What to Expect at a Cacao Ceremony on Koh Phangan
If you've spent any time on Koh Phangan, you've probably seen cacao ceremonies on the island's event boards and wondered what actually happens in one, or whether it's for you. Over the years I've guided hundreds of cacao ceremonies, including several years as one of the main facilitators at The Sanctuary Thailand, and I still love the moment a room softens as the first cup is shared.
Here is what a ceremony with me looks like, and how to arrive ready to receive it.
What is ceremonial cacao?
Ceremonial cacao is made from whole cacao beans, gently roasted and ground into a rich paste. Unlike hot chocolate, nothing is taken out and very little is added, so you taste cacao the way it has been enjoyed for centuries by the cultures of Central and South America: as nourishment, as a gift for the heart, and as a way of gathering in ceremony.
Many people describe the feeling as warm, grounded and quietly uplifting. It is a gentle, steady energy rather than the sharp lift of coffee, and it tends to draw your attention inward.
The food of the gods
The botanical name for cacao, Theobroma cacao, means "food of the gods" in Greek, and the cultures who first cherished it would have agreed. For the Maya, cacao was shared in offerings and at weddings to seal a union. For the Mexica (Aztecs), cacao beans were so precious they were used as currency, and the drink was reserved for rulers, warriors and sacred occasions.
Part of what makes cacao feel so different from coffee is theobromine, a gentle compound that rises slowly and stays with you, without the jittery peak and crash. Cacao is also naturally rich in magnesium, the mineral of relaxation, which is perhaps why so many people feel both awake and deeply at ease after a ceremonial cup.
What happens in a cacao ceremony
Every ceremony is shaped around the people in the circle and the intentions we bring, so no two are ever the same. Most follow a gentle arc:
Arriving: we settle into a calm, welcoming space and leave the busyness of the day at the door.
Setting an intention: each person takes a quiet moment to ask what they would like to open to, release or celebrate.
Sharing the cacao: we drink slowly and with gratitude, letting the warmth and aroma bring us fully into the present.
Meditation and breath: guided meditation and conscious breathing help the mind settle and the heart open.
Music, movement and sharing: depending on the ceremony, this may be gentle movement, free dance, reflection or heartfelt sharing in the circle.
Closing: we gather what has come up, give thanks, and return slowly to the day.
Curious to feel it for yourself? You can book a private cacao ceremony for yourself, someone you love or a small circle of friends.
How to prepare
You don't need any experience to join. A few simple things help you receive the most from it:
Eat lightly beforehand, and skip coffee that day if you can, so you can really feel the cacao.
Drink plenty of water before and after.
Wear something comfortable that you can sit and move in.
Come with an intention, even a single word, or simply with curiosity.
Ceremonial cacao is gentle, but it is a concentrated food. If you are pregnant, take antidepressants or other regular medication, or have a heart condition, please check with your doctor first and let me know before we begin.
Cacao and the Five Elements Dance
One of my signature ceremonies pairs cacao with a journey through Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Ether. Guided by music and intuitive movement, each element invites a different way of moving, from rooted and slow to wild and free. There is no choreography and nothing to get right, only your body, the music and your own natural rhythm.
Common questions
Will I feel high? No. Cacao is not a psychedelic. You stay clear and present, and most people simply feel warm, open and gently energized.
Can I come on my own? Absolutely. Many people come on their own, and the circle is a welcoming place to arrive solo.
Do I need any experience? None at all. I guide you through every step, so all you need to bring is comfortable clothes, a water bottle and an open heart.
How long is a private ceremony? Private ceremonies are 90 minutes, which leaves time to settle in, drink slowly, go deep and come back gently.
A ceremony just for you
Cacao also makes a beautiful private experience. I offer private ceremonies for individuals, couples and small groups on Koh Phangan, as well as online, whether you're marking a birthday or a new chapter, gathering your women, or simply longing for a quiet reset. A private ceremony is 90 minutes and US$165, and each one is created around your intentions.
Book a private cacao ceremony or explore all my cacao ceremonies, including ceremonies for retreats, teacher trainings and celebrations.
Not sure if a ceremony is right for you? Book a free 15-minute discovery call and we'll talk it through together.
If you'd like to keep this heart-centred practice going at home, my guided meditations on The Blooming Spirit Podcast are a lovely companion.
With an open heart,
Nola
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