“Only love and understanding heal."
- Byron Katie
- Byron Katie
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25 years ago, Byron Katie asked Tom to envision something he wanted to experience in the physical world. What he saw was a home on a hill, surrounded by jungle, connected to an unseen spiritual center at the bottom of the hill. The Lua Encantada is the organic manifestation of Tom's vision, an off-grid, 100% self sustaining, geodesic dome located where jungle meets civilization, in Garopaba Brazil.
Join us in this magical space for group & partner work, inquiry, guided meditation, silent walks, sacred poetry, music and dance to support us in honoring, seeing clearly, and stepping out of old paradigms that no longer serve us. Into loving Life as it unfolds. This retreat is designed for you to drop into the heart of The Work of Byron Katie, to experience it as a deep meditation. Through The Work, we can begin to bring everything within ourselves, heaven and hell, dark and light, into the "light" of conscious awareness and finally begin to meet it all with love and understanding. This is a space to come and be as you are, to undo the thoughts that create all suffering, an ideal retreat for both beginners & advanced practitioners of The Work. Discover for yourself how this Work can awaken an unconditionally kind and loving presence within you. |
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Where You'll Stay You will be staying in the town of Rosa, a delightful beach town full of restaurants and shops, 350 meters from the beach. Rosa is a 20 minute drive to the Lua Encantada, where the sessions will take place. We will provide a daily shuttle to and from Rosa to the Lua Encantada. Accommodations Pousada Villa Valley is a boutique hotel located 350 meters from the beach and 150 meters from the center of Rosa. Address: Rua Seu Mane Chico, S/N - Praia do Rosa, Imbituba, SC 88780-000, Brasil Contact via WhatsApp: +55 (48) 99943-1055 Accommodations include:
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Years ago I had a deep wish (more like a desperate cry for help) to find and be a part of something that could make a real difference in understanding and ending peoples’ suffering, my suffering to be honest.
This work is, for me, that wish come true. All of my relationships, interactions, thoughts, feelings, events - anything my attention goes to - with The Work becomes a gift, a kiss, a kindness, a receiving that leaves me grateful and open to Life. - Tom Compton |
Tourist Visa + How to Get Here
*IMPORTANT VISA UPDATE:
As of April 10, 2025, citizens of the United States, Canada, and Australia must have a visa to enter Brazil. For tourism stays of up to 90 days, travelers from these countries can apply online for an electronic visa (e-Visa). The cost is $81 USD per person and participants are responsible for covering this separately. The visa is valid for ten years.
For detailed instructions, on how to apply, visit https://brazil.vfsevisa.com/how-to-apply. Once you’ve registered for the retreat, we will also send you guidance in your welcome packet.
When applying, you may use the hotel address and phone number (provided above) as your reference.
If you are traveling from another country, please check the entry requirements for your nationality.
How to Get Here
As of April 10, 2025, citizens of the United States, Canada, and Australia must have a visa to enter Brazil. For tourism stays of up to 90 days, travelers from these countries can apply online for an electronic visa (e-Visa). The cost is $81 USD per person and participants are responsible for covering this separately. The visa is valid for ten years.
For detailed instructions, on how to apply, visit https://brazil.vfsevisa.com/how-to-apply. Once you’ve registered for the retreat, we will also send you guidance in your welcome packet.
When applying, you may use the hotel address and phone number (provided above) as your reference.
If you are traveling from another country, please check the entry requirements for your nationality.
How to Get Here
- Fly into the city of Florianopolis, Hercílio Luz International Airport (FLN) (about an hour flight from Sao Paulo)
- From Florianopolis, it's a 75-90 minute Uber to the town of Rosa, where you will be staying (the cost for Uber is roughly $35-45 USD depending on traffic). It is very easy to get from the airport to Rosa via Uber.
- Hotel check in is at 12:00pm on March 17th
- Dinner the first night is on your own. You can choose from the many restaurants in town, or prepare your own meals using the kitchen in your lodgings
- Once signed up, we will invite you to a WhatsApp group, so folks can coordinate ride shares
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I had the privilege of attending a retreat with Tom Compton in Brazil, and it's difficult to express just how much the experience helped lift a cloud of suffering from me. The Work, as guided by Tom, is fluid, fun, profound, playful, and kind. The retreat itself was a multi-sensory journey filled with dancing, full-belly laughter, surfing, lush jungle, and the soul-stirring melodies of sacred ceremony. I loved the sense of community, a global family working on identifying past hurts and the thoughts that are the real cause of these hurts. The retreat has been nothing short of a life-changing reset for me. It re-opened my eyes to the beauty of existence.
