About Us

Who is Shangriballa? The idea for our name comes from two mystical places: Shangri-La and Shambala. They are both places of refuge, retreat, and healing places that are in a valley surrounded by mountains.

We are located in the heart of Portugal. 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.

We strive to live close to the earth with sustainable permaculture projects. Growing our organic food and drinking clean water from the mountain springs. Water management is an important part of maintaining a healthy symbiosis with the land we care for. Come and experience a way of life that is more natural and rewarding.

Loural Eco Village

Our neighbours and host

We collaborate with Loural Eco Village, using their incredible venue and incorporating some of their healing modalities and expertise in sound, well-being, training, ayurvedic medicine and many more. This collaboration brings unique transformative opportunities making each retreat unique and different.  

Our Facilitators

Many people make Shangriballa the transformative space that it is. Many are trusted friends and volunteers. Others are professional therapists, teachers and facilitators. 

Lisa Silva

Lisa Silva facilitator and founder of Shangriballa a 49-year-old explorer who embarked on a profound journey of self-discovery and purpose. As a Shamanic Practitioner and Medicine Woman, I have been honoured with the title of Maestra by my teacher, which means “teacher” in the tradition. Through my healing and transformation, I have gained invaluable wisdom that allows me to guide others on their healing paths. I don’t claim to heal you directly, but I am dedicated to empowering and supporting you in your self-healing journey. With over 1500 ceremonies, I draw upon my extensive knowledge, wisdom, and expertise to facilitate transformative experiences that balance your emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being.

 

I started my journey in South Africa, where I lived and worked closely with African Shamans (Sangomas)  for most of my life. I have learned and refined my skills as a spiritual healer from a young age. My connection to their Traditions, Medicines, and Ceremonies gave me a grounding and initiation into Shamanism. Following my healing journey with South American traditions, I retrained from the use of Icaro (Powerful Medicine Songs or Incantations) from the Shipibo Kanibo tribe that I use in ceremonies.

 

Traditional healers speak of a sudden unexplained illness they had. Many also talk about terrible headaches that would not go away. Their conditions would not disappear until they listened to the Great Spirit and their ancestors to answer the calling.

 

My calling to be of service came through personal illness and healing  (Read my full healing journey HERE).

Through holistic therapies and plant medicines worldwide, I have further developed and deepened my connection to Spirit and Shamanism. Studying and qualifying in various healing arts and modalities has helped me develop my unique skills as a facilitator.

During deep journeying with plant medicine, I felt a strong calling to work with plant and frog medicine. My journey with the frog started with Kambo and then moved to Sacred Toad. These Amphibian medicines have now become a big part of our work.

I am very interested in Unity Consciousness and the teachings of Ramana Maharishi; waking up to ourselves is one of the most important functions of life. 

My Awesome Headline

Miguel Silva, Facilitator and Founder of Shangriballa, is 51 years old and 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, he realized his intention 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 me in ceremonies has given him a very grounded and calm masculine presence in holding space. He has a particular connection to Sacred Toad, and his grounding nature is reassuring for participants.

Miguel is a Kambo Practitioner and sacred medicine facilitator. We complement each other in facilitating life-changing experiences.

“You can only be lost if you know where you are going. If you know where you are going and you get there, You will find that you are lost”. If you dont know where you are going any road will get you there” LS