Elevated Mind Retreats

A beautiful retreat, expertly guided by Niels and Femke. I came for the psilocybin journey, but in the end it was actually Niels's guided breathwork that most blew me away, which is a testament to how much more this was than just an opportunity to take psilocybin in a safe environment. It was that, but it was also so much more - two days in which I and the other seven guests could surrender to a new experience, immerse ourselves in the present, work on ourselves, try more than one new experience, and enjoy each other's company in beautiful surroundings. If you're considering psilocybin therapy, I recommend this retreat without reservation. Read More

I booked the retreat in the hope to heal stored trauma’s that have led to repeated bouts of unexplained ill health and depression. Seeing the beautiful surroundings in the photos and noticing the additions of breathwork and cold water therapy made it stand out amongst others.

Words cannot express how grateful I am that the universe led me towards Neils and Femke. Some people were born to provide such safe and nurturing spaces, and these two wonderful people certainly have this magic aura.
It was beautiful to have the opportunity to speak to Neils before the retreat and hear his own personal story and experience. It reduced anxiety and made me feel in safe hands. It was also lovely to connect to the group via the WhatsApp group a week prior so we were able to say a brief hello and organise logistics-it meant I was able to meet a couple of people for a shared drive from Amsterdam and this also put me at ease.
The retreat house is stunning and holds a really special spiritual energy. The beautiful weather also meant we were able to enjoy the stunning garden and safe little nooks and cranny’s for moments of silent reflection when needed, or to enjoy group chats around the fire pit. I spent the whole time barefoot which I love!
Letting go was a big theme for the 3 days-no phones, no clocks, no chatter about itinerary and ‘what next’. Neils and Femke delivered this with such care that it didn’t feel like a difficulty, I felt like I was in safe and experienced hands the entire time, and truly felt like what was meant to be would happen.
There were various exercises to help us to build real connection and trust within the group from the offset and boy did it work! I felt like I was part of an understanding family and there was never any feeling of discomfort or pressure. We all came with different personalities and experiences, some of us lacking confidence especially in group scenarios, so it was testament to the experience that we all felt that we had a voice and a space.
I haven’t even got to the core parts of the retreat yet, but I felt it important to emphasise the holistic and wholesome way that the experience was facilitated.
What surprised me was the power of the breathwork. Neils is passionate about teaching different techniques that we carried through the whole experience. It felt like a beautiful grounding to what was to come. The playlists and Neils words and energy were also constructed so perfectly and I had the most surprising and powerful release even during the first session.
The microdosing was a lovely way to meet the medicine and hand over my trust to it in preparation for the main ceremony the next day. And wow what can I say about the ceremony…it was my first experience of psychedelics so of course there was some uncertainty, but being in such a lovely environment, and being nestled in my weighted blanket with my eye mask on felt nurturing. Neils and Femke were there to hold my hand when I needed it, to play beautiful instruments, and I felt an intense love and so many things I can’t put into words and would want to keep as mine so I won’t even try to describe the ‘trip’ but suffice to say, it answered the questions I needed. It was beautiful and ‘waking’ to see Neils and Femke was like waking to two angels, they actually glow with such a loving energy.
Further breathwork gave me yet another powerful release the next day. In three days I have cried, laughed, sobbed, and felt the calmest and most at peace than I have in my entire life. I am really hopeful that I can take these gifts into my life, and with the support that Neils, Femke and the gorgeous group will provide during the next couple of weeks during the afterglow period, I am confident that this will be a life changing experience.
I thank them from the bottom of my heart. Read More

The best part of the retreat was for me the breathing session.
In the psychedelic journey, which was planned to be 4-6 hours, was for me some fysical effects kind of sound/electrical feeling in my ears and some electrical sensations in my body. After 2,5-3 hours I felt very nauseous. I kept laying a bit longer, but the nauseaousness made me leave the room.
What surprised me during the 3 days is that Femke didn't look after me and others about what was happening and why people including myself left earlier. For me that didn't feel save.
For me half of the time being there was waiting, never knowing how much time there was untill the next part of the program. I left the place a few times to have a nice walk in the surrounding which I liked very much. But thas was not the reason why i was there and also not why I spent so mych money. Read More

Attending the psilocybin retreat was a transformative experience, enriched by warm Dutch hospitality, an amazing barn, and beautiful gardens. The lack of technology for three days was liberating, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in the retreat. Disconnecting from our devices helped us connect more deeply with ourselves, each other, and the surrounding nature.

The breathwork sessions were surprisingly powerful, providing profound moments of clarity and release. These sessions, combined with the psilocybin experience, facilitated deep introspection and emotional healing. The group bonded exceptionally well, thanks to Niels's insightful guidance. His support and wisdom were transformative, offering reassurance and direction at every step.

Femka's alternative viewpoint added immense value to the experience. Her unique perspectives and empathetic approach enriched the retreat, providing a balanced and holistic understanding of the journey we were all undertaking. The combination of Niels and Femka’s expertise created a nurturing and supportive environment that allowed everyone to thrive.

The retreat fostered a strong sense of community, making it an unforgettable journey of personal growth and connection. The shared experiences and open conversations helped build trust and camaraderie among the participants, creating lasting friendships.

If you're considering a psilocybin retreat, I wholeheartedly recommend this one. Niels and Femka’s dedication, the incredible setting, and the overall quality of the retreat made it a profoundly beneficial experience. Despite my initial trepidation, never having done anything like this before, Niels' calm and reassuring approach meant that this retreat not only met but exceeded all expectations, providing a deeply enriching and life-changing journey. Read More

Attending a psilocybin retreat for the first time was a life-changing experience, and I couldn’t have asked for a better introduction. The retreat was excellent in every aspect, from the support and care provided by Niels and Femka to the outstanding accommodation and location.

As a newcomer to this type of experience, I was initially extremely nervous, but Niels was incredibly attentive and looked after me throughout the entire process. His guidance and reassurance were invaluable, making me feel safe and supported at every step.

The group was wonderfully diverse, bringing together people from various backgrounds and experiences. Niels and Femka did an amazing job settling everyone in and fostering a sense of community. Their expertise and warm approach truly brought out the best in each participant, creating a harmonious and supportive environment.

The accommodation was top-notch, offering a comfortable and serene setting that perfectly complemented the retreat's purpose. The location was equally impressive, surrounded by nature’s beauty, which added to the overall sense of peace and relaxation.

The food was another highlight – every meal was perfect, nourishing both body and soul. It was clear that a lot of thought and care had gone into the preparation of each dish, enhancing the overall retreat experience.

While the journey was not easy, it was immensely rewarding. I have already seen huge benefits from this experience, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have been part of such a transformative retreat. If you’re considering a psilocybin retreat, I cannot recommend this one highly enough. Niels and Femka's dedication and the retreat's overall quality made it an unforgettable and deeply beneficial experience. Read More