Sensoria Presents

THE PSYCHONAUT PLAYGROUND

A private, science-backed psychedelic retreat with Sommelier-guided journeys, embedded research, and Human Performance Optimization led by Brandon Birchak and Dr. Sandra Kaufmann

Portugal | October 1st-6th, 2025 | Spaces Are Limited

Sensoria Presents:

THE PSYCHONAUT PLAYGROUND

A private, science-backed psychedelic retreat with Sommelier-guided journeys, embedded research, and Human Performance Design led by Brandon Birchak & Dr. Sandra Kaufmann.

Portugal | October 1st-6th, 2025 | Spaces Are Limited

The Container

Not a retreat.
not a conference.
not a music festival.

Sensoria invites you to co-create a living laboratory of inner exploration—through immersive installations, somatic tech, shared rituals, and ethically-guided, legally-sanctioned psychedelic experiences.

Nestled in a stunning mountain resort with panoramic valley views, we've created the ultimate set and setting for exploration, connection, and discovery.

This is consciousness exploration reimagined, where rigorous science meets elevated experience in a container designed for individual and collective breakthrough.

The Experience

5 days of transformation across 6 dimensions

COMMUNITY

Connect with some of the most interesting humans you've ever met from all walks of life, and self-select adventures designed to explore inner worlds or build meaningful relationships with fellow psychonauts and visionaries.

WELLNESS FOUNDATION

Enjoy premium facilities and amenities, including traditional & infrared saunas, steam bath, Japanese hot tub, outdoor pool, cold plunges, a fitness center, massage therapies, and mountain trails. Enjoy programming spanning yoga, breathwork, sound healing, qi gong, acupuncture, and more.

HUMAN OPTIMIZATION

Expert panels and morning optimization sessions including cold exposure, breathwork, cardiovascular training, and sauna facilitated by EPD experts for enhanced vitality, longevity, energy, and mental clarity. Upgrades available at a first-come-first-serve basis to exosome therapies with Dr. Sandra Kaufmann.

EXPERT CONVERSATIONS

Curated talks, workshops, and panels with world-renowned facilitators, frontier researchers, and thought leaders in Psychonautics, Biohacking, Neuroscience, Human Flourishing, and more.

CELEBRATION

Immersive art installations, virtual reality experiences, carefully-curated food, art, and music, and private performances by world-class artists in stunning mountain settings.

INDULGENCE

Explore Sensoria through a variety of journeys including blindfolded touch experiences, enhanced meals, cacao ceremonies, specialty teas, and carefully-designed compound-paired sensory experiences

Accommodations

Your ticket includes premium accommodations in the breathtaking landscapes of the Serra da Estrela Natural Park, a UNESCO Global Geopark.

Wake up to panoramic vistas, enjoy world-class, farm-to-table cuisine, and explore the natural beauty of Portugal's highest mountain range.

The Apothecary

One of Sensoria's core innovations is an unprecedented, curated collection of legal compounds for consciousness exploration, provided as a sommelier experience meant to guide guests through specific states of consciousness tailored to our designed experiences.

Safe. Structured. Scientifically-monitored.

Tiered access specifically tailored to individual participants' level of experience and comfort, based on medical and mental health screening.

Freedom to explore with rigorous safety protocols.

All within a framework designed to advance our understanding of the human mind.

Elite Performance Design: Biohacking and Longevity Integration

Sensoria Innovation partners with Elite Performance Design (EPD) to integrate human optimization science into our state engineering framework. Led by Brandon Birchak and Dr. Sandra Kaufmann, this collaboration brings world-class longevity and performance methodologies to Sensoria's consciousness research ecosystem.

Inside the Container

  • Foundational Wellness Protocols: Morning optimization sessions including a range of protocols including cold exposure, breathwork, cardiovascular training, and sauna facilitated by EPD experts

  • Expert Knowledge: Two comprehensive panel discussions covering Olympic-level performance regimens and cutting-edge longevity science with a deep dive on exosome therapies

  • Advanced State Engineering: Integration of biohacking methodologies with consciousness exploration protocols, creating synergistic enhancement of mental states and bodyset through optimized physiological states

  • Therapeutic Exosome Therapy: Exclusive access to exosome therapy (25 billion units) administered by Dr. Kaufmann for Human Performance Design Upgrade and VIP guests, with onsite upgrades available on a first-come-first-serve basis to all guests with limited supply available

Sensoria's Elite Performance Design integration creates a physiological foundation that amplifies consciousness exploration through research-validated human optimization protocols.

