Eleusinia

My husband and I attended a retreat at Eleusinia in Valle de Bravo, Mexico. We both went for different reasons. I was struggling with PTSD, chronic migraines, and carrying around things from my past that I thought I had already dealt with. My husband had his own reasons for going.

What I didn't expect was that I would find myself again.

Like many people, I wear a lot of hats. I'm a wife, a mother, a business owner, and someone who is always taking care of everyone else. Somewhere along the way, I lost sight of who I was underneath all those responsibilities. I arrived hoping for healing, but I left with something much bigger.

One of the things that drew me to Eleusinia was the location. The retreat is set on a beautiful estate in Valle de Bravo surrounded by nature. From the moment we arrived, there was a sense of peace that is difficult to put into words. The scenery was breathtaking. The mountains, gardens, fresh air, and natural beauty created an environment where it felt safe to slow down, breathe, and simply be present.

Another factor that was incredibly important to me was the medical support. Throughout the retreat there was an on-site doctor, nurse practitioner, and clinical team available. As someone who lives with PTSD and chronic migraines, knowing that experienced medical professionals were there every step of the way provided a tremendous sense of comfort and security. I never felt alone. I never felt unsafe. I felt cared for.

What surprised me most were the outdoor sessions. Much of the experience took place in open-air gardens surrounded by nature rather than inside a clinical setting. There was something profoundly healing about being outdoors during the process. The sounds, the breeze, the trees, and the beauty of the surroundings felt like part of the healing itself.

What stood out most, however, was the people. The medical team, facilitators, meditation experts, and support staff were extraordinary. Every person I encountered treated me with kindness, compassion, and respect. They created an environment where I felt understood rather than judged. For someone carrying trauma, that feeling alone can be life-changing.

The accommodations were beautiful, the food was nourishing and thoughtfully prepared, and every detail seemed intentional. You could feel how much care had gone into creating an experience that supported healing on every level.

One of the most unexpected gifts was what it did for my marriage. My husband and I arrived carrying different burdens, but somehow we left with a deeper understanding of ourselves and of each other. We had conversations we should have had years ago. We reconnected in ways I didn't think were possible. We didn't just find healing individually—we found each other again.

Since returning home, I've continued to notice changes. My relationship with my PTSD is different. For the first time in a very long time, I feel like I have tools to manage my migraines instead of allowing them to manage me. I've been able to let go of things that have weighed me down for years. I feel more present, more peaceful, and more connected to the person I was always meant to be.

This wasn't simply a retreat for me. It was one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. It helped me reconnect with myself, my husband, and a future that feels lighter and more hopeful than I could have imagined.

I honestly didn't want to leave.

Everyone's journey is different, and I can only speak from my own experience. But I can say without hesitation that this experience changed my life, and I fully intend to return.

If anyone is researching retreats and has questions, I'm happy to share my experience.

I've been to a number of psychedelic retreats. In my experience, a lot of them have various limitations, especially in terms of disorganization, insufficient or unqualified staffing, an inflexible approach, and lack of knowledgeable background for the medicine they're working with. The owners at Eleusinia are more knowledgeable and put more time, love, and thought into the program than any other that I've been to. Their neuroscientific approach and professional staff prevents any spiritual, linguistic, or cultural barriers that I've encountered at other retreats. Eleusinia especially stands out for their use of rescue medication when necessary to ensure a positive experience where you can get the most benefit possible. Eleusinia rises above the other retreats that I've experienced in that I have no constructive criticism to offer, and that's why I've been back four times in just a few years.

I had a genuinely great experience at Eleusinia. This was my second retreat of this kind, as I’ve been trying to go deeper and better understand myself and life in general.

What really sets Eleusinia apart is how small and intentional it is. There are no more than 14 people, which makes the whole experience feel personal and focused. The owners are there every day, fully involved, and you can tell they truly care about each person having a meaningful experience.

The accommodations were excellent. My room and bathroom felt very high-end, and the overall property was beautiful and well maintained. The staff across the board were top-notch, and the food was consistently great.

I’d recommend this place to someone just starting to explore their subconscious, as well as someone more experienced who’s looking to try a different approach with psilocybin or DMT, especially if they’ve already worked with things like ayahuasca or mescaline.

One thing to know going in: this is less about spirituality and more about using these tools in a therapeutic, practical way, including reducing reliance on traditional pharmaceuticals. If you’re looking for a heavily spiritual experience, this may not be that. But the medical team is excellent, and I felt very well taken care of throughout.

Overall, I left feeling clearer, more grounded, and genuinely grateful for the experience. It’s the kind of place that stays with you after you leave, in a good way. If you’re thoughtful about your growth and open to a different kind of approach, Eleusinia is absolutely worth it

I’ve been to Eleusinia 3 times now, and I just love everything about it. Jess & Jay have created the best container to have a psychedelic experience. Their knowledge is outstanding, the classes they provide are detailed, the breathwork and meditation sessions are amazing, the Temazcal experience is wonderful, and the food is absolutely top notch.

I’ve been to other retreats, but I keep coming back to Eleusinia because it feels like a home away from home. I love everyone there: Jess, Jay, Josefina, Emilio, Tonya, Andrew, Frank, Ari, and the rest of the staff. They are supportive, experienced, compassionate, and empathetic towards everyone.

They provide an extremely safe environment with lots of tools to assist with your experience. They also have licensed, currently practicing medical staff with many decades of experience in emergency care. It’s probably the safest place to have an experience, heal, or just explore the internal universe.

I’ve gone for pain management, healing trauma from my childhood, for meditation and enjoyment. And for those wondering if this retreat is everything it claims to be — YES it is! I can’t describe how wonderful it is. It’s the most beautiful setting and the nature feels out of this world. The property is very well maintained and there is so much space for everyone. I love to walk around and smell the flowers, listen to the birds and their songs as they echo through the gorgeous valley.

I will continue returning provided I can, and I highly recommend attending if you are able to. I can’t wait until my next visit!

"Taking the risk to attend this retreat was one of the best decisions I’ve made. They created a safe and supportive container for deep work. The meditation sessions were powerful and the food was amazing. If you are on the fence, I highly recommend this experience. It was truly a gift." Thank you to the entire Eleusinia team!🙏