Sacred Ground: Connection & Restoration for Gay Men of Color

Imagine a space where you are seen and celebrated, where every part of who you are finds respect, affirmation, and love. Sacred Ground is more than a retreat; it is a sanctuary built for you—a place where you can experience deep restoration, reconnect with yourself, and find community with other gay men of color who understand your journey.

In a world where our identities intersect in ways that bring both richness and challenges, finding a place that fully embraces who we are can be rare. Sacred Ground, set in the serene Riviera Mayan Jungle of Puerto Morelos, Mexico, is that place. Over five transformative days, we invite you to experience a journey designed to honor your identity, nurture your spirit, and deepen your connection to both yourself and those around you.

Here’s why you should join us:

Restoration & Rejuvenation

From the moment you arrive, you’ll be welcomed into an environment crafted for peace. Disconnect from the pressures of everyday life, release the weight of societal expectations, and reconnect with your inner calm through mindful practices. Each day starts and ends with nurturing your mind, body, and soul.

Community & Connection
In this space, you’ll find men who share your lived experiences, who understand what it means to navigate the world as a gay man of color. Through sharing circles and deep conversations, you’ll build connections that go beyond the surface, finding strength, laughter, and kinship with brothers who are walking similar paths.

Reflection & Restoration
We honor the stories, joys, and trials that make up our individual and collective journeys. You’ll be guided to release what no longer serves you, let go of burdens, and embrace self-acceptance. Together, we’ll honor our ancestors and foster gratitude, grounding each of us in our shared history and resilience.

Celebration of Identity

Sacred Ground is a place where you can be fully yourself—unapologetically. Every ritual, every conversation, and every experience is designed to honor the beauty of being a gay man of color. Here, your identity is your strength, and you are celebrated for exactly who you are.

A Sacred Space for Growth
Through connection to nature, spiritual practices, and introspection, you’ll leave this retreat feeling rejuvenated, grounded, and supported. Our intention is to create a sacred experience where you find restoration, acceptance, and a renewed sense of purpose.

Join us from May 24th to May 28th, 2025, for five days of connection, restoration, and self-discovery. Together, we will create memories and bonds that will sustain us long after we depart. This is more than a retreat—it’s an invitation to come home to yourself, to celebrate your identity, and to find power and peace among brothers who understand your story.

Take this step as an investment in yourself, in your well-being, and in the strength that community can bring. Sacred Ground is calling you to find restoration, connection, and support in the company of those who truly see you.

Self Mastery Retreats International, co-created by Omar Buckner and Dr. Gerald Hassell, is a leader in crafting transformative retreat experiences that empower individuals—particularly men and women of color—to reclaim their mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual power. Dedicated to serving the Black and Brown community, especially those who are underserved and marginalized by society, including LGBTQ+ individuals, formerly incarcerated persons, and those recovering from trauma, we believe in the innate potential for greatness within each person.

Our retreats take place in stunning tropical resort nestled in the heart of the Mayan jungle, providing a nurturing environment for deep self-discovery and growth. Co-created with expert facilitators, these immersive experiences combine transformative workshops, coaching sessions, and activities designed to inspire meaningful and lasting change. Through our commitment to excellence, we equip participants with essential tools and strategies for self-mastery, enabling them to unlock their fullest potential and embark on a journey of fulfillment.

Our mission is to guide individuals toward a path of self-mastery and empowerment, creating opportunities for personal transformation that foster deep reflection, growth, and a renewed sense of purpose.

Omar Hajile Buckner 

Omar seamlessly integrates his extensive experience and skills into creating transformative experiences. With over three decades of expertise in youth, organization, and community development, Omar is not only a masterful trainer and coalition builder but also a dedicated advocate for fostering connections and empowerment within marginalized communities.

His deep belief in the transformative power of the circle process is evident in his portfolio, which includes designing, developing, and facilitating Community Building, Racial Healing, Recovery, and Solidarity Circles. Omar's passion for building bridges between communities is reflected in his work, during the past three years, he has immersed himself in the vibrant cultures of Black and Indigenous communities across Latin America and the Caribbean.

As a co-creator of two international virtual circle series, Omar leveraged his expertise to enhance the capabilities of Black and Brown communities worldwide. With his wealth of experience and heartfelt commitment, Omar brings a unique blend of skills and dedication to his role as a Retreat Host, ensuring that every participant experiences profound growth and connection during their journey.

Will Turner 

Will Turner is a Holistic Men’s Health Coach, Fitness Trainer, and Advocate dedicated to helping men cultivate self mastery through intentional wellness, mindset transformation, and holistic self-care. As the founder of Living Well with WiL, he creates safe spaces for men—especially men of color, young men, and gay men—to challenge societal limitations, redefine masculinity, and build healthier relationships with themselves.

Will’s work aligns seamlessly with Self Mastery Retreats International, as he guides men through deep personal growth by addressing the mental, emotional, and social barriers that hinder their well-being. Through fitness training, mental and emotional mediation, self-reflection, and restorative wellness practices, he empowers men to take control of their health, confidence, and purpose. His approach fosters resilience, self-awareness, and personal leadership—key principles of self mastery.

A certified Men’s Health and Wellness Coach, Will has worked with organizations like YMCA, Big Brothers-Big Sisters, and Equinox Fitness Company’s top master trainers, shaping his expertise in men’s wellness. Recognized as one of the top fitness and health coaches in Dallas, New York, and Atlanta, he remains committed to empowering men to overcome depression, loneliness, and self-doubt, helping them step into their full potential.

At Sacred Ground: Connection & Restoration for Gay Men of Color, Will brings his passion and expertise to help participants break through limitations, restore balance, and embrace self mastery in a way that is both powerful and transformative.

