"I was able to speak to Siddiq and the facilitator Elena before the session and had all my doubts resolved. The session itself is in a tranquil location and I felt very looked after and there has been good communication following and a lot of resources provided for integration. Would highly recommend! "
Highly Rated Retreats in Crtama Spain
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Types of Retreat in Crtama Spain
Short Retreats in Crtama Spain
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Upcoming Retreats in Crtama Spain
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Experiences on Retreat
"Original Message from September 2022:
When I arrived at the mezquita I was nervous and closed into my shell, a wall i had been building for a long time. The whole experience was amazing: the atmosphere, the feeling of safety, the music, especially the live Piano. Sanson was very skilled and professional guide. I was given just the right amount to reach where i needed. I didn't manage to achieve ego death, but i was looking for healing not that. I could have deeper but we decided not to. I will be returning for a deeper experience when i have fully integrated this experience. It was the great spiritual awakening of my life. I had never heard of spiritual well being before this retreat, and that's why I never saw it as a priority. Thank you for making this possible.
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La Mezquita's Response May 2024:
You seem to have had a magical experience. Was it a mistake that you left two stars?
"
"Original Review from March 2023:
The staff at La Mezquita is without a doubt one of the most welcoming, attentive, genuine, warm joyful, compassionate and loving group of people I've had the chance to encounter. My initial anxieties around not having slept or eaten enough were received with genuine compassion, and acted upon almost as matter of urgency, which made me feel instantly safe. This attitude wasn't for show: I noticed it throughout the week-end, without fail, not only between staff and non-staff but also between staff themselves, which tends to be rarer. This made La Mezquita feel more like a community or even a close family than a regular business. The setting for the first ceremony was impeccable: the white ample clothing, the candles, the smells, the ornaments, the decor, the music and overall room preparation and cleanliness all felt aligned with the purpose of the gathering. This carefully planned and quiet orchestration helped to create a sense of peace, leading up to the intensely solemn moment of drinking. The gentle contemplative piano, followed later on by the folk guitar and joyful group singing felt just right, in their sequence, mood and energy. The crackling fire was at times the only thing I could hear, and was very soothing and comforting. Unfortunately, I often felt uncomfortable in the presence of Sanson, or when witnessing his behaviour. The second day, he showed up more than 15 min late to the ceremony and the staff had to start filling in for him. He finally entered the room wearing a bathrobe and smoking what looked like a cigar. Without an apology, he sat down and started walking us through the preparations. As we were going around the group assessing our individual states, he quantified his to be 1 out of 10, which made non-staff and staff alike uneasy. One of them even tried to reframe it as a vulnerable and courageous thing to say in order to lighten the mood. After a minute or so, he gave up talking after saying he had nothing else to contribute. The rest of the staff had to continue improvising through the preparations. Other instances of this kind of attitude made me feel either like I was an annoyance to him or that we, as a group, were here to support him rather than the other way around. The way he handled checking me in, the conducting of other business in front of us, his absence at the second integration circle or the inappropriate comments about French people I unfortunately overheard all contributed to reinforce that sense of unkind, self-preoccupied behaviour. Coming from the person who is supposed to be our guide and our support throughout a challenging experience, I find this attitude difficult to accept. Sadly, even what felt initially like genuine and caring moments - as he walked us back to the flat - ended up being clouded by this overall unease. I obviously don't know for sure - maybe it was the absence of piano on the second day - but I can't rule out the influence of these preoccupations on the unfolding of my second ceremony. On this particular point, I wish at least one person in the staff wouldn't drink during the ceremony (maybe I got that wrong?), break out of the group and do regular check-ins. A lot of care and attention is given around the moment of purging, as well as when asked for, but I wish someone had come over unsolicited regularly, given how difficult it is to attract attention in a dark room, in this altered state, where a hand up might well be just part of a contemplation and not a call for help. The flat I stayed at was not up to standards. It was clearly somebody's permanent place, that had be vacated in a rush for the week-end. The bathroom floor was not hoovered, a bathrobe was hanging, there was a bucket of dirty water in the laundry room, the fridge had left-over perishable food. My bed was generally ok, although the metallic bed frame was unstable. On the more logistical side of things, I think the mail that was sent the day before our arrival was really good and informative, but could have been sent a couple of days earlier to make for a smoother transition. For instance, a few of us didn't quite get the importance of white clothing until that message, which was quite late to act upon. Ultimately, it saddens me that one person's attitude ended up tainting my experience of this otherwise wonderful, whole, supportive and kind group of people. This is a rare jewel, and one that I would recommend going for blindly, if it wasn't for some of the more concerning caveats.
