Core Retreat

A 3-Day Psilocybin Retreat by the Essence Institute

The Core Retreat is the foundational retreat of the Essence Institute.

It is a three-day psilocybin retreat, held in the Netherlands, in a safe and legal setting.

This retreat offers a clear and carefully guided introduction to working with psilocybin.

Nothing needs to be achieved. The experience unfolds as it does.

FOR WHOM

The Core Retreat is open to people who feel drawn to explore psilocybin in a guided and respectful way.

No prior experience is required.

A careful intake is part of the process.

The Retreat

The Core Retreat consists of three days in a small group, guided by an experienced team.

Preparation, ceremony, and time afterwards are all part of the process.

There is structure, and there is space.

Silence, rest, and simple practices support the experience.

Psilocybin truffles are used within a legal framework, with attention to safety and care throughout the retreat.

The three Days

DAY1

Arrival

The first day is for arriving, settling in, and preparing. We take time to slow down and become familiar with the setting and with each other.

DAY2

Ceremony

On the second day, the psilocybin ceremony takes place. The session is held in a calm environment, with facilitators present throughout.

DAY3

Integration & Closing

The final day allows space to reflect and to gently return. The retreat is closed together.

Why Participants Choose the Core Retreat

Participants have shared that the Core Retreat supported them in:

Emotional release
Creating space to feel what has been held, without forcing catharsis or resolution.
Greater self-understanding
Seeing inner patterns, beliefs, and responses more clearly, with more gentleness toward themselves.
Deeper sense of connection
Feeling more present with themselves, with others, and with life as it is.
Breaking habits
Noticing habitual ways of thinking and reacting, and creating room for something new.
Access to intuition and creativity
Experiencing more clarity around direction, expression, and what feels meaningful.
Meeting the Shadow with care
Developing a greater capacity to face aspects of oneself that were previously avoided or unseen.
Moving through transition
Holding space for change, or uncertainty with steadiness and support.

Why-Participants-Choose-the-Core-Retreat

Testimonials

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 9 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Gulcan Erkut 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Onlangs nam ik deel aan een psilocybin retreat van Essence Institute, locatie Samaya. Het was een hele bijzondere eerste ervaring, van begin tot eind. Deskundige facilitators die haarfijn aanvoelden wat er nodig was, zeer warme atmosfeer, fijne groepsdynamiek en een geweldige locatie. Een aanrader!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Yanzeng Qiu 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 100% recommend it!!! Great facilitators, great resort, and great results for me too. The whole experience is magical, and I have met beautiful group of people.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Ana Câmpean 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My experience at Essence Institute at Samaya was truly extraordinary and deeply transformative. From the very first moment, it was clear how much care, professionalism, and genuine human commitment Karin and Willem bring into every aspect of their work. What impressed me most was not only the depth and quality of the experience itself, but the incredible attention given to the wellbeing, emotional safety, and health of every single participant in the group. You can feel that nothing is treated superficially. Every detail is held with presence, intelligence, warmth, and profound respect for each person’s individual journey. Karin and Willem create a rare environment: one that feels both deeply safe and deeply transformative at the same time. Their dedication, sensitivity, experience, and authenticity made it possible for us to go through an experience that was meaningful, powerful, and genuinely life-changing. The setting at Samaya is also absolutely beautiful — peaceful, grounding, and perfectly aligned with the depth of the work being done there. I left with enormous gratitude for everything they offered us, for the care with which they guided the group, and for the extraordinary experience they were able to create. I wholeheartedly recommend Essence Institute to anyone seeking profound personal growth, healing, connection, and authentic human care.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Luke 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Thanks to Sanne and Karin for creating and holding the ideal setting and space for a life changing experience. With their support I was able to get exactly what I needed, to shed off years of repressed sadness and to see life afresh through authentic eyes. If you are called to seek such an experience then this is the perfect way to do it. The set, setting and guides are vital to a meaningful experience and Essence ensures this is optimal.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Kat gierlach 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I went to the revisitors retreat in march, this was my third time with the essence institute, and it was amazing. We were a small group which was great. I'm really looking forward to do another revisitors retreat in the near future. I hope they are going to offer a retreat with 2 psilocybin journeys to go even deeper.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Yotam Zeira 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. A profound experince, perfectly designed and guided by highly skilled professionals. The team was absolutely amzing, caring,  knowledgable, and providing the best setting. Highly recommended!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Hannes Winkler 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. A special and great THANK YOU to Derk and Karin, who have made this experience possible for me and so many others. Their profound  experience and skill with the program is apparent in every aspect and has enabled me to find a path to truly unforgettable experience.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Maureen Mahoney 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The experience at Essence Institute was incredible, and I can't thank the team enough for their amazing support and guidance over the 3 days I was there on retreat. From the initial sharing, through breath- and bodywork, right up to the journey and integration, I felt like I was in such gentle, capable hands. The way Willem, Leslie and Marko helped the group to open up and bond to create a safe space still astonishes me. I wholeheartedly recommend the Essence Institute!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Timm Overmans 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I am deeply grateful for my experience with essence. The facilitator, the venue, the other participants, all was great. The event has profoundly changed me.

