Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Schendel
Amanda, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I began my journey organizing retreats and events in 2000, long before I ventured into psychedelic healing. In 2014, I discovered Ayahuasca, and it had a profound impact on my mental and emotional health. That experience was life-changing, leading me to work at the retreat center where I had rediscovered community along with sacred medicine. From 2014 to 2019, I helped run those retreats, deepening my understanding of ceremonial healing and plant medicine.
Over the years, I developed a deep passion for native plant & fungi medicine and ceremonial healing. After spending five years studying these practices with guests around the world, I founded The Buena Vida Psilocybin Retreats, which focuses on providing a safe and nurturing space for people to explore the transformative healing potential of psilocybin.
With over 500 psychedelic ceremonies under my belt, I’ve become an experienced and intuitive guide, leading both group and private retreats that cater to high-level individuals like C-suite executives. My expertise has also led me to train facilitators in the space of psychedelic therapy, offering hands-on workshops and practicum opportunities.
The Buena Vida has grown into one of the longest-running psilocybin retreats, one of the only with an all-female leadership team, recognized for its safety, luxury, and focus on mental health. Through it all, I’ve remained a passionate advocate for responsible psychedelic use, combining ancient healing traditions with modern therapeutic practices. Now, I split my time between our church The Buena Vida Sanctuary in Joshua Tree, California, my home in Austin and travels to Mexico.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Like many transformative journeys, mine has been filled with challenges and moments of uncertainty. One of the biggest struggles early on was my own mental health before I discovered plant medicine. I had tried various therapies and conventional treatments, but nothing seemed to work. It wasn’t until I found Ayahuasca in 2014 that I experienced the healing I so desperately needed.
Starting The Buena Vida Psilocybin Retreats was another leap of faith. I literally began with just $500 and a dream, without a real business plan or even knowing how to run a business. In the early days, I spent the first year running the retreat but not facilitating the ceremonies themselves. I didn’t feel ready for that responsibility. It wasn’t until one of my mentors told me, “It’s time to step into this space,” that I knew I had to start leading the ceremonies as well.
Despite the lack of experience, the retreats started gaining momentum quickly. We were picked up by some major news outlets early on, which gave us a huge boost and put us on the map. But navigating the psychedelic world, especially while healing mental health, is incredibly intense. There’s so much emotional depth and vulnerability in this work, and it does take a toll on me personally. Managing that balance has been a constant challenge.
Additionally, working in the psychedelic space comes with its own set of complications since it’s not legal everywhere. Starting The Buena Vida Sanctuary Church in California was a huge, risky step. It’s been a way to offer these healing experiences in a legal framework, but it also felt like walking a tightrope at times. Balancing the legal risks, ensuring the safety of our guests, and building a business that still holds space for love, compassion, and deep healing has been one of the biggest challenges of my life.
But despite the struggles, the mission of helping people heal is what has kept me moving forward, even when the road felt tough.
As you know, we’re big fans of The Buena Vida Psilocybin Retreats. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
At The Buena Vida Psilocybin Retreats, we specialize in providing safe, transformative healing experiences using psilocybin mushrooms. Our retreats are designed to help individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other mental health issues find new hope through psychedelic therapy. We offer both group and private retreats in luxurious settings, primarily in Mexico and Joshua Tree, California, where guests can safely explore their consciousness under the guidance of experienced facilitators.
What sets us apart is our commitment to combining modern therapeutic practices with ancient healing traditions. We’ve created a unique space where people can experience deep, personalized healing while being supported by world-class leaders in psychology, somatic experiencing, and indigenous modalities. We are known for our strong focus on safety, with over 1,000+ guests safely guided through psilocybin journeys, and we maintain one of the best safety records in the industry.
What makes The Buena Vida different from other retreats is our holistic approach as well as an all-female leadership team. We don’t just offer psilocybin ceremonies; we also provide somatic workshops, healthy, nourishing food, breathwork, ecstatic dance, yoga, and integration support. We emphasize preparation and aftercare, ensuring that guests are not only transformed during their time with us but also empowered to integrate those changes into their everyday lives.
I’m most proud of our ability to create an environment where people feel seen, loved, and cared for as they go through vulnerable healing experiences. We’ve become one of the longest-running psilocybin retreats in the world, founded in 2018, and I’m proud to say that we’ve stayed true to our core values of safety, compassion, and responsible healing.
For anyone considering our retreats, I want them to know that we create a space for real transformation. Whether you’re an executive seeking privacy and luxury or someone at the end of their mental health journey, looking for something that finally works, we provide a safe, nurturing environment for you to heal.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
If I had to give advice to anyone just starting out—especially in the wellness or psychedelic space—I’d say: trust the process, even when it feels like you’re completely winging it (because, spoiler alert: you probably are). There were so many moments when I felt like I had no idea what I was doing, but honestly, that’s where the magic happens. Growth often looks a lot like chaos!
One thing I wish I’d known early on is that you don’t need to have everything figured out to start. When I began The Buena Vida, I had exactly $500, no business plan, and zero clue what I was getting into. But guess what? Passion goes a long way! Don’t get hung up on having every detail mapped out—things will change, and you’ll learn as you go. Let your intuition lead the way (and maybe a Google search or two).
Also, a big lesson: self-care isn’t optional—it’s mandatory. Working with vulnerable people can be emotionally draining, and you can’t pour from an empty cup. Make sure to set boundaries and carve out time for yourself, or you’ll burn out faster than you can say “psilocybin cubensis.”
And finally, take the risks—even if they scare the hell out of you. I can’t tell you how many times I hesitated because I was worried about failure or the legal side of psychedelics. But stepping outside my comfort zone consistently ended up being one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
So, buckle up, enjoy the ride, and don’t be afraid to laugh at yourself along the way. It’s all part of the journey.
Pricing:
- $3000-7000
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thebuenavida.net
- Instagram: @thebuenavidaretreats
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebuenavida
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@amandaschendel7883
Image Credits
image credit: Matt Stomper Photography
