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6 Day | 5 Renewal & Recovery: A Psilocybin Retreat for First Responders Playa Grande Costa Rica

Location icon
952F+X29 Provincia de Guanacaste, Santa Cruz, Costa Rica
Users icon
Up to 10 in group
Date
March 11 - 16, 2026

Retreat Highlights

  • An Experience for First Responders & Families facilitated by a retired Firefighter and wife
  • Luxury, king-bed accommodations with Ocean Views |
  • 3 Uniquely different sacred medicine ceremonies |
  • Max 12 Participants |
  • 3 Preparation Sessions |
  • 2 Onsite Individual Sessions |
  • 3 Months Post Retreat Support |
  • Small Group Shares|
  • Microdose Workshop|
  • Art Therapy Integration at an Art Studio|
  • Live Music |
  • Fire Circle |
  • Private Chef Meals |
  • Onsite massage services available |

About this Retreat

Details of this retreat

A Sacred Plant Medicine Retreat for First Responders & Their Families

Behind the scenes lies a silent epidemic of those on the front lines and the families that stand behind them. Similar to military service members returning from combat, depression and PTSD are five times more common in first responders and suicide rates are on the rise.
First responders face stress and trauma daily. That takes a toll over time. Nearly 60% experience burnout or other mental health challenges from constant exposure to crisis.

A survey of more than 4,000 first responders, published by the Journal of Emergency Medical Services in 2015, found they are 10 times more likely than the general population to consider or attempt taking their own lives – 37% of respondents reported they had contemplated suicide.

With a lack of culturally competent mental health resources available to first responders and their families, it's time to find a new approach to healing.
Psilocybin and Trauma Recovery
Repeated trauma can rewire the brain, leading to emotional numbness, over-alertness, and disconnection. But there is hope.
Psilocybin and other classic psychedelics have been shown to calm the brain’s fear center (the amygdala), support emotional processing, and help form new, healthier neural pathways.
In professions where emotions are often suppressed, trauma can get stuck in the body. Psilocybin invites deep emotional release and inner clarity, gently uncovering the imprints that block our natural resilience, vitality, and wholeness.

From Burnout to Breakthrough: Jason & Kimberly’s Story​
Owners of Ananda Lodge Costa Rica, Jason & Kimberly Ocana, know how unresolved trauma, stress, and burnout can permeate the families surrounding first responders.
As a retired firefighter paramedic, Jason struggled silently for years with depression, hypervigilance, emotional shut down, and burn out. His method of coping was typically alcohol, isolation, and dissociation. Through his smile and jovial personality, he hid the scars well. Until one day it had become too much for their family.
Hit by Hurricane Ian in 2022, Jason & Kimberly lost their home and belongings under 30 inches of water. Trying to salvage the remains, Jason steadfastly worked to support the community. When he finally returned home, he did so with a bottle and no emotional capacity for his family. It was at this point Jason & Kimberly a drastic change needed to take place.
Your Journey Towards Transformation ​
Join us in a private jungle sanctuary overlooking the Pacific Ocean for a 7-day, 6-night psilocybin retreat designed by and for first responders and their loved ones.
This one-of-a-kind experience blends sacred plant medicine, somatic healing, and community in a space rooted in safety, trust, and care.
Together we’ll begin with a heart-opening cacao ceremony, then move through three unique psilocybin experiences:



Day 1: Early Check In, Welcome Orientation, Opening Cacao Ceremony


Day 2:Morning Yoga,  Playa Grande Beach Excursion, Ceremony Preparation, First Sacred Ceremony

Day 3: Integration, Art Therapy Workshop, Ceremony Preparation

Day 4: Sunrise Sacred Ceremony with sound healing, afternoon in silent reflection, evening celebration dinner


Day 5: Integration, Microdosing for Health & Nervous System Healing Workshop, Evening Live Music and Sacred Ceremony


Day 6: Group Closing Circle, Departure


Our days will include rest, nervous system support, nourishing meals, and heartfelt sharing circles. You'll also have the chance to work 1:1 with a somatic plant medicine specialist and connect with others who’ve walked a similar path.
After the retreat, we continue with 3 months of personalized integration and support. Come experience how ancient wisdom and modern care come together in a setting made for deep healing.
We invite you to book a Sacred Journey Consultation with us by visiting our website at www.anandalodgecr.com.

