OMMIJ Ayahuasca Retreats: An In-Depth Review for Sessions in Netherlands and Spain

If you are considering ayahuasca in Europe, OMMIJ has operated since 2011, facilitating plant medicine sessions near Amsterdam and in Alicante, Spain. The center has supported over 50,000 participants from 76 countries, with a therapeutic approach that avoids traditional shamanic elements. Offerings range from €275 for group evening sessions in the Netherlands to €1,295 for five-day programs in Spain. It is worth noting the founder’s 2025 retirement announcement, which included an emotional letter and references to $44 million in revenue over three years, prompting discussions about the center’s direction, though no operational changes have been reported yet.

🎯 At a Glance

• Locations: A comfortable facility near Amsterdam in the Netherlands and a garden estate in Pedreguer, Alicante, Spain.
• Approach: Therapeutic and non-traditional, using an anahuasca brew, with groups up to 17 participants and additions such as rapé, kambo, and yoga.
• Suitable For: Those new to ayahuasca or preferring European-based options, though feedback varies on the experience’s depth.
• Costs: €275 to €575 for single sessions in the Netherlands; €845 to €1,295 for multi-day options in Spain, covering meals, accommodation, and integration activities.
• Overall Assessment: Reliable on safety fundamentals, with potential for improvement in traditional aspects. Directory evaluation: B- (notable for accessibility, opportunities in authenticity).

💬 What Guests Are Saying

Participants in OMMIJ ayahuasca sessions in the Netherlands frequently highlight the team’s supportive presence during challenging phases, as in a 2024 review describing it as intense yet managed with attentiveness. In Spain, the serene environment aids contemplation, with a 2023 Reddit account indicating general security but suggesting smaller groups would enhance it. Experiences differ, with some finding the brew less impactful than traditional variants and others noting strain in larger gatherings. Aggregated from over 38 Retreat Guru entries: Strong on therapeutic outcomes, varied on cultural resonance.

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🚩 Incident Report

Following a thorough review of online sources including Reddit subreddits like r/Ayahuasca, r/Psychonaut, and r/Netherlands, Quora threads, Facebook groups such as Psychedelic Healing and Ayahuasca Experiences, news outlets, retreat discussion boards, ICEERS safety reports, and public records, no confirmed cases of theft, sexual misconduct, or criminal activity directly connected to OMMIJ ayahuasca retreats in Netherlands or Spain have emerged.

• Theft: Public forums, ICEERS data, and news searches reveal no accounts of stolen belongings or valuables at OMMIJ plant medicine ceremonies.
• Sexual Misconduct: Searches across Reddit, Facebook, news databases, and ICEERS show no complaints, allegations, or legal issues involving OMMIJ staff or guides in ayahuasca sessions.
• Crime: No arrests, police involvement, or violence linked to OMMIJ appears in Google News, Dutch media, Spanish outlets, retreat forums, or ICEERS documentation.

That said, Reddit posts from 2019 to 2024 highlight worries about emotional challenges and questionable practices at OMMIJ ayahuasca ceremonies in Europe. A 2023 thread details a participant suffering a psychotic episode linked to insufficient mental health checks, despite sharing their history, resulting in lasting trauma without proper follow-up support. A 2022 discussion questions the use of anahuasca instead of traditional ayahuasca, labeling it underwhelming and inauthentic. A 2024 comment points to facilitators appearing stretched thin in groups of up to 17, causing inadequate assistance during peak intensity. These unverified stories suggest risks of mental health impacts from weak screening and group management. OMMIJ’s reputation remains varied online due to these issues, alongside broader ayahuasca hazards like psychological strain in unregulated environments noted in ICEERS studies. No publicly available reports of additional incidents exist.

New update as of July 2025: The founder of OMMIJ shared an emotional retirement letter in the Tribe of Om-Mij Facebook group, describing it as his deepest farewell while paying tribute to family, friends, and participants in a tone some describe as cult-like. He claims to be 41 but sources indicate he is over 50, and this comes amid reports of the center generating $44 million in revenue over three years. Questions arise about whether this retirement is genuine or strategically timed after financial success, potentially affecting future operations of ayahuasca retreats in Netherlands and Spain. No direct safety incidents tie to this, but it adds to ongoing discussions about the center’s commercial focus versus spiritual authenticity.