Who This Is For

This is your invitation if:

  • You have a deep curiosity about altered states of consciousness.

  • You crave structure and a legitimate container.

  • You're dedicated to leveling up your physical or mental health.

  • You want to contribute to mapping the next frontier – the human mind.

  • You're seeking a community of sophisticated psychonauts, biohackers, researchers, and visionaries.

  • You love the idea of blending research with play.

  • You're open to breakthrough science and experiences, whether individually or within a group.

Image

"Sensoria is a living translational neuroscience lab—blending frontier research, psychedelic insight, and transformative healing in the wild. It is a bold experiment designed to open new frontiers in consciousness science."

Mingzhu Heseri, Cofounder, Conscious Tech Collective

Image

"This is a pivotal moment in human history, and Sensoria are the pioneers leading the shift in consciousness. It's a collective of consciousness researchers, human optimization specialists, and all around rad humans creating a mental map of consciousness."

Ryan Forrest, Psychonaut

Image

"Sensoria is a living translational neuroscience lab—blending frontier research, psychedelic insight, and transformative healing in the wild. It is a bold experiment designed to open new frontiers in consciousness science."

Ming Zhu Heseri, Cofounder, Conscious Tech Collective

Image

"This is a pivotal moment in human history, and Sensoria are the pioneers leading the shift in consciousness. It's a collective of consciousness researchers, human optimization specialists, and all around rad humans creating a mental map of consciousness."

Ryan Forrest, Psychonaut

Welcome To The Playground

Throughout the event, you'll encounter a kaleidoscope of expression and play spanning genres, disciplines, and dimensions:

  • Immersive Installations that challenge perception

  • Augmented and Virtual Reality experiences that challenge the boundaries of possibility

  • Live Performance Art, Dance, and Theatrical Rituals that interlace embodiment, storytelling, and spontaneous co-creation

  • Somatic Spaces intentionally designed for creation, sensory exploration, and connection

  • Sonic Explorations, from ancient healing modalities to experimental electronic sets

  • Compound-Paired Design Experiences synchronizing sound, touch, and visuals with altered states—curating states where structured protocols blend with exploration and discovery

Featured Performers

(More TBA)

Reggie Watts

Improvisational Multiverse Maestro

A boundary-demolishing performer who creates immersive sonic landscapes using only his voice, a loop machine, and his 4.5-octave range. Reggie seamlessly blends comedy, music, and philosophy with his signature "disinformationist" approach—spontaneously generating mind-bending performances that transport audiences into alternate dimensions of consciousness. Expect beatboxing, linguistic pattern-breaking, and profound absurdity—he is a one-man DMT trip with a mic.

Savej

Ancient Future Sound Producer

Savej [pron. “savage”] delivers a one-of-a-kind fusion of ancient medicine music and modern bass. His signature “Ancient Future” sound blends world music, organic soundscapes, tribal grooves, and high- energy bass.

Savej’s live experience is an immersive sonic ceremony, taking audiences on a rollercoaster ridethrough the sacred and the profane—the mystical and the irresistibly groovy— while deeply reconnecting them to the human experience and the natural world.

Māh Ze Tār

Sacred Fusion Sound Producer

Māh Ze Tār is a vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, and ethnomusicologist devoted to fusing ancient Eastern traditions with modern soundscapes. Trained from a young age in Rāga, Maqām, and Dastgāh while also versed in jazz and opera, he explores the weaving of Indian, Persian, Greek, and Turkish music with electronic composition. An active member of Balkan Bump, Maz has collaborated with Desert Dwellers, David Starfire, Adham Shaikh, Jef Stott, and many others.

Emmy Curl

Zen Baboon

Featured Speakers & Guests

Brandon Birchak

Elite Performance Design (EPD) Founder & Performance Innovation Lead

Former USA Springboard diving champion, NCAA Diver of the Year, and Cirque du Soleil acrobat who has revolutionized human performance optimization. His breakthrough research in inducing additional lung growth in professional athletes up to 25% has transformed both athletic performance and longevity science. CES 2024 Top 111 Innovator and personal coach to Olympic, UFC, and World champions, he brings cutting-edge sports science to consciousness exploration.

Jack Allocca, PhD

Neuroscientist, University of Melbourne, CEO, Somnivore

Boundary-pushing researcher bridging psychedelic pharmacology, AI, and the neuroscience of altered states. Combines laboratory science with global exploration of consciousness technologies to help high-impact individuals leverage non-ordinary states for creativity, meaning, and professional breakthrough.