- Elyette |
Schedule
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Optional ayahuasca ceremony the evening of March 24
Led by the Huni Kuin, visiting from their village in Acre, the westernmost part of Brazil.
About the Huni Kuin People
Deep in the Amazon Rainforest, the Huni Kuin embody the meeting of boundless joy and profound spiritual wisdom. They inhabit the lush western Amazon of Brazil and Peru, carrying a rich cultural heritage rooted in ancient knowledge. Their traditions encompass deep expertise in medicinal plants, time-honored spiritual practices, vibrant music, and sacred art known as Kene.
Recognized around the world, the Huni Kuin are celebrated for their vital role in protecting the Amazon and for the depth of their spiritual teachings. Their mastery of plant medicine has drawn seekers from across the globe—people called to experience the transformative healing power of Mother Nature herself.
The ceremony begins around 10pm March 24th
Ends around 7am March 25th
*If you would like to attend the ayahuasca ceremony, we strongly recommend you make arrangements for an extra night's lodging for the evening on March 25th (so you can sleep after the ceremony and check out on the 26th). Please note, we are not responsible for arranging this optional extra night. Please do this directly with your hotel*
The best way to make this reservation is to reach out to the hotel (Pousada Villa Valley) via their WhatsApp +5548999431055. You can also find their email/contact on the website here.
Please refer to the Q&A section at the bottom of this page to learn more about cases in which ayahuasca should not be consumed for your safety.
You don't need to decide now whether or not you'd like to participate in the ceremony. That can happen up until the last day of the retreat. Please make lodging arrangements accordingly.
About the Huni Kuin People
Deep in the Amazon Rainforest, the Huni Kuin embody the meeting of boundless joy and profound spiritual wisdom. They inhabit the lush western Amazon of Brazil and Peru, carrying a rich cultural heritage rooted in ancient knowledge. Their traditions encompass deep expertise in medicinal plants, time-honored spiritual practices, vibrant music, and sacred art known as Kene.
Recognized around the world, the Huni Kuin are celebrated for their vital role in protecting the Amazon and for the depth of their spiritual teachings. Their mastery of plant medicine has drawn seekers from across the globe—people called to experience the transformative healing power of Mother Nature herself.
The ceremony begins around 10pm March 24th
Ends around 7am March 25th
*If you would like to attend the ayahuasca ceremony, we strongly recommend you make arrangements for an extra night's lodging for the evening on March 25th (so you can sleep after the ceremony and check out on the 26th). Please note, we are not responsible for arranging this optional extra night. Please do this directly with your hotel*
The best way to make this reservation is to reach out to the hotel (Pousada Villa Valley) via their WhatsApp +5548999431055. You can also find their email/contact on the website here.
Please refer to the Q&A section at the bottom of this page to learn more about cases in which ayahuasca should not be consumed for your safety.
You don't need to decide now whether or not you'd like to participate in the ceremony. That can happen up until the last day of the retreat. Please make lodging arrangements accordingly.
Activities
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MealsBreakfast will be served at the hotel with options including eggs, yogurt, fruit, tapioca etc. A delicious and fresh vegan lunch will be served at the Lua Encantada, catered by Brotô. For dinner you can choose from the many restaurants in town, or prepare your own meals using the fully equipped kitchens in your lodgings. There are a few small markets in the area that sell a limited selection of fruits, vegetables and the basics.
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Pricing
Each option includes:
Lodging for 8 nights
Breakfast for 8 days
Lunch for 6 days, snacks and beverages
Daily transportation to and from hotel to The Lua Encantada
Group activities
Surf lesson (optional)
Ayahuasca ceremony (optional)
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Option #1: Three person apartment
Includes two single beds in a shared room, one pull out couch in the living room, a kitchen and bathroom |
Price: $2,228 USD per person
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Option #2: Two person suite
Includes two single beds which can be arranged as one queen size bed, kitchen and bathroom. |
Price: $2,255 USD per person |
*Please note that these lodgings are shared accommodations and there are no private rooms. We anticipate having each of the options filled, and will arrange housing assignments for all of our guests, so you will be sharing a room with someone. If you would like to share housing with specific people, please let us know when you sign up so we can organize accordingly.
Have questions?
Check out the new Q&A section at the bottom of the page!
