Change Your Perception, Change Your World
Why Bluestone?
We formed Bluestone Ayahuasca to be of service and make a difference. We’re advocates of personal transformation as the way to greater consciousness and a better world. Now is the time; the earth and humanity is at a tipping point. The old paradigm based on disunity and a consciousness of fear has run its course and an era permeated by the frequency of unconditional unity and a consciousness driven by the heart is on the horizon. Step up and take your place with others across the globe who are in the vanguard of efforts to usher in the new age of higher consciousness –and the only way to do that is to be that higher consciousness in thought, word and deed. Ayahuasca is not the only tool for this work but it IS one of the most effective for healing the wounds that hold you back from radiating that higher frequency. Personal experience has taught us that if you authentically commit to taking your consciousness to the next level, the universe wholeheartedly supports your efforts. Doors open; the challenges and the tools you need appear.
“We have been to the moon, we have charted the depths of the ocean and the heart of the atom, but we have a fear of looking inward to ourselves because we sense that is where all the contradictions flow together.”
– Terence McKenna
Intentions: Yours and Ours
It is not our place to convince you to take Ayahuasca; that is between you and your spirit. Only you know if this medicine is the tool for you at this time. But if you feel the call to work with this master plant, our intention is to create the space where you can do so privately and with absolute safety. We offer a place free of distraction, energetically sustained and contained; a beautiful space woven into the sustaining energies of Mother Nature. Our Ayahuasca is prepared by Shipibo medicine men from whom we personally collect it and hand-carry it to Mexico. We do this to sustain our connection to the medicine and preserve its integrity.
“Change is inevitable; transformation is a choice. Make the choice”
Who Are We?
You’re in Good Hands
We are a family, a tribe of the soul. We work in English and in Spanish. The founder of Bluestone is an American who has lived over 40 years in Latin America. She worked with Ayahuasca in both Peru and Mexico for her personal healing for 13 years before creating Bluestone seven years ago. Her personal work continues for as she says, “opening the door to this work for others is a sacred commitment which includes never halting work on yourself”. She speaks your language and with many of you ,she shares a culture. Bluestone co-founder and medicine giver hails from Veracruz, Mexico. She is focused and committed, an intuitive and gifted healer with years of experience. Our resident Man of Fire/Aguila de Fuego is a youth carrying the wisdom and consciousness of an elder with an uncanny connection to the element of fire. Each member of the Bluestone team returns periodically to Peru to work with the Shipibo, the Amazonian culture whose principal medicine is Ayahuasca, in order to strengthen their connection with the plant and continue their personal work. Two other healers skilled in diverse healing modalities are brought into every retreat to broaden and deepen your work with the medicine. The Bluestone team take the medicine with you; they are there for you and on call at all times. They know what it means to go through a process and are good companions for this journey. Whether you’re a novice or experienced taker of medicina, you’re in good hands.
What to Expect When You Take Ayahuasca
There’s no way to tell you what to expect, not really. Think of it as an exploration of your true self. Ayahuasca brings on a state of profound introspection while dropping the barriers between your conscious and subconscious mind. This enables you to observe the structures, perceptions and belief systems with which you generate your body, your life, your reality. What you experience is the manifestation of your own energies, emotions and experiences; so as each individual is unique, his or her experience with Ayahuasca is as well. No two people have the same experience although the process is similar.
We ask that you come with a lot of good will, a dash of flexibility and a sincere desire to change. Good will and flexibility are indispensable companions for any foray into new territory, and taking Ayahuasca for the first time, at least initially, feels like moving into the unknown. Flexibility keeps things flowing and a sincere desire to change is the motivation that’ll bring it all together for you.
“Vines and trees will teach you that which you will never learn from masters..”
– Bernard de Clairvaux
Why a Week Retreat?
A good question. Why not pop down for the weekend, take a single ceremony and go home?
The answer is that any ‘ah ha’ moment you experience during that one ceremony will probably
vanish with the morning mist. Work an entire week, take Ayahuasca three times, receive additional, complementary therapies designed to deepen your experience with the medicine, and get the clarity needed to integrate the ‘ah ha’ moments. Integration is about a change in perception and unconditional self-responsibility. It’s about acceptance and gratitude and unquestioned trust. Most of us need time and guidance. Trust yourself, trust the Universe and listen to your heart. Vibrate at ever-higher frequencies and …awaken.
“This is the shamanic dance in the waterfall. This is how the magic is done. By hurling yourself into the abyss and discovering it’s a feather bed.”
– Terence McKenna
Why Cancun and the Riviera Maya?
The cultures of Mexico and South America have been working with sacred plant medicines for eons. To them we owe our awareness of their unique healing properties. Medicine men and women of wide experience and deep training are found here. Some are natives working within their own cultural traditions, others apprentice with native medicine men. La Medicina is a calling and a way of life and yet another element unique to these lands. On a more pedestrian note, Cancun and the Riviera Maya are close, easy-to-reach destinations for Americans and Canadians, millions of whom visit each year: to them, Mexico is the foreign country that’s not so foreign. The Cancun International Airport receives scheduled flights from major cities across Canada, the US and western Europe. Services are second to none, the roads are great and the people, wonderful. And finally, there’s the primordial healing energies of the jungle with the Caribbean Sea as dazzling backdrop.
Bluestone Jungle Venue
As of May 2024, Bluestone Ayahuasca Retreats is moving to a new jungle venue. We feel the rich,
diverse energies of the jungle are deeply conducive to working with plant medicine, especially
Ayahuasca. The land teems with life and its nurturing support is a palpable presence as we work the
medicine. The air vibrates with birdsong, monkeys fly through the trees and the light of a million stars
brighten the night.
Our jungle venue features a maloca (dedicated ceremonial space), temazcal, swimming pool, dining
room, and plenty of open space to commune with yourself and the elements. Guest rooms are
beautifully appointed and fitted with air-conditioning, ceiling fans, ensuite bathrooms, and free wifi.
Retreat Dates, Package Details & Booking
Cancellation Policy: Once a registrant has arrived at the retreat site, there are no refunds for any reason. If a registrant cancels prior to arrival, we make a full refund of all money paid up to that moment.
What Your Package Includes:
- Three Ayahuasca ceremonies
- Rapé [rap-PAY], another sacred medicine, offered at all ceremonies
- Two private sessions with healers of different modalities
- Shamanic Drum Meditation [to promote crafting of intention]
- Two Temazcal Therapies (sweat lodge).
- Three Body Movement and Grounding Sessions
- Integration Sessions the day after every ceremony
- Homemade vegetarian meals (NOT vegan and modification for medical purposes only)
- Fresh fruit available at all times
- Unlimited purified bottled water
- Unlimited use of the retreat venue facilities and grounds
- Lodging (double occupancy)
- Guest rooms have air-conditioning, ceiling fans and private bathrooms
- Free wifi
- Access to the team at all times
- Free transportation airport-venue-airport. Timeframes apply. Arrivals: your plane must be on the ground by 12pm for our free 2pm shuttle and by 3pm for our free 5pm shuttle. Departures: single shuttle leaving the venue for the airport at 10am. NOTE: If you can’t make the landing times, we schedule a shuttle for you at a cost of 50 USD. This is the cost of the shuttle and if there are others, we group you so you may share the cost. Payment is given to the driver directly.
OPTIONAL ACTIVITY. Ask us.
- *Sessions with Bufo Alvarius
Package does NOT include:
-
Airfare from your city of origin to the Cancun International Airport
-
Any souvenirs or merchandise you purchase while in Mexico
-
Meals outside the retreat site
-
Any activities, tours, travel you engage before or after the conclusion of the retreat
-
Anything not specifically listed above in the included list
Note: If you have any doubts, ask us!
Note: Retreats are normally limited to 12 persons so everyone gets the attention he or she needs. If you have a group or are coming with spouse or child or other situation, contact us for options.
FAQ
What is Bluestone Ayahuasca?
Bluestone Ayahuasca Retreats is a group of people individuals with a minimum of 12 years experience working with Ayahuasca for personal healing prior to creating Bluestone as a vehicle for retreats 7 years ago, so we’ve 19 years working with sacred plant medicine. Our purpose is to offer a safe, energetically-sustained environment, authentic medicine prepared by indigenous Amazonian medicine families, comfortable accommodation, healthy food, private healing sessions and a series of group activities designed to intensify your work with Ayahuasca.
Is Bluestone Ayahuasca a Resort?
No. Bluestone Ayahuasca Retreats take place at two venues, one is an intimate boutique hotel in
the jungle that caters to the medicine community and rents us the entire property for our monthly
retreats. This sweet little property is equipped with a maloca, temazcal, dining al fresco, and the
sounds and fragrances of the jungle. Our waterfront venue is a privately owned villa whose owner
generously carried out structural modifications to our specifications rendering it ideal for our
purposes. Both venues offer stunning natural settings, privacy, peace, and comfort. We offer no
tours, no jaunts to the beach or the crafts market. There are no on-site shops, no restaurants–all
meals are catered by the culinary wizards of the Bluestone team. Every aspect of our retreats and
every retreat activity is designed to support and deepen your inner work with Ayahuasca. Think of us
as a high-end Ayahuasca Boot Camp.
What is Bluestone’s cancellation policy?
We are one of a kind! We give you a full refund of all monies paid as long as you cancel PRIOR to getting on our airport shuttle and/or prior to arriving at the retreat venue
Do you offer other medicines in addition to Ayahuasca at the retreat?
