Decoding Alpha:
An Initiation Into the Fourfold Man
A Men’s Ayahuasca Retreat in Playa Negra, Costa Rica
May 9th – May 17th, 2026
The Word Alpha has been distorted. So has the experience of being a man.
In a culture that equates masculinity with dominance, productivity, and relentless strength, many men quietly carry a heavy burden.
There’s a constant pressure to perform, to provide, to never falter.
Strength is often confused with aggression and violence.
Emotions are dismissed as weakness.
Sexuality is either repressed or distorted into something disconnected from intimacy and integrity.
Beneath the surface, this inherited code leads to exhaustion, isolation, and the persistent sense of not being enough.
Decoding Alpha is a sacred initiation into a healthy, grounded expression of masculinity.
Using the Jungian archetypes of the Warrior, Magician, Lover, and King as a map, this retreat offers a ceremonial process with the powerful allyship of Ayahuasca to decode these distorted, inherited patterns, and to re-code a masculinity rooted in steadiness, integrity, and responsible leadership.
The Initiatory Journey of the Decoding Alpha Retreat
The Decoding Alpha Retreat is structured as a deliberate initiation into the Fourfold Man: Warrior, Magician, Lover, and ultimately, the King.
This process uses the Jungian archetypal model of masculine development as a guidemap.
When these inner archetypes are distorted, they manifest as aggression or passivity, manipulation or detachment, addiction or numbness, tyranny or collapse. When brought into healthy balance, they form the foundation of mature and grounded masculinity.
Throughout the week we will be decoding the shadow expressions that have shaped your experience, and re-coding a healthier, steadier form of strength.
“The crisis in mature masculinity today is the crisis of initiation… In the absence of true initiation, the boy does not become a man — he becomes a boy pretending to be a man.”
— King, Warrior, Magician, Lover
At the center of this process are three Ayahuasca ceremonies.
Ayahuasca has the capacity to reveal and decode the unconscious patterns driving your behavior, the inherited beliefs about power, worth, control, success, and identity that often go unquestioned.
In these ceremonies, what has been hidden will become visible. What has been reactive will become conscious. What has been rigid will soften, reorganize, and be re-coded.
How We Work with the Archetypes of the Fourfold Man
We move through this process in four stages to create the Fourfold Man.
This retreat engages with a well-established archetypal model of masculine development rooted in Jungian psychology. It identifies four essential dimensions within every man — Warrior, Magician, Lover, and King. When these forces are cultivated in balance, they form what we call the Fourfold Man.
Throughout the retreat, we will work with each archetype through somatic practice, reflection, and ceremony — culminating in the initiation into the integrated expression of the Fourfold Man: the King.
The Warrior
The Warrior
We begin with the Warrior — the part of you that brings structure and discipline to your life.
This is not aggression, or a need to fight. It is steadiness, groundedness, and ability to stand tall in the face of fear and challenge.
The Warrior sets boundaries. He follows through. He chooses discomfort when it serves growth. Without this energy, a man drifts or avoids what needs to be faced.
But when it becomes unbalanced, strength can turn into force — or collapse into passivity. The work here is about finding the middle ground: firm, but not rigid.
The Magician
The Magician
Next, we turn toward the Magician.
This is the aspect of us that reflects, observes, and understands patterns, especially the ones we’ve been unconsciously living from.
Through ceremony and dialogue, we’ll examine the beliefs we carry about power, success, control, and worth. The goal isn’t to analyze endlessly — it’s to see clearly.
Without awareness, strength becomes blind. With awareness, it becomes intentional.
The Lover
The Lover
From clarity, we move into the Lover.
This is the part of us that feels deeply, connects honestly, and experiences life fully.
Many men have been taught to suppress this dimension. Others get lost in it. Balance here means remaining open without losing our center.
The Lover brings warmth to the Warrior and depth to the Magician. He restores relationship with our bodies, our emotions, nature, and others.
The Lover signifies the necessary balance between masculine and feminine with each of us.
The King
The King
The King is not a final role we perform. He is what emerges when the other energies within us are balanced.
The King holds responsibility. He creates order in his life. He leads without needing to dominate. He listens before acting. He protects what matters.
When the Warrior, Magician, and Lover are in right proportion, leadership becomes natural.
This is true Alpha. Steadier, more balanced, and grounded in himself.
“There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self.”