For support, contact Eva at [email protected] or WhatsApps at 1.626.377.7885
Testimonials
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This retreat is far beyond anything one can imagine. The power and beauty of the jungle and the Lua Encantada, which no picture can convey, work on you as well as the profound exercises that cover the causes of suffering and all that’s needed to live a beautiful and happy life. All steadily, lovingly, wisely led by Tom, anchored in truth. There is no story which can’t be unravelled in his hands. I loved the intimate, diverse group of amazing loving people which, by the end of the retreat, becomes like a family where you feel seen, loved and allowed to be yourself. A truly profound and beautiful experience. I feel a bit reborn, like I have grown wings of freedom and am a little bird learning to fly. - Lotus I still cannot believe how this week changed my life, this has been one of the best experiences. It’s located in paradise. The exercises are powerful and meaningful and Tom’s voice is an amazing guide. In the past I always felt shy to open up, to question my thoughts, but in this environment, it was as easy as thinking. You feel at home from day one. The 7-day workshop opens you up and then the Ayahuasca ceremony finishes to clear what’s left. The amazing team took care of every little detail. Everything was easy, smooth and so profound. Thank you for this life changing moment. - Matthieu Participating in the "Love is the Power" retreat in Brazil was a deeply transformative, unforgettable journey. With Tom Compton as our facilitator, the retreat centered around a simple yet profound process of self-inquiry. The power lay in the questions that guided me back to my own inner wisdom and love—beyond the stories I had been retelling myself. Tom's gentle presence created a safe space for introspection, allowing each of us to delve deeply and uncover truths that had been hidden. It wasn't about being taught or led, but about rediscovering what was already within me. If you’re feeling called to delve deeper into your own truth and embrace the love that resides within you, I invite you to consider this retreat. It was a meaningful and heartfelt experience that I will carry with me for a long time. - Amber I would highly recommend Love is the Power retreat in Brazil. From the beginning to the very end, it was a master class in gracious and generous hospitality, in a beautiful bubble of pure love. I have attended other retreats, but this one was the real game changer for me. It's been almost a month since the retreat and I am still loving my new life in my zen bubble, from where nothing can trigger me. - Anna There were many moments during the retreat when I thought that what Tom is creating here is absolutely incredible. He has so much clarity and empathy that I was at times completely overwhelmed. He has the ability to ask questions that reveal hidden inner psychological processes on the one hand, and clarify subliminal beliefs on the other. His presence has something healing about it and he transmits this trust in existence, that everything is as it should be. I was able to simply surrender and enjoy the journey. I am very grateful. - Michael For more testimonials, click below |
Q and A
What's the cancellation policy for this event?
Refunds will be offered before January 21, 2026 less a $100 processing fee per attendee. No refunds after unless we are able to fill your spot in which case your payment will be refunded, less a $100 processing fee. If you do not send advance notice of your cancellation, if you do not attend, if you do not have proper visa documentation to enter or if you leave the workshop early, your payment is non-refundable and non-transferable.
I am new to The Work by Byron Katie. Is this event suitable for me?
Yes :) These events are wonderful for those who are new to The Work as well as experienced facilitators. Tom will guide you through the process and you will learn new skills and a greater understanding of how to use The Work in your life for more clarity, peace, ease and joy.
Is Brazil safe?
Garopaba and Rosa are charming beach towns where the locals are warm and friendly. While we can't speak for the bigger cities in Brazil, we feel incredibly safe here (safer than in the U.S.!) and have never had any issues.
Anything I should know about the ayahuasca ceremony?
A note from the shaman: There are certain pre-existing physical and mental health conditions in which Ayahuasca should not be used, such as in cases of cardiovascular and cardiorespiratory diseases, severe hypertension, severe mental disorders (e.g., psychosis, schizophrenia, mood and personality disorders) epilepsy, acute infectious diseases, liver diseases (e.g. Hepatitis, Cirrhosis).
Ayahuasca also should not be consumed if you are taking certain medications, such as antipsychotics and mood stabilizers (e.g. lithium, valproic acid, carbamazepine, etc.), Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOI’s) and medication which have an effect on the serotonin system, including Selective Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) (i.e. antidepressants such as Wellbutrin, Prozac, Zoloft, Effexor, etc).
For your safety, those who fall under any of these categories will not be allowed to attend the ceremony.
Also, while some recommend dietary restrictions before the ceremony, the Huni Kuin family do not.
What will the weather be like?
The weather in March is generally warm and pleasant, though the weather in Garopaba can change drastically from week to week. Sometimes there are unexpected heat waves and other times it can rain for days. Please check the weather a few days before your arrival to get the latest updates. We will send you a list of things to pack after you've registered to help you prepare for various weather conditions.
I don't speak Portuguese. Will this be an issue?
Nope. People in Garopaba typically don't speak English and travelers manage to get along just fine (it's part of the adventure!) Having a translation app can help, but you'll be pleasantly surprised to find how easy it is to get around with limited Portuguese.