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La Mezquita's Response May 2024:
Dear Guest,
Thank you for sharing your experience with us following your recent ayahuasca retreat at La Mezquita. Your feedback is incredibly valuable to us, and I want to extend my deepest gratitude for taking the time to provide such detailed insights into your stay.
I'm truly heartened to hear that you found our staff to be welcoming, attentive, and genuinely compassionate. Creating a safe and supportive environment for our guests is our top priority, and I'm glad to hear that you felt cared for throughout your time with us.
I'm also pleased to hear that you found the setting for the first ceremony to be impeccable, and that the atmosphere helped to create a sense of peace and tranquility. It's our aim to provide a serene and harmonious space for our guests to embark on their inner journey with ayahuasca.
However, I must express my sincere apologies for any discomfort or unease you may have experienced in the presence of Sanson during your retreat. I want to assure you that your concerns have been taken very seriously, and we are committed to addressing them in order to improve the overall experience for our guests.
Regarding the second ceremony, I want to provide some context that may help to explain the challenges you encountered. Sanson was personally dealing with a significant relationship breakup during that time, which understandably affected his demeanor and availability. While this doesn't excuse any lapses in professionalism, I hope it provides some insight into the circumstances that may have contributed to your experience.
In addition, I appreciate your feedback regarding the accommodation provided. We are constantly striving to maintain the highest standards of cleanliness and comfort, and I apologize if your expectations were not fully met in this regard. Rest assured, we will review our processes to ensure that all guest accommodations meet our standards moving forward.
Warm regards,
Sanson - Retreat Lead"
"Original Review from November 2023:
My intention for booking this retreat was to use magic mushrooms as a sacred healing tool for inner transformation. This was unfortunately not fulfilled. I cannot recommend this retreat. The good: The location can be found easily and is close to Alicante city center. The atmosphere during arrival time was very friendly, welcoming, positive and relaxed. The helpers (mostly very young women in their early twenties) were friendly, open and positive spirited. During the whole retreat weekend there were several occasions where the helpers created positive and helpful situations, for example, they were in charge of the food, they helped with arrival, they helped during ceremony, they offered a talking circle, they offered yoga sessions and were always there in case of questions/problems. The bad: The host of this place is a very troubled, unbalanced and - at times - aggressive man, that is not in control of his emotional state. He often appeared tired, bored, strained, and high. His temper was dangerous for the group in several situations. One example of his unreasonable behavior being that he entered a sharing circle with a joint in his hand, another example being that he was high himself during a ceremony, and he was high on at least two substances while driving a car with four participants himself. Another example of troubled behavior being that he tried to sell drugs during the final circle. For me, it was not at all a trustworthy retreat, mainly because of the unstable character/personality of the host. I wouldn't recommend the retreat to anyone. This is not a place for safe experience with plant medicine.
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La Mezquita's Response May 2024:
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us. Your feedback is invaluable, and I want to express my deepest gratitude for bringing these concerns to our attention.
Please accept my sincerest apologies for any discomfort or unease you may have experienced during your time at our retreat. It deeply saddens me to hear that your expectations were not met and that you did not feel the healing and transformative environment that we strive to create.
Upon reflection on your feedback, I have taken significant steps to address the issues you raised. It's been a journey of profound self-realization for me personally, as your review prompted me to confront some of my own shortcomings.
I'd like to shed light on my own story which is reflected in this short film made about my life in 2017. "Journey to Spain and Feel the Psychedelic Sensations of San Pedro | HEALING POWERS". For anyone interested, the documentary can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9tYHbIGEfi8&t=1
I want to clarify a few points that seem to have been misunderstood. Firstly, regarding the incident with the "joint" during the sharing circle, I must clarify that it wasn't a joint but a blend of various herbs, it was consumed in an open-air setting.