Our mission is healing and our principal medicine is Ayahuasca which we complement with Rape
(raPAY), a medicine given upon demand and offered at the start of every ceremony. Our medicine
giver is a Bufo Alvarius Master trained in Sonora by the indigenous tribe whose ancestral medicine is
Bufo. Given we’ve a Master on site and knowing that Bufo and Ayahuasca share a principal active
ingredient and can therefore be considered compatible medicine, we offer a day-long Bufo session
as an ‘add-on’, which means it is NOT included in the retreat package price. Bufo is the ONLY
item/service at the retreat that is not included in the retreat package price. Your experience at the
retreat is in no way diminished should you choose to sit out the Bufo session.
Do you offer Ayahuasca ceremonies or other medicines outside retreat dates?
Yes! We offer single, one-night Ayahuasca ceremonies for groups, Bufo Alvarius for single individuals or small
groups, and temazcals for single persons or small groups outside our retreat dates. Please contact us for details.
What is the size of your groups?
We keep retreats to 14 or less so that everyone gets the attention and/or help each needs or wants.
What kind of diet do we follow during the retreat?
We follow a vegetarian, NOT vegan diet. Our meals are prepared from vegetables, fruits, grains, and
nuts. No lactose, wheat, animal protein, onion, garlic, or chiles—with a few exceptions. Eggs appear
at most breakfasts and we do serve fish or shellfish at the Closing Dinner although a vegetarian
option is available for this final celebratory meal; you need only advise us in advance. We do NOT
cater to food preferences, likes, and dislikes but we do work with those who have food allergies or
any medical reason for asking for modifications to the house diet. Again, we must be advised in
advance.
What about the issue of medications?
Important issue. We take our work seriously and our participants’ safety is a priority. We are not MDs; we are ayahuasqueros, those who work with a non-toxic plant called Ayahuasca. We make a determined effort to insure you’re able to participate in our retreats and have a life-changing experience at absolutely no risk to yourself. During the pre-retreat video chat with Sharon, this subject is explored.
Having a physical impediment or medical issue is RARELY an impediment to working with Ayahuasca—a few precautions may come into play for those with high blood pressure, diabetes, allergies, etc. HOWEVER certain medications are NOT compatible with Ayahuasca and the major category of ‘no fly’ medications for Ayahuasca are anti-depressants. Those taking medications on the ‘no-fly’ list are asked to wean off the medication and be off it for two weeks prior to the start of the retreat. A few exceptions apply. Unfortunately, persons with a history of mental illness, those who have experienced a psychotic break, had suicidal thoughts, been diagnosed bi-polar or schizophrenic and anyone under psychiatric care are not candidates for plant medicine, not at our retreats. Again, some exceptions apply. We know our limitations and we care about you. If you’ve any doubts about where you stand with this issue, please get in touch and let’s talk. NO obligation, ever.
Is it true that menstruating woman are not allowed into ceremonies?
Many indigenous tribes have taboos around menstruating women. They are considered ‘unclean’ or capable of attracting or generating dark energies. While we respect the cultural beliefs of all peoples, we do NOT hold with that belief. The feminine energy of a woman on her ‘luna’ is at it’s maximum expression so we do help menstruating women harmonize their feminine and masculine energies before entering a ceremony.
How do I prepare for the retreat?
There is ALOT of information out there about the ‘Ayahuasca Diet’ and the proper ‘prep’ for a ceremony or
retreat with multiple ceremonies. Few items are absolutely anathema to the medicine and taking on
draconian changes to one’s diet is stressful to most people so our pre-retreat dietary modifications
are kept to a minimum that eliminates only foods that could have a considerable negative impact on
anyone planning to work with Ayahuasca. We require you avoid alcohol, recreational drugs, red
meat or pork for 10 days to a week prior and no sex for three days prior. Avoid seriously spicy and/or
greasy food and reduce your intake of salt and refined sugar (that which you add to your food) for a
a week before coming. Notice we say REDUCE, not avoid completely, And (sorry folks) no coffee for
as many days as it takes you to go through caffeine withdrawal so you’re not dealing with headaches
at the retreat (caffeine withdrawal symptoms typically last 3 days). It may surprise you to know that
we avoid coffee principally because it’s acidic, not because it contains caffeine. Ayahuasca is also
acidic so we’re going for as little acidity in the diet as possible.
Do I have to participate in every activity?
We ask participates to commit wholeheartedly to the week’s activities, no matter how they are feeling in a given moment. Each activity moves you forward and is included for a reason. You’ll get out of the week what you put into it. And we’re there every step of the way
Do your retreat venues have wifi?
Yes, we do! However, we ask that participants stay off their phones and other devices connected to the internet as much as possible. We’re going through another type of connection entirely—one with your inner self—and the pull and potentially negative energy of the internet is not conducive to such a connection.
Can I take a tour on the days we’re not taking Ayahuasca?
No. Your energetic fields are wide open when working with plant medicine; being in crowds would be unsettling and could adversely affect your work with the plant. Equally important is the strong energetic bond generated by the participants and that dynamic would suffer by people coming and going. And finally, on most days you’ll have something on your agenda
Do you accept special requests not on the retreat program such as scheduling a massage, ordering flowers or a fruit basket for my room?
No. Mounting a retreat every three weeks is a massive undertaking. We are a small team and each of us has our area of influence and specific tasks to complete prior to the retreat in
addition to getting ourselves packed and our homes prepped for our week’s absence. We simply do not have the resources or the time to undertake personal shopping. And the reason we cannot book services at a moment’s notice that are not already in the program–such as a massage—is because trying to find a therapist available on the fly is NOT matter of one phone call. Then we’d have to tweak an already full schedule to find time for the service and that is a nightmare that if done, throws everything off and affects everybody. We have a program, we stick to it Thank you for understanding
May I bring a support person with me who will not be participating in the retreat?
I’m sorry, that’s a ‘NO’. Principally because our space is limited and we cannot rationalize giving a space to someone not working with the medicine (Ayahuasca).
Are single rooms available and at what cost?
The answer is ‘no’ for the oceanfront villa retreats because space is limited to 12 participants, double occupancy, and for the same reason we don’t allow ‘support’/non-participating guests. We have a waiting list for every retreat and do not feel it is right to leave a space empty when there are people eager to work with the medicine and asking for a place. However, there is a possibility of a single room at our jungle retreat venue and we ask you to get in touch with us to explain how that works and the additional cost to a participant that would be involved.
Do you offer suggestions for hotel recommendations for people arriving early?
Rarely. As residents of the area where we hold our retreats, we don’t keep abreast of the hotel market. Rooms may be rented prior to the start of our JUNGLE retreats at the venue itself. Participants arriving a day or two early may book a room and pay for it directly to the venue. If you are interested, please get in touch with us for contact information.
What airport do I fly into? Does Bluestone provide transportation from the airport to the venue and back to the airport?
You fly into the Cancun International Airport. We provide two complimentary shuttles from the airport to the venue on the first day of the retreats and a single free shuttle from the venue back to the airport on the last day of each retreat. Scheduling times apply. Get in touch with us for details or check out the info provided in the section “What’s Included” on this website.
Why do you request I download into my mobile the smart phone app, WhatsApp?
The Bluestone team uses WhatsApp to communicate with each other, with the staff and our drivers; and the drivers use it to communicate with you and you with them. We leave nothing to chance! And finally, it’s the way you and we can ask/answer questions and field updates in real-time. We are aware some folks have issues with this app but we’ve adopted it because it’s the messaging app most used in our region of Mexico. It is imperative for the retreat—we must be able to communicate with each other using a common app. Thank you for complying.
How does the week play out?
Briefly, the FIRST DAY is for arrival, room assignment, orientation and the Opening Dinner. The SECOND day is a drum meditation focused on intention followed by the first of two temazcals (sweat lodge therapy) followed by our first Ayahuasca ceremony at night. The THIRD day starts with a body movement/grounding class (lots of music and fun!), personal therapy sessions begin and integration is just before dinner. The rest of the week follows a similar format. Ayahuasca
ceremonies are every second day and always at night, and the optional Bufo session is held during the day of the third and final Ayahuasca ceremony
Testimonials
I remember sitting in a coffee shop 3 months ago researching ayahuasca retreats, devouring websites and reviews, just hoping that I’d be called to one. It wasn’t until I found myself sobbing in public, reading the reviews about the profound experiences that people were sharing about Bluestone and the common thread throughout each – the love and appreciation everyone had for Sharon, Sandra and Ino. My review will fail miserably at relaying the appropriate amount of gratitude that I now have for each of those three people, but also Virgin, Alysha, Sofia, Moises, Mary, Celia and Vicki, who make these weeks happen for people like me. You have changed my life. You gave me the space, wisdom and medicine that showed me who I am, where I came from and what I’m being called to do. I firmly believe that we are called to this medicine and to this work when we are ready, and the greatest gift you can give yourself in this process is the intention to be open and receiving of WHATEVER lessons are meant for you. I feel that it is in that surrender, I healed and understood more in those 8 days, than the years of traditional talk therapy, self-help books, anti-anxiety and depression medicine. I felt and heard the frequency of LOVE and HEALING, rattle and reverberate through every cell in my body. I lovingly gave back the memories of my ancestors that didn’t belong to me. I found so much joy in watching others processes unfold during ceremony, I witnessed and felt that same loving and healing energy spread throughout the collective. I experienced the medicine of music and dancing, the sacredness of holding space for ourselves and others. The understanding that we signed a contract for this lifetime, these were the lessons we agreed to, that we are our own healers and protectors. That everything is PERFECT and nothing lasts forever! Being able to shine light on the darkness within ourselves, offering those emotions love and compassion, gave me a whole new perspective on my trauma. A rebirth – the gift that is Mother Ayahuasca! And Bufo – omg, if you are called to it during your time at the retreat. My goodness. If Ayahuasca is the rebirth, Bufo is the death, and what a beautiful thing death is. I’ll NEVER forget the deep inhale and the awareness I felt, slipping into the Universe, being OF the Universe. The sacred geometry was my essence, the song of my essence. It was pure joy, pure love, pure light. I was EVERYTHING and NOTHING. I am EVERYTHING and NOTHING. The code I was given by Sandra was balance, and I LAUGHED! She said my essence knows balance, my essence IS BALANCE – my soul chose this life because it was curious about an imbalanced life. The irony and the gift. Sharon, I love you – a mother figure and bright light in this world. SO full of wisdom, so giving and compassionate. Beyond grateful to have reunited in this life. Sandra – you are magic. What a gifted healer, medicine woman, warrior and divine feminine – a true honor to know you and be blessed by you. Ino – the future, the embodiment of the divine masculine. Thank you for the gift of fire, of your energy, wisdom and love. I can’t submit this review without extending THE MOST LOVE AND LIGHT to our tribe – the Hummingbird Race Tribe! To sign up for this retreat, you are also signing up for a new family and I couldn’t be more grateful to have shared this experience and space with our special group of 7. My love to you all. Thank you, Bluestone. You are part of me forever.
