Perched on the side of the Rocky Mountains just 30 minutes east of Denver, houses a spa for the soul. Or at least that’s how Grace, one of the facilitators, refers to the new age psychedelic wellness retreat that weaves ancient medicines like ayurveda with psychedelic ones, in this case psilocybin. 

I attended the Mind, Body, Spirit, Getaway which was hosted at The Luna Dome– a luxury geodesic dome on the edge of a cliff that overhangs into the sea of pine below it. If there ever was an ideal environment to inspire a transformation– plant induced or otherwise– this would be the backdrop for it. 

Colorado just became the first state to legalize psilocybin so this is the perfect time for Nirvana Retreats to offer their Ayurveda Integrated Psychedelic Journeys packaged into serene weekend retreats in the mountains.

Psilocybin, a powerful psychedelic, has been used for centuries in Ayurveda to enhance mental clarity and healing. Now legally recognized in Colorado, psilocybin is known for its profound effects on mental health, helping individuals overcome challenges, gain insights, and unlock new creative energies. At Nirvana Temple, participants experience psilocybin within an Ayurvedic framework, providing the ideal environment for deep transformation and lasting personal growth.

Day 1- Preparation

The first day of the retreat began with a morning yoga and breathwork session. The gentle stretches and focused breathing techniques helped participants set a calm and centered tone for the days ahead. This was followed by a hearty ayurvedic breakfast and then an opening circle, where everyone gathered to introduce themselves and share their intentions for the retreat.

After the opening circle, each participant met privately with a clinical therapist, who specializes in psychedelic-assisted therapy. These one-on-one consultations were designed to address any concerns, discuss personal goals, and prepare mentally for the transformative experiences to come.

An Abhyanga Oil Massage was also offered during the second half of the day to any retreat guests looking to further relax into the experience using this ancient body work technique. The lowest level of the Luna Dome had been transformed into a tranquil spa room, where the Ayurvedic treatments would be administered throughout the retreat. The day concluded with a nourishing Ayurvedic dinner, crafted to balance the doshas and prepare the body for the journey ahead.

Day 2- Ceremony

The second day of the retreat began with another relaxing yoga session. Typically, I reap the benefits of yoga after I invest the work into the practice. However, the second day’s practice was especially gentle and felt like exactly what my body had been craving after the deep sleep I had that left my body stiff.

After yoga we indulged in a beautiful, yet wholesome, breakfast spread consisting of buckwheat pancakes, fresh strawberries and blueberries, homemade jams, and creamy chia seed pudding. Each bite was a delightful reminder of the care and intention that went into nourishing us, both physically and spiritually.

After spending the morning grounding ourselves we transitioned into the cacao ceremony in preparation for the psilocybin. As we sipped the warm, rich cacao, the atmosphere in the dome began to shift. Clouds gathered outside, darkening the sky, and as the psilocybin journey began, a gentle rainstorm floated in. The soft patter of raindrops on the dome created a cocoon of sound that made the journey even more immersive. The rain seemed to cleanse the air and our spirits, adding a layer of serenity and connection to the experience.

After the psilocybin experience we were offered a Nasya treatment to open the airways and served a comforting and filling dinner consisting of rice, roasted chicken, and hearty chicken soup. The evening ended with a soothing sauna session, the warmth enveloping us as we reflected on revelations from the recent journey. Finally– I made my way upstairs. Feeling extra cozy and content with the day, I drifted off to sleep for another night of full-body rest, the rain continuing to fall softly outside.

Day 3- Integration

The final day of the retreat felt the most tedious—but for good reason. The facilitators had carefully designed this day to ensure that we had ample time to talk about our experiences and fully integrate our discoveries before leaving the sacred space we had come to know so well over the last few days. 

We spent much of the day talking, both in private sessions with the therapists and within the group. The facilitators emphasized the importance of integration, reminding us that the true value of the retreat would unfold in the days and weeks to come, as we applied what we had learned to our everyday lives.

One of the highlights of the day was the final Ayurvedic treatment: Shirodhara. This 20-minute session involved warm oil being gently poured onto the forehead, inducing a deeply meditative, almost dream-like state. The experience was profoundly relaxing, helping to quiet the mind and bring a sense of closure to the inner work we had been doing.

As the day drew to a close, we gathered for a closing circle, where we shared final reflections and expressed gratitude for the journey we had collectively been a part of. The retreat concluded with a joyous Kirtan chanting session, filling the dome with vibrant energy and a sense of communal celebration… one final time.

The Venue: The Luna Dome

This retreat was hosted at The Luna Dome in Idaho Springs, Colorado, just a short 30-minute drive from Denver. 

The Luna Dome was equipped with eight bedrooms and four spacious bathrooms, providing the proper setup for a group retreat. The large, well-lit kitchen was designed to accommodate a large gathering, making it ideal for the communal meals.

One of the standout features of The Luna Dome was its ample floor space and large wrap-around deck, which is also where the hot tub and picturesque sauna were located. These areas were perfect for yoga sessions and other group gatherings, allowing us to practice and connect while being held by the surrounding forest.

Final Thoughts

It became very apparent how intentionally designed this experience was. Every detail was considered and specifically designed to harmonize our bodies in preparation for the psilocybin ceremony. This was deeply supported through the onsite team of ayurvedic practitioners who prepared nourishing meals, lead body movement exercises, and performed ayurvedic informed spa treatments for each and every guest. 

Even the goodie bags we were given contained electrolytes, earplugs, a durable eye mask, and a month’s supply of psilocybin microdoses to further assist with our integration process.

Combining Ayurveda, the oldest medical system in the world, with a psychedelic-assisted wellness journey at a time when Colorado has just legalized psilocybin, makes this retreat not only unique but also incredibly timely. As the world begins to recognize the potential of psilocybin as a mainstream solution for a plethora of mental and physical ailments, this retreat stands out as a transformative experience worth traveling for.