Dr. Sandra Kaufmann, EPD

Elite Performance Design (EPD)
Medical Lead and Longevity Pioneeer

Cellular biologist and fellow at Johns Hopkins University, Dr. Kaufmann is recognized as one of the world's leading experts in longevity and cellular medicine, having published several acclaimed books on cellular longevity. Dr. Kaufmann has been honored as "Best in Medicine" by the American Health Council. As Chief of Pediatric Anesthesia at Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital and Regional Medical Director, she combines her Johns Hopkins training with pioneering research in cellular longevity to push the frontier of medicine as we know it.

Mike Crowley

Psychedelic Buddhism Scholar & Ordained Lama

Pioneering explorer of the intersection between entheogenic compounds and Buddhist traditions. Ordained lama with over 50 years of direct lineage study who has systematically uncovered the psychedelic foundations of Vajrayana practice through scholarly research and embodied experience. Author of "Secret Drugs of Buddhism"

Dream Philosopher, Owner & Founder at Mink Records

Polymath, dream philosopher, and historian with Scottish & Irish roots, based in The Netherlands. She has a deep love for nature, music, writing, creative expression and people and works on (process)metaphysics, phenomenology, physics, consciousness studies, (ethno)musicology, ecological thinking, mythology and history of art.

Carl Hayden Smith

Associate Professor, Founder & Psychonautic Technologist

Founder of The Museum of Consciousness and co-founder of the Cyberdelic Nexus, explores perception through tech, psychedelics, and sound. At the University of East London, he leads projects on Hyperhumanism and Contextology (Context Engineering). His research interests include embodied cognition and sensory augmentation.

Jeremy Skipper, Ph.D.

Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience, University College London

Pioneering researcher at the intersection of language, consciousness, and psychedelics. Uses innovative approaches including movie-fMRI and DMT studies to explore the neurobiological foundations of inner speech and its relationship to mental health and human potential.

Andrés Gómez-Emilsson

Director of Research,
Qualia Research Institute

Consciousness researcher pioneering the mathematical mapping of subjective experience. Studies the precise mechanisms of different mind states, developing frameworks to understand and optimize the full spectrum of possible conscious experiences.

Mingzhu Heseri

Chief Flourishing Officer, Sensoria

Consciousness scientist and Flourishing thought leader bridging traditional contemplative practices with cutting-edge neuroscience. Specializes in investigating how sustained meditation practice transforms brain function and enhances cognitive-emotional regulation, developing frameworks to optimize human wellbeing.

Sahar, Ph.D., CAADC

Artist-in-Residence &

Phenomenological Psychologist

Psychologist, artist, and musician whose work bridges phenomenology, immersive performance, and psychotherapy. Since 2023 he has helped shape Sensoria, from research-driven art events to therapeutic services. Founder of The Dissociated Press and a retreat center in Maine, he brings innovative mind-mapping methods to communities from New Orleans to Alaska.

Nick Synodis (Knux)

Chief Executive Officer, Sensoria

System and experience designer merging technology, creativity, and human connection. Architect behind immersive consciousness explorations that fuse art, community, and cutting-edge research—all within values-driven containers that put humans first.

Cody Gibbons

Chief State Engineer, Sensoria

Biochemistry innovator working at the intersection of compounds and consciousness. Expert in psychopharmacology and plant biochemistry, Cody designs data-driven protocols for studying altered states safely and systematically.

Leo Christov-Moore, Ph.D.

Head of Research, Sensoria

Neuroscientist investigating the biological foundations of transformative experiences. Uses advanced neuroimaging to map consciousness states, currently leading groundbreaking research on empathy enhancement through altered states.

Mapping Human Consciousness

Your experience at The Psychonaut Playground contributes to an ambitious scientific endeavor: building a comprehensive map of human consciousness.

Sensoria integrates advanced neurophenomenology tools directly into our events, enabling "research in the wild" that's ecologically valid, private, and secure. Our carefully engineered ritual design creates optimal conditions for transformation while generating valuable data through our network of research affiliates and Certified Psychonauts.

Each event advances this collective mapping of uncharted consciousness territories, with our ecosystem connecting transformative experiences to meaningful research impact.

Your participation matters. Ticket purchases support Sensoria Research, our 501(c)(3) non-profit advancing mental health and human flourishing through consciousness research.

Let's build the future of inner space—together.

A Glimpse of Our Last Flagship Event

Image

"I would describe Sensoria's events as surfing the tides of experience. It was a scientific experience in a natural setting that combined certain elements Burning Man with a very scientific experiment. They did a very good job in creating a sense of community."