This retreat is designed for first responders and family members 18 years and older with no history of severe mental health conditions. All activities involve legal use of plant medicines within Costa Rica's regulatory framework. Application and health screening required.

Schedule

PRE-RETREAT
2 Individual Preparation Sessions

DAY 1 (ARRIVAL)
4:00pm Check In
5:00pm Group Orientation
6:00pm Dinner
7:00pm Cacao Ceremony

DAY 2 (CEREMONY 1)
8:00am Yoga
9:00am Breakfast
10:00am Playa Grande Beach
12:30pm Lunch
1:30pm Ceremony Preparation
2:30pm Individual Dosage Consultation
6:00pm Ceremony 1 (mini dose)

DAY 3 (INTEGRATION & ART THERAPY)
9:00am Breakfast
10:00am Group Integration
12:30pm Lunch
1:00pm Dosage Consulting
3:00pm Art Therapy at Kina Mira Suites
6:30pm Dinner

DAY 4 (SUNRISE CEREMONY 2)
5:00am Ceremony 2 (sound healing journey)
12:00pm Lunch
Rest, Healing Services, Integration
4:30pm Beach Sunset
6:30pm Dinner

DAY 5 (MICRODOSE WORKSHOP & CEREMONY 3)
8:00am Beach walk
9:30am Breakfast
12:30pm Lunch
1:30pm Microdose Workshop
2:30pm Dosage Consulting
6:00pm Ceremony 3 (Live Music & Hape)

DAY 6 (GROUP CLOSING & DEPARTURE)
8:30am Breakfast
9:30am Group Closing Circle
11:00am Departure
Note: Schedule is approximate and may change

Getting Here

Location icon Ananda Lodge, 952F+X29 Provincia de Guanacaste, Santa Cruz, Costa Rica

Directions

Ananda Lodge's prime location offers easy access to and from key destinations:
- 1 hour to Liberia (LIR) Airport
- 30 minute drive to Tamarindo or 5 minutes by boat ride
- 40 minutes to Potrero
- 40 minutes to Marina Flamingo

Accommodation

Capturing a sweeping view of the property and the Pacific Ocean, our 8-room lodge is nothing but spectacular. With eco-sustainable construction and natural, local wood elements, the lodge is our primary housing for guests. Guests will each enjoy private ocean-view king bedroom accommodations with teak wood finishes, and an open-air shower. Guests enter their rooms through the back of the lodge, allowing for unobstructed views of the property and ocean from the oversized, private balconies. Each room is thoughtfully designed for luxury, sustainability, and ultimate relaxation.

Accommodation
Shared Ocean View Stay (King or Twins Beds)
Accommodation
Private Ocean View King Stay

Venue & Amenities

Venue & Amenities
Venue & Amenities
A/C in Rooms icon A/C in Rooms
Free Wifi icon Free Wifi
Spa icon Spa
Sauna icon Sauna
Pool icon Pool
Towels icon Towels
Free Parking icon Free Parking
Kitchen icon Kitchen
Tour Assistance icon Tour Assistance
Hot Tub icon Hot Tub
Coffee/Tea icon Coffee/Tea
Cafe icon Cafe
Restaurant icon Restaurant
Fitness Center icon Fitness Center
Yoga Studio icon Yoga Studio
Housekeeping icon Housekeeping
Bicycles For Rent icon Bicycles For Rent
At Ananda Lodge Costa Rica, nestled in the natural beauty of Playa Grande, we offer a sanctuary where trauma-informed care meets ancestral wisdom. Our luxury accommodations provide comfort as you engage in transformative experiences guided by respected facilitators. We honor sacred plant medicines and integrate somatic practices, creating a safe, nurturing environment to support each individual's unique healing journey, allowing for deep restoration of body, mind, & spirit

Meals

Menu
Menu

Menu Types

We feature local cuisine that is fresh and nutritious, as well as fresh baked breads and pizza from our artisanal oven. Vegan, vegetarian, allergies, and dietary restrictions welcomed.

