In mid-July of 2022 we had the honor and privilege of hosting eight incredible guests at the first ever Altha retreat in beautiful desert of Joshua Tree. Home to several energy vortices and known as a place of significant ancient spiritual significance, we thought it to be the perfect location for our pilot wellness getaway.

As guests arrived at the beautiful and modern private residence located nearby Joshua Tree National Park, they were greeted by sprawling views of the desert complimented by the inviting sparkle of the pool. As guests trickled in throughout the afternoon, they had plenty of time to relax, soak up the sun, and settle into the retreat mindset while connecting with one another.

As the sun began to set over the Joshua Tree mountains, the opening ceremony commenced led by Altha founder Letizia Silvestri. After guests finished introducing themselves and sharing their intentions for the 2-day retreat, they began the Ancient Mayan Herbal Cleansing Ceremony.

Based on Ancestral Mexican Medicinal techniques, the ceremony began with an egg cleansing portion which consisted of two partners taking turns connecting with an egg, connecting with their partner’s spirit, and then mindfully and intentionally rubbing the egg in circular motions over their partner’s body. Each guest then cracked their egg into a vase of water to explore the egg’s insights (such as if the person has evil eye present, if they have people in their life that envy them, the presence of their protectors or angels & more). After interpreting the results of the egg ritual and burying the egg in the desert ground, the herbs portion of the ceremony began. Guests participated in ruda branching (lightly hitting your partner with the ruda herb all over their body) which served to absorb and release negative energy while strengthening confidence and self-love. After offering the ruda back to Earth by burying it with their egg, the guests used the powerful herb epazote to remove any trapped fear in the body. While laying down and wrapped in the bedsheet that they have been sleeping on for the past week, their partner rubbed the epazote herb combined with alcohol all over the body while they lied down in a meditative state. After meditating for some time, the guests were awakened by a warm mug of fresh cacao and found themselves surrounded by rose petals, basil, and the healing sounds of the crystal singing bowls.

Once the herbal cleansing ceremony had come to a close, guests were treated to a healthy, vegan dinner consisting of a fresh vegetable curry and enjoyed some mindful stargazing before heading to bed to rest.

Upon their grand rising the following morning, guests were woken up by the smell of delicious organic, vegan, grain-free, and gluten-free pancakes and waffles by Prana Cakes.

After some relaxation, solo meditation, and beauty treatment time by the pool, guests participated in a custom Kindred Meditation session facilitated by Cora Mickael. While blindfolded and infused with the delicious signature scent from Inara, they participated in the dynamic human-connection-powered movement meditation class. As the wind blew through the hair of the guests and the sun began to soften into a golden glow, they moved their bodies to connect with certain emotions, past experiences, and states of consciousness - the powerful session even led several guests to (happy) tears.

After resting from the transformative Kindred Meditation session, everyone joined a collective celebratory healthy community dinner as they reflected on the day – all with a beautiful view of the desert sunset.

Before heading off to bed to rest, guests participated in a unique and dynamic Dragon Activation Ceremony which consisted of a deep guided meditation to discover the power of our own inner dragon guides.

The following morning before departure guests began their day with a gentle yoga class led by Mychal Prieto before enjoying a signature Altha multisensorial sound bath.

After saying their goodbyes and devouring one last round of warm cacao and organic pancakes and waffles, the guests drove off into the Joshua Tree scenery with a renewed feeling of connection, tranquility, possibility, inspiration, and peace in their hearts.

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