Sayulita Wellness Retreat: Ibogaine

In the very short 7 hours I was on-site at Sayulita Itzamara I experienced an abundance of harmful scenarios that both surprised me and physically/psychologically traumatized and injured me. It is my hope that you take this information under serious consideration for immediate improvements for your future guests.
Itzamara Room 6 Fire Hazard and vulnerability: This should be changed ASAP for guest safety: There was evidence of an installed smoke detector on the ceiling of Room 6 but the actual device itself had been removed. The roof/ceilings are obviously made with highly flammable dried/desiccated plant materials and are a complete hazard to protection and salvation of human life if a fire starts. I pointed this out to Rodolfo and he informed me that the smoke detector was removed because guests had complained about battery chirping. COMPLETELY DANGEROUS TO REMOVE WITHOUT ALTERNATIVE. There are several smoke/carbon monoxide detectors for sale that simply plug into any AC/DC electrical outlet, which Itzamara supposedly has. In Room 6 there are only 2 such electrical outlets.
Itzamara Pest Control and hazards: There is NO information/warning/recommendation for guests to be vigilant about potential scorpion presence in the rooms or on-site. Since I myself, was stung by an adult scorpion in my room within the first 7 hours of residence it became painfully and psychologically apparent that a warning should be provided regarding: 1) wearing flip flops or shoes inside the room is advised 2) Recommendation to check towels, bed sheets and the curtains surrounding each side of the bed for pests, especially scorpions, before retiring to sleep 3) Where is the safest location in the room to place luggage and personal materials to minimize scorpion interest and access. Rodolfo told me Sayulita routinely has pest control for scorpions applied, yet I was an unlucky victim of scorpions which survived the pesticide.
Luggage and Personal Items storage in the room: there was only one very tiny piece of furniture in my room that was constructed of smooth wood in Room 6. It did not even hold my carry-on bag adequately. The reason I highlight the texture of the furniture is because Rodolfo told me after I was stung that scorpions cannot climb smooth surfaces. There are two chairs in Room 6 that are lovely to look at but easy for scorpions to climb up onto due to the textured wood leg design.
PLEASE NOTE: A scorpion hitchhiker DID IN FACT come home with me to the US in one of my luggage items - I was stung on my stomach this time and you will see in the attached photos this was yet another traumatic and painful reminder of how woefully underwhelming Sayulita Itzamara was for me.
Communication on-site: "Welcome Ceremony delay Communication": Apparently one guest was over an hour late arriving due to travel delays, could happen to any of us. But we were waiting around for over one hour. When I asked why we were delayed in the beginning and why I was not informed, I was instructed to go look at a chalkboard on a wall of the small office at the entrance. Nobody told me when I checked in that I was supposed to check this board for any and all resort communications regarding changes in scheduled activities.
Opening Ceremony: I was not prepared to be expected to reveal to a group of strangers (other guests) "What brings you to Sayulita and what do you hope to accomplish?" It's too intense for a group scenario and very triggering. Also, I don't want to know that 3 of the folks in my group decided to share that they had recently tried to end their own lives. I don't want to nor do I need to know such private and painful details about other guests' state of being. And they do not need to know mine. Ridiculous. And distracting. All I could think about during the remainder of the opening ceremony was how much pain other guests were in and that I hoped nobody there would try to end their lives again while at Itzamara. Wow. When it came my turn to share an answer to the question I declined to offer any personal information to a group of strangers.
Scheduled Hypnotherapy Session: This was purely a Guided Mind/Body Scan of the MBSR variety. I took a 6-week workshop at Stanford University in Palo Alto, CA in 2016 for this express purpose. I'm well-trained. *******the young man delivering this "hypnotherapy" session was reading a script from his cell phone the ENTIRE session. He walked around and in between us guests while reading and literally never took his eyes off of his cell phone script. How do I know? Because I did not place the "eye mask" on for this session. I had a gut instinct and was glad I listened to it. Rodolfo later told me that the "Shaman" whose featured in the Sayulita IG and FB posts was ill. Then apparently his substitute also had a problem preventing him from delivering the session so Rodolfo hired a third person to deliver the session. Big mistake. Major breach of confidence.
Final and Fateful last minutes for me in Room 6: following the fraud "hypnotherapy" session I was so agitated by the first 6.5 hours here that I decided to skip dinner and just head to Room 6 to sleep. I had been awake that day since 3am EDT for travel and was very tired. SCORPION STING ON MY RIGHT FOOT: I was barefoot and walking from the bathroom sink towards the bed when I stepped on something that initially I thought felt like a grasshopper. It crunched beneath my right foot and I next felt a stinging sensation. The room was poorly lit so I shook it off of my foot and got my cell phone and turned the iphone flashlight on. I saw a scorpion. And freaked out.
THERE IS NO "FRONT DESK" at Itzamara. THERE ARE NO EXTERIOR STAIR/PATH LIGHTS TO FIND YOUR WAY TO HUMANS/HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!! This is a huge liability for Itzamara and dangerous for guests who may need assistance - no way to communicate to ask for help.
THERE ARE NO PHONES/COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS IN THE ROOM TO REQUEST HELP IF YOU ARE ILL OR FEEL IN DANGER. PERIOD.
The pool: What a beautiful waste of opportunity to optimize a visit at Sayulita Itzamara. It's hotter than bath water and impossible to enjoy. The staff told me Sayulita Itzamara cannot afford to cool the pool water temperature and also did not have the technology. Then why feature it so prominently in your numerous photos and social media posts???!!! Ludicrous.
Beverages: The water and lemon juice refreshments by the dining area are served at outdoor temperature - they are warm and unpleasant to drink. Not refreshing in any capacity. The actual glassware to pour these into are also outdoor temperature so it's like taking a glass immediately from a dishwasher drying cycle without any cool down time.