Alice Christov, Director, Odisea Project

Image

"I would strongly urge anyone who's looking to literally expand their mind to come to the Psychonaut Playground. I had conversations with people of many backgrounds, people with very high IQ, about subjects I had never really talked about."

George Moore, Executive Producer, Odisea Project

Image

"I would describe Sensoria's events as surfing the tides of experience. It was a scientific experience in a natural setting that combined certain elements Burning Man with a very scientific experiment. They did a very good job in creating a sense of community."

Alice Christov, Director, Odisea Project

Image

"I would strongly urge anyone who's looking to literally expand their mind to come to the Psychonaut Playground. I had conversations with people of many backgrounds, people with very high IQ, about subjects I had never really talked about."

George Moore, Executive Producer, Odisea Project

What's Included

General Admission

  • Expert panel discussions on consciousness research, neuroscience, psychonautics, world-class performance regimens, and longevity science, including a deep dive with Dr. Kaufmann on exosome therapies

  • Morning optimization protocols (cold exposure, breathwork, cardiovascular training, sauna) facilitated by Brandon and Dr. Kaufmann

  • All core programming, including workshops, ceremonies, music, performances, and integration

  • Premium accommodations

  • Daily gourmet meals and elixirs for breakfast, lunch, & dinner including an enhanced banquet dinner

  • Daily wellness, yoga, and movement sessions and access to wellness facilities

  • High speed Wi-Fi

  • Exclusive access to The Apothecary

  • Professional facilitation and medical supervision

Your Investment:

$12,500

3 Tickets Left

Human Performance Upgrade

Everything in General Admission, Plus:

  • Access to onsite exosome therapy, 25 billion units, a therapeutic dose administered by Dr. Kaufmann, valued at $2500

  • Elite Performance Design's top 4 recommended supplements and welcome package

  • Access to world class doctors and longevity professionals on-site to discuss personalized health, wellness, and longevity protocols

  • Daily interactive biohacking sessions covering fitness, supplementation, sleep optimization, and advanced topics (stem cells, TMS, peptides, body recomposition)

Unlock the future of rejuvenation

This upgrade is designed for guests seeking biological enhancements and optimization with targeted support and recovery to complement the core amenities and experience.

Your Investment:

$15,000

VIP

Our Best Value

Everything in Human Performance Upgrade, Plus:

  • Fully customized optimization and 1:1 session with Brandon and Dr. Kaufmann covering diet, exercise, pharmacological interventions, supplementation, peptides, and training protocols tailored to your individual physiology and consciousness goals

  • Comprehensive intake and health profiling using blood panels

  • Dedicated sommelier experience and full access to all menu items with priority access to skip the line

  • First choice of accommodations

  • Exclusive briefing on Sensoria investment and patronage ecosystem

  • Custom curated peptides and supplements delivered to you as part of your custom protocol after the event


Your Investment:

$25,000
3 Tickets Left

Your Journey Begins Here

By Invitation Only:

The Psychonaut Playground is a carefully curated experience.

Each applicant is thoughtfully considered to ensure the optimal container for breakthrough research and profound experiences.

This exclusivity isn't about elitism—it's about creating the right conditions for consciousness exploration.

Next Steps:

1. Click the button below

2. Fill out the form that pops up on this page to complete your payment

3. You'll be directed to a confirmation page with all the important details

4. Prepare for an experience that will redefine your understanding of consciousness

1. Submit your $997 refundable deposit to secure your place in line

2. Complete our application (you'll receive this within a few minutes)

3. Upon acceptance, you'll be invited to complete your remaining investment

4. Prepare for an experience that will redefine your understanding of consciousness

*The exact location details will be revealed to accepted participants.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this legal?

All Sensoria events and research protocols operate fully within legal frameworks. We work exclusively with methodologies that are legal in the jurisdictions where we facilitate events, while advocating for expanded research opportunities as laws evolve. Our focus is on using scientifically-validated approaches to understand and access beneficial mental states.

What experience level is required?

While we welcome varying levels of experience, the Psychonaut Playground is designed for people who've already dipped their toes in the waters of consciousness exploration. You don't need to be a veteran, but complete novices might want to gain some experience before joining us. We screen all applicants to ensure the right fit.

What compounds will be available?

Our research apothecary features a carefully curated collection of unregulated compounds with ideal safety profiles optimized for the container. Many of which you've likely never even heard of. The exact menu will be shared with confirmed participants, but expect a thoughtfully designed range that allows for both scientific exploration and profound personal experiences. Everything is lab-tested, properly dosed, and administered within our research protocols.

