Eleusinia’s medical team is embedded in every stage of the retreat, not on-call contractors brought in only for session hours. The team includes:

Dr. Roger Quiroz, MD — Medical Director, overseeing all clinical safety protocols and medical screening
Allison S., MSN, RN, BCEN — US-trained Emergency Nurse, bridging acute clinical care and psychological support
Frank P., PA-C — US-trained Physician Assistant with Emergency and Psychiatric Medicine experience
Tawnya G., RN/CCRN — US-trained Critical Care RN specializing in intensive care; certified in psychedelic integration through Fluence; host of the Eleusinia podcast

All team members rotate in from active clinical careers in the US medical system. Medical coverage is available 24 hours a day throughout your stay, not just during sessions. This level of continuous, credentialed clinical oversight is rare in the retreat space.

Difficult experiences (moments of fear, confusion, grief, or resistance) are a normal part of this work and are not inherently harmful. At Eleusinia, your facilitators are trained to sit with you through challenging material and help you work with it rather than against it.

What makes Eleusinia different is what happens if something goes beyond a challenging emotional experience. With a 24/7 on-site medical team that includes an MD, an emergency nurse, a physician assistant, and a critical care RN, Eleusinia has the clinical capability to assess and respond with rescue medications, something most retreats cannot offer.

The most important categories to be aware of:

SSRIs and SNRIs (such as Prozac, Zoloft, Lexapro, Effexor)
Can blunt the effects of therapeutic sessions. This doesn’t make them dangerous in combination, but dosing may need to be adjusted to compensate. We never encourage guests to make changes to their medications without guidance from their prescribing physician.

MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors)
Can intensify the effects of therapeutic and vaporized sessions in ways that are difficult to predict and require careful clinical assessment.

Lithium
Is a disqualifying medication. Combining lithium with plant medicine carries a risk of serious adverse reactions including seizures. This is a safety-based exclusion, not a matter of caution. A minimum washout period of 30 days after discontinuing lithium is required before participation can be considered, and any changes must be overseen by your prescribing physician.

Antipsychotics
May blunt the effects of therapeutic sessions, and dosing may need to be adjusted accordingly. As with all medications, we encourage guests to consult their prescribing physician before making any changes.

This is not a complete list. All guests complete a detailed medical intake form when booking their stay to be reviewed by the medical staff. If you are uncertain about a specific medication, contact us before beginning the booking process.

Dosing at Eleusinia is individualized, not standardized. Before your retreat, you complete a detailed medical intake screening with the clinical team. Factors including your health history, previous experience, personal goals, and current medications all inform the approach.

During sessions, your facilitators monitor your experience closely and can adjust support accordingly. The goal is a dose that allows for a meaningful, productive experience, not just the largest dose possible.

We categorize conflicts based on two criteria: (1) whether they present a safety concern and (2) whether they affect the quality of the experience. It is recommended that guests discuss their medication list with their healthcare provider for their personal safety and wellbeing. We are happy to point out specific interactions we are familiar with, but your healthcare provider should be the ultimate authority and source on these matters.

Eleusinia’s vaporized sessions use a naturally occurring compound found in many plants and animals, present in trace amounts in the human body. At Eleusinia, this compound is sourced from plant materials native to Mexico with a long history of traditional ceremonial use. The extraction process is part of the program’s educational curriculum for guests who choose to participate in that component.

The vaporized experience is characteristically brief but intense, typically 15 to 20 minutes, and is often described as distinct from the therapeutic session experience in both quality and depth. Many Eleusinia guests describe it as one of the most significant experiences of their retreat. Sessions are conducted one-on-one with a facilitator in a private setting.

Vaporized sessions are included in all Eleusinia programs. Most other retreats do not offer them.

Eleusinia operates legally in Mexico. Article 195 of the Mexican Federal Penal Code recognizes the traditional and ceremonial use of medicinal mushrooms, providing the legal framework under which the retreat operates.

The compound used in vaporized sessions is derived from Mimosa tenuiflora, a plant native to Mexico with a long history of traditional use. The retreat operates with full discretion and compliance.

Guests traveling internationally should be aware that the legal status of plant medicine and related compounds varies by country. Eleusinia’s operations are fully contained within Mexico. Guests are not asked to transport any substances across borders.

Days at Eleusinia are structured but not rigid. Session days are centered around the therapeutic or vaporized experience, with the medical and facilitation team present throughout. Non-session days include one-on-one integration work, educational classes (mushroom cultivation and compound extraction), meals together, and time to rest, explore the estate, or take part in optional activities such as yoga, massage, or paragliding. Meals serve as the natural gathering point for the group each day.