Please also understand that as facilitators, we take a small dose for the purpose of maintaining clarity and guidance throughout the session. However, I assure you that these doses are minimal and do not compromise our ability to ensure the safety and well-being of our participants.
Regarding the issue of driving, your safety is paramount to us. We now use a van as a driver.
Also, I want to address the misunderstanding regarding the sale of drugs during the final circle. Our intention is not to promote or facilitate the sale of drugs but to provide ongoing support and integration services for our guests. This includes offering microdosing packages and educating individuals on the responsible and safe use of psychedelics. This allows them to partake in psychedelic experiences without spending 1000s of euros.
In light of your feedback, I have undergone profound changes and improvements to ensure that our retreat center remains a safe, nurturing, and transformative space.
Once again, thank you for your feedback. It has been a catalyst for positive change.
With warmest regards,
Sanson"
"Siddiq is extremely well read and offered me, prior to our session, a very useful & helpful collection of esources to both approach the psilocybin trip, integrate it, as well as processing trauma.
But more importantly Siddiq is calm, warm, and grounded. Throughout my stay with Mycosomatic Magic, as well as during the actual trip, I felt that Siddiq was able to assume the role of leader and guide without being condescending or forcing any beliefs or interpretations on me. I always felt that he cared about me as a human, so to speak, and had a basic instinct of respect (in the good meaning of that word).
Siddiq's calm and grounding was also a beneficial resource during the trip itself. When I expressed certain emotions Siddiq did not tighten up or feel uncomfortable with them, but stayed with me fully and just said "let the mushrooms guide you"."
"The setting and atmosphere that Mycosomatic Magic hosted me in was really well tuned for a psychedelic experience; a small rustic communal farm/living space in the hills of northern Spain. Far enough from the road, and enough in nature, to feel the ability to express oneself. Siddiq and Peyton made me feel comfortable and we had a really good talk prior to the session where the reason for the experience, past experiences, and so forth were discussed in more detail. The trip itself was also well handled by my guide, Siddiq, and he was dynamic and attentive and able to adjust the process based on what was going on. "
"This experience has changed my life. It allows you to go to places in your mind that have locked away pain that is still bleeding into you. Then you can address place and stop the bleeding.. Beautiful beautiful experience…
I will return.."
"My dad and I attended the May retreat and from day 1 we felt so welcome, Ilse and Danilo created such a safe, open environment for everyone.
We started the retreat with Kambo and were guided through the process 1 step at a time.
When we had our Ayahuasca sessions, Ilse and Danilo really supported all of our individual needs and experiences. Their home is absolutely stunning and the music they play during the sessions really enhances the trip.
We felt so lucky to be surrounded by beautiful nature and people throughout this retreat.
There were several areas where you could relax and reflect which made it easier when processing thoughts from the night before.
To anyone wanting to experience enlightenment in a safe space with the right people, I couldn’t recommend From Gaia For You enough.
I will definitely rebook at some point in the future when I feel I need to have a reset.
Thank you so much Ilse and Danilo, you’ve truly changed our lives!
"
"I shared my experience with Elena in the beautiful El Gastor. I had no idea what to expect, but the beautiful surroundings helped me to relax and welcome the unknown. Then I met wonderful Elena and my worries disappeared. She was amazing at preparing me for the session. Now afterword I understand how important setting intentions was. I didn't have clear expectations, but rather a willingness to discover what I needed the most. And I got to do that! What a journey - full of laughter and crying. Elena was by my side the whole time, supporting me in all the situations. She also was amazing at playing instruments I've never seen in my life :) Thank you Elena for this amazing day, and for all the discussions, wise thoughts, laughter, open-mindedness, and tasty mushrooms :) Say hello to Cosmos!"
"A really well thought out coaching programme and retreat!
Such a gorgeous location to relax and feel safe to explore your feelings while being nurtured with the most delicious food, people and surroundings.
Marion and Suzanne were incredible hosts and facilitators who are obviously very good therapists too. James was amazing at the shadow work workshop and Sebastian has to be one of the most incredible musicians that I've ever heard. To have a live musician who is in tune to your personal journey and process, makes the whole mushroom experience so much more powerful and magical.