— Ernest Hemingway
Retreat Details
The Decoding Alpha Retreat is a nine-day immersion in Playa Negra, Costa Rica.
Over the course of the week, you will move through:
3 Ayahuasca Ceremonies
At the heart of the retreat are the Ayahuasca ceremonies. Each ceremony serves a distinct role in the initiatory arc — confronting shadow, awakening insight, and integrating heart and leadership.
Traditional Sweat Lodge (Temazcal)
A ceremonial descent into heat and darkness. A purification through fire. A symbolic death of boyhood patterns and a return with greater clarity and strength.
Embodiment and Integration Practices
Breathwork, silence, somatic awareness and movement, and intentional dialogue designed to ground insight into the body — because initiation is not a peak experience. It is a transformation of how you stand in the world.
Immersion in Nature
The jungle and ocean are not a backdrop — they are part of the setting and experience. In nature, there is no performance, only presence.
Included in the Retreat:
- Lodging for the entirety of the retreat – 8 nights / 9 days
- 2 healthy, local, organic meals provided each day
- Daily Yoga Classes
- Shuttle to and from the Liberia airport
- 1 Sweat Lodge Ceremony
- 3 Ayahuasca Ceremonies
- Somatic Breathwork Practice
- Group Preparation and Integration Calls Before and After the Retreat
- Group Meditations, Rituals, and Integration Circles Throughout the Week
- One-on-One Preparation and Integration Meetings Before, During, and After the Retreat
Not Included in the Retreat:
- Airfare to and from Liberia Airport
- Accommodation and travel costs outside of the dates of the retreat
- Additional Drinks & Snacks + Gratuities
- Spa Services, like massages, facials, scrubs, and more
Have Questions?
If you have any questions, or would like to speak with us, feel free to reach out at darrenfaber@protonmail.com and we’ll make sure to respond as soon as we can.
Retreat Schedule
Day 1 (Saturday)
Travel Day to Peace Retreat Wellness Centre & Spa – Shuttle from the Airport Included
6:00pm – Dinner Provided
7:30pm – Opening Circle and Sharing of Cacao @ Yoga Studio
9:00pm – End of Day
Day 2 (Sunday)
7:00am – Yoga Class @ Yoga Studio
8:30am – Breakfast Provided
Rest / Spa Services / Individual Meetings
12:00pm – Lunch provided
3:00pm – Intention Setting Circle and Sharing of Cacao
5:00pm – Sweat Lodge Ceremony
Day 3 (Monday)
7:00am – Yoga Class @ Yoga Studio
8:30am – Breakfast Provided
Rest / Spa Services / Individual Meetings
12:00pm – Lunch provided
Rest and Prepare for Ceremony
5:00pm – Ayahuasca Ceremony @ Maloca
Day 4 (Tuesday)
12:00 – Lunch Provided
2:00pm – Yoga Class @ Yoga Studio
3:00pm – Group Walking Meditation to the Beach
5:00pm – Ritual to the Ocean
6:30pm – Dinner Provided
7:30pm – Gathering with Grandfather Fire
Day 5 (Wednesday)
7:00am – Yoga Class @ Yoga Studio
8:30am – Breakfast Provided
Rest / Spa Services / Individual Meetings
12:00pm – Lunch provided
Rest and Prepare for Ceremony
3:00pm – Group Somatic Breathwork Journey @ Yoga Studio
5:00pm – Ayahuasca Ceremony @ Maloca
Day 6 (Thursday)
Silent Fast Day – Encouraged to Be Silent as Much as Possible
12:00 – Lunch Provided
2:00pm – Yoga Class @ Yoga Studio
Rest / Spa Services
6:00pm – Dinner provided, Break Silent Fast
7:30pm – Group Integration Circle with Grandfather Fire
Day 7 (Friday)
7:00am – Yoga Class @ Yoga Studio
8:30am – Breakfast Provided
Rest / Spa Services / Individual Meetings
12:00pm – Lunch provided
2:00pm – Men’s Ritual
5:00pm – Ayahuasca Ceremony @ Maloca
Day 8 (Saturday) - New Moon
12:00pm – Lunch Provided
1:30pm – Nature Excursion to Playa Venado
6:30pm – Dinner provided
7:30pm – Final Gathering with Grandfather Fire
Day 9 (Sunday)
8:00am- Breakfast provided
Shuttles to the Liberia airport will be scheduled for this morning.
