Women Wisdom Retreat

A psychedelic retreat for women

Can you rest in yourself, even when life feels uncertain or demanding?
In this retreat, you are invited into a quiet and attentive space where nothing needs to be fixed, improved, or achieved.

FOR WHOM

Woman Wisdom is a women-only psychedelic retreat dedicated to remembrance rather than transformation, a return to what is already whole. Through ceremony with psilocybin, breathwork, movement, ritual, silence, and spaciousness, we create the conditions for deep listening: to the body, to the heart, and to the subtle intelligence that lives beneath habitual patterns

This retreat invites you to reconnect with:

your natural sense of wholeness
embodied pleasure and aliveness
inner freedom and feminine strength
a quiet, grounded form of wisdom

Held within a circle of women, you are welcomed exactly as you are. There is time to soften, to feel, to move, and to rest. Nothing is required of you, except presence.
The wisdom you seek is not something to be found.
It is something to be remembered.
Woman Wisdom is an invitation to come home.

Why Participants Choose the Women Wisdom Retreat

Participants have shared that the Women Wisdom Retreat supported them in:

Resting in wholeness
Experiencing a deep sense of being whole, without needing to fix, heal, or transform anything.
Safety within a women-only circle
Feeling held and met in a grounded, attuned space where presence and mutual respect come first.
Deep listening to the body
Reconnecting with bodily intelligence, subtle signals, pleasure, and natural rhythms.
Gentle emotional unfolding
Allowing emotions to surface and move at their own pace, without pressure, catharsis, or analysis.
Embodied feminine wisdom
Remembering an innate, quiet form of wisdom rooted in the body, the heart, and lived experience.
Softening habitual patterns
Noticing conditioned responses and identities, and letting them loosen rather than actively breaking them.
Meeting the inner landscape with care
Turning toward shadow aspects with compassion, steadiness, and support.
Being with uncertainty
Learning to stay present with not knowing, transitions, or life questions, without the need for answers.

What Women Share About Their Experience

      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.

Frequently Asked Questions About The Women Wisdom Retreat

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

Yes, no prior experience is required. The Women Wisdom Retreat is guided with care and attentiveness, and always includes a personal intake and screening to assess whether participation is appropriate and safe for you at this moment.

Why is this a women-only retreat?

This retreat is held within a women-only circle to create a specific quality of safety, openness, and embodied presence. Many participants experience that this setting allows for deeper softening, listening, and connection to feminine wisdom without explanation or comparison.

How does the Women Wisdom Retreat differ from the Core Retreat?

While the Core Retreat offers a structured introduction to working with psilocybin, the Women Wisdom Retreat emphasizes remembrance rather than change. The focus is on resting in wholeness, embodied wisdom, and gentle presence, rather than insight-seeking or transformation.

What is the role of psilocybin in this retreat?

Psilocybin is used as a supportive element within a broader ceremonial context that includes breathwork, movement, ritual, silence, and spaciousness. It is not approached as a tool to fix or improve, but as an invitation to listen more deeply.

How is safety ensured during the retreat?

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

What happens after the ceremony?

The retreat includes time for integration and gentle closure. There is space to reflect, rest, and allow the experience to settle naturally. Follow-up support is available to help insights integrate into daily life without pressure.

Who is this retreat not intended for?

This retreat is not suitable for women seeking quick results, peak experiences, or guaranteed outcomes. Participation may also not be appropriate for individuals with certain medical or psychological conditions. These aspects 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 €1,950 for a shared room or €2,150 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.