How is this different from other retreats?

We're not just offering experiences—we're conducting research that's advancing our collective understanding of consciousness. You're not a customer; you're a pioneer contributing to the map of the mind. Our rigorous protocols, data collection methods, and professional research team create something far beyond typical "journeys" or "ceremonies."

When you leave, you'll have contributed to the first-ever scientific mapping of conscious states.

How does the research component work?

During your explorations, our team uses cutting-edge neurophenomenology tools—including agentic micro-phenomenology interview systems, brain monitoring technology, and structured reporting protocols—to capture both the objective AND subjective dimensions of your experience.

This creates multi-dimensional data that helps us understand how different mental states arise and how to access them reliably. Your participation directly contributes to building the first map of conscious states.

Who will be there?

A carefully selected group of 100 consciousness pioneers including:

-Successful professionals tired of hiding their interest in consciousness exploration

-Leading researchers pushing the boundaries of conventional science

-Visionary patrons funding the next frontier of human potential

-Experienced facilitators creating optimal containers for exploration

-Artists and performers who translate conscious insights into expression

This isn't a random crowd. This is your tribe.

What's included in the $12,500 investment?

-6 days/5 nights premium accommodations

-All meals and beverages (specialized for optimal experience)

-Full access to the research apothecary

-All workshops, ceremonies, and performances

-Contribution to groundbreaking consciousness research

-Professional facilitation and medical supervision

-Integration support

-Transportation from Lisbon or Porto airport (specific times TBD)

-Lifetime membership in the Sensoria community

What's the application process?

Our application process ensures the right fit for this pioneering community:

1. Submit your $997 deposit to secure your place in the application queue

2. Complete our in-depth application (you'll receive this within a few minutes)

3. Applications are reviewed in the order deposits are received

4. Upon acceptance, you'll receive an invitation to complete your remaining investment

If your application isn't accepted for any reason, your deposit will be fully refunded.

How do you ensure safety?

Safety isn't an afterthought—it's built into every aspect of the experience:

-Comprehensive medical screening before approval

-On-site medical professionals

-Lab-tested compounds with precise dosing

-Controlled setting designed for optimal experiences

-Expert facilitation team with extensive experience

-Proper preparation and integration support

-Ongoing monitoring throughout experiences

Our prototype event demonstrated flawless safety protocols, and we've expanded those measures for the Psychonaut Playground.

What should I expect after applying?

After joining the waitlist, you'll receive an application within a few minutes. Our team reviews all applications carefully to ensure the right fit. If selected, you'll receive a detailed welcome package with preparation guidelines, travel information, and next steps for your journey. If it isn't a good fit, we'll refund your initial deposit.

Can I come with a partner/friend?

Yes, though each person must apply individually. We carefully curate the group dynamic and can't guarantee acceptance for everyone. If exploring with someone specific is important to you, please note this in your application.

What's the cancellation policy?

Your spot is confirmed with a 10% refundable deposit. Cancellations made 90+ days in advance are eligible for a full refund minus the deposit. Cancellations between 60–89 days receive a 50% refund, and 30–59 days a 25% refund or credit toward a future event. Cancellations within 30 days are non-refundable. You’re welcome to transfer your ticket to someone else with our approval. For peace of mind, we recommend travel insurance.

Is this a one-time event or will there be more?

While the Psychonaut Playground will likely become a recurring gathering, each event is unique and limited in size. Future events may focus on different aspects of consciousness research or be held in different locations. Being part of this first official gathering puts you at the forefront of this movement.

How do I prepare for this experience?

Once confirmed, participants will receive detailed preparation guidelines

What happens to the research data?

Your contributions help create the world's first open-source map of consciousness states—the neurophenomenological state space. This groundbreaking work will advance mental health treatments, enhance human potential, and deepen our understanding of the mind itself. Your privacy is always protected in published research.

Want to talk with someone on our team?

HQ: 3330 Brighton Blvd

Alameda California, 94501

Phone: +1 415-338-9092

HQ: Frontier Tower

95 Market Street 14th floor

San Francisco, CA 94103

Phone: +1 (415) 338-9092

HQ: 3330 Brighton Blvd

Alameda California, 94501

Phone: +1 415-338-9092

HQ: 3330 Brighton Blvd

Alameda California, 94501

Phone: +1 415-338-9092

© Sensoria LLC. All rights reserved.