The Buena Vida Psilocybin Retreats

The Buena Vida runs female-led psilocybin retreats in two places: a ranch in the high desert of Joshua Tree, near Yucca Valley in California, and private villas in Sayulita, north of Puerto Vallarta in Mexico. Amanda Schendel founded it, and the team says it has guided more than 1,800 guests since 2018.

Approach

Each retreat holds two or three psilocybin ceremonies of about three to four hours, with live music, drums and sound bowls, in rituals drawn from North and South American traditions such as the Camino Rojo. The first, smaller dose of 1 to 1.5 grams comes during an embodiment and breathwork session, with later doses agreed per guest. Around them come yoga, somatic movement, breathwork, meditation, daily integration workshops and chef-prepared meals. The team includes two registered nurses and a certified breathwork trainer.

Who it is for

The organisation lists addiction, anxiety and depression among the concerns guests bring, and says it has hosted guests aged 18 to 81. It also offers private retreats, coaching, an online microdosing course and facilitator training.

Practical details

Retreats run five to seven days; the Sayulita retreat is a seven-day intensive led by the founder, while the California retreats are bespoke. Groups take six to twelve guests, with about one leader for every three. Prices have ranged from $3,500 to $8,000, covering lodging, meals, airport transfers and facilitation, though the mushrooms are charged separately.

Care and safety

Applicants complete a medical and psychological intake form and a video consultation on their history, past psychedelic use and intentions, then take a seven-day online preparation course. Guests are generally asked, with their doctor’s advice, to stay off SSRIs, SNRIs and other mood-altering medication for one to three months beforehand. Afterwards come two live integration sessions and a two-week guided programme in an app.