreover, they are very knowledgeable about Ayahuasca and have extensive experience in guiding people though the journey. They are beautiful both from the outside and within, and they transmit love, kindness, positivity and great energy to everyone around them. It goes without saying that if you want a life-changing experience, this is a safe environment in which you can trust to let go of all your inhibitions. The ayahuasca experience is different for everyone and was deeply enriching for me. I will definitely visit again :) 

Ruby

     

 It was my first experience with this plant medicine, therefore i was really nervous and insecure at the beginning. But those two beautiful beings Margrit and Yaron made the journey so special for me and gave me the strength to let go of some things. I really enjoyed the stay, the houseboat is beautiful, the people are amazing. If you want to make this experience in a safe, humurous and loving environment, this is the place to go. 

Johannes

 I had one previous experience with Ayahuasca several years ago, and Margriet was one of the guides then. I knew I'd have to have at least one more journey and knew Margriet would be the guide. I was overjoyed when she established a more intimate and personal retreat with Ancient Mother. All the facilities were immaculate. Yaron, who is also Guide, was very clear with the details about the logistics, expectations and preparation work involved in the ceremony. The actual place, a beautiful house-boat, was perfect. It's a beautiful, serene place that is a reasonable journey from The Airport and in quiet location without being totally isolated. The place is suitably and wonderfully decorated and that helps. I cannot overstate how beneficial this experience was for me; I had some very powerful intentions and they were resolved during the two-day ceremony. I consider Margriet, Yaron and my fellow participant, Youk, as well as everything about where and how the ceremony was conducted, to have been absolutely necessary. I'd recommend 'Ancient Mother' as a place for anyone to go when it's time for them to participate in the Ayahuasca Ceremony. Please feel free to contact me if you would like more information and I'll help. 

Scottjames

 I wanted to do Ayahuasca already for a while and actually by coincidence I found out that my ex stepmother (Margriet) did ceremony’s. So for me that was already a sign I had to do it with her. The communication was excellent we got a document that we had to fill out beforehand and extra help for us to prepare for the journey. Margriet has a beautiful houseboat in the middle of a small village close to Amsterdam called “Broek in Waterland” its very light with big windows everywhere so it feels like you are in the middle of the meadows. I can definitely recommend doing a 2 day retreat because my first night the journey wasn’t as intense as the second night. Mother ayahuasca had a different plan for me. She showed me everything the second night. Margriet really guide me through this amazingly and Yaron guided in his way with his amazing music and his instruments that brought. Not even speaking that he is an really talented singer too! I can talk about this for ages but I feel like they are so good in what they are doing. Very intimate place that you can easily book alone or with friends/family so that you have a bit more privacy. Will definitely come back one day hopefully with one of my dear people who are close to me and with who I felt where there with me during the journey. “When saying yes to life both shadow and light my suffering is done and I come alive” 

 The moment I arrived at the houseboat, I felt at home. Margaret & Yaron (and of course, Sambal!) are such pure souls who want to see you realizing your true Self - your true nature. The houseboat surrounded by nature is the perfect place for a retreat. I had (and still do) to completely let go and break out from the illusion of control and surrender to the NOW. I'm forever grateful for this unforgettable, life-changing weekend and the deep connection with myself & everyone there. I can't recommend Ancient Mother enough! 

Nea

 This was the first time that I signed up for an Ayahuasca retreat and honestly speaking, I did not know what to expect, I questioned whether I was ready or not and was a little apprehensive of how I would react to the medicine. Despite these doubts, I decided to go for it without any preconceived notions because it was a “now-or-never” moment. Before, during and even after the ceremony, Margriet and Yaron made me feel safe, took care of me, and comforted me when I was on my journey. They watched over me closely, they brought food to me when I couldn’t stand up and held my hand when I was emotionally vulnerable. I felt very safe with Margriet and Yaron around. The retreat is situated in a gorgeous location. The boathouse in Broek in Waterland is an ideal place to hold a retreat with breath-taking views of horses grazing in the fields, a nice backyard to lose yourself in thoughts or in writing, and even to enjoy a nice cup of tea. The nature walks in the morning were peaceful and tranquil, as we explored our surroundings. It was very comforting to have Sambal (the cute house cat) around as her presence instilled in me a sense of tranquility. Magriet and Yaron are very friendly and open individuals who have lived a rich life and have interesting insights about how to deal with the mental rigours and challenges we often find ourselves in. Moreover, they are very knowledgeable about Ayahuasca and have extensive experience in guiding people though the journey. They are beautiful both from the outside and within, and they transmit love, kindness, positivity and great energy to everyone around them. It goes without saying that if you want a life-changing experience, this is a safe environment in which you can trust to let go of all your inhibitions. The ayahuasca experience is different for everyone and was deeply enriching for me. I will definitely visit again :) 

