In Defence of Luxury Psychedelic Retreats: What I'm Packing for My Iboga Journey in Baja
Why good design might actually matter when doing deep inner work.
Luxury wellness retreats—we love to hate them them in the psychedelic space for their perceived capitalism, frivolity and excess. Having attended just two luxury retreat so far, and many stripped down ones, I have nuanced thoughts to share. My first encounter with the Master Plant Teacher Iboga in November 2022 was one of those rare, life-changing events—and it was at a beautifully humble and pure retreat centre. Now, as I prepare to meet the medicine for round two at a more luxury retreat, I find myself reflecting on the role and impact luxury and design play in psychedelic healing.
Iboga taught me that I AM ENOUGH in a way that that ensured I won’t ever forgot this Simple Truth. It’s safe to say that a lot has changed since November 2022. And now I am doing it all over again—but this time, everything around the medicine will be elevated, luxurious and design-forward. I’m not gonna lie: I’m excited about it.
Let’s address the obvious: Is luxury necessary to have a transformational plant medicine experience? Does my Soul require Egyptian cotton sheets and seed-oil-free meals to journey to the moon and meet my ancestors (yes, this can actually happen on Iboga)? Absolutely not—just ask the Bwitists, who are known for their raw-dog, primal and non-trauma informed initiation ceremonies with Iboga. Luxury is, well… a luxury. It’s not necessary for transformation, and maybe it’s not even necessary for a good life. But it certainly does make a difference.
After attending Enfold Institute for my 5-MeO-DMT journey, I got to experience this difference. There is a feeling you get when you are doing Big Important Work while surrounded by such minute attention to detail and design. It’s makes you feel even more held, cared for, loved, and even worthy of the finer things in life. This in and of itself can be a huge part of the healing process those of us who have a hard time with receiving. I argue that good design, attention to detail, and carefully crafted food menus are love and care made tangible.
"Luxury is not a necessity to me, but beautiful and good things are."
— Anaïs Nin
Luxury does not replace the primary requirement for experienced facilitators, a harm reduction focus, and everything else that goes into creating safe spaces. Rather, it elevates the experience. It’s the icing, and let’s face it, cake is always better with icing.
My ego loves luxury, beauty, and thoughtful design—it lights me up and and makes me dance on the inside. My Taurus Moon placement might explain this primal lust for sensory richness, though astrology aside, this appreciation is (and always has been) a part of who I am.
If this feels like a defence of the human desire for luxury and beauty—perhaps it is. And to understand why, let’s first clarify what the "ego" really is.
Hold Up… What IS the Ego?
Since this is The Healthy Ego (Hi! Welcome!)—let’s get aligned on what I mean by the ego. The ego is simply the human personality system; it is everything that is separate from All.
But wait. Psychedelics teach us again and again that We Are All Connected/We Are All One.
And yet, we’re also separate.
Both are true!
Just like duality and non-duality both exist, we are both separate from and connected to All That Is.
Even though we're all connected through higher energies we'll never fully understand (though we keep trying—sigh), we’re each having a unique human experience. Our individual personality traits, desires, and ambitions make up our ego—the part that's separate, here to experience life just as vividly as our Eternal Egoless Self.
To deny this is to deny our humanity, and with that, we lose out on the opportunity to explore, nurture and express our Healthy Ego. (This is just a warm up, but more on what this actually means in future posts).
Recently, I revisited my Core Values (as a life coach, something I recommend doing regularly!) and was pleasantly surprised to find “Design” on my list—which I defined as “where beauty, functionality, and experience meet.” My human personality system deeply resonates with thoughtful design (thank you, Taurus Moon), and my soul loves to bathe in the beautiful. You too?
(I even got a tattoo at age 18 that says “let your beauty unfold”—special gift for anyone who knows what emo song that is from without cheating!)
What can I say—my ego just froths at design, luxury, beauty, sensory experiences, the little details.
So, Should You Splurge on a Luxury Retreat?
Most people seeking psychedelic healing simply want relief; they don’t necessarily care about luxury or frills—and that's entirely valid. To reiterate: luxurious, design-forward retreats don't replace or even necessarily enhance laser-sharp facilitation, safety, and emotional support required for deep, transformative work.
If a luxury retreat isn't financially accessible, please know that you're absolutely not missing out on your healing. Exceptional facilitators and retreats exist across all price points. I've personally achieved profound breakthroughs attending more humble, stripped-down ceremonies.
