Self Mastery Retreats International is proud to present a transformative experience designed BY Black Men, FOR Black Men.

This immersive five-night retreat in the sacred surroundings of Puerto Morelos, Mexico offers a rare and powerful opportunity for Black Men to forge deep bonds, replenish their energy, and co-create the lives they desire. Rooted in love, healing, and liberation, this journey invites a select group of Black Men to pause, reflect, and reconnect with their inner power.

Recognizing the systemic barriers and racialized stress that Black Men often navigate—whether supporting families, building businesses, or simply surviving—this retreat creates a safe, affirming space to breathe, be seen, and begin again.

In the May/June 2025 edition of ESSENCE Magazine, our Black Man’s Self-Mastery Retreat was honored in the article “The Great Escape” as one of six wellness experiences helping Black men reclaim their wholeness and navigate trauma through rest, healing, and spiritual connection. We are also proud to share that ESSENCE has recognized our retreat as a Best in Travel 2025 award winner.

This is more than a retreat. This is an investment in yourself, your family, and generations to come.

• Learn the Seven Keys to Self Mastery to co-create the life you desire

• Rest and relax in the Caribbean Sea and tropical Mayan jungle

• Decompress from the daily grind and replenish your spirit

• Connect with a global network of supportive, like-minded brothers

• Participate in traditional healing practices

• Return home inspired, restored, and deeply grounded

Register now to join this dynamic, international community of Black men walking the path of self mastery.

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. 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.

Omar 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.

Gerald Hassell, Psy. D. 

Dr. Gerald Hassell is a highly dedicated individual who excels in various domains, including fatherhood, entrepreneurship, authorship, and the practice of self-mastery. He holds a doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Wright State University and has expertise in human behavior. Over the course of the past twenty-five years, Dr. Hassell has made a remarkable and lasting impact on the lives of numerous generations of Black Men and their families. His approach to mental health, rooted in spirituality, has resonated profoundly with those he has served.

Dr. Hassell's contributions extend beyond his therapeutic work. He has authored two influential books that have become invaluable resources for personal growth and empowerment. "The Impact of Father Absence on African American Boys" sheds light on the critical role of fathers in the lives of their children. Additionally, "The Seven Keys to Self Mastery" provides readers with transformative insights and practical guidance on unlocking their full potential.

Through his unwavering commitment, Dr. Hassell continues to uplift and inspire individuals, empowering them to embark on a journey of self-discovery and self-mastery. His work serves as a guiding light for those seeking personal growth, helping them embrace their inherent capabilities and chart a course towards fulfillment. Driven by his passion and dedication, Dr. Gerald Hassell represents a beacon of inspiration, instilling hope and igniting positive change in the lives of those he touches.

Named after Afro-Mexican independence leader José María Morelos, Puerto Morelos is a charming, authentic beach town and fishing village nestled between Cancún and Playa del Carmen. Just 15 minutes south of Cancún International Airport, it offers a peaceful alternative to the busier resort towns of the Riviera Maya.

With its off-the-radar beaches, vibrant coral reef, and laid-back coastal vibe, Puerto Morelos is often described as the Yucatán Peninsula’s hidden gem. Visitors are welcomed by warm locals, fresh seafood, and a rhythm of life that invites you to slow down and stay awhile.

Unlike the heavily touristed areas nearby, Puerto Morelos retains its small-town feel—and is widely considered one of the safest places in the region. Most visitors report feeling safe and at ease, day or night, making it a perfect home for transformative travel and retreat experiences.

Born from a vision to create a harmonious space that resonates with the rhythms of the Earth, Lunita isn’t simply built on the land—it is crafted with heart and soul, rooted in a deep commitment to Pachamama, the nurturing spirit of Mother Earth. It offers more than just beauty; it offers belonging.

Their core values reflect a profound respect for the natural world, offering a sanctuary that stands in quiet contrast to the noise and pace of city life. At Lunita, nature is not just scenery—it is teacher, healer, and guide. This sacred space restores the spirit and invites deep connection, making it an ideal home for retreats grounded in love, truth, and transformation.

Every experience at Lunita is infused with the essence of local culture, honoring the vibrant heritage and the people who have cared for this land across generations. It is a place where ancient wisdom and modern consciousness meet—where visitors are invited to slow down, listen, and remember.

We are honored to call Lunita Jungle Retreat Center a true partner in every sense—and we are excited to be returning to this sacred ground to continue the work of healing, growth, and liberation.

Registration & Check-In

Welcome Reception, Communal Blessing  & Taco Bar  

Retreat Overview, Orientation, & Quick Introduction Activity

Dinner & Dialogue

Awareness & Acceptance:  A new way of seeing, thinking, and being. Embracing who you are and the power you possess to Master your life:

Mindfulness Practice 

Breakfast Bonding

Workshop: The First Key to Self Mastery: Awareness - Ending the battle within, achieving personal power and peace.

Lunch

Workshop: The Second Key to Self Mastery: Acceptance - Accepting your ability to reconstruct your reality from a position of power. 

Conscious Conversations

Dinner & Dialogue

Action & Assessment: Examining and evaluating the results of your actions, thoughts, and behaviors.  Utilizing the knowledge, information, and behaviors to restructure your identity/way of being.

Mindfulness Practice

Breakfast Bonding:  The Third Key to Self Mastery: Action - Moving with greater awareness and acceptance of your power. 

Lunch

Cenote Excursion 

Workshop: The Fourth Key to Self Mastery: Assessment - Examining the cause and effect of your actions. 

Dinner & Dialogue 

Integration & Celebration: Using the power of emotion as a catalyst for change and transformation. The daily practice of acknowledging and embracing who you are and the power you possess to Master your reality. 

Mindfulness Practice 

Breakfast Bonding - Self Mastery as the Key to Physical, Emotional, and Mental Health 

Workshop:  The Fifth Key to Self Mastery: Integration - Internalizing a Self Mastery Mindset and Identity 

Lunch

Beach & Massage

Workshop: The Sixth Key to Self Mastery: Celebration - Acknowledging and validating your daily growth and discipline. 

Dinner & Dialogue

Aapachar Ceremony

Self Mastery:  Making a commitment to the daily practice of disciplining your mind and body for the purpose of spiritual growth and service to others. 

Mindfulness Practice 

Breakfast Bonding - The Seventh Key to Self Mastery: Developing a daily practice that disciplines the mind and body for spiritual growth and service to others.

Lunch and Final Reflections on the Mastery Journey

Tree Planting Ceremony

Check-out