🔍 Critical Notes

OMMIJ’s ayahuasca programs in the Netherlands and Spain seek to provide meaningful transformation through a therapeutic framework and group support. Positive aspects include integration practices that assist in applying learnings to daily routines. However, considerations include the anahuasca formulation potentially lacking the strength of conventional brews, and group capacities up to 17 possibly limiting individualized attention during heightened periods. Regulatory contexts: The Netherlands operates in ambiguous territory with DMT prohibited yet sessions persisting; Spain permits religious applications with variable supervision. Following the 2025 retirement, monitor for adjustments, as the emphasis may lean more toward operational aspects. Direct confirmation of screening protocols is advisable, given occasional reports of inconsistencies.

🆘 Screening & Mental Health Risks

For OMMIJ ayahuasca retreats in the Netherlands, screening involves participant-provided medical disclosures regarding cardiovascular, hepatic, and psychological conditions. Preparation encompasses dietary and mental readiness, complemented by post-session discussions and access to psychological consultations for integration. Reports indicate variability in screening rigor, such as instances where disclosed conditions were not adequately addressed, leading to difficulties. Research suggests approximately 55 percent of ayahuasca participants encounter transient challenges like heightened anxiety, particularly without sufficient groundwork. For individuals addressing trauma, benefits may include emotional reconnection, yet avoidance is recommended for those on certain medications due to interaction risks. Consultation with a healthcare provider is essential prior to engaging in ayahuasca sessions in Spain or the Netherlands.

🧪 Brew Substance

OMMIJ employs Mimosa tenuiflora as the DMT component and Syrian rue as the MAOI, forming an anahuasca preparation distinct from Banisteriopsis caapi-based traditions. Participants report it facilitates introspection with reduced physical effects compared to standard compositions. Supplementary elements like rapé or optional kambo aid in purification. Those expecting conventional potency may find it subdued, so alignment with preferences is key for plant medicine engagements in Europe.

📍 Location, Setting & Style

• Netherlands: Situated near Amsterdam, the venue provides a welcoming environment with outdoor spaces conducive to quiet consideration, suitable for concise ceremonies.
• Spain: Located in Pedreguer, Alicante, the property features orchards and open vistas, approximately one hour from Alicante or Valencia airports.
• Style: Emphasizes therapeutic elements with inclusions like yoga, meditation, breathwork, and shared meals focused on nutrition. Group interactions promote connection, without incorporating native ceremonial practices.

Practical guidance: Arrive via AMS or ALC airports; local transport options are straightforward, and advance reservations are suggested for 2025 availability.

Should You Book?

OMMIJ presents a viable option for ayahuasca retreats in the Netherlands or Spain, particularly for those valuing proximity in Europe over distant travel. With 87.5 percent of attendees rating it highly for personal development, it suits exploration of healing or purpose. Nevertheless, if authentic brews or intimate settings are priorities, variable assessments on depth and vetting warrant review. The retirement development merits ongoing observation. Should preparation and follow-through align with your needs, it may prove beneficial; thorough evaluation is recommended.

The Team & Story

Initiated in 2011 by Ramon Geurts and René, OMMIJ originated from a commitment to available plant medicine in Europe. Expansion to Spain occurred in 2018, assembling a team exceeding 42 members, including therapists and facilitators oriented toward empathetic assistance. The narrative centers on fostering wholeness, influencing the establishment of over 20 additional centers. The 2025 retirement introduces considerations regarding balance between foundational intent and growth, though the team continues to prioritize guidance.

Prep & Integration Tips

Prior to participation: Adhere to an MAOI-compatible diet for two weeks, excluding items like aged cheeses, alcohol, and caffeine; fully disclose health details. Bring comfortable attire, a notebook, and an eye covering. Following: Document reflections, engage in provided forums, or arrange professional support. Effective integration sustains benefits; avoid abrupt returns to routine activities.

Pros & Cons

Book Your Ceremony

Bookings are managed through OMMIJ’s platform; consult their schedule for details. Netherlands options: Group at €275, private group at €475, individual at €575. Spain programs: Three-day at €845, five-day at €1,295, encompassing ceremonies, nutrition, lodging, and supportive activities.

A Tribe of Dreamers & Doers

We represent individuals pursuing meaningful bonds; participation aligns if it resonates with ayahuasca explorations in Europe.

Home Is a Tribe

The group is committed to reliable facilitation, aiding thousands in spiritual, mental, and physical renewal; it serves as a space for exchange and restoration.

OMMIJ Means Healing

Derived from Dutch terms emphasizing self-focus, OMMIJ promotes unity; the method empowers through plant knowledge and structured care, backed by a substantial team and consistent outcomes.