Your Retreat Hosts
Nacho
Nacho is a dedicated student and steward of plant medicine, having worked with ayahuasca for nearly 15 years. Living full-time in Costa Rica, he devotes his life to cultivating sacred plants and deepening his relationship with the medicine. Beyond his personal practice, Nacho pours his time and energy into projects that support and sustain the medicine community, ensuring that these sacred traditions continue to thrive. With a grounded and heart-centered approach, he holds space for others on their healing journeys, offering wisdom, presence, and a deep respect for the transformational power of this work.
Darren
Darren is a spiritual life coach and traditional medicine facilitator, with a passion for helping others step into deeper relationship with self and their divine nature in a grounded, pragmatic, and impactful way. Trained in the Shipibo lineage, he has been a dedicated student of ayahuasca for over eight years and facilitator of ayahuasca ceremonies for the past four. As a steward of this sacred medicine space, Darren’s intent is to channel and hold space for the wisdom and power of this medicine, helping each of us see through our personal illusions, awaken our ability to create the life we want, and discover the highest version of ourselves.
The Location: Peace Retreat Wellness Centre & Spa
Enjoy Delicious, Healthy Food Provided at the Nourish Cafe
“Our fundamental approach to guest’s nutrition is that “food is medicine.” We prioritize our guests’ health and are committed to buying local, organic, and in-season produce and products. We use a range of traditional ingredients. infused with Ayurveda food combining principles in our menus, in order to support our holistic approach.
We also believe in sustainable living and preserving the environment, supporting the local economy and culture as best as possible. We avoid buying imported foods to minimize our carbon footprint and to support local farmers. We avoid processed foods in general and are committed to serving the freshest ingredients possible that are delivered daily to our kitchen.”
Connect, Ground, and Integrate in Nature (and the Pool!)
Nature is our greatest teacher and healer. This retreat is an invitation to step away from the noise of daily life and reconnect with the wisdom of the earth. Whether meditating beneath ancient jungle canopies, feeling the grounding embrace of warm sand beneath your feet, or floating effortlessly in the saltwater pool, every element of this space is designed to support your journey inward.
We encourage you to slow down, breathe deeply, and integrate your experiences in harmony with the natural world. The rhythmic waves of the Pacific, the gentle rustling of the trees, and the stillness of the starlit sky all serve as reminders of your place within something greater. Here, you are free to ground, reflect, and emerge renewed.
Relax and Unwind with Complimentary Yoga or Spa Service Add-ons
Rest, restore, and realign your body and mind. Each day, you are invited to join a complimentary yoga session designed to support your journey—whether through gentle movement, deep stretching, or breath-centered flow. These practices help you cultivate presence, release tension, and integrate your retreat experience with ease.
For those seeking deeper relaxation, optional spa services are available as add-ons, offering everything from therapeutic massages to holistic body treatments. Whether you choose to flow on the mat or indulge in a moment of self-care, this is your time to unwind, reset, and return to yourself.
Retreat Package Options
All package options include everything listed above as part of the retreat. There are several accommodation options available – choose the one that most aligns with you!
How to Register
To Register, or to ask any questions you may have, please send an email to us at darrenfaber@protonmail.com.
A $500 USD deposit will reserve your space and will be applied to the full package price of your choosing, listed below. Deposits and package payments, minus a 15% processing fee, are refundable up to 31 days prior to retreat start date. The 15% processing fee will apply to all refunds and this fee covers credit card charges and administrative processing fees.
50% of your payment will be due on March 15th. If this is a problem, or you are registering for the retreat after this date, then we will work with you directly on a personalized payment schedule.
Your full retreat payment will be due on April 10th, 2025. If you would like to discuss alternate arrangements or a payment plan, please feel free to contact us directly and we would be happy to work something out.
Payments can be made either through Venmo (@darren-faber) or by Credit Card. Credit card payments will have 5% added for credit card processing fees.
Have Questions?
If you have any questions, or would like to speak with us, feel free to reach out at darrenfaber@protonmail.com, and we’ll make sure to respond as soon as we can.
Jungle Bungalows
Double Occupancy – $3,000 per person
Private Bungalow – $3,400
4 Bungalows Available with 2 single beds
1 Bungalow Available with a queen bed* (for couples or private accommodation)
These private, luxe air-conditioned bungalows feature two single beds*, ceiling fan, safe, ensuite bathroom, and a large terrace perfect for enjoying your morning coffee while watching the monkeys in the trees above.