Are vaccines required to enter the country?
No vaccines are required to enter the country. Last year, most folks did not get vaccinations, and also many did, for their own peace of mind. Whether or not you get vaccinated is totally up to you and we encourage you to make a decision that will allow you to feel comfortable during your travels.
What will the food be like?
Breakfast will be served at the hotel with various egg, fruit, yogurt and tapioca options. We will be serving a fresh vegan lunch at the Lua catered by Brotô. For dinner, there are plenty of restaurants around town that serve local and ethnic fare. There are also small markets in Rosa that sell a limited selection of fruits and vegetables and the basics. If there are creature comforts you enjoy having, we recommend you bring them so you're comfortable during your travels.
Are there a lot of mosquitos?
While there are mosquitos that come out around dusk, and more so when it rains, overall our insect friends here are quite friendly and benign. That being said, everyone is different and some folks are more sensitive. We recommend everyone bring mosquito repellant. You can also purchase some at the local shops in town.
For all questions and help with registration,
email Eva at [email protected] or WhatsApp at 1.626.377.7885
What's the cancellation policy for this event?
Refunds will be offered before January 21, 2026 less a $100 processing fee per attendee. No refunds after unless we are able to fill your spot in which case your payment will be refunded, less a $100 processing fee. If you do not send advance notice of your cancellation, if you do not attend, if you do not have proper visa documentation to enter or if you leave the workshop early, your payment is non-refundable and non-transferable.
I am new to The Work by Byron Katie. Is this event suitable for me?
Yes :) These events are wonderful for those who are new to The Work as well as experienced facilitators. Tom will guide you through the process and you will learn new skills and a greater understanding of how to use The Work in your life for more clarity, peace, ease and joy.
Is Brazil safe?
Garopaba and Rosa are charming beach towns where the locals are warm and friendly. While we can't speak for the bigger cities in Brazil, we feel incredibly safe here (safer than in the U.S.!) and have never had any issues.
Anything I should know about the ayahuasca ceremony?
A note from the shaman: There are certain pre-existing physical and mental health conditions in which Ayahuasca should not be used, such as in cases of cardiovascular and cardiorespiratory diseases, severe hypertension, severe mental disorders (e.g., psychosis, schizophrenia, mood and personality disorders) epilepsy, acute infectious diseases, liver diseases (e.g. Hepatitis, Cirrhosis).
Ayahuasca also should not be consumed if you are taking certain medications, such as antipsychotics and mood stabilizers (e.g. lithium, valproic acid, carbamazepine, etc.), Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOI’s) and medication which have an effect on the serotonin system, including Selective Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) (i.e. antidepressants such as Wellbutrin, Prozac, Zoloft, Effexor, etc).
For your safety, those who fall under any of these categories will not be allowed to attend the ceremony.
Also, while some recommend dietary restrictions before the ceremony, the Huni Kuin family do not.
What will the weather be like?
The weather in March is generally warm and pleasant, though the weather in Garopaba can change drastically from week to week. Sometimes there are unexpected heat waves and other times it can rain for days. Please check the weather a few days before your arrival to get the latest updates. We will send you a list of things to pack after you've registered to help you prepare for various weather conditions.
I don't speak Portuguese. Will this be an issue?
Nope. People in Garopaba typically don't speak English and travelers manage to get along just fine (it's part of the adventure!) Having a translation app can help, but you'll be pleasantly surprised to find how easy it is to get around with limited Portuguese.
Are vaccines required to enter the country?
No vaccines are required to enter the country. Last year, most folks did not get vaccinations, and also many did, for their own peace of mind. Whether or not you get vaccinated is totally up to you and we encourage you to make a decision that will allow you to feel comfortable during your travels.
What will the food be like?
Breakfast will be served at the hotel with various egg, fruit, yogurt and tapioca options. We will be serving a fresh vegan lunch at the Lua catered by Brotô. For dinner, there are plenty of restaurants around town that serve local and ethnic fare. There are also small markets in Rosa that sell a limited selection of fruits and vegetables and the basics. If there are creature comforts you enjoy having, we recommend you bring them so you're comfortable during your travels.
Are there a lot of mosquitos?
While there are mosquitos that come out around dusk, and more so when it rains, overall our insect friends here are quite friendly and benign. That being said, everyone is different and some folks are more sensitive. We recommend everyone bring mosquito repellant. You can also purchase some at the local shops in town.
For all questions and help with registration,
email Eva at [email protected] or WhatsApp at 1.626.377.7885