The simplest way I can put it is that this week changed my life. Without a doubt. It was my first time doing aya or any psychedelic for that matter, and I knew from my first call with Sharon that this was where I was meant to go. Once I was there, I knew it was where I was meant to be. The week is perfectly crafted to give you plenty of space and time to integrate and connect with the others there and also with yourself. The focus really is on the medicine and your healing. The first temazcal, the morning movement sessions the day after ceremony, the three ceremonies during the week, the tarot reading, the session with Sandra, the meals, the room assignments, the energy of it all. It is all a part of it and without any of these pieces, my week would not have been the same. It was just what I needed and I didn’t know that, but they did. The ceremony and the work with the medicine itself is stunning. The ceremony, space, and our caretakers were all so beautiful and sacred. I always felt safe and loved, even when I was in some hard processes during the night. Thank you, thank you, thank you for creating this space, this retreat, and for giving me space to heal and come home to myself. My life will never look the same. If I were to do aya again (and I will!) I would ONLY do it with Bluestone, hands down. Gracias por mi vida! <3
I am filled with deep gratitude for the beautiful souls of Sharon, Sandra, and Ino as I embarked on the journey of a lifetime. I have gained so much insight on how to live a richer, fuller life by loving myself and cherishing the smallest moments of joy while honoring our precious Mother Earth. I laughed, I cried, I vomited, I even shit my pants. And at times it was so dang hard I wanted to quit. But then once I got to the other side I finally connected. I now know what life is all about. I will cherish little things that bring me joy and those I love like never before. If you’re ready to do the work, I highly recommend the quiet and intimate groups that Bluestone provides.
This has been the most impactful life changing one week I have experienced. My sister had done Ayahuasca retreats in the past and had given me an idea of what to expect. My first ceremony I didn’t really feel anything or had any revelations so I was kinda resentful but then the 2nd ceremony I took more medicine and she (Aya) showed me everything. It was intense but in a growth way, in a good way.
I loved the presence of all 3 facilitators, Sharon was lovely, a motherly presence and had lovely singing and goes out of the way to help you. She is a very kind and gentle soul. Sandra and Eno were so gentle and tender and had so much love and healing to give with no judgment. Their touch just puts you at ease. They look at yoy with so much love radiating from them. If I ever do medicine again, I always want to work with Sandra and Eno. I loved the music Marshall created and shared with everyone. He was very intuitive and knew when to sing what song, it really helped me with my journey and spoke to me on a deep level. They stay with you till the end, they don’t abandon you. We all start and finish the journey together. They will go out of their way to help you. The fire at the end of each ceremony was such a celebration of joy that I will always cherish forever.
We got so close with everyone in the retreat. I liked the small group size. We were 10 participants. There was so much genuine hugging and love and nothing but support for each other. There were no clique, we were and are literally a family. My most life changing experience was with Bufo. I highly reccomend everyone to try it once. It answered all my questions. I had gone to the retreat seeking purpose, satisfaction with my life, how to change my life for the better and break free from my own mental shackles. I gained the insight that there is nowhere to be and nothing to do but love those around me like my own family, like my own mother. And be free and be at ease and to not worry about other people’s judgment. Just follow my heart and be considerate of others. Be tender with them. Make eye contact and be gentle and loving. I saw the truth of what we all truly are and its just overwhelming feeling of love and freedom like you feel at childhood. Unconditional.
Everyone around me was journalling and working on themselves. That inspired me to do the same. And I will keep journalling, meditating, connecting deeply with people and always remembering the lessons of this week to keep it fresh and propel me to my changed perception of life.
The food was so good. I am already a vegetarian and they had different fresh fruits juices served with ever meal and put in so much effort for the food in my opinion. There were hammocks and a pool to relax in our downtime.
The temzcals were such an enthralling experience. Especially the 2nd one when it was dark outside in the mist and fire. And the music was the best part. There was so much beautiful musical instruments and talented players and the dancing all put you in the zone. Also all the ceremonies felt so real. It was an amazing experience.
We also had a massage which was the best massage I have ever had in my whole life. He knew where all your knots were and got everything out. And the tarot session was also good. And Sandra was great at providing guidance. She knew what everyone needed. Her energy was amazing.
The staff that work there also were super kind. They would break fresh coconut from the trees and share with us. They seemed happy and kind and helpful.
All in all, I feel super happy with the week spent at Bluestone, I gained a new family and a new perspective on life. I feel like I may be back to try Bufo again someday. Love & hugs.
It’s really quite difficult to put into words a review that does this retreat justice. I’ll begin by saying, Sharon, Sandra and Ino are the most kind, beautiful, loving souls you will ever meet. Their mission to heal others and create unity, compassion and love for all humanity will certainly change this world. The amount of trust that I felt from the very beginning of my journey was magical. I pushed myself to travel outside of my comfort zone and it is by far, the best thing I have ever done. The amount of self-love, confidence and love for others that I left with, will change and elevate my life forever! The connections made and love for the other beautiful souls that I shared this space with was unexpected but also life changing. Everyone had their own journey but in that sacred circle, we were all ONE. I will carry all of their hearts with me for a lifetime and I’m so grateful for each and everyone one of them for listening intently and loving unconditionally. Ōmeteōtl.
This retreat is one of the best I have ever attended. Sandra, Sharon and Ino make an amazing team that holds a safe, powerful container. If considering an authentic, transformative experience, I highly recommend Bluestone!
I have journeyed with several medicine servers. Never have I met a more proficient, powerful team of space holders as Sandra, Ino and Sharon. Their synergy is beautiful and I feel completely safe sitting in ceremony with them. I have attended 3 of their retreats over the years; each retreat brings new insights, homework, healing, and life-long friendships. The schedule honors the medicine and everyone’s process. So glad I found Bluestone! If you’re considering a retreat with them, rest assured: you are in very capable hands.
As a first-timer, I attended this Bluestone retreat with no expectations. There was no better place I could have picked. The genuine love and humility of the team – Sharon, Sandra, Ino, and Virgin – made this challenging experience a profound opportunity for contemplation and healing. It attracted like-minded participants, everyone in the cohort was there for the same reasons. The accommodations were comfortable, the meals were good, and the connections were real. There is no price that can be put on being supported by this talented, intuitive, and deeply compassionate group of retreat leaders. I almost do not want to leave this review so I can keep this amazing place a secret (and make sure I can get a spot whenever I want to return!). Ōmeteōtl!
This retreat shone the clear light of clarity on my path. The ayahuasca experience was extraordinary, but the Bufo experience was more than even that—I will never be the same because of it. It created a profound realignment with the Truth. If you are ready to go all the way, this is one way. I was ready, and I will always be grateful for this experience, to have been met fully by the remarkable team assembled at Bluestone. Sharon, all thanks for the remarkable patience and capacity to handle everything. I know you are a teacher and that your generosity of spirit allowed you to expand even further to take on all the details of actually making these events happen. Thank you. So many have benefited. You say you want to make this experience available to ‘your’ people—Anglos. As such a person, I express my deepest gratitude. Ino, as Sandra says, you embody the new masculine. I see this, your deep still Truth, and I also want to say, I hear you. I understand the language you sometimes speak (“You are my nothing, and nothing is forever”). I know this language—saying everything at once. Rarely have I ever heard anyone else who can speak it. Sandra, the truest Curandera. I barely have words for the depth of my gratitude. I will never, ever forget you. You have cleared my path, removed obstructions. It was one of the greatest gifts of my life—to journey with you during the time we had. Never have I seen anyone weave through world as you do. You have my respect, admiration, and love for all time. Thank you. Te amo.