Every detail was thought out well and the fact that they concentrate on having a small group, allows you to feel safe and nurtured at all times.
I will definitely be going again! Couldn't recomend highly enough."
"How to put into words Marc, Alex and Vera (as well as all the other incredible, and welcoming humans who have hosted me).
I have returned twice, (which says a lot 🙏🏼😊). I went in March ‘23 and more recently in November. There is a home-like feel to the people and the place like no other.
The experience is always unique, to yourself and everyone else but there is a calmness and safety to the entire experience. I had experienced plant medicine in South America, and I found my time in Tenerife as such a special experience, one of connection, love, humour, self reflection, breakthroughs, understanding. But the main part is how it’s facilitated- that’s different, on each of my occasions, you really do leave as family (as cliche as that sounds!) I’ve never know a retreat to facilitate it so well. It holds a special place to me and I whole heartedly recommend this to anyone who is considering doing plant medicines for the first time, as it’s such a calming and safe environment.
Thank you all again, till the next time!
Kelli 🙏🏼"
"I understand now Mother Ayahuasca always gives you what you need. The manner in which you come to her is the manner in which you get your answer. So present to her with respect and admiration with gratitude and that's what you'll get. There are no mistakes. "
"Everything exceeded my expectations: the location, the food, the warmth of Gloria and Emma, the workshops, ... This is how life should be: late night talks and singing together at the fireplace. The psychadelic ceremony was magical and I feelt truly relaxed for the first time after years of batteling severe anxiety. I recommend it if you want to get to know yourself better and spend time with wonderful humans. "
"Absolutely Amazing - Danilo and Ilse are such loving, caring, guiding and full of compassion and wise words and advices. The entire experience was amazing - from sessions, reviling, singing and awakening your inner deep. They are fantastic musicians and great voice - the one of Ilse is like an Angel singing. Their house is great surrounded by various citrus trees, avocados, garden with vegs a cold stream and woods.
I am very grateful for it all and will be back again for sure. They became my family. Highly recommend."
"I came into this experience with a specific aspect of my life I was hoping to gain insight into — Ayahuasca delivered what I was looking for and so much more. The ceremonies were transformative and we gained a strong bond with the people who shared this journey. This is a place where you can be truly yourself without the fear of being judged. It was the most amazing and strange experience at the same time, to go through such profound happiness and joy, as well as fear and panic, it is so hard to explain. The healing and love I received will forever be in my heart. This journey opened my heart and mind to new possibilities and a better future filled with love and hope. This place and these people are absolutely amazing. I cannot express enough gratitude to the facilitators, Ariana and Colin as well as Dean, Cellene, Sergio and Sally. I felt deeply cared for and supported throughout my experience and I am unbelievably thankful. I will be back again for sure, as the journey has just began for me."
"I felt comfortable from the beginning and was happy to meet such lovely people"
"The deepest and most profound experience of my life. Invaluable! Will return. Alex, Vera and Marc took great care of me. I feel very grateful "
"La Mezquita came along in my life at the exact time I needed them. Jolie, Klara, Pepi, Peter and Sansom are the absolute best. Sansom told me he and his staff “had my back” and they absolutely did. I can’t recommend them highly enough!. The group I went through the process with were kind, loving and caring people from all over the world. We all gathered there for all different reasons and we all gave eathother the space and room to learn, grow, and heal. If you are considering La Mezquita - take the leap - Sansom’s got you! Hope you meet Peter! He is a wonderful human being and someone I want to connect deeper with. He touched me in a deep and profound way! Thank you guys! It was nice to meet so many cool people. Namaste! "
"I enjoyed my time with the Shamanzon family.
The facilitators were friendly, helpful and knowledgeable in what they needed to do to support everyone.
The accommodation is excellent; a beautiful, clean and comfortable house in a wonderful location with breathtaking views 😍
Delicious food, lovingly prepared, we were well fed!
This was not my first time taking Ayahuasca, but it was my first time experiencing it in mainly silence, which I found quite difficult but I plan to return and attend another retreat with the Shamanzon family.
Thank you all!