The 8-day program includes two macrodose therapeutic sessions and one minidose session. The 5-day program includes one macrodose and one minidose session. Vaporized sessions are individually facilitated and available as part of both programs.

Group integration sessions are the norm in the retreat industry. After a dosing session, guests gather, share what they experienced, and work through it together. There is genuine value in that format. Hearing others articulate experiences similar to your own can reduce isolation and build a sense of shared humanity. But here at Eleusinia, we believe that this type of sharing should occur naturally over a meal, and should not be structured or forced.

Group processing has a structural limitation worth understanding before you choose a program. A group session requires each person’s experience to be processed within a shared container, which means that depth, pacing, and personal specificity are always in tension with the needs of the group.

At Eleusinia, every guest receives individual one-on-one integration sessions with a member of the clinical team after each macrodose experience. The session belongs entirely to that guest. There is time to go deep, to be confused, to sit with something that doesn’t resolve quickly, without any awareness that others are waiting. The session can be recorded so that reflections can be revisited or shared with a therapist at home.

Individual spiritual integration sessions with our curandera are also available for guests who want that dimension of the work. Group sessions are offered for somatic and meditation practice, where the collective format genuinely serves the purpose.

The distinction matters because integration is where the work of a retreat either takes root or dissipates. A profound experience that is processed too quickly, too publicly, or not at all is far more likely to fade than one that is given the time and privacy it requires.

Detailed preparation guidance is provided to all confirmed guests before arrival. A few things worth knowing in advance:

Alcohol.
A history of heavy alcohol use can affect the quality of the experience, making it less vivid and harder to access. Reducing or eliminating alcohol in the weeks before your retreat is one of the most practical things you can do to prepare.

Magnesium.
Supplementing with magnesium in the lead-up to your retreat may support a smoother experience. Magnesium helps regulate glutamate activity in the brain, which research suggests is linked to the quality of these sessions. We recommend magnesium glycinate or threonate, starting a few weeks before arrival.

Approach.
Eleusinia’s philosophy does not emphasize setting specific intentions. Both therapeutic and vaporized sessions work by temporarily disrupting the rigid mental filters built up over a lifetime, what we call shuffling the deck. Arriving open, rather than goal-oriented, tends to serve guests better than arriving with a fixed outcome in mind.

Medications.
If you are taking medications that may interact with therapeutic or vaporized sessions, discuss any adjustments with your prescribing physician before arrival. Eleusinia’s medical team is available to answer clinical questions during the pre-retreat period.

Many Eleusinia guests are experiencing therapeutic sessions for the first time. The program is designed to be navigable regardless of prior experience. The medical team, facilitation staff, and program structure are all oriented around making the experience as safe and productive as possible.

If you have questions specific to being a first-time participant, we encourage you to schedule a call with the team before booking.

Reserving your spot at Eleusinia begins directly from the sign up page. Select your retreat dates, complete the booking form, and submit a 15% deposit to secure your room. You will also complete a detailed medical intake form at the time of booking, which is reviewed by the medical staff before your arrival.

Full payment is due 60 days before your retreat start date.

If you have any questions about eligibility or want to speak with someone before booking, you can schedule a call with the team or attend one of our virtual open houses.

The closest airports are Mexico City International Airport (MEX) and Toluca International Airport (TLC). MEX is the primary option for most international travelers and offers the widest range of direct connections. The retreat is approximately two and a half hours from Mexico City by toll road.

Yes. Eleusinia arranges transportation from Mexico City International Airport (MEX) to the retreat for all guests. Details and coordination are handled as part of your pre-arrival communication with the team.

Yes. Mexico City is one of the largest and most visited cities in the world, with a well-developed international airport and established transport infrastructure. The route from Mexico City to Valle de Bravo is a straightforward two-hour drive through the State of Mexico.

Eleusinia arranges all transportation from the airport, so guests are met on arrival and do not need to navigate independently. Thousands of guests have made this journey without incident.

Eleusinia serves world-class Mexican cuisine with a fully vegetarian menu, drawing on locally sourced organic produce and the authentic flavors of the region.

Each day begins with a breakfast bar featuring fresh coffee, a selection of teas, plant-based milks, pan dulce (traditional Mexican pastries), fresh local fruits and nuts, and two plated courses with freshly squeezed juices. Lunch and dinner continue the same philosophy: seasonal, thoughtfully prepared, and designed to be nourishing throughout the retreat experience.