Going to Bluestone retreat was one of the best decisions of my life and the best transformational experience I got in my spiritual journey so far. Ayahuasca is such a powerful healing plant that I had not even a closer idea about it. You will only know when you experience it because with our limited human mind, we can’t even process it’s healing abilities. Sandra, Ino, Sharon are so powerful that I can’t even explain that in words. They will make you heard, seen and understands you and you will always feel safe with them. I have so much gratitude for Sandra, Ino and Sharon for this beautiful opportunity and for doing all this work in order to make this world a better place yet again. It’s such a life changing experience. My heart is filled with so much love for Sandra, Ino, Sharon and everyone who was there to assist and for all the participants and to the world. It’s a ripple effect at Bluestone. Love just flows from there and extends out to the world. We had 3 medicine ceremonies amd each one was unique in experience and very powerful. It’s time to wake up and start doing the work if we need to change ourselves and the ultimately the world. Change starts with us. I’m so grateful to Universe for this beautiful opportunity that came into my life. I discovered my love for Lord Shiva and music. I got more clarity on who I am and probably my purpose in this lifetime. I’m definitely going back very soon to discover more about myself and my path. Cheers to life! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Simran G
Life changing. In the best and most beautiful way possible. The attention and care and sincerity that Sandra, Sharon and Ino put into every ceremony and every single moment of this experience, it is truly astounding. Everything was incredibly immersive and safe and real – down to my core and my essence, that I am still in awe of what I was able to find here. If you’re feeling the call for Ayahuasca, I wholeheartedly recommend answering it at Bluestone.
How do you review an experience that changes your life in such profound ways? All I can say is if you’re on the fence about Ayahuasca, get off the fence and do it. The Bluestone team Sharon, Sandra, Ino, and Alysha are the most amazing guides and teachers. All truly gifted people. If you’re willing to do some personal work, Ayahuasca is an incredible teacher. My life is forever changed in good ways. Already planning to next trip to Bluestone!
Choosing Bluestone was one of the best decisions I’ve made in my life. Everyone (Sharon, Sandra, Ino, Virgen, Sofi) was instrumental in helping me to advance along life’s path. Bluestone is highly recommended and I will no doubt return for a future retreat. It seems silly to mention money, but this was excellent value for the financial investment. They are caring professionals who constantly strive to make this world a better place. Long live the hummingbird race! As Sandra says, “Your mind and body are Free – Breathe! Drink water. And drink more medicine.” The greatest of missions begins with a single step, and you’re about to take it. Congratulations!
The beautiful humans that run this retreat are the essence of love. You will be pushed outside of your comfort zone in order to get out of your head and into your heart. The experience of Ayahausca was very different for each of people in the ceremony and it was magical. I personally did a lot of inner engineering work prior to this retreat so my first ceremony was blissed out. I got exactly what I came for and forever grateful for Sharon, Sandra, Inno, and Charley.
My time was cut short due to a family medical emergency so I didn’t get to explore as much as I intended but the universe always has its own plans for us.
If you’re looking for a truly authentic Ayahuasca experience in the jungle this is the spot.
It’s important to realize that you’re in the jungle without traditional plumbing, electricity, or air conditioning. There is off grid accommodations but don’t assume you’re checking into a 4 start hotel.
Overall this place is magical and something I will never forget.
I came to this retreat thinking I knew what to expect. That idea or thought shattered after the first ceremony. I came out of this retreat getting what I never knew I needed and I will forever be grateful. Now it’s time to remake my life and fight for what is truly important. The hard work is still to come.
All I can say about the people here is unconditional love. There mission is truly to help humanity open their eyes. We came to this retreat as strangers and we left with so much lover for each other, we became a family.
I have participated now in (2) Bluestone Ayahuasca retreats. I am very aware and awake spiritually and participate to enhance my energetics and expand my consciousness. The advanced spirituality of the Bluestone team establishes the foundation for the most productive energetic experience that I am aware of to date. The Bluestone venue is extremely powerful and the perfect setting for such a advanced journey. The meals are amazing and the servers and cooks are very proper energetically as well. The ceremony were literally out of this world.
The Bluestone retreat is for anyone that is looking for massive change in their consciousness, life etc. This retreat is not for people that are not serious and just want to sit in the jungle for a week. If you go you will work hard and your life will positively change in way you can not even imagine at this point.
I will be attending another retreat and want to thank Bluestone for their gift to humanity.
My review of little known Bluestone Retreat.– Bluestone knocks it out of the park.
OK, so this was my first experience with Ayahuasca. I searched all over Reddit, Google, etc and finally settled on Arkana Sacred Valley. I scheduled and paid for the retreat, then the coup started, so I had to rethink where I was going to go. I couldn’t find a retreat that was available, so I was going to go to Kentucky, Peaceful Mountain Way. Then, about 3 weeks out Sharon (from Bluestone) contacts me and says they just had an opening and wanted to know if I’d be interested in attending. I told her yes and immediately started working on flights, pre and post retreat stays, etc.
OK, so now for the retreat. There are 3 main people who hold the Ceremonies. Sandra is the medicine woman (Shaman), Ino (Eagle of Fire/Fireman) and he’s also a medicine man, and Sharon. Sharon is a Jack of all trades. She organizes, participates, and she’s like a mentor/therapist for everyone.
I’m a skeptic by nature. I wasn’t sure what to expect. I was sure there’d be a lot of hippie mumbo jumbo, I was sure it was all about the money, I was sure it wasn’t going to be what I’d read online, Let me be the first to tell you I was absolutely WRONG about all of it. These people are absolutely amazing people. The amount of love they have to give, the time they spent with us, the teachings, the healings. I haven’t been to another retreat, but I can’t imagine there’s another retreat worth going to.
Sharon is absolutely wonderful. She’s American born, and moved to South America in the 80s. Her Spanish is excellent. She manages the bookings, and the organization of the retreat (with an assistant I never actually met). She sleeps on site with us. She eats with us. She’s got a great personality, full of humor, full of love. She looks at you like nothing you’ve done in the past matters. The only thing that matters is today. And you feel that when you’re around her. I’d do anything I could to make her life easier. She’s an incredible woman, and she brings so much to the table, in the way of experience, enlightenment, happiness. She’s an older woman, yet somehow she’s able to relate and connect to everyone who was there. From 19 years old to 70. She has the peaceful way about her, this understanding of what you’re going through. And a way of letting you know that you’re gonna be alright in the end. Just trust the process. And she was right.
Ino is awesome. He’s in his 20s, he’s very young but he’s also very powerful. He doesn’t speak a lick of English, and I don’t speak Spanish, yet we were able to somehow communicate the whole week. He controls the fire when the ceremony is over. He administers the Rape and the Bufo, and he, along with Sharon and Sandra sing the icaros during the ceremony. And when Ino is in ceremony, he goes from a 20 something young guy to an 80 year old shaman. His entire voice changes. I was so skeptical of this young man until we went into ceremony. Ino is the real deal. And I have total trust in his abilities.
And of course, there’s Sandra. This woman…. OMG yall. This woman is something else. She is SOOOO powerful. She’s this tiny little woman that holds the ceremony with so much authority. She’s has so much love, and she was so patient with all of us. She conducts all the Ceremonies, and the integration meetings the following day. When she sings the Icaros, she’s channeling this from the ancestors. You can feel it. The music they play touches you down to your core. And when it’s all said and done, she’s there, checking on everyone. Bringing you back to earth. Again, I was skeptical. By the end of the retreat I told Sandra that if this was 200 years ago, she could easily be mistaken for a goddess. I told her that I had so much reverence for her, and so much respect, and so much trust, that if she told me the only way I could heal was to rob a bank, This woman is the real deal. She is my medicine woman and I will not seek another one.
We also had a moon dancer (Virgin) that would show up just for the Ceremonies. As Sandra, or Sharon, or Ino would sing, she would dance around the Maloca, in pitch dark, never stepping on any of us, never stepping on the unlit fire pit, playing instruments, dancing and singing. Every now and then a second moon dancer would pop up, and I couldn’t figure out where she was coming from. Low and behold, it was Sharon. They danced so in tune with each other. Never getting in each other’s way. Like they were of the same mind. Virgin would also sing her own Icaros, and this woman did things with her voice I didn’t know was possible. I can’t even describe it. I could see these streamers coming from the area she was in while she was singing, streamers of different colors going off in different directions. They represented tones. And she would walk here voice along these streamers and back down, and on to the next, and back out. I literally sat up from laying down to look in her direction, and I said out loud, “Wow, How is this possible? How can someone sing like that?” We watch American idol and think we know what talent is. We have no idea what real talent looks like in America. Everyone of these people should be superstars. And I didn’t understand a word of it. Lol. But I knew what she was singing about. Towards the end Ino joined in and brought his old shaman voice into the fold. Man… It was magic.
They’re all so perfectly in tune, they’re so connected. The music they sing is absolutely incredible. I went to try and find the icaros on YouTube and nothing comes close to what they did in that ceremony. The entire group offered to pay them to record it and send it out to us.
In total we did 3 ayahuasca Ceremonies, 1 bufo ceremony, 2 Temezcals, and 3 integration discussions. The mood went from the first day no one participating in the temezcal because all we could think about was how hot it was, to the last temezcal, we were singing, and smiling, and hugging on each other.
No one will touch you without permission. They will ask first. Sharon will ask for a hug, but if you want a hug from Sandra, you’ll have to ask her. And she gives the best hugs. Sharon and Sandra both give awesome hugs.
I feel like I’m leaving so much out, but there’s so much that happened. Everything about the venue is good. The people who hold it, well…. On a scale of 1 – 10, they’re 100. We had an amazing group with us, but we couldn’t have made the progress we made if it weren’t for Sharon, Ino and Sandra. All of my misgivings in the beginning were shown to be colossally incorrect. They are the real deal. They actually care about you. They live locally and they’re there with us taking cold showers and eating unseasoned food. They’re in the rain with you picking up puke buckets and soggy pillows. And they actually want to help you break through. The staff they hire to run things in the background do a phenomenal job. I’d sacrifice a hot shower any day of the week to be surrounded by the caliber of people I spent a week with at Bluestone in Cancun. I’d volunteer my time to them if I wasn’t 2k miles away. That’s what they mean to me.