For double occupancy, you can either book with someone you know, or we will match you with another participant.
$500 deposit required to reserve your spot. 5% transaction fee added for credit card deposits.
Casa Yoga Rooms
Double Occupancy – $2,800 per person
Private Room – $3,200
2 Different Rooms Available – Details below
Beautiful private rooms in a shared building overlooking the pool. These rooms feature an ensuite bathroom, and are equipped with a ceiling fan, an armoire, and a safe for valuables.
Om Room: The Om Room has one queen size bed and one single bed.
Shanti Room: The Shanti Room has two single beds, or one queen bed.
$500 deposit required to reserve your spot. 5% transaction fee added for credit card deposits.
Jungle Cabinas
Double Occupancy – $2,600 per person
Private Cabina – $3,000
8 Cabinas Available
Constructed and furnished with reforested teak wood, the cabinas have screen-windows, a ceiling fan, safe, closet and storage space. Each cabina is positioned on the property to utilize the breeze and maintain a comfortable temperature. Open air community washroom with beautiful outdoor stone showers and sinks.
Each cabina also has 2 single size beds that can be arranged into one bed for couples.
For double occupancy, you can either book with someone you know, or we will match you with another participant.
$500 deposit required to reserve your spot. 5% transaction fee added for credit card deposits.
Casa Verde Spaces
Dorm-Style Room – $2,400
6 Rooms Available
This large teakwood screened-in structure with 6 semi-private spaces cooled off by the natural breeze. Your space includes a single bed, privacy curtain, and direct access to beautiful outdoor stone showers, sinks, and open air community washroom. Fall asleep listening to the sounds of the jungle.
$500 deposit required to reserve your spot. 5% transaction fee added for credit card deposits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Peace Retreat Wellness Centre & Spa Located?
Located on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, Peace Retreat is an approachable wellness centre and spa specializing in tailored retreats for groups and individuals who are looking for a safe and supportive place to rejuvenate, reset, and restore.
Peace Retreat is located in the town of Playa Negra, along the stunning Pacific Gold Coast in the Province of Guanacaste, Costa Rica, near Tamarindo. The Centre is located 75-minutes from Liberia International Airport (LIR).
Can I request menu changes for food restrictions?
Yes, if you have any dietary restrictions, we will be able to accommodate you. Those who have special dietary requirements are encouraged to let us know in advance.
What should I pack?
An itinerary and packing checklist will be sent out to the group a few weeks before the retreat.
Do I need a passport?
Yes! You’ll need a valid passport, make sure it is not expiring soon. Get ready to add another stamp to your book! 🙂
Once I sign up, is there anything else I need to arrange or organize?
Outside of your passport and flights to and from the Liberia Airport, you shouldn’t have to organize anything else!
Our goal is to make your retreat experience as easy as possible. Our team will manage all the logistics for you, from the time your arrive in Costa Rica until the time you leave.
This includes the shuttle to and from the airport, your accommodations, your meals, and your itinerary.
How Many People Will Be In the Ceremonies?
We always maintain an intimate setting in our ceremony spaces. We expect there to be between 14-16 people in each ceremony – 20 at the very most. This includes the two shamans, and at least two assistants.
Are There Medical Protocols in Place?
Yes, we will have safety protocols in place to make sure we are prepared in case of any emergency.
First, We prepare well in advance by asking each participant to provide their medication list and medical history to ensure that we and the participants prepare accordingly.
Second, we will ensure that there is a protocol in place with the Peace Retreat and personnel available to help in the event of any emergency.
Where is Our Medicine From?
The plants we will use for the medicine has been ethically and organically grown locally in Costa Rica, and will be harvested and prepared specifically for this retreat just before we begin. It is prepared with great focus, intention, songs, and prayers throughout the entire preparation process.
What is the Ceremony Format?
The ceremony format is rooted in the Peruvian Shipibo tradition. Ceremonies will be held in the evenings in darkness with candlelight when light is called for. Ceremony is accompanied by the playing of instruments and drums, the singing of icaros or channeled medicine songs, and periods of silence or discussion. We honor the lineage in which we were trained, and also, allow space for the flow of what is needed by the group.
Have Questions?
If you have any questions, or would like to speak with us, feel free to reach out at darrenfaber@protonmail.com, and we’ll make sure to respond as soon as we can.