Book Your Psychedelic Retreat

Essence Institute

The Essence Institute offers psilocybin retreats with attention, simplicity, and responsibility.

The Core Retreat forms the basis of the Essence retreat program.

Other retreats build upon the shared experience that begins here.

Frequently Asked Questions About The Core Retreat

Is this retreat suitable if I have no prior experience with psilocybin?

Yes. The Core Retreat is designed as a carefully guided first introduction to working with psilocybin. No prior experience is required. A personal intake and screening are always part of the process to assess whether participation is appropriate and safe at this time.

How is the Core Retreat different from other psilocybin retreats?

The focus is not on peak experiences or rapid transformation. The Core Retreat emphasizes structure, calm, and careful guidance, with equal attention to preparation, ceremony, and integration.

How is safety ensured during the retreat?

Safety is central to the approach of the Essence Institute. This includes a thorough intake process, small group sizes, experienced facilitators, and a legal, supportive setting. Both mental and physical well-being are taken into account.

What happens after the ceremony?

The experience does not end with the ceremony day. The final day is dedicated to reflection, integration, and gentle closure. In addition, follow-up and integration support help insights settle gradually into everyday life.

Who is this retreat not intended for?

This retreat is not suitable for those seeking a quick fix or guaranteed outcomes. Participation may also not be appropriate for individuals with certain medical or psychological conditions. These considerations are always discussed during the intake process.

What dosage will we receive during the retreat?

We use high-dose psilocybin truffles during the ceremony as part of the retreat experience. The dose is chosen to support a deep inner journey and is part of the facilitated process led by trained professionals.

Can you tell me the prices, what is included in the price?

A retreat ticket is typically around €2,050 for a shared room or €2,350 for a single room, and includes:
Facilitated psilocybin truffle ceremony

3-day stay in nature
All meals (healthy, vegan food)
Bodywork, yoga, meditation, breathwork
Preparation guidance & integration support
Psilocybin truffles, journal and materials
21% VAT included

I want to eat vegan, is that possible?

Yes. All meals provided during the retreat are healthy vegan foods.

What happens if I have a bad trip?

Experienced facilitators and trained mental health professionals are present throughout the ceremony and the retreat to support you and help you work through challenging moments safely.

Can you tell me more about the program?

The retreat follows a structured three-day format:

Day 1: Arrival, welcome, intention setting
Day 2: Morning practice, bodywork, breakfast, psilocybin ceremony, dinner
Day 3: Morning practice, integration work, departure

Along the way you’ll have yoga, meditation, breathwork and guided integration support.

What kind of psychedelics do you give? How does it work?

We use psilocybin truffles (legal in the Netherlands), which contain the psychoactive compound psilocybin. In a safe environment, these truffles support deep emotional, psychological, and spiritual exploration under professional guidance.

Do you still have a place available in the upcoming retreat next week?

Availability changes frequently. The best way to check is to visit the Upcoming Retreats page or contact our team directly through the Contact page.

What happens in the integration afterwards?

Integration begins on Day 3 with guided reflection and continues with materials and suggestions you can use for weeks or months after the retreat. They provide guidance to help you apply insights from your experience into daily life.

How far is the venue from the airport?

The main venue (Centre Venwoude) is located in the Netherlands, between Amsterdam and Utrecht. Exact travel times depend on your arrival airport and transport choice.

My friend also wants to join this retreat, is that possible?

Yes. Anyone in good physical and mental health can apply, and many participants attend with friends or partners.

I want to ask you something, can we have a quick call?

Yes, you can reach out via our contact form or email to schedule a short call. We are happy to answer your questions personally.

When is the next breathwork session?

Breathwork sessions are part of the retreat schedule (e.g., on Day 2 Morning), and details are shared upon booking and in your program outline.

What is the difference with ayuahasca of mushrooms?

Psilocybin truffles have less physical impact than ayahuasca, with less nausea and a shorter experience and recovery time.

How long will it take?

The standard group retreat at Essence is a 3-day program.

Can I join while I am depressed?

We require participants to be in stable physical and mental health. During our intake process we assess whether the retreat is safe and suitable for you. Our retreats are not a replacement for medical or psychological treatment.

Are there more people with depression or burn out?

Participants come with different life experiences and intentions. We carefully screen everyone to create a safe and supportive group dynamic.

How big is the group?

We work with small groups to ensure personal attention and safety. This allows us to maintain a high facilitator-to-participant ratio.

Is one retreat enough?

For many people, one retreat is deeply transformative. Others choose to return later to deepen their process. It depends on your personal journey and intentions.