Nectar Yoga retreat on Bowen Island has been on my bucketlist for 2-3 years. If you’re looking for a yoga retreat that encompasses yoga and meditation, the outdoors, healthy eating, and a bit of luxury, then I highly recommend Nectar. It is by far the best yoga retreat in Canada. I can’t believe I waited so long to go. It was amazing and I’m already planning my next visit to this unique B.C. yoga retreat.
Arrival at Nectar Yoga Retreat in Canada
I arrived and checked in at 3:00 p.m. and was given a quick tour of the property then was left to settle into my Deluxe Cottage. I met Andrea, the owner of Nectar Yoga, and the 3 other guests back in the main lodge for orientation. Andrea gave us some background on the history of Bowen Island and Nectar Yoga, as well as what to expect for the next couple days of our yoga retreat. We then moved into the outdoor yoga dome for our first meditation and yoga class.
The Yoga
Each class at the Nectar Yoga retreat included meditation and movement, and it varied each day. The style of yoga was Hatha, and was very accessible to all levels. I highly recommend this yoga retreat for beginners as well as advanced yogis. While the dome can be chilly, especially in the morning, it has a wood burning stove that makes it nice and cozy.
The Cabins at Nectar Yoga Retreat
Bowen Island accommodation is unique and these luxe cabins are truly special. Nectar Yoga Retreat in Canada has six cabins; three are 60s-throwback A-frame cabins and three are Deluxe Cottages. I opted to stay in a Deluxe Cottage because it has its own attached bathroom with a spa-like shower, plus a mini-fridge, kettle, and TV. Because of the uncertainty with the pandemic, I brought most of my own food and wasn’t sure how I’d feel about sharing a bathroom. Now that I’ve been there, I would consider staying in one of the A-frame cabins next time. Although they’re simple with a double bed and no bathroom, fridge or kettle, they are right next to the main lodge. The lodge is massive and has bathrooms, showers, endless tea and coffee, and a fridge that guests can store food in.
The Experience
Our second day at the retreat started with a silent walking meditation through the trees and past the creek. Andrea encouraged us to focus on our breath and all of our senses, taking in the sights, sounds and smells. It was amazing! I love to walk and typically listen to podcasts or music, which never really lets my mind settle and absorb my surroundings. I loved this style of meditation, and I think it would be really beneficial to anyone who wants to get into meditation but doesn’t want to sit in silence (which can be super hard!).
We then went into the dome for our 60-minute yoga class. What I loved about Andrea’s style of teaching is that while it doesn’t get you hot and sweaty, it does provide a lot of movement for your muscles and joints, and you can make it as challenging as you want. I’ve hardly done any yoga since the start of the pandemic so I found this to be the perfect way to get back to my mat and enjoy yoga again.
There’s also the option of adding an afternoon yoga class for $25 if you’d like. I opted out of this and had a massage instead. Nectar Yoga organized the massage for me (arranged in advance) for an additional fee and I think it’s the perfect complement to a yoga retreat.
A delicious vegetarian breakfast is included daily, and they easily cater to any dietary restrictions (like my gluten free diet).
I loved the walking meditation so much, I got up early on my last morning and did the walking meditation on my own. It is such a lovely and refreshing way to start your day. I then met everyone in the dome for the last morning meditation and yoga class. Three days flew by quickly but I think yoga retreats in BC are so crucial to our well-being during these stressful times.
Retreat Inclusions
You receive three complimentary yoga classes as part of your two-night stay at Nectar. I think because of this, as well as the daily breakfast and quality yoga classes, Nectar Yoga retreat is worth it. My yoga retreat cost was about CAD $600, including my massage, so definitely great value. The package is more affordable if you arrive on a Monday than a Friday, so bear that in mind when you’re making your Bowen Island travel plans.
Yoga Retreat Schedule
Check in: 3:00 p.m.
Orientation: 3:45 p.m.
Day 1 Meditation and Yoga: 4:30 p.m.
Day 2 Meditation and Yoga: 8:00 a.m.
Day 2 Breakfast: 9:30 a.m.
Day 2 Yoga (Optional): 4:30 p.m.
Day 3: Meditation and Yoga: 8:00 a.m.
Day 3 Breakfast: 9:30 a.m.
Check out: 11:00 a.m.
Nectar Yoga Availability
Monday, Wednesday, and Friday are arrival days and Nectar Yoga requires a minimum 2-night stay.
Getting to Bowen Island
Bowen Island is just a 20 minute ferry ride away from Vancouver, B.C. You can read all the details on my Bowen Island Travel Guide HERE.
I’ve been to yoga retreats all over the world, from India to Bali to the Maldives. However, yoga retreats in B.C. are incredible. We have an abundance of nature right here, and self-care is more important than ever. So if you’re wondering “Where is the best yoga retreat?” I would really encourage you to book Nectar Yoga!
Have you been to a yoga retreat?
Save to Pinterest for Easy Reference
Best Yoga Retreat in Canada
This post may contain affiliate links. This means that at no extra cost to you, I earn a small commission if you make a purchase. Thank you for your support!
[…] Nectar Yoga has a collection of six luxe A-frame cabins and deluxe cottages situated on a large forested property with its own trails and creek. Daily meditation and yoga, as well as breakfast, are included which in my opinion, makes it one of the best yoga retreats in B.C. You can read about my entire experience HERE. […]