Above all, remember: It’s never wise or necessary to put yourself into debt for luxury—even in the name of healing. Yet, many fancier retreat centres (such as Enfold) offer community-supported scholarships for those in financial need. Others, like Etéreo (where I’m headed this week), won’t turn people away based on finances alone and are willing to collaborate with individuals to make participation possible. They also offer partial scholarships.
So should you splurge? If you can make it work within your financial situation, go for it. If not, don’t fret—you’ll still receive the healing you need, especially if you do your due diligence in vetting your facilitator well.
And as I packed for this upcoming retreat in Baja, these reflections guided me in choosing essentials that honor myself—practicality, authenticity, and creativity. So, here’s what I’m packing—my own little luxuries, if you will—to help make this experience meaningful, creative, and most importantly, comfortable.
What I Packed for My Iboga Retreat: A Thoughtful Curation of Things.
Don’t get the wrong idea here: I am by no means “well-off” enough to casually afford all the luxuries my heart desires.1 But as both a Taurus Moon and someone born into an Eastern European immigrant family with ancestral scarcity imprinting (ummm—this might be just one of the things I plan on addressing during this retreat), I've come to realize that luxury doesn't always equal expensive extravagance, and I think my packing list reflects this.
More often, luxury lies in the intentionality of your choices—items that feel personal, elevated, and aligned with your unique human/ego needs. Everything on my list has been intentionally purchased, has stood (or will stand) the test of time, and is lovingly maintained to ensure longevity.
“Luxury must be comfortable, otherwise it is not luxury.”
— Coco Chanel
A Wide Brim Hat: This wool felt hat is truly special—handmade in Montréal by the lovely Opheile Hats. Since I purchased it last year, it's sadly been collecting dust, resulting in a cost-per-wear that's far too high for my liking. But it just screams Baja vibes, and I can't wait to protect my crown and skin from those desert sun rays.
Earth Runners Primal Lifestyle Sandals: I honestly can’t rave enough about Earth Runners (if you listen to my podcast, you know this already). These are my second pair (the first are still kicking). They beautifully mimic barefoot living, and my feet feel great whenever I wear them for long distances. Plus, they’re kinda cute, right?! I'm proud to partner with Earth Runners and even have a discount code (LANA for 10% off). Run, don’t walk… and thank me later.
Wangprom Green Thai Herbal Balm: I almost always end up with a headache during medicine retreats (in fact, I have one right now at the airport waiting for my flight—arggg!). It makes sense, considering how much energy moves through during these experiences. This balm is truly a masterpiece; it has an intense, satisfying sting that makes any headache bearable (fair warning: the smell is POTENT). Trust me, this isn’t your average peppermint oil—for me, it's a must-have at all times. I think I have about 3 jars of this stuff, and I don’t travel anywhere without it.
Current Body Red Light LED Mask: I realize this might seem unconventional, but part of my psychedelic integration journey has involved embracing a bit more vanity. Considering I used to avoid my own reflection, this is progress. Before Iboga, I struggled to see myself as a beautiful woman. A simple yet profound message from Iboga was to "smile more" if I wanted to feel beautiful. These days, I have fewer qualms about my thin lips and large nose, and nightly self-care sessions with this mask help my outside match how great I feel inside. Embracing a little bit of vanity is perfectly okay, as long as you realize that how you look is not a reflection of your True Self (hello, Healthy Ego!). I’ve been using this mask for about 9 months, and while it hasn’t smoothed my fine lines as advertised, it does leave my skin looking hydrated and glossy with regular use. It’s a ritual I try to keep up with, even while retreating and travelling.
Becoming An Empowered Empath by Wendy De Rosa: In our digital world, is there anything more luxurious than turning your phone to DND, putting your feet up, and losing yourself in a good book while surrounded by the sounds of nature? I think not. This is my current pick—a fantastic read I’ve been recommending to my life coaching clients.
Vessels and Muses Oracle Deck: Look, I not into oracle decks or Tarot like I once was. But this deck? THIS DECK! I've already gifted it three times since receiving it as a gift myself. First off, it's stunningly beautiful. Second, it's crafted by a Canadian artist. Third, the energy is incredibly sharp and clear, with an accompanying guidebook that just gets it right. The messages are consistently helpful and refreshingly non-dogmatic. It's the perfect deck for people who aren't usually into decks. At retreats, I love to bring this out and allow other guests to discover it for themselves. Everyone loves this deck. Everyone.
Loops Quiet Ear Plugs: Out of everything listed here, these earplugs are likely the one item I genuinely can’t live without. As a Highly Sensitive Person, I’ve tried every earplug on the market, and these are the only ones that are comfortable, effective, and reusable to boot. I use them to sleep, but also to self-regulate in loud spaces (think Airports, Costco, anywhere there’s 3+ children, etc).
