Private Psilocybin Retreat in the Netherlands: Is It Right for You?
Updated: Sep 13
For some people, sharing a psychedelic journey with a group feels supportive and deeply connecting. For others, a private setting offers the space, privacy and personalised guidance they need to fully relax into the experience.
There is no universally "better" option. The right choice depends on your personality, circumstances and what you hope to gain from your retreat.
At Elevated Mind Retreats, we offer small-group retreats as well as fully private retreats for one or two people. Our private retreats are available as a Solo Retreat, for an entirely individual experience, or a Duo Retreat, for two people who want to share the journey.
What Is a Private Psilocybin Retreat?
A private psilocybin retreat is a fully guided experience for one or two people, without other retreat participants present.
At Elevated Mind Retreats, there are two private formats:
Solo Retreat — a completely individual retreat with dedicated guidance throughout.
Duo Retreat — a shared private retreat for two people who already know and trust each other, such as partners, close friends, siblings or family members.
Both formats offer a private setting, personalised preparation, dedicated facilitation and integration support.
Our private retreats take place over two nights in the Netherlands using legal psilocybin truffles
Solo or Duo: Which Private Retreat Is Right for You?
Choose a Solo Retreat if you:
Want the experience to be entirely focused on your own process
Prefer complete privacy
Want dedicated one-to-one facilitation
Don't want another participant's experience influencing your own
Value maximum flexibility around your intentions and pace
Choose a Duo Retreat if you:
Want to experience the retreat with someone you already trust
Are attending with a partner, close friend, sibling or family member
Value having a shared experience to reflect on afterwards
Want privacy without journeying alone
Both have previous psychedelic experience and are looking for a deeper shared experience
Why Do People Choose a Private Retreat?
Everyone arrives with a different story, but these are some of the most common reasons participants choose a private experience.
They value privacy
Some people simply feel more comfortable opening up away from a group.
Whether you're exploring personal challenges, life transitions or simply prefer keeping your inner work private, a dedicated retreat offers a quiet and confidential environment.
They prefer personalised guidance
With only two participants, your facilitator can tailor the experience to your individual needs.
While the structure remains consistent, there is more flexibility to respond to your intentions, pace and integration process.
They can choose whether to journey alone or together
For some people, complete privacy means having the retreat entirely to themselves. A Solo Retreat creates that space, with the experience centred on one participant from preparation through integration.
Others want to share the journey with someone they already trust. A Duo Retreat allows two people to experience the retreat together while still having a completely private setting. This might be a partner, close friend, sibling or family member. A shared experience can create a meaningful point of reflection long after returning home.
They feel less comfortable in groups
Group retreats are incredibly supportive for many people, but not everyone feels at ease in a group environment.
Some participants know they will relax more quickly when surrounded only by someone they already know and trust.
Feeling comfortable often allows people to surrender more fully to the experience.
Private Retreat vs Group Retreat
Both formats follow the same careful preparation, screening process and integration support. The difference lies primarily in the setting.
Private Retreat | |
One or two participants | Small group (maximum 10) |
Dedicated facilitator | Multiple facilitators supporting the group |
Private accommodation | Shared retreat environment |
Flexible pace | Shared programme |
Journey individually or with someone you already know | Opportunity to connect with new people |
Highly personalised experience | Supportive group dynamic |
If a private setting feels right, the next decision is whether you want to experience the retreat individually or share it with someone you trust. Explore the Solo Retreat and Duo Retreat to compare the two formats.
Neither approach is better than the other. Many people love the connection and shared insights that emerge within a group, while others find they can go deeper in a private setting.
Looking specifically for a relationship-focused experience? Explore our Couples Psilocybin Retreat, designed exclusively for partners who want to deepen their connection together.
What Happens During a Private Psilocybin Retreat in the Netherlands?
Our private retreats — both Solo and Duo — are designed as complete two-night experiences rather than simply a psilocybin ceremony.
The additional time allows you to slow down, disconnect from everyday life and fully integrate the experience.
Your retreat includes:
Preparation before arrival
Two nights of accommodation
Breathwork and intention setting
Guided psilocybin ceremony
Healthy meals
Personal support throughout
Integration before returning home
Follow-up integration after the retreat
This structure allows the experience to unfold naturally, without feeling rushed.
Is a Private Retreat More Effective?
Not necessarily.
Current Research does not suggest that one format is universally more effective than another.
The quality of preparation, the safety of the environment, skilled facilitation and meaningful integration all play an important role.
Some people thrive within a supportive group.
Others feel they can explore more deeply when the experience is shared only with someone they already trust.
The best retreat is the one in which you feel most comfortable.
Who Is a Private Retreat Best Suited For?
A private retreat may be particularly suitable if you:
Prefer privacy over group experiences
Feel anxious in larger groups
Want dedicated, highly personalised guidance
Want to journey completely on your own or with someone you already trust
Value a slower, more personalised pace
Want space to reflect without group discussions
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I attend a private retreat alone?
Yes. Our Solo Retreat is designed for one participant and offers a completely private experience with dedicated guidance throughout.
Can two people attend together?
Yes. Our Duo Retreat is designed for two people who already know and trust each other, such as partners, close friends, siblings or family members.
Is the facilitator with us throughout the retreat?
Yes. Your facilitator provides guidance and support before, during and after the ceremony, while also respecting your privacy and personal space.
Are private retreats available year-round?
Private retreats are available on selected dates throughout the year, subject to availability.
Is a Duo Retreat the same as the Couples Retreat?
No. The Duo Retreat is a private experience for two people and is not specifically relationship-focused. Our Couples Retreat is designed specifically for partners who want to explore their relationship and connection together.
Which Retreat Is Right for You?
Whether you choose a group retreat or a private retreat, the aim is the same: to create a carefully prepared and professionally guided environment for meaningful personal exploration.
If you value privacy and personalised guidance, a private retreat may be the better fit.
Choose a Solo Retreat if you want the experience to be entirely your own, with dedicated one-to-one guidance.
Choose a Duo Retreat if you want to share a private retreat with someone you already know and trust.
Or explore our Private Psilocybin Retreats in the Netherlands page to compare both options and learn more about the programme, accommodation and application process.
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About the author
Niels van der Valk is the founder of Elevated Mind Retreats. After recovering from burnout through his own guided psilocybin retreat, he dedicated his work to helping others create meaningful and lasting change through professionally guided retreats, breathwork, and integration support.
📖 Read his personal story: The Retreat