So, would I recommend Bluestone Ayahuasca Retreat? I’ll never look for another retreat. Bluestone is my home. That’s where I’ll do any and all Ceremonies in the future. Yes, some retreats are 5 star, with amazing ocean views, and spas, and massages, etc. But, the quality of human beings at Bluestone cannot be surpassed. I will be back; I look forward to the day our paths cross again.
Sharon, Ino and Sandra: anytime you want to visit the Smoky Mountains, make sure to let me know. I’d be happy to show you the beauty we have here, for the beauty you’ve shown me.
I hope this review of Bluestone helps anyone on the fence about where to go. If you need some real shamans with real experience and real love to give, you’ve found your spot. Bluestone knocks it out of the park.
If you are really interested in looking at your life, as it is, as opposed to how you think it is or how it should be, then Ayahuasca is definitely something to consider. Then, you might get a chance to make it into something that is maybe a little more deeply satisfying.
When I decided to experience the Ayahuasca ceremony, I looked around for a place to do it. Although there do seem to be “churches” in the US that are holding Ayahuasca ceremonies, I began to get the feeling that some were overseen by minimally qualified individuals; some seemed to be herding people through these ceremonies like cattle. This included some of the places overseas. I consider myself lucky to have run across Bluestone. I was impressed by what was written as an introduction on their website. After having been there, I was even more impressed by their principle founders/practitioners. They seem very competent, and very representative of the deep tradition that Ayahuasca is part of.
I’m glad I found them. I believe they will take good care of you if you decide to go there. They certainly took good care of me.
BlueStone is the best! Everything was simple and explained well before and while entering the country. There was some waiting time to gather the other guests at the airport but nothing major. The drivers were great and safely got us to the retreat. The amenities are beautiful and safe with fruit trees everywhere. The chefs are unbelievably talented and the food is healthy and delicious. Their body movement classes with Sofi are powerful and relaxing and my time with Marisol was an awakening and boy do I love her for that. The grounds are awesome, full of birds and coconut palms. Truly a beautiful property. But let’s get to it.
There are no words for the gratitude I have for Sandra, Sharron and Ino. These three Healers and there staff helped me save my life and showed me the connection to everything. This is my second retreat with BlueStone and I have been able to heal so many passed traumas with love and empathy. They showed me a path to healing! It is not an easy path but that is the greatest part. I can not wait to face challenges and watch my mind, body and sole work together as one and concur with love. These three healers know exactly what they are doing and are very talented. Know that you are in safe hands and most important healing hands. Trust in them, follow their direction, do every activity, unplug from your phones and be present. Much love to all.
Big Johnny
The King of Love
“Loving, life changing experience”
I experienced more love and support during this retreat than I have my whole life combined. Sandra is a true Healer who was right there guiding me and holding my hand when I needed her. I felt powerful protection from Eno and unconditional love and support from Sharon. The integration sessions felt comforting and supportive and not only gave me the tools to manage and improve the next ceremony, but also to take with me always. I will be bonded with the whole group forever!
“PROFOUND EXPERIENCE”
I came to Bluestone for my first Ayahuasca experience – wanting an authentic ceremonial connection. That is exactly what I received. Words cannot really describe how much gratitude I have for the care and safety I felt throughout my journey. Sandra and Ino are true medicine healers that hold immense wisdom and display the most profound unconditional love. We went to their last Oceanfront retreat and already intend on returning to the Jungle retreat to re-connect and continue deepening into our healing journey.
Truly a life changing experience that we will never forget.
“Letting go in the jungle”
The bluestone team is fabulous. They are all so loving, kind and patient. Unbelievable experience! Thank you thank you thank you!
“Best Week ever!!!”
I had been in a rut for many years and felt trapped in a cage. I knew I needed to do something different and felt like Bluestone could be the answer. I found it was absolutely the answer for me. It has created an incredible new beginning for me and broken me out from that cage and burned it to the ground. There was so much healing, learning, understanding and bonding. Life is good again. Thank you Sandra, Ino and Bluestone.
I’m truly thankful for my experience at Bluestone! It was the ideal way to do mother Ayahuasca for the first 3 times! I would highly recommend this retreat to anyone interested in doing ayahuasca! Thank you Sharon, Sandra and Ino and the whole staff. My perspective on life will never be the same!
“Breathe and Live”
I was safe, loved, and cared for. The three leaders are skilled and full of passion. The house staff is talented and fed us well.
I returned with a lighter mind and fuller heart. I am so grateful for being able to feel this gift of bliss and connection with my internal power. I realize now it has always been there and will always be there. This experience awakened me to the true self in which GOD made me before it all got complicated. Bluestone allowed me to start anew, and now I will continue the work to maintain this serenity. I will forever be thankful for Sharon, Sandra, and Inno, as their love heals.
Wow. Sharon, Sandra, and Eno were truly incredible. The whole experience was amazing beginning to end and was worth every penny. I made new friends and will be going back to only them from now on. Incredible. 10/10. Life changing experience.
Great pacing for this 7 day retreat. It was a well-designed program and a well thought out process. It was executed perfectly. This group showed me that they have a lot of deep experience in this medicine, in this healing.
– I felt deeply safe always, and their compassion true from the moment I signed up.
– The meals are exactly what is needed, the surroundings perfect for quiet, thoughtful introspection and learning.
– The Bufo experience was what I had been waiting for my entire life.
I am so grateful for Bluestone – Sharon, Sandra, Ino.
My husband and I got back from our retreat couple days ago. It was the most amazing and magical experience we have ever had, it was truly life changing! We are so grateful to Sharon, Sandra and Ino, who put their heart and soul into helping us to transform🙏🏻 The location of the retreat being by the ocean, the comfortable accommodations, tasty fresh meals, being with a group of people who have the same mentality about healing and transformation, all help the process of healing a great deal. We highly recommend this place, it’s an indescribable experience unlike any other❤️
There are no words that do justice to how powerful this retreat is – how tremendously therapeutic the medicine is and how incredible Sharon, Sandra and Inno are to work with and learn from. I will be forever grateful to them for their love, their shining light, and their soulful wisdom. I’ve been to Bluestone twice in the last six months and cannot wait to return. If you want to open your heart, heal your spirit and merge with your soul, this is the place to do it.
I can’t even describe what this experience feels like other than to say words cannot describe. The people that run this process have dedicated their lives to helping others heal and it’s an experience unlike any other. I can’t recommend highly enough. Do it.
Finding the “right” place to experience Ayahuasca and do the soulful work of transformation was challenging for me. The moment I connected with Sharon, the founder of Bluestone, I knew her center was not only special but that I would be well cared for and safe on my journey. The leadership of Sandra Ino and Sharon is powerful and gifted. What you walk away with for yourself can change your life forever…. knowing peace and knowing love after 7 days, where else can this experience be attained? Much gratitude love and light to Bluestone.
This experience has literally transformed my entire consciousness and therefore my life. I felt the call to experience Mother Ayahuasca and based on the reviews and the information I read about Bluestone, my intuition guided me to say yes to this retreat. From the beautiful accommodations to the delicious meals to the loving care provided by Sharon, Sandra and Ino – I can say this retreat exceeded my expectations tenfold if not more. The intention and energy put into this retreat is unmatched – pure love, healing and returning to the core of who we are within. The different healing modalities they had were incredible including the temazcal (sweat lodge), movement therapy and more. Also, I made lifelong connections with beautiful souls and sharing this intimate experience and witnessing others heal and transform also helped me immensely in my own journey and was a source of inspiration.
I went in ready to heal what I was consciously aware of (and also whatever was going on at the subconscious level) and Mother Ayahuasca plus the container Sharon, Sandra (Medicine Woman) and Ino (Man of Fire) created truly helped me heal at the deepest level. Their commitment to healing through this sacred process comes from their hearts and deep integrity. I have great respect and reverence for Mother Ayahuasca and the Indigenous wisdom they teach.
Over a month later and I am still living the benefits. They are permanent. I no longer identify as a victim and have completely forgiven my past – many parts which were traumatic and very painful.
I am forever grateful for this experience and that I followed my inkling to do it. I will also say that prior to coming I had done years of healing work on my own and Mother Ayahuasca took me to layers of myself I may have never gotten to on my own. If you feel the call, trust your intuition to guide you. This experience is priceless and I am forever thankful.
Bluestone has been the best experience ever! The staff was incredibly kind and nurturing and I could not have asked for a better experience. This was my first time travelling alone, but the care and attention that was provided made me feel like I had found my new home. Thank you Sharon, Sandra and Ino for helping me discover everything I had been looking for. Bluestone is truly Heaven on Earth complete with guiding angels. Thank you for everything!
If you are looking for a quality retreat center, look no further. This was my first time drinking ayahausca, and it was the most transformative experience of my life. Sharon, Sandra, and Ino were a huge part of this. These people are trustworthy, masters of their craft, and will never take advantage of you! Plus, the retreat itself is organized and well-run. Everything is on time, the facilities are always clean, and the food is incredible! I can’t recommend this place more!
If you are having any type of troubles this place will change your life. I left a completely different person. I have a whole new outlook on life and a whole new awareness of myself. The people at Bluestone are magical. I can’t thank them enough for making me a better person.