Evan Healy Organic Whipped Shea Butter for Lips: Talk about luxe—I’ve been devoted to this lip butter for years. At $12 CAD a pop, it's definitely a lip product you don't want to lose. It's silky smooth with a subtle vanilla scent, and completely free of unnecessary additives. Its larger-than-average size adds to the ultra-luxe feel. Just divine.
Fujifilm XT-30 ii w/ the Fujinon 7mm f/2.8 lens: My latest splurge and a meaningful investment for authentically capturing life's moments. As an ex-pro photographer this is a lightweight kit I could have only dreamed of years ago. I plan on capturing raw moments between ceremony and filming some vlog content. I am bursting at the seems to start playing around with this baby, and to document my life and travels in an artful way.
Field Notes Mini Notebook: I recently interviewed creative powerhouse Paul Austin. When I asked about his creative process, he shared that he often leaves home with no phone, just one of these compact notebooks. I immediately ordered a set. I left my beautiful but bulky journal at home this time (see item #17), and look forward to a minimalist journaling experience during this retreat. Perfect for capturing on-the-fly thoughts without having to open the distraction device, only to forget what you wanted to jot down in the first place.
Nota Slender Pens (similar here): Even though my chicken scratch is tragic, I feel effortlessly elegant when using these pens—chic, slim, and available in gorgeous colours. I'm forever a fan.
Mr. Pen Highlighters: Essential for bookmarking key insights in my current Good Read! Fun fact: I accidentally swiped one of these from a woman I was cat-sitting for once cause it’s so slim, it was tucked away in my book (my sincere apologies if you’re reading this!). Honestly, these highlighters are unmatched—I absolutely adore the texture they behind. Luxury is in these little details.
Kindle e-reader: For easy, lightweight access to endless books. I am not sure how my current book will land during the Iboga retreat, so this way I can download another option if needed. I never thought I’d become an e-reader, but I genuinely love it.
Bee Keepers Natural Bee Propolis Spray: A permanent fixture in my purse. My throat is very sensitive, especially during plant medicine retreats where the vomitivo is almost guaranteed. This spray is my go-to for soothing my throat and protecting myself from infections during travel.
Sennheiser Momentum 4 Headphones: Honestly? I almost wish I bought the Sony competitor pair as the software app for these sucks. But what they lack in that department, they make up for in flawless audio and unparalleled comfort. I wear these on long flights without a bother, they are a true everyday work, play and travel essential. I also use these for client calls, podcasting, and listening to bass-forward music during my runs + walks.
Lunya Washable Silk Sleep Mask: Pricey but worth it (I’ve had this for 3+ years). I sleep with this every single night alongside my Loops earplugs (this one is really good too, and better at blocking out all light). It’s especially handy for ceremony nights and catching zzz’s when my schedule is disrupted (did you know an Iboga journey can last up to 30 sleepless hours?).
Monos Carry-On Pro: My first "Fancy Big Girl" luggage and I'm in love. Canadian-made (allegedly in the same factory as top-tier luggage brand Temu), it's design-forward and ideal for stylish, stress-free travel. The front laptop sleeve is a game-changer for neck pain. This was my Black Friday gift to myself—no regrets, though perhaps next time I'll opt for a darker shade, even though Desert Taupe is undeniably chic! I am learning that being a carry-on only traveller has major benefits, and this beauty inspires me to strive for minimalism and essentialism. Stuff overwhelm while overwhelmed with processing big emotions? No thanks!
That’s it! Maybe someday I'll courageously trek to Gabon for a Bwiti initiation (a big IF), and then I’ll explore how the absence of luxury impacts the psychedelic experience. Surely it does—set and setting, and all. For now, this is my thoughtful collection of thoughts and pieces on an elevated psychedelic retreat experience.
From 11,000 meters in the air somewhere between Toronto and Baja—I am signing off. Strapped in a ready for the ride that is Iboga… and grateful that I will be comfortbale and taken care of.
Wish me luck. 👩🏻🚀
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*A quick note on privilege and transparency: If I weren't the host of the Modern Psychedelics Podcast, luxury retreats would be beyond my financial reach at this stage of my life. I hesitate to use the word "privilege" here because I've worked incredibly hard over the past five years building my platform, which provides meaningful value to both my listeners and the retreat centers I choose to feature. That said, I do want to acknowledge openly that I am not paying for these experiences in cash; rather, they are provided as an energy exchange for media coverage of my journey.