What's Included

  • 6 Day | 5 Night Luxury All-Inclusive Experience
  • King-Bedroom, Ocean View Accommodations
  • 3 Unique Psilocybin Ceremonies
  • 1 Sacred Cacao Ceremony
  • Personal Dosage Consultations
  • 1 Hape Circle
  • Live Music
  • Art Therapy Workshop
  • 3 Preparation Sessions
  • 2 Onsite Individual Sessions
  • 3 Months Post-Retreat Support
  • Small Group Shares
  • Microdose Workshop

What's Not Included

  • Airfare
  • Transportation to and from Ananda

Customer Reviews

4.98 out of 5.0 average rating

5.0
Verified logo
Eight-Day, Seven-Night Ayahuasca Retreat
What unfolded for me at Ananda Lodge was extraordinary, leaving me profoundly grateful and more whole than when I arrived. Having sat in ceremonies elsewhere, I can say with confidence that the care, coordination, and thoughtfulness Kim and Jason offer truly stand apart. I look forward to returning.

The ceremonies were profoundly healing - transformative and illuminating in ways that continue to unfold. The medicine met me in ways that are difficult to describe. I was in awe of the ancient wisdom carried through the Shipibo tradition, and of Maestro’s steady, anchoring presence throughout. The depth and sacredness of the experience are beyond words.

Kim and Mihau shaped a space of safety, intention, and reverence that allowed me to travel through time and possibility - and land in new beliefs. They were deeply attuned and present, and we always felt supported and seen. Their devotion to the medicine is not a role, it is a lifestyle. The way they show up is authentic, with roots also in humility and service. They prioritize the well‑being of every person there.

The space itself is stunning, thoughtfully and sustainably designed, with luxury accommodations, ocean views, and open-air gathering spaces. All around, the jungle hums with the chatter of birds, monkeys, insects, and the scuttling of geckos.

The food was remarkable; whole, nurturing, fresh, and prepared with love by Camilo. Every detail reflects his creativity and passion. It tastes so good you will return for seconds – perhaps even thirds!

I went for the medicine and left with new friends - mi familia. We witnessed one another, grew together, and now share a connection that will stay with us for life. We are birds that took flight.

Thank you all so much!

A very special thanks to Irie, the Jungle Poodle.

5.0
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Bliss at Ananda Lodge
This was my first experience with Plant Medicine, and the thought and care put into the pre-retreat preparation, the retreat, and the post-retreat care made it such a safe, peaceful, and transformative journey. I experienced relaxation, acceptance, love, and bliss in mind, body, and soul. The sound healing and massage were amazing! Thank you, Ananda Lodge!

5.0
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Amazing!
Kimberly has created such an amazing space at Ananda Lodge! The thought and care she put into this program are evident in every aspect of the property and experience. Her guided meditations are the best and the Sound Healing was magical. I am deeply grateful to Kimberly!

5.0
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Huachuma retreat: sincere, earnest, compassionate people doing great work
This was a fantastic experience and great introduction to plant medicine. a serene and caring place with knowledgeable and empathetic people.

5.0
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Women’s Huachuma Retreat
I had a truly blissful 7 days at Ananda Lodge. The owners Kimberly and Jason have created a beautiful space for the seeker to explore in their own way. Yes, the experience centered for me around the bliss-inducing and loving effects of huachuma but it was so much more. Prior to drinking the medicine there is an extended period of time to set our intention(s) and to meditate. Nikki was our huachumera (the shaman who gave us the huachuma) and she was there supporting us throughout the day of each of the 3 ceremonies. She offered us sagacious wisdom and warmth that was wrapped up with humor. All personalized to our individual needs. The experience was deep and subtle and profoundly blissful. It is now 9 days since my last ceremony and I still find it much easier to be present, calm and relaxed. I came with the hope that I would have a spiritual awakening and be at peace. (Others came with different goals)The medicine, the accepting and spiritual environment of Ananda allowed me to find an inner peace - maybe the spiritual awakening will happen at my next stay:)

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