Following an intensive session, sensitivity to taste and texture often heightens. The vegetarian menu is designed with this in mind, and guests who typically prefer meat consistently find the food satisfying.

The menu at Eleusinia is vegetarian, plant-based with eggs and dairy, so it is generally kosher compatible. If a meal time falls on Shabbat, we can arrange to serve food prepared ahead of time. Likewise, if a departure time falls on Shabbat, we can arrange for the observant guests to stay an extra night to avoid travel during those hours.

Cancellations made within 24 hours of booking are eligible for a full refund, provided the booking was made at least 7 days before the retreat start date.

Cancellations made more than 60 days before the retreat start date are eligible for a full refund. Cancellations made between 30 and 60 days before the retreat start date are eligible for a credit toward a future retreat, provided the room is successfully rebooked by another guest. Rescheduling a reservation cannot be used to extend the cancellation window.

Bookings made at promotional early bird rates are non-refundable.

Valle de Bravo is a small colonial town in the State of Mexico, situated around a large reservoir in a forested mountain landscape approximately two hours west of Mexico City. It is one of the most scenic destinations in central Mexico and a favored weekend retreat for Mexico City residents. The combination of clean mountain air, natural surroundings, and relative seclusion makes it an ideal setting for retreat work.

Eleusinia’s estate is located just outside the town, on 100 acres of private land.

Eleusinia is a destination retreat. The medical infrastructure is exceptional, and so is everything around it.

Every program includes:

• Private en-suite accommodations with wood-burning fireplaces
• Heated indoor pool
• Daily guided workout sessions in the on-site gym
• One-hour hot stone massage (included, not an add-on)
• Temazcal (traditional sweat lodge) — 8-day program
• Optional paragliding excursion in Valle de Bravo
• IV therapy (available as an add-on)
• Freshly prepared traditional vegetarian Mexican meals throughout
• Post-retreat integration support through Eleusinia’s online community and weekly integration circles

No, but eye masks are encouraged during therapeutic sessions, and for good reason.

Eye masks support immersion rather than intensity. When external visual input is reduced, attention naturally turns inward, which tends to deepen the therapeutic quality of the experience. The goal isn’t to make the session more overwhelming; it’s to give the mind the space it needs to do meaningful work.

That said, Eleusinia’s sessions take place outdoors in private open-air garden spaces, and the natural environment is considered part of the experience. Guests are free to remove the eye mask, engage with their surroundings, or move around as they feel called to. Eye masks are available and encouraged, but never required.

Absolutely not. You wouldn’t share a bedroom with a stranger on a regular holiday, and we would never expect you to start now, especially when you’re processing some of the most significant experiences of your life. Peace, privacy, and decent bathroom etiquette matter. We’re all well past the age for summer camp accommodations.

Every room at Eleusinia is private with an en-suite bathroom. You will never be assigned a roommate. If you’d like to bring a friend, partner, or family member, you’re welcome to add them to your room for an additional fee, but that choice is always yours, not ours to make.

It’s also worth noting: when comparing retreat prices, check what’s included. Most retreats at similar or lower price points offer shared rooms and shared bathrooms. The headline number may look competitive until you realize you’re being asked to share a bathroom with a stranger during one of the most vulnerable experiences of your life. At Eleusinia, private accommodation is not an upgrade. It’s the baseline.

Eleusinia’s program is well-suited to introverts. There are no formal group sharing circles or group integration sessions. All one-on-one integration work is conducted privately with a facilitator. Meals provide natural opportunities for connection with other guests, but participation in conversation is never expected or required.

During therapeutic sessions, guests have their own private garden space and are free to explore, rest, or withdraw as they need. Vaporized sessions are conducted entirely one-on-one. Private en-suite rooms mean guests can retreat between activities without navigating shared spaces.

Participation in any session at Eleusinia is always voluntary. If you decide not to participate on a given day, you are welcome to remain on the estate and the team will support you.

Eleusinia does not generally accommodate non-participating companions. This is not a rule for its own sake. It is to protect the privacy and comfort of participating guests. The retreat environment depends on a shared sense of trust and safety among everyone present.

We recognize that there are circumstances where a caregiver’s presence may be medically warranted. If you believe this applies to your situation, please contact us before booking to discuss your specific circumstances. These cases are considered individually.