Sandra brings deep spiritual meaning to every interaction. She leads the ceremonies with reverence, love and wisdom. Her guidance and advice are divinely guided and you have a sense that she gives all of her self to each and every person she touches.
For the first time in a long time I enjoyed every moment of every day. The atmosphere was amazing, the group of people we were with was wonderful and I feel like I made life long friends and all of this, the atmosphere, the experience the transformation are possible because of the unique chemistry, wisdom, love and integrity that Sharon, Sandra and Inno bring to each and every ceremony. If you are called to be part of this experience, this is the place to go. It was amazing.
Bluestone is astoning place. Words hardly express my gratitude to Sharon, Sandra and Inon. They use their full heart to help everyone of us. All of the program organized perfect.
I am so glad, with the team’s help,with all circle folks’ support (your words always inspired me), that I finally found who I am, and learned what the inner me was going on. Reborn me feel everything so so good…
Again, words could not express my gratitute to all of you. Love you all. your lovely face printed in my mind forever.
Much love, Julie
Words can’t begin to describe my entire experience, you would have to experience it yourself. It was the most physically, mentally, psychologically, and emotionally draining yet it was divine and beautiful at the same time. It made me face my hidden traumas, found forgiveness, gave me profound revelations, and changed my perspective on a lot of things. I found my inner voice and the real person that was suppressed for a long time.
The location is perfect and the staff is amazing. Sharon is very clear and communicative, she made me feel confident in an unfamiliar country and a language I don’t speak. Inno and Sandra are amazing healers, sang, and played beautiful music.
Thank you from the deepest part of my heart. I never expected such a positive outcome. Ometeo!
Sharon and the team were by far the best organizers you could have asked for. Everything about the retreat was awesome; the food, the pool, the rooms, the support and the serene surrounding landscape.
I would highly recommend this to anyone who is even thinking about going. You won’t regret and the the whole process will be life changing.
I have been attended aya ceremony more than 20 times and with different countries, here is the best and most comfortable one. the room, eating and all the facilities services like five stars hotel. The most important are medicians and shamans. can not use words to describe, I got so much Love. they are totally unconditional love. I finally got the answer for my life, I definitely will come back again with my family member. because the earth frequency raised quickly then, I will come back, again and again, to upgrade myself every year to follow the high vibration. I know I am hero, you too. Thanks for all. Julia from New York.
I cannot say enough great things about Bluestone as a company, but specifically about Sharon, Eno and Sandra. Sharon is very responsive and provides the thorough information you need to prepare for your life -changing retreat. Sandra, Eno and Sharon are extremely in tune with the energy of the group and what adjustments need to be made to make the whole experience flow. They work so hard and make themselves available to you throughout the week. They deeply and genuinely care for each participant.
I wholeheartedly trust all three of them and am eternally grateful for the wisdom, insights, healing and changes this retreat has provided me. There is no doubt that you should book with Bluestone! It will be one of the best choices you’ll ever make.
Words will never be able to describe my experience, but here we go. I was resistive in many ways but I somehow found myself at the retreat, taking ayahuasca for the first time. It was the hardest, most beautiful, most invigorating thing I’ve ever done. It felt like 10 years of life experience and relationship building in just 7 days. It felt like it was worth 10-100 times what the retreat cost. I felt true, unconditional love. I learned detachment from struggle. My mind melted away and I felt what it was like to lose consciousness, self pity, and the sense of time. My mind seemingly permutated through every thought and emotion imaginable. It was information overload during the ceremony but euphoria after. My mind and energy now feel permanently rewired. Any negative thoughts or challenges that now come up in my day to day life have dramatically less power. I have so much more love and appreciation for things and people in my life. I feel more free to speak my mind and be who I truly am in front of other people. I am ridiculously, unexplainably happy more and more. I have more energy than before. Music sounds better. Every part of my life is just somehow better, deeper, and more enjoyable. This retreat was a perfect, beautiful gift in my life, and I am beyond grateful!!!
I just wanted to send you a follow-up email thanking you for the incredible week at the retreat. It was so transformational and the spiritual detox was much needed. The house and food were so good! The ceremonies were unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. I never thought I would meet so many loving and beautiful people during my stay. I can’t wait to do it again 🙂
This Ayahuasca retreat has been one of the most life changing weeks of my life. To be honest, I signed up and showed up, without knowing what I was getting into at all. At the time, all I knew was I needed a change, I needed answers, I needed clarity and I needed help. I can’t describe how perfectly the universe answered and gave me exactly what I needed. Everything from the people, to the space and the guidance was so divinely orchestrated for me and for all of us who showed up to face ourselves that week. Sharon, Sandra and Ino are absolutely amazing. Doing sacred medicine with people who have so much love, awareness, wisdom and practice, helped us navigate through our own personal journeys safely and fully. It was the most beautiful experience of my human life. I felt so much love, gratitude, bliss, joy and peace each ceremony (even if it came sprinkled with moments of pain, hurt and discomfort.) I had so much pain, suffering, old stories, fear, hurt, etc. purge out of my body through tears, purging and body movement. I’ve never loved to cry as much as I do now because it feels amazing to feel the relief that comes from each release. I absolutely loved every part of the retreat, the food, the house, the people, the activities, everything was such a gift to be apart of.
The body movement sessions were so what my soul needed as well. Sophie, as well as Sharon, Sandra and Ino hold so much wisdom about living in the present, in the body, allowing yourself to just feel the energy of life, allowing it to just be energy that you feel and let freely move on. It was so much fun, and helped me understand what it truly means to be present, and what a gift it is intended to be when you allow yourself to experience it. It’s a whole new way of living and of life that they show. They provide an example for your soul to both see and experience for yourself. It is an example that has changed my life and left me in a place where I am wanting more of that in my life.
I can’t recommend Bluestone-ayahuasca.com enough, these people are so pure and good, wise and strong, exactly what you want with you while you travel deep into your consciousness to heal yourself and to find what your soul is ready for you to see.
I highly recommend Bluestone. I’ve done a bunch of research on different retreats from Peru to Costa Rica to the U.S but after talking with Sharon, I knew this was the spot for me. From the moment I started chatting with her, I felt comfortable and safe. As you know, doing ayahuasca is no easy decision. Probably one of the most difficult decisions you can make in your life. Throughout the whole time before the retreat even started, Sharon kept me reassured and comfortable with my decision to 1. Do Ayahuasca and 2. Choose bluestone to do it. There was no sales pitch or pushy tactics. Just a conversation between two people to decide if this is right for me. I even spoke with her the night before the retreat started because I was getting nervous and Sharon kept my nerves at ease.
The retreat center is a beautiful spacious villa on the ocean with a pool! Can’t beat it. We were kept well fed and rooms cleaned every day. The Shamans, Sandra and Ino were amazing, supportive and powerful. They know what they are doing and during ceremony when things can get really difficult, you know that they have your back and are always looking after you. The music and instruments they all played added to the already powerful experience.
There was no time during the retreat that I felt uncomfortable or uneasy. We kept busy during the day with different body movement sessions led by an experienced instructor. We also did two temazcals (sweat lodges) which were difficult but rewarding. All of the fellow people there are like minded individuals who are searching for deeper meaning in their life and we got along great. As for Ayahuasca itself, it opened my eyes to a new world. A world where I have more choice, freedom, peace and abilities to live a better and more positive life! I would highly recommend anyone reading this to use Bluestone over any other retreat center. It will be a life changing decision guaranteed.
I just returned in early August from the retreat and words can’t describe how transformational this retreat was! Sharon’s presence was so calming and she made sure that everything went smoothly for all of us. She made herself available to talk especially when things came up during ceremony that I struggled with and she is so wise and kind. I officially adopted her as one of my Aunties now! The setting was perfect, simple yet very comfortable. The chef was wonderful! The food was so fresh and such clean eating. Everything came together so well, I could feel how much intention and care the facilitators and chef had, especially Sharon. If you want a life changing experience, you MUST attend one of these retreats. I have extensive experience with sacred plants and these were the best ceremonies I have ever had, hands down! I plan to return in December for another retreat. That’s how much healing I received and I can’t wait to get more!!!
I nervously sent an email to the Bluestone Retreat Center back in January asking if it was “normal” for a single woman to travel to their center alone. Within minutes I received the most beautiful and welcoming email from Sharon. I booked my trip almost immediately. Sharon is absolutely amazing. Not only does she do a phenomenal job coordinating each retreat and making sure everyone arrives safe and sound, but she is passionate about plant medicine, she exudes love and warmth, and she individually offers support and guidance throughout the entire experience. I adore her! The ceremonies were powerful and moving, thanks mostly to Arturo, the ayahuascero. I felt completely safe with him and trusted him to help me have the best experiences possible. The energy he brings to the ceremonies is unbelievable! The musicians, David and Lorie, created the most beautiful sounds – I will never forget. And Sandra…beautiful, amazing Sandra…she is a medicine woman with so much strength, knowledge and passion! I immediately felt connected to her and appreciated her comforting energy. This team is topnotch and made it an experience of a lifetime.