Rubina

 Going into the retreat, I was really excited about what lay in store for me, but was also filled with nervous anticipation as Ayahuasca was something I’d never done before and I didn’t know what to expect. Let me start off by saying that Margriet and Yaron know their stuff inside out and were extremely proactive and responsive since our first contact. But more importantly, they are wonderful human beings. The warmth, empathy, and openness that we experienced with them was matched only by their enthusiasm and passion for what they do. We felt welcome and at ease from the moment we stepped into their premises. The retreat is located on a wonderful little boathouse in Broek in Waterland, just a few minutes north of Amsterdam. It is a secluded location with wonderful views and plenty of natural light. During the day, you can see horses grazing in the fields and birds chirping in the canals nearby. There is a wonderful garden in the back where you can spend time introspecting, journaling or just chilling out during the hours prior to the ceremony. In short, It’s the perfect location to take your mind off the daily grind and turn your attention to deep within. The specifics of the ceremony were explained very well to us from the start, including the recommended do's and don’ts, how to prepare for the experience, the steps that it entails, what to expect during the journey, etc… I’m a curious person and had a million questions before and during the retreat, but they really took the time to allay all my doubts with the utmost patience. The ceremony itself was a wonderful experience. The pre-ceremony rituals as well as the ambience, lights, and sounds in the room were carefully calibrated to relax you and put your mind to ease. During the ceremony itself, we were very well looked after during every step of our journey. It’s the little things they do that really touch you – such as making sure the blanket covers your feet when you turn over to the other side while lying down, or refilling your bottle and quietly placing it by your side when you're in a deep meditative trance, or holding your hand during difficult moments and assuring you that everything is all right. Each journey can be a very different experience and invoke within you a wide array of emotions and sensations. Having the reassurance that you are in good hands, and are cared for was one of the major contributing factors to the three beautiful, eye-opening and incredibly special days that we spent with Margriet and Yaron. 

Arjun

 I was looking into Ayahuasca retreat for a longer period of time. I chose this center because I felt that Margriet and Yaron and what they offer is exactly what I am looking for. I had huge problems with control and trust and I knew that I have to pick the safest possible place with the right guidance. I could let go and be curious - thanks to their skills. I have never imagined that I can experience something like this. Despite the hard journey I had, I can enjoy its consequences in my daily life -something I wasn’t able to achieve through therapy. The medicine itself is very strong which I think is one of the most important aspects. So many people chose the wrong place and no wonder it's worse than It could be -diving deep into a trauma - you just can't be left alone. See you next time! 

Monica

 We had a wonderful weekend with Ancient mother Amsterdam! We were received at the spacious house boat of Margriet which is located in typical Dutch surroundings between pitoresque meadows North of Amsterdam. Yaron and Margriet are very loving people who accompanied our journey with Mother Ayahuasca in a beautiful and peaceful way. They give their guests the space to be who they are: before, during and after the ceremony. Another being that holds the space like a true zen master, and shouldn't be left unmentioned, is Sambal the cat. A lot of thanks to her as well. Also a special mention of the food that was cooked for us by the cook that prepares the food for Ancient Mother Amsterdam: delicious! I highly recommend this place if you want to do Ayahuasca in a small intimate setting with the best guidance you can get! 

Jeroen

 This particular visit was my 3rd time with Margriet and Yaron. It was the first time I saw Susan. They are all exceptional guides. They bring their own warm and loving energies. The first time I did ayahusca Yaron helped me with his male energy to see my relationship with my father. The environment they created feels very safe. The boat is beautiful and the view over the water and the landscape is very healing. The horses came to see us when we stepped outside. During my journey I had a moment when I was sitting outside and I could feel everything is so much alive. It was wonderous and a beautiful experience. I went with a group of people I know. This is really helpful, because the bond is already there. The room was filled with so much love and compassion for one another and their processes. We helped each other through our journeys and Margriet, Yaron and Susan were there for assistance and help at our deepest parts. After the ceremony (the next day) there is always a moment when we discuss our journeys. During the whole weekend the guides are always available for questions or to discuss all kinds of topics. Even after the retreat I can reach out. I was even offered to call in the middle of the night if necessary, because I was having a difficult time integrating the last message mother aya wanted me to receive (and I resisted). I can highly recommend this retreat. It feels safe, warm and loving. The guides let you be completely yourself, let you go through your own journey, but also know when to step in and help. 

Renate