Attending the retreat was a transformative experience beyond words. Initially, my intent was clear, but what unfolded was unexpected yet profoundly healing. Through the journey, I unearthed and released unknown grief, allowing me to move forward with clarity and purpose. The facilitators provided a safe and supportive environment, guiding us through the journey with expertise and compassion. Maristza, my care taker was incredible during my journey. I felt so safe and supported. I am immensely grateful for this opportunity for personal growth and self-discovery. Incredible food, staff and views. Already planning my next trip back. Highly recommend for anyone seeking profound healing and transformation.

This retreat was the most amazing experience. I went in with set intentions and came out with even more than I could have ever imagined. The staff became family, the other guests became soulfully connected to us. The ceremony was nothing like I imagined, but exactly what I needed. Nirvana helped me free myself from all I'd been holding on to from lifetimes and generations of pain and sorrow. She and the staff helped me heal myself and they will be forever connected to my soul. The food was amazing! The location was perfect, the other events were scheduled to help facilitate this healing. If you are struggling with anything and I mean anything I recommend doing this one thing for yourself. I guarantee you will not regret it!

My experience at Sayulita Wellness far exceeded my expectations. I came into it with some hesitation, but by day two, I was completely blown away. Caleigh assured me this would be the case and she was not wrong. The staff were not only extremely professional, but they also made me feel like part of a family, always taking the time to patiently answer every question and ensure that each guest felt fully supported. Throughout the entire 7-day retreat, there was never a moment when I felt like I was lacking anything. Their attention to detail and genuine care made the experience truly unforgettable.

The staff, where can one start? These are incredibly gifted, living and talented folks. Each and every one from the core team (Maritza, Francia and Cecei & Paco), to the house Manager, Javier, to the incredible, unbelievable chef created, “to die for” healthy meals crafted by Hugo & Freddy, to the love compassion and support shown by the incredible energy that is Nirvana and her entire team to include the lovely Alejandra. The depth of wisdom this entire staff embodies and imparts is exceptional. There is also an incredible bevy of outside experts and consummate professional that are brought in to facilitate yoga, breath work, somatics, hypnotherapy, CBT, among other healing modalities. I will never forget these people as they truly left an imprint.
Honestly to sum it up in a nutshell, I cannot wait for my next visit to Sayulita Wellness where I know I will be loved and supported through my continued journey towards healing and becoming a better version of myself.

Maritza, Paco, Caci were absolutely amazing they took such wonderful care of me! I honestly can say this was the most amazing experience of my life. I believe it was even more amazing because of the care that was given to me. I felt supportive and loved the whole time! Maritza spent quality time with me during the day while Caci stayed with me as I was on my mushroom journey. She held a space for me and made me feel loved! If you're looking to release, pain, trauma, and to set yourself free from emotional stress, this is the place for you!!

Maritza and the rest of the staff are wonderful

A dream come trueeeeee! I was so terrified to step out of my comfort zone and into this incredible healing journey. But, oh my gosh, I’m so glad I did! Caleigh, you’re a lifesaver! Your kind words and support gave me the courage to take this leap of faith.

For years, I've been lost in the darkness, struggling to be my authentic self. I had no more trust in the world-- let along trust in myself. This retreat was a game-changer! The amazing mentors and care team were so incredibly supportive and understanding. I felt SAFE, LOVED, and truly SEEN.

Huge shout-out to my earth sisters, Ceci, Francia, Martiza, Nirvana, Dr. Naomi, Martha, Mariana, Carley, and Demelza. You all brought so much light and laughter to the experience. And to my earth brothers, Javier, Francisco, Alex, Charley, Fredy, and especially Chef Hugo ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – your passion for health and delicious food was inspiring!!! Every meal was a intentional culinary masterpiece. I felt soooo lucky to be eating each and every meal! I felt like I was on the set of "Princess Diaries"! 💖

This retreat has taught me the power of self-love and the importance of taking care of myself. I'm so grateful for this incredible experience and the lifelong friendships I've made.

If you’re considering a healing retreat, I highly recommend Sayulita Wellness. It's a truly transformative experience. Thank you everybody for this experience!!! Thank you for all that you do for the humans on planet earth.

LOVE YOURSELF SWEET EARTHLINGS, always! You got this! ❤️ Let’s keep the lifelong healing journey going! Woot-wooooot!

Love,
Mimi