I went to the retreat initially not having a clear intention on why I was going, except I knew I was hurting and needed some relief. Having carried around a suitcase of emotional baggage most of my life from physical, sexual abuse as a kid, addictive behaviors, relationship problems/patterns, fatherlessness, and insecurities all weighed me down. The environment that is created and the team that facilitates this retreat, which I now call family, understands at a master level all the modalities they use to help in our healing process. It was a fear of mine to be vulnerable but to heal you need to be vulnerable and it is safe here. If you are hurting or feel you have the calling to ayahuasca this is the perfect environment to do your work. Every person I met here in some way changed my life. I am eternally grateful to every single one of them. I was able to process through a lot of my suitcase on this first retreat but will be back because mental heath is important! I love this place. Thanks sooooo much!!!!?✨
Being diagnosed with bipolar 2 and fighting a terrible depression that pills could not fix I decided to take a leap of faith and do ayahuasca. I was sick and tired of constantly fighting a battle that never seemed to end. Finding Sharon, and Sandra through Bluestone Ayahausca was a blessing in my life and I am forever grateful for embarking on the process of healing with them. Through their programs and help I was able to heal my bipolar 2 and learn that diagnosis was one due to me suppressing my emotions my whole life. I learned that we are all humans, we are all on a journey in life yet we choose different paths, we all need to have self love and listen to our intuition. Thanks to them my bipolar 2 and sex addiction have been healed and I know I have Sharon and Sandra to always support me on my journey. Doctors could never do what Bluestone did for me. When you need to help yourself you can do so by signing up for Bluestone retreats. Even if you think you are perfect and happy just the way you are, you should still do a retreat because you will learn so much about yourself. I believe you can never stop perfecting yourself and striving to be a better person each day. After all- don’t we all want to attain divine enlightenment?
This was my first Ayahuasca experience and I didnt know what to expect. Going into the retreat I had one intention, to open my heart and WHOA! my heart was cracked wide open. Each ceremony was amazing, loving and such a wonderful experience. I connected to my souls purpose, my ancestors and mother Aya. I also experienced so much healing.. I dont remember ever crying so much in any transformation experience I have had. I felt the rainbow of emotions! I released so many negative emotions that I felt my body was liberated from years of ancestral karma!! Its so hard to put into words but all I can say is that it brought so much clarity to my life. I am so grateful for Arturo for providing such a profound healing experience. So grateful for David, Lorena, Sandra, Ino and Sharon. I felt so loved and taken care of while I went through some tough healing experiences. Sharon was such an amazing coordinator as well from the time of booking all the way until I went home. I am planning to go back early next year for sure!! I feel so blessed to have had this experience with such amazing souls. Professional, selfless, compassionate and such beautiful human beings.
I recently attended Bluestone back in late July of this year. Something in me was screaming to go and meet someone or something out there. I had had came to a point in my young lived life where I felt sick & tired of being sick an tired and was now seeking somewhere to go. I no longer wanted to run and hide but instead, I wanted to find. So I reached out via email with one simple request. “Can I have someone reach back out to me at your earliest convenience” A day and some light later, I was speaking to the beautiful Sharon to discuss whether or not this was the right place for me. To my surprise, I had met her soul before. Not in this lifetime, but in another for sure. My questions were being answered before even asking them. My thoughts were being spoken from her mouth without ever articulating them before. Lastly I was given a moving conversation with no expectations in return. There was no pressure to join her or the team, there was no commitment that I was being pressured into committing to. It just was what it was. A pleasant conversation between two people that would one day meet again in life. A few week later I met her and the rest of the team at Bluestone in Cancun for the retreat. I was dreading the experience that I know so badly I needed to live. I didnt know what was coming but I could feel it was already written in my stars. I met brothers, sisters, guides, facilitators, mother & father at this retreat. None by blood. I faced pain, healing, memories that were mine and even some I never knew weren’t mine to hold. I faced truths, lies, realities, illusions, regression and progression. I forgave, faced, encountered and dismissed what no longer served me. Mind you, I had NEVER EVER done anything like this. Occasionally mediating up to that point was as far as I had gone. That however, didnt matter once I got to Bluestone and met Sandra. The highly intuitive, healing pleasure of a woman I was blessed to also have met and felt cared for me. Or Arturo. The mysterious guide to transcend us into a higher field where we were able to begin communicating with out true selves. Everyone there including the other 12 visitors became family by the end of the trip who till the day blow up the group chat with nothing but love and compassion for one another every single day. For this experience, I am so grateful for. For these beautiful people I am grateful for. To God I am grateful to. For creating such a beautiful entry to meet Ayahuasca.
I found Bluestone through a friend. Attending a retreat by myself is nothing I would have ever done in my life but I also was in such a dark and lonely place when I began my journey to Bluestone that it was my last resort before resorting to anti-depressants. Bluestone without a doubt changed my path in life. The staff, environment, music, everything was perfect. Sharon and the team at Bluestone made me feel so comfortable and at peace with everything I was going through. I look back and think to myself, “how did all of this align up so perfectly” Bluestone gave me exactly what I needed to overcome the difficult time in my life, I left the retreat feeling refreshed and for the first time in years, I remembered who i was again and I had a new respect for all the things around me. My experience was so beautiful and so needed that I cannot imagine where I would be without their guidance. I was very nervous when I arrived but by the time I was leaving I knew Bluestone was my home, I knew the team and other attendees were my family, we were connected in such a way. If you are looking for the perfect place to dive into yourself and heal with Mother Ayahuasca, look no further. Bluestone is your home, Sharon, Sandra, Arturo and the rest of the team are the ones who can walk you through your journey as you reconnect with your true self.
I really had no idea what to expect when I signed up for a week’s retreat this past March with Bluestone, I just knew it appealed to me and I looked forward to the experience. I left completely satisfied with that week–a comfortable and lovely place to be with loving staff, a fantastic almost vegan diet (which surprisingly I quite liked) and the experience itself with the Ayahuasca ceremonies, the temazcal ceremonies, the personal attention, the energy work, all new to me–it was all perfect for me and exactly what I needed. I will always remember my week with Bluestone as magical.
This was my first experience with Ayahausca and choosing a location where I felt comfortable was very important. Sharon and Sandra helped immensely in giving that confidence and were very helpful through the entire retreat. The retreat center itself is amazingly beautiful and relaxing. The food was excellent and while we were there, the weather was great. It was very clear that the entire team is very dedicated and enjoy what they do. Everything was professionally handled and organized. The ceremony itself was very intense but, there was always a feeling of control. Arturo and Amina guided us through with the excellent music from David and Lore. It was truly a humbling experience and allowed for me to heal some very old wounds as well as discover a path through some difficult personal decisions. This is absolutely an experience I would recommend, and Bluestone is the place to do it! I will be returning with my wife in September to introduce her to the experience and to continue growing myself.
Going to a bluestone retreat was absolutely one of the BEST decisions I could have ever made in my life. Before going I was struggling a lot with things mentally and physically. I needed something that could help turn things around for me. I took a complete leap of faith and chose to head down to Mexico all by myself to attend this retreat with the support of my loving family. It was such a life changing experience and I could not be more satisfied. The people, the food, the property and the medicine were all extraordinary. My group of 6 were all amazing and are now my friends for life. Arturo, Amina, Sharon, Sandra, David, Ino and Lore are true healers and help you work with this plant medicine and everything it has to offer so that it has the most positive impact on you that you could imagine! I will definitely be going back one day. Thank you to all the healers and to mother Ayahuasca and everybody involved was just what I needed!!!!
The most amazing life changing experience in my life! With no doubt in my mind I will be back. [Angel came back for the October 2020 retreat.]
It was the best experience of my life. And 90 percent of it is the people who facilitate the retreat. They make you feel so good and safe. These people are so kind and attentive. I felt 100 percent safe with taking the medicine with them. Every time I felt bad during the ceremony someone came to support me. I never felt alone. I would never go anywhere else. This place is home. And I couldn’t be more grateful to our incredibly wise and kind shaman and to all people that work there. They work so hard to change lives. I am coming back very soon!! Thank you Bluestone
I can’t find the words to express the amount of gratitude I have for this group. Thank you! Logistically speaking, they’ve created a little piece of paradise with all the creature comforts of the real world but with purpose. Sharon was able to hold space for the 9 of us to heal in any way we needed. Thank you! Arturo, Amina, the perfect guides in what would be the most transforming experience of my life. I will definitely be back! Thank you!
This experience is absolutely life changing. The staff here is the best in the business, and it’s not even close. The layout, attention to detail, depth, and quality of the retreat is far superior to others I have heard about or looked into. The retreat center is amazing and the maloca is a sacred space and absolutely beautiful structure. Everything is provided when it is most needed and in the way that is most beneficial. Whether it’s meals, sound therapy, temazcal, medicine, whatever. The layout is perfect and the execution was perfect. They take you in as part of their family, and it’s a truly unique experience. You will make life long bonds here, make quantum leaps in healing, and leave with a new family and a clear purpose. You will also never be the same. That is all
I am a 73 year old retired attorney and all can say is that I should have signed up with Bluestone years ago. I was a complete skeptic before I arrived. When I read and heard everyone describing Ayahuasca as a medicine, I scoffed, thinking it was a drug. No more. It is truly a medicine. It is impossible not to have expectations of the experience. but they will do you no good. Ayahuasca is in control and will take you where she wants you to go. In the process she gives you what you need more than what you want, and you walk away enriched, happier, and wiser. Sharon, Sandra, Arturo and the entire staff are most professional and they created an atmosphere where you feel cared for, safe and protected during the ceremonies. I had never tried anything like Ayahuasca before and i could not imagine doing it anywhere else. They are the perfect hosts for this experience. Having said all that, I must tell you it is a very difficult adventure to experience. Both emotionally and physically (purging). I wanted to flee during the first ceremony. It was grueling because of “the stuff” that was flowing through my head. The second ceremony was very satisfying because I could see/feel that it was changing how i was thinking. And it was for the better. The third ceremony was simply joyous. I just wanted to get up and dance and I did. I felt so relieved of so many negative thoughts. If you choose to try it, and I strongly encourage you to do, be prepared for the work you will be doing. You have to be committed. You will be rewarded more than you can imagine. It has been one week since the retreat. I know that some of the personal changes will be with me forever. I have spoken with several others who have used a company other than Bluestone. The majority have been greatly disappointed with what they received. I am very grateful to Bluestone and to Mother Ayahuasca
Just got off the plane from the November retreat in Cancun and could not be more impressed. Sharon is very passionate about the medicine and has designed a beautiful experience for participants. Your medicine woman Sandra is also amazingly authentic and insightful. Arturo and the whole team worked very hard to create a safe, fun, delicious, and welcoming environment for us. It’s one of those things that is very difficult to describe adequately – you just have to let go of your desire for control – go with the flow, live it and enjoy it. With an open mind and heart you can’t help but feel like you benefited greatly and were part of something special – aho…
This was a life-changing experience for me. I was hesitant at first, but the care and guidance that Sharon and management approached me with won me over, and I’m glad they did. The facility is very comfortable and the perfect set and setting for taking Ayahuasca. The ceremonies are beautiful and intense, but you always feel in good hands with the Ayahuasqueros who are experienced and extremely talented. The music is beautiful and the way they work with the medicine allowed for deep personal work to be accomplished. This tribe truly cares about the people and give everything they have to contribute to your healing. The integration sessions in between ceremonies also allow for processing and receiving wisdom from the leaders on the meaning of the experience. This was the most important decision I’ve ever made for my health. Thank you to the Bluestone tribe.