Eleusinia is designed for people who want a rigorous, evidence-based approach to this work: professionals, executives, scientists, healthcare workers, chronic pain sufferers, and anyone who prefers a program grounded in clinical thinking in addition to authentic ceremony and spiritual framing.

It is also well-suited to people for whom safety and privacy are non-negotiable, those who want to know that a credentialed medical team is present throughout, that their room is private, and that the group around them is small and carefully selected.

Eleusinia is not the right fit for everyone, and the registration process exists to make sure the program is appropriate for each guest before a booking is confirmed.

The minimum age to participate in an Eleusinia retreat is 21. Guests between the ages of 21 and 24 are welcome to attend accompanied by a support person or family member who is also participating in the program. Guests 25 and older may attend independently.

Eleusinia reviews all registrations and medical intake forms individually. There are some conditions for which participation is not appropriate, including:

Absolute contraindications, disqualifying regardless of circumstances:

• Current lithium use (minimum 30-day washout period required after discontinuation, under physician supervision)
• Active psychosis or a history of psychotic disorders (including schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder)
• Active mania or a diagnosis of Bipolar I disorder
• Certain cardiovascular conditions, assessed on a case-by-case basis during intake

Conditions requiring individual assessment:

• Current use of MAOIs
• Current use of antipsychotic medications
• Severe uncontrolled medical conditions
• Recent major surgery or acute medical illness

A mental health diagnosis does not automatically disqualify you from attending. Many Eleusinia guests come specifically because they are managing conditions like depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, or chronic pain, and are looking for an evidence-based approach that goes beyond what conventional treatment has offered.

What matters is the specific diagnosis, its current severity, and the medications involved. Some conditions and medication combinations are not compatible with therapeutic or vaporized sessions, and Eleusinia’s medical team reviews each case carefully before confirming a booking.

If you have a mental health diagnosis and are unsure whether you are eligible, contact us before booking. We would rather have that conversation early than have you invest time and money in a booking that cannot be confirmed.

The retreat experience is the beginning, not the end. Eleusinia’s philosophy is that long-term benefit comes from ongoing practice, not a single event. Teaching guests the botanical and mycological sciences behind the retreat’s plant medicine work is a direct expression of that philosophy. It creates a deeper understanding of the tools being used and gives guests a foundation for continued learning after leaving.

Eleusinia is the only retreat that offers both of these classes as part of its program.

The mushroom cultivation class covers the full growing cycle of medicinal mushrooms, from sterilized grain preparation through inoculation, colonization, and harvest. The goal is practical: guests who complete the class leave with the knowledge to grow their own mushrooms at home, giving them the ability to continue their practice independently after the retreat.

The compound extraction class covers the process of extracting the active compound from Mimosa tenuiflora, the plant source Eleusinia uses for its vaporized sessions. Guests learn about the plant’s origins, its traditional uses in Mexico, and the chemistry behind the extraction process. As with the cultivation class, the goal is practical independence: leaving the retreat with the knowledge to continue this work on your own terms.

Most retreats end when you check out. The experience belongs to you, and what you do with it is largely up to you.

Eleusinia is designed differently, and this is not incidental. The retreat opens something. What comes next (the weeks, the months, the years of integration and practice) is where that opening either becomes permanent or closes again. We built the infrastructure for what comes after because we believe that is where the real return on a week like this is realized.

Every Eleusinia guest is invited into the Eleusinia Network, a private post-retreat community hosted on Mighty Networks and open exclusively to alumni. The Network currently has 300 to 400 active members. Guests from the earliest cohorts, 2021 and 2022, are still participating. This is not a support group, and it is not a follow-up email sequence. It is a living community of people who went through something significant together and chose to keep developing what it opened. Over four years, it has become something closer to a culture: a shared set of references, practices, and relationships that did not exist before Eleusinia created the conditions for them.

Weekly integration meetings have been running continuously for five years. Each meeting is facilitated by a member of the clinical team, rotating between Tawnya, Frank, and Allison. Guests attend when it is useful to them. Some come for a few weeks. Others have been showing up for years.

The Eleusinia Podcast has over 75 episodes, the majority of which are guest interviews recorded weeks or months after the retreat. A handful of guests have returned a year or two later to talk about what continued to change. Every episode is a timestamped, publicly accessible record of what happened to a real person after they left. If you want to understand what the long-term experience of being an Eleusinia guest actually looks like, the podcast is the most honest place to start.

Guests also leave with practical skills that do not expire. The cultivation and extraction classes teach you to grow your own medicinal mushrooms and produce your own compound. Future access to these tools does not require booking another retreat.