Las Olas Recovery

Residential Treatment and Detox

The 30-day residential program combines medically supervised detox when needed, individual and group therapy, meals and care coordination. Clinical and support staff are available around the clock.

Seven-day stays focus on medically supervised detox and early stabilization. Fifteen-day stays allow more participation in structured recovery activities. Both include 24-hour monitoring, medication management, support with sleep and nutrition, meals, discharge planning and recommendations for next-step care.

Detox care covers alcohol, opioids including heroin and prescription pain medicines, methamphetamine, benzodiazepines and cocaine. The medical team creates an individual plan around the substances used and withdrawal symptoms.

Physician assessment guides medication, monitoring and the gradual introduction of activities. Light walks, meditation and therapy may begin as physical condition allows; initial detox commonly spans three to seven days, depending on the substances involved.

Complementary options include homeopathic approaches alongside medical treatment. These are separate from the physician-led medication and monitoring plan.

Admission and Practical Conditions

Las Olas treats adult men and women aged 18 and over within a sub-acute setting. It does not accept people with untreated mental illness, violent outbursts, an active eating disorder or current suicidality, and is not a setting for acute psychiatric or medical stabilization.

Admission assessment considers substance-use history, previous treatment, current mental health and personal treatment goals. Financial arrangements, potential insurance coverage and travel are discussed individually; insurance payment is not guaranteed.

Fees are quoted for the selected 30-day, 15-day or 7-day program.

Belongings are inspected on arrival and personal items are inventoried and stored securely, apart from clothing and personal hygiene items. Medication and substance use during the stay must be administered by the center.

Alcohol, non-prescribed medication, sharps or weapons, herbal remedies, supplements and energy drinks are not permitted. Smoking and vaping are limited to designated areas. Computer and mobile-phone access is limited, with exceptions for emergencies.

Therapy and Recovery Skills

Individual psychotherapy and group therapy are combined with recovery education, 12-step meetings, meditation, yoga, physiotherapy and massage. Individual sessions develop personal goals and coping strategies.

Addiction counseling includes cognitive behavioral skills: recognizing links between situations, thoughts, behavior and emotions, then working on unhelpful patterns. Relapse education, managing difficult emotions, relationships and planning the next steps in recovery form part of the approach.

The recovery model incorporates the 12 steps and connection with a peer support network. Spanish is not necessary for participation in local meetings.

Clinical Team

Medical Director Dr. Alan Anzures oversees individualized detox care. The medical roster comprises three doctors and three nurses, with three therapists including two psychologists and three drug and alcohol specialists. Yoga, massage, physiotherapy and chiropractic support complement the team.

Maria Topete provides addiction education, prevention and counseling, including cognitive behavioral relapse-prevention skills. Nayeli Castro is part of the nursing team.

John Davis founded Las Olas with Lydia Smith-Davis. The bilingual team supports communication in English and Spanish.

Accommodation and Facilities

The residence is a two-story, two-bedroom home of approximately 3,000 square feet, hosting no more than three guests at a time. Private or semi-private room arrangements are available.

Two palapa balconies provide shaded sitting areas with hammocks and views over farmland toward the Pacific Ocean. Shared living and dining areas complement the residence, with Wi-Fi and satellite television available.

Meals emphasize Baja-style food, including fish tacos, salads, fresh fish, juices, smoothies, chicken and steak. Nutrition is adjusted around individual needs during detox and treatment.

Daily Life and Activities

A sample weekday begins with morning meditation, breakfast and medication, then outdoor activity, step work and recovery education. Individual therapy, 12-step meetings, meals, evening relaxation and self-care structure the rest of the day.

The sample schedule places float therapy on Monday, yoga on Tuesday, massage on Wednesday and Sunday, and art therapy on Saturday. A Saturday outing to Cabo and weekend social or community activities are examples; activities vary with the individual treatment plan.

Outdoor options include surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, fishing, whale watching, kayaking, hiking and mountain biking. Cerritos offers beginner surf conditions, while La Pastora and San Pedrito are options for experienced surfers.

The Miracles of Recovery meeting takes place on Sunday afternoons at 4 p.m. and welcomes people affected directly or indirectly by addiction, including loved ones.

Family Support and Continuing Care

Before departure, the team helps develop a continuing-care plan that may include outpatient support, sober living or other aftercare resources.

Continuing-care consultation is available when a guest does not already have a plan. Guests attending as part of treatment with another facility keep that existing facility relationship rather than receiving a separate consultation.

Las Olas does not accept incentives for sending guests to another facility. Guests and families choose among continuing-care options.

Family-support resources include counseling and external Al-Anon groups, with Alateen suggested for younger family members. These outside support groups are separate from the residential program.

Location and Travel

Las Olas is in El Pescadero near Todos Santos, Baja California Sur, along a dirt road with farmland and Pacific Ocean views. Los Cabos International Airport is the recommended arrival airport.

Staff collect arriving guests at the airport and coordinate onward travel to the residence. Travelers from the United States need a passport.

Comfortable modest clothing, a light jacket, swimwear, walking or hiking shoes and toiletries are useful for the stay. Laundry service is available; a spring wetsuit is suggested for surfing.