When you enter the center you are amazed by its beauty and then you meet the people that live there and work there and you are even more amazed. They are such loving people, they are kind and generous, always helping and supporting you in your journey to discover yourself. The retreat is one of the best experience I had in life so far and I am grateful to Mother Ayahuasca and to the people in Bluestone that showed me their unconditional love. I leave the center as another person, I have discovered, grown and understood so many things about myself that words cannot even describe it. Thank you for everything, I am forever grateful.
My wife and I attended our first retreat in March and returned in July. We had tremendous healing the first time but knew we needed to attend again. You leave transformed all in ways. We decided to return after one month if leaving the first retreat as we knew there was so much more that we wanted to tap into. Man were we right. So much new insights came the second time around. Really full healing. The experience does want over 10 years of therapy and medication can’t due and that is truly heal you. Trust in mother earth, Ayahuasca as this was present long before modern medicine which is monetary based. I can promise you healing as I have seen it in us and the many participates that have attended. All the staff are tremendous people. Words can’t express the live and cate they show. Live time friendships with them and your fellow participants. Sandra and Sharon also provide tremendous one on one personalized healing that we cannot express enough thanks for. If you want to do one thing for yourself that will heal your soul, spirit and body DO THIS do not hesitate. Don’t let your mind tell you no. It wants you to stay right where you are. Let go of any apprehension; I can promise you, you will forever thank yourself for that. We all deserve a wonderful, loving life.
Best. Retreat. Ever! This place exceeded my expectations by a million miles. The amount of love, care, effort, heart and soul that goes into this retreat is difficult to put into words. From start to finish I cannot fault it. A true, authentic ayahuasca experience that I am forever grateful for! The whole team are the purest of souls and such wonderful warm people you instantly feel like it’s a second home. There was 9 western rookies and 7 staff who were our support system 24 hours a day, there for support, deep talks, laughs and fun. The week consisted of 3 ayahuasca ceremonies, 2 temezcals (sweat lodge), a trip to a cenote, a body energy session and a biogenerational talk with Sandra. Not to mention home cooked, healthy, wholesome vegan food and a wonderful relaxing gorgeous location. During the first ceremony Arturo the shaman explained fully how the ceremony would work, what we can expect and full information to make us feel comfortable and relaxed. Arturo and the team are highly experienced with ayahuasca which was invaluable. We all felt in such safe hands and I have my full trust in them as the perfect guides in the experience. During the ceremony the team would play music based on our energy, helping us through the rollercoaster journey of ayahuasca – which is much more complicated than it sounds. Everything was based on the energy, rather than timelines or schedules! I personally went through an intense phase during a ceremony and Amina and Laurie both helped me through it, staying by my side, cooling me with a fan and getting me whatever I needed – water, pillows, smiles 🙂 they truly cared for me and that is very hard to come by! I would absolutely love to go back to this retreat and I am going to recommend to my friends interested in ayahuasca because i can’t imagine anywhere else to be better than bluestone! An extraordinary authentic and safe retreat which fosters personal growth and the rebirth of your soul.. Aho
The task of articulating in words something so incredibly powerful, beautiful, and life-changing does not begin to do it justice (but I will try!) This medicine, to me, is a platform and tool to access immense understanding and appreciation and if you feel in any way called to it – there is a reason for that. Don’t be afraid of it. During the retreat, while navigating the work you are doing within yourself, you exist within a collection of the most incredible shining souls. Arturo, Amina, Sharon, Sandra, Ino, Lore, David and of course, Maru, and Ariel! There is intense supportiveness with this group and you feel truly taken care of. No one is left behind. The retreat size (ours was 7 incredible women) is the perfect amount of people, to where everyone feels like they have the amount of time/space/connection/support to work through what comes up during the ceremonies and heal collectively. Although everything at the retreat is physically beautiful (your accommodation is cozy and airy, the gorgeous pool is relaxing, the nature is exquisite, the food is healthy and delicious). These aspects are nothing in comparison to the beauty of how the nonphysical space is held. I think the most important questions you need to ask when looking into plant medicine experiences are these: How is the sacred space during the ceremony held? Do you trust the shaman’s capacity to guide you through, potentially, one of the most vulnerable moments of your life? Let me answer for you here. The ceremony space is held with impeccable care and intense thoughtfulness. The shaman, Arturo, is incredibly experienced and approachable. Each member of the team has their own healing capabilities and during the ceremonies, while playing the most beautiful Icaros, they walk around emanating light, joy, and love and shining that to you. I will carry that exact light around with me everywhere I go, for the rest of my life. Thank you Bluestone. Missing you all very much and sending you so much love. Omateotl
Hello sister! I’m sitting on my couch here on Easter Sunday completely humbled by my retreat experience. I’ve been so happy, at peace, and so productive since I’ve been home. Terran and his family are coming here today to have a traditional Easter lunch which I’ve mainly prepared. I was thinking just now and the thought came to my head… I am well. Let me repeat that for the ones in the back… I AM WELL. I haven’t been able to say that in 20+ years at least. I feel grounded, PTSD-free, depression-free, more energetic, and have a greater sense of who I am now. If you ever need or want me to speak to anyone who is having a hard time deciding about the retreat, or just in general, please let me know. I’d be honored to share my experiences throughout this process to healing. I’m a better person having known you all and for having you on my team. Terran and I agree we will be back. This experience has brought us so much closer as well. The deep connection we already shared is only more enhanced now. Please tell the team I love them all so much and thank them and Mother Ayahuasca for saving me. Reborn I am! And fyi… I’m sticking with the diet and NO MOUNTAIN DEW! I’ve lost 16 pounds total. Much gratitude for me being able to be drug free, as I’m off of all psychotropic meds, still. May you all be blessed relentlessly in your quest to bring love and peace to others. Love and blessings, Lindsay.
My calling to plant medicine began out of a desperate need to overcome a drug dependence that threatened to extinguish my flame. In January of 2018 my journey began with a visit to an Ibogaine clinic outside of Cancun [that removed the addiction on a physical level]..I then realized almost immediately that my recovery was just in its infancy and that I needed to deal with the traumas that lead me down such a dark destructive path in the first place. A quick search lead me to Sharon and Bluestone Ayahuasca and she had all the right answers and I felt a level of trust and ease that was unexpected. I knew this was the next step in my recovery and I booked my trip for 3/22/18 thru 3/29/18 and I have since gone back another two times. …There is no way I can transfer into words the experience but I can say that I am a completely different person for the better in every way…. The reverence and respect given to the ceremony and the medicine by the staff makes the experience so profound and real I cant imagine there is any way to improve on anything and I say that in a non-patronizing way. The staff led by example and the group was able to shed its preconceptions and completely dissolve the typical walls that we needlessly create between each other. Within a day the entire group was able to assimilate and understand each others weaknesses and strengths and begin to understand the need for all human beings to accept each other and truly connect. Within a week I was able to love and respect each person unconditionally. Aya dissolved age, gender, race, religion and simplified each person as a human being with the utmost potential to change the world thru individual transformation. My individual ceremonies were all so different and far from pleasant at times but they were all necessary to show me what I needed to see. I cant say enough about the selflessness of the staff and my respect for the incomprehensible energy they put into healing and transforming our group. There were times when people were literally exercising demons and the staff was able to work them thru everything which I found so powerful. A lifetime of healing and understanding occurred in a matter of days for everyone in our group. it has been approx. 2 months since the retreat and I have lost 20 lbs and have found the strength and discipline to change my habits completely and focus on the positives in my life and not allow my emotions to manifest into a depressive loop. If you are called to experience mother Ayahuasca please listen to that call and I can guarantee you will be treated to a life changing experience with the team at Bluestone I will forever be indebted to Arturo and Sharon and they are doing divine work and I now have a hopefulness that I never knew existed. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU. WITH TOTAL GRATITUDE.
Any Questions? Contact Us
If you don’t hear from us within 36 hrs please resend your message to: sharonatbluestone@gmail.com