Named after the Afro-Mexican Independence leader, José María Morelos, Puerto Morelos is a charming and authentic beach town and quaint fishing village. With warm and welcoming locals, Puerto Morelos offers off-the-radar beach destinations that are just as beautiful as the more extensive resort town beaches. This hidden gem, located only 30 minutes north of Playa del Carmen and 15 minutes south of the Cancun Airport, is praised for its beautiful beach and vibrant coral reef, offering a casual coastal atmosphere that's both inviting and inclusive. Known for being a safe community, Puerto Morelos has low crime rates, especially compared to larger, more tourist-heavy destinations.

While some U.S. travelers may have concerns about safety in Mexico, Puerto Morelos is widely considered safe, like most of the Yucatán Peninsula. Visitors here commonly report feeling at ease at any hour of the day or night, enjoying the relaxed, friendly environment this town is known for. The community’s inclusivity also makes it an especially comfortable destination for LGBTQ+ travelers.

Born from a vision to create a harmonious space that resonates with the rhythms of nature, Lunita is more than just a destination and it isn’t just built on the land, it’s crafted with heart, soul, and a commitment to creating a space that fosters a deep connection with Pachamama, the nurturing spirit of Mother Earth. 

Their core values are rooted in the profound respect for the natural world, offering a tranquil escape that stands in serene contrast to the clamor of city life. At Lunita, they believe in the power of nature to restore and rejuvenate the spirit, providing an intimate backdrop for retreats that inspire and celebrate love in its purest form.

Each experience at Lunita is infused with the essence of local culture, honoring the vibrant heritage and the people who have nurtured this land for generations. Every moment is an opportunity to forge a deeper connection with nature and embrace the local customs that make this corner of the world uniquely enchanting. 

• 1:00 PM: Light Lunch for Early Arrivals
  • A casual meal to welcome participants who arrive early, offering a chance to ease into the retreat and meet fellow attendees.
• 3:00 PM: Welcome & Orientation
  • Introduction to the retreat's schedule, guidelines, and intentions, focusing on creating a safe and affirming space for gay men of color.
  • Group introductions and a sharing circle for setting personal intentions.
• 5:00 PM: Blessing Ceremony
  • A ceremonial welcome to bless the space and set personal and collective intentions for connection and reflection.
• 6:30 PM: Taco Bar Dinner
  • A relaxed dinner to start building bonds in a light, social atmosphere.
• 8:00 PM: Moonlight Conversation 
  • Theme: "Setting Intentions and Embracing the Journey"

• 8:00 AM: Water Sound Bowl Session 
  • Connect with water and sound in a calming, grounding start to the day.
• 9:00 AM: Breakfast
• 10:30 AM: Journaling Session
  • Theme: "Releasing & Letting Go"
  • Reflect on areas in life that need releasing—stress, fear, or past experiences—to make space for growth and renewal.
• 12:00 PM: Lunch
• 1:30 PM: Temescal Ceremony
  • A traditional Mayan sweat lodge experience, symbolizing renewal and cleansing. Participants reflect on personal challenges and begin their healing journey.
• 4:00 PM: Trip to the Cenote
  • A cleansing swim in the cenote to refresh and connect with nature, perfect after the intensity of the temescal.
• 6:00 PM: Return to Lunita Jungle & Free Time
  • Quiet Reflection or Creative Expression: Journaling, creating art, or quiet rest time.
• 7:00 PM: Dinner
• 8:00 PM: Moonlight Conversation 
  • Theme: "Renewal & Self-Acceptance"
  • Reflect on renewal, self-acceptance, and letting go as participants bond over shared experiences.

• 8:00 AM: Movement Meditation & Breathwork
  • Gentle movement and breathwork to center the body and mind.
• 9:00 AM: Breakfast
• 10:30 AM: Journaling Session
  • Theme: "Embracing Vulnerability"
  • Reflect on personal stories of strength and vulnerability, exploring how it feels to embrace one's full identity as a gay man of color.
• 12:00 PM: Lunch
• 1:30 PM: Sharing & Reflection Circle
  • A supportive group conversation to share personal stories, connect, and discuss the emotional, mental, and spiritual challenges of life as a gay man of color.
• 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM: Free Time & Massages
  • Relaxation, massage, or quiet reflection.
  • Relax in your room, meditate in a designated area, swing in a hammock, enjoy the pool, exercise in the jungle gym area, walk barefoot across the pristine grounds to connect with nature, let loose on the dance floor in The Groove Zone, do you, connect with other participants, or just relax.
• 8:00 PM: Dinner in Town
  • A group outing to a local restaurant for fun and connection in a different setting.

• 8:00 AM: Movement Meditation & Breathwork
  • Mindfulness and physical movement to energize the body and mind.
• 9:00 AM: Breakfast
• 10:00 AM: Day Trip to Cozumel
  • Explore Cozumel, with snorkeling, relaxation on the beach, and experiencing local culture.
• 12:00 PM: Lunch on Cozumel
• 4:00 PM: Return to Lunita Jungle & Free Time
• 7:00 PM: Dinner
• 8:00 PM: Tree Planting Ceremony
  • Honor ancestors and plant seeds for the future. Reflect on heritage and how participants want to grow moving forward.

• 8:00 AM: Movement Meditation & Breathwork
  • A final session to center the mind and body, offering space for reflection on the retreat experience.
• 9:00 AM: Breakfast
• 10:30 AM: Hug Ceremony
  • A closing circle where participants express gratitude and share final reflections and takeaways from the retreat.
• 12:00 PM: Final Lunch
• 1:00 PM: Check-Out & Departures
  • Saying farewells, with lessons and connections carried forward.

Please note that while the itinerary provides a general outline of activities, slight adjustments may be made to enhance your retreat experience.