Cameron's Staff Pick iconCameron's Staff Pick

Cultivating the Joy of Intimacy & Connection

Location icon
375 Panterkill Road PO Box 70 Phoenicia, NY 12464 United States
Date
April 23 - 26, 2026

About this Retreat

Details of this retreat

A Ketamine-Assisted Retreat for Couples
This retreat offers a safe, structured environment where couples can deeply celebrate the nuances of their relationship, including aspects of joy and intimacy. Participants will learn to understand each other’s needs and navigate challenges collaboratively. The retreat emphasizes cultivating an intimate bond through what we refer to as noble communication—clear and compassionate exchanges that lay the foundation for healthy relationships. By developing these communication skills, couples can enhance their connection, leading to greater joy and a deeper sense of unity.
Ketamine is utilized here as a tool to explore profound existential realms, facilitating open and loving communication. Joy, seen as a core aspect of our being, when unblocked, enhances not only our intimacy but also our overall health and happiness. Ketamine-assisted sessions are designed to open mental, emotional, and physical channels, allowing participants to connect with these aspects in a clear, insightful, and accepting way. The retreat also integrates mindfulness and meditation, crucial for regulating emotions and thoughts and fostering the ability to face each moment with balance and grace.
The program is designed to deepen personal and interpersonal connections within a group setting. Structured, meaningful conversations and guided practices help explore relationship and intimacy in this nurturing environment. No prior experience with psychedelic medicines or ketamine is required, and all participants begin with a screening call to ensure the retreat is a suitable fit. The combination of ketamine with mindfulness and meditation offers a profound journey into a more conscious and purposeful life. These practices aim to reconnect participants with themselves, enhancing safety, resilience, and vitality in their lives. With an innate capacity for presence, compassion, and recognition of joy's healing power, the retreat emphasizes safety and preparedness for all participants to engage meaningfully with the group and the experiences offered.

Please note: This retreat is by application only and is not a short-term residential treatment and is unsuitable for anyone experiencing an acute mental health crisis or those with severe, persistent psychiatric conditions. This retreat is not meant as mediation for those considering a breakup or divorce.







Schedule:

Thursday, April 23

Optional early arrival to schedule spa treatment
4 - 6 pm Check-in starts
6 - 7 pm Dinner
7- 9 pm Evening Program

Friday, April 24

7:15 - 8 am Meditation and Yoga (optional)
8 - 9:30 am  Check-in & Opening program *no breakfast
9:30 -10 am Meeting the medicine
10 am - 12:30 pm Ketamine Session
12:30 - 1 pm Lunch
1 - 3 pm BREAK (book a massage or spa treatment!)
3:30 - 5:30 PM Afternoon program
6 - 7 pm Dinner.
7 -9 pm Evening Workshop
9 - 10 pm Bonfire (weather permitting)

Saturday, April 25

7:15 -8:30 am Meditation and Yoga (optional).
8:30 - 10 am Morning Program - *no breakfast.
10 am  - 12:30 pm Ketamine Session
12:30 - 1:30 pm Lunch.
1:30 - 3:30 pm BREAK (book a massage or spa treatment!).
3:30 - 5:30 pm Afternoon program
6 - 7 pm Dinner
7 - 9 pm Evening workshop
9 - 10 pm Night activity

Sunday, April 26

7:15 -8 am Meditation and Yoga (optional).
8 - 9 am *Check out of rooms before program starts
9 - 11 am Ketamine Session (optional)
11 am - 12:30 pm Group Process
12:30 - 1:30 pm Lunch
2 pm Group Activity
3 pm End of program

*Please note that this schedule is subject to change at any time.

Getting Here

Location icon Menla, 375 Panterkill Road PO Box 70 Phoenicia, NY 12464 United States

Accommodation

Deluxe King

Accommodation
Deluxe King Room with King Bed and Private Bathroom Free Phone and Hi-Speed Wifi Internet Access Available Air Conditioning This Space is not ADA compliant. Deluxe King Rooms are Available only in Kathmandu House * Please note that rates include meals and accommodations

Deluxe Queen

Accommodation
Deluxe Queen Room with Queen Bed and Private Bathroom Free Phone and Hi-Speed Wifi Internet Access Available Air Conditioning All Rooms in Lhasa are Handicap-Accessible, Including Four Rooms with Wheelchair Accessible Showers. Deluxe Queen Rooms are Available in Lhasa Inn and Kathmandu House * Please note that rates include meals and accommodations

Deluxe Double (Shared Room)

Accommodation
Deluxe Double Room with Two Full Size Beds and Private Bathroom Free Phone and Hi-Speed Wifi Internet Access Available Air Conditioning All Rooms in Lhasa are Handicap-Accessible, Including Four Rooms with Wheelchair Accessible Showers. Deluxe Double Rooms with Private Bathrooms are Located in the Lhasa Inn * Please note rates include meals and accommodations. This booking is for one bed in a double shared room: We May Assign You a Roommate if You Do Not Register with One.

Customer Reviews

4.80 out of 5.0 average rating

5.0
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Peace and serenity
I really enjoyed my stay at menla. I slept well and I liked the classes. The grounds were beautiful too. It reminded me of college. I liked the food and the people were nice too. I think it’s a great place to go if you want to unplug and get away from it all.

5.0
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A long weekend retreat in February
The setting was beautiful and the food was healthy, delicious, and plentiful! The housing and meeting rooms were beautifully colored and airy.
The staff was helpful and pleasant, but didn't overwhelm.
I would definitely come back to Menla for another retreat.

5.0
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Love my time at Menla
This was my second visit to Menla and it did not disappoint. The accommodations are lovely and comfy, the food is delish, the staff super friendly and the grounds are simply breathtaking. The retreat, Healing with the Elements: Breathwork, Yoga & Nervous System Reset, and the programs led by Sheila and Jackie were amazing and a little life-changing :)
I spent the whole weekend filled with peace and serenity. I cannot wait to go back!
Colleen R.

5.0
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Winter retreat
The serenity and beauty of a winter retreat can't be understated. The staff were kind and helpful and the food was amazing.
I had a Thai massage in the yurt that was exceptional. My room as cozy and comfortable in the conference center building- everything you need. The hot tea station was much appreciated.

5.0
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An amazing experience, as always!
Menla impresses me year after year. The feeling is like none other. Spiritual, safe, calm, even when the outer world is chaos. The staff are not just friendly, but make Menla feel at home and the event seamless, no matter the weather or obstacles that seem to pop up. My members had an incredible experience. We will continue to come back year after year to host the retreat in this magical place!

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