Beckley Retreats has recorded a threefold increase in C-suite attendees since launching in 2021, with 60% of guests reporting burnout symptoms. Now, a new four-night programme has been introduced to make the retreats more accessible. Olivia Palamountain reports

Beckley Retreats, which operates legally regulated psychedelic wellness programmes, has reported a significant increase in attendees from high-pressure sectors including corporate leadership, mental health professionals and executives.

Since launching in 2021, the number of entrepreneurs and corporate professionals joining retreats has doubled year on year, with a threefold increase in C-suite attendees.

The company has responded by launching a new four-night programme designed to be more accessible in terms of cost and time commitment whilst maintaining a comprehensive approach.Neil Markey, co-founder of Beckley Retreats and former McKinsey consultant, says: "We've seen a clear rise in demand from people navigating high-pressure roles and major life transitions – 60% of our guests report some type of burnout symptoms. These are individuals who give so much to their work and communities, leaving little time for themselves. Our programmes offer an opportunity for them to reset, learn some new habits and find relief from the symptoms of burnout. In fact we will soon be publishing more research on burnout, in collaboration with our research partners at Yale and Harvard."Over the past four years, Beckley Retreats has welcomed over 70% of guests from high-performance or purpose-driven roles including executives, clinicians, educators and creatives. Nearly 10% of guests are C-suite leaders working in finance, technology and law, seeking what the company terms "decision-fatigue resets". One in four guests are professionals in healthcare or coaching fields.

Markey continues: "We've seen significant growth in professional diversity: in 2022, 60% of our guests came from health-related fields; by 2025, half now come from leadership, business and creative sectors, expanding Beckley's reach beyond the wellness echo-chamber."

The company has also seen an increase in attendees aged over 65 seeking personal growth and embracing wellbeing as part of their post-retirement journey. Participants come from over 25 countries, with 35% from Europe and 55% from North America.

Based on decades of research from the Beckley Foundation and under the guidance of its late founder Amanda Feilding, Beckley Retreats combines contemplative practices with psilocybin. The immersive experience includes comprehensive pre- and post-retreat integration with group workshops, one-to-one facilitator calls, journaling and exercises, plus an introduction to key wellbeing practices.

The company offers four and five-night retreat programmes across two locations in the Netherlands – the De Hoorneboeg retreat centre and Venwoude retreat centre – as well as Good Hope in Jamaica. Each retreat is small-group and highly supported, designed to offer an intimate environment with a high facilitator-to-participant ratio. Retreats take place in groups of 10 to 15 people in peaceful, secluded estates. Read more about the Beckley Retreat experience here.

During ceremonies, participants consume psilocybin through tea, with ceremonies facilitated by therapists, physicians and musicians lasting approximately six hours.

Markey adds: "The power of these experiences lies in their ability to open new pathways. They create a window of neuroplasticity and increased potential for change, and if you make a conscious effort to change the way you think and build some new habits, you can make the positive change stick. Our guests report feeling better – more energy, more connected. More moments of gratitude and awe. 88% of our guests say their experience with us was one of the most meaningful experiences of their lives."Prices start from US$3,000 per person, based on a four-night programme in the Netherlands. The price includes all pre and post programming, all lodging, locally sourced health-conscious menus and airport transfers, but not flights.