Purple
💜 🇯🇲 ♉"
"My psilocybin journey was a deeply transformative voyage into the depths of my psyche, where I confronted aspects of myself that had long been hidden beneath the surface. As ego boundaries dissolved, I gained profound insights into my thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, laying the foundation for profound personal growth and introspection.
The guidance and support provided by Suzanne, Marion, James, and Sebastian were instrumental in guiding me through the labyrinth of the psychedelic experience. Their expertise and empathy created a nurturing environment in which I felt empowered to explore the recesses of my mind without fear or judgment. Whether offering gentle reassurance or profound insights, they demonstrated a deep understanding of the transformative power of psilocybin.
The surroundings in which my journey unfolded were nothing short of breathtaking. Surrounded by the serene beauty of the outside area and the cozy comforts of the indoor setting, every detail was meticulously curated to enhance the overall experience.
Above all, Suzanne, Marion, James, and Sebastian created an atmosphere of safety and trust that allowed me to fully surrender to the psychedelic experience. Their unwavering presence and compassionate care ensured that I felt supported and protected throughout the journey, enabling me to navigate the depths of my subconscious with courage and resilience.
In conclusion, my psilocybin journey was a profound odyssey of self-exploration and transformation, made possible by the exceptional guidance of Suzanne, Marion, James, and Sebastian, and the awe-inspiring surroundings that enveloped me. Through their collective efforts, they created a safe and nurturing space in which I could embark on a journey of inner discovery, emerging with newfound insights, clarity, and lightness."
"I participated in their 3 night retreat and was very happy to be called to that place and those people.
The communication was easy and straightforward before, during and after the retreat, also many languages were spoken - so that gave it an easy start. My accommodation was in a single room because I prefer privacy - it was nice, clean, cosy and comfortable. As a matter of fact all the facilities are so much better in real life than on the photos here! The food was plentiful and nutritious, the hosts and facilitators were caring all the time.
For me it was very important to have authentic shamans while doing the medicine, so having Taita Josè Antonio and Mamita Yolimar conduct the ceremonies and being available for discussion only made the experience more valuable and profound.
I shall definitely return and can only recommend Shamanzon, because here one can combine authenticity, deep healing and value for money.
Thank you 🙏🏻"
"I had an amazing journey with Siddiq. He hosted me with his thoughtful and caring partner Payton that cooked amazingly vegan herbal meals. Both made me safe and comfortable. I had a wonderful big room in this arty house in the mountains. The perfect landscape to connect with mushrooms. Siddiq hold the space respectfully with presence and gave me an amazing massage to relax and get into my trip. He was present all along to support whenever I had emotional moments. I highly recommend to be accompany by Siddiq !"
"I recently had the privilege of participating in a session facilitated by Siddiq, and I must say it was a truly meaningful experience. From the moment I reached out to inquire about joining a psilocybin session, Siddiq was incredibly attentive and supportive. He took the time to address all my concerns and provided invaluable materials to help me prepare for the session, including a wealth of resources like videos, podcasts, and books. These resources served as a roadmap for further exploration and reflection, both before and after the session.
Upon arriving at the retreat, Siddiq made me feel completely at ease. He listened attentively to my apprehensions and took proactive steps to ensure my comfort. The relaxation exercises we engaged in beforehand were instrumental in calming my nerves and fostering a sense of acceptance.
Throughout the session, Siddiq was a steadfast presence, guiding me through each stage of the journey with compassion and expertise. His unwavering support, whether it was holding my hand during moments of fear or offering insightful suggestions when I felt lost, was truly invaluable. Even after the effects of the mushroom had subsided, Siddiq remained by my side, helping me process and integrate the experience.
The following day, we took a rejuvenating walk in the woods, allowing me to reconnect with nature and engage in meaningful conversation. Through it all, I came to a profound realization: individuals like Siddiq are the catalysts for healing in this world. His dedication, empathy, and wisdom have left an indelible mark on me, and for that, I am deeply grateful."
"We didn't talk with words with Mamita Yolimar Loreto Robles but we did that in a telepathic way and I am so glad of the experience and conclusions which came to me during the ceremony. I loved her singing and talking about the blessings we have and how important is to be aware of this.
Listen to your inner divine self and do as you feel, because the medicine will give you all you need and not what you want ❤️❤️❤️"
"I took the medicine for the first time with Taita Jose and I am so glad for this choice, the medicine was so nice to me and I had a very inspirational experience.
I would advise for the first time not to make any expectations, just let yourself free and flow.
An important aspect I would like to share is to follow all the recommendations and restrictions before and during the ceremony.
Listen to your inner divine self and do as you feel, because the medicine will give you all you need and not what you want ❤️❤️❤️
I left with a very god advice from Taita which I am trying to apply in my daily life: do everything with passion and nothing with obligation.
"
"If you are looking for a retreat, and you arrived on this site and you read this, this is for a reason. I took the medicine for the first time with Shamanzon and I am so glad I trusted to them this experience. They gave me the sufficient amount of details and information I needed before the ceremony, during and even after, I feel free to contact them with questions because the ceremony is just the starting of a new page of your new life book.
There are no wrong or correct questions so do not hesitate to address all of them.
I would advise for the first time not to make any expectations, just let yourself free and flow.
The most important aspect is that Shamanzon brings the real and authentic shamans on their retreats and they do a good translation during the ceremony. I will definitely join again when Taita José Antonio Jansasoy and Mamita Yolimar Loreto Robles will come again to Shamanzon and I want to go there with my mother ❤️
An important aspect I would like to share is to follow all the recommendations and restrictions before and during the ceremony, this will help you to have a pleasant ceremony and less adverse events, this I am telling you as a pharmacist ☺️ I followed all the recommendations and even more, I stopped the alcohol about 5 months before, no smoking for 3 years, no coffee, no meet few days before the ceremony and in the morning I had my bin clean.
Listen to your inner divine self and do as you feel, because the medicine will give you all you need and not what you want ❤️❤️❤️"
"I recommend this retreat to anyone who is interested in trying these medicines in a safe and non-judgemental environment. I had a call with Emma and Gloria before the retreat and they were very patient in answering any questions I had. They both have an extremely calming and warm presence and are very knowledgeable in their fields. During the ceremony they were exceptionally responsive and in tune with what everybody needed in that moment and I was very impressed and appreciative of them.
The retreat itself attracted interesting women who were also drawn to reflection, self-improvement and vulnerability. I found it very rewarding to meet other people who were interested in experiencing transformative changes in their lives and felt like we had a lot of meaningful conversations. Thank you Emma and Gloria for a wonderful retreat and for all the work you do!"
"I went into this experience open minded not knowing what to expect as I had never done anything like it. All I can say is WOW I was completely mind blown. The whole hearted love and support I felt while there was out of this world! I came out a whole new women with a mind set I never thought I could achieve.
I would highly recommend to anybody looking to change their mindset or just have time to relax and reconnect.
Danilo and Ilse are the most warm welcoming and loving couple to invite you into their beautiful home in the most beautiful location. They really helped me feel connected and I am very thankful for the emotional support they gave me during my time with them. "
"This experience was beyond anything I could have imagined or dreamt of. The support and guidance is unlike anything I have seen before. With small groups the connection to the facilitators but also the other participants is so much deeper, than at other retreats. This also means that they can make individual adjustments to the group or single participants, if needed. The sessions and integration are so immersive, it is hard to put in words. Ilse is singing with the voice of a goddess and Danilo has the gift to always feel/know exactly what song or sound are needed to gently drive the participants in full immersion. Also I loved that they were not acting like untouchable gurus, but were vulnerable and shared parts of their journeys as well. This helped me a lot to connect and let my guard down completely to get the most out of the retreat. Also the location is amazing. They grow fresh foods and veggies on the little farm, there is a small river and also some hills to go for a little hike. The ideal spot to relax and connect with nature. "
"I attended the retreat knowing I had to find some deep emotional change to deal with many life difficulties and find a path that was right for me. And boy did I find it with Danilo and Ilse. They provide a very loving and compassionate experience for all guests to explore their most personal needs. I can honestly say that I have found an achievable way to grow and flourish with a higher perspective and more positive life to come. The retreat will challenge you but the rewards are worth every effort. There is magic here in these people.. book it in and embrace the beautiful experience of FromGaiaForYou."