If you’ve followed me for a while, you’ll know that Nectar Yoga is my happy place. I consider it to be the best yoga retreat in Canada. I’ve been twice before but always in the cooler, rainier seasons (March and October, respectively) so I was excited to visit in the summer.
The Nectar Yoga Experience
You do not have to be a yogi to go on a yoga retreat at Nectar Yoga. The yoga teachers are fantastic and can accommodate all levels and abilities. Many, if not most, of the other guests I’ve met while there have little to no yoga experience. Nectar Yoga is definitely an ideal getaway for a solo trip to recharge but would also be amazing to experience with your BFF. Plus, I couldn’t help but think it would be a cool destination for a Corporate retreat.
The Nectar Yoga experience is two nights with arrival days being Monday, Wednesday or Friday. Check-in is at 3:00 p.m. and then everyone meets for orientation at 3:45 p.m. During orientation, the owner Andrea, makes a point of connecting with each guest and understanding what has brought them to Nectar. She also speaks about the history of Nectar Yoga, Bowen Island, and the energy of the land we are on. I really love this special introduction and I learn something new every time.
The first meditation and yoga class follows orientation and is in the outdoor yoga dome. The next two mornings offer meditation and yoga at 8:00 a.m. with breakfast shortly after at 9:45 a.m.. Then you can either spend your day relaxing, having a massage (advanced booking required), going for a hike, or taking in a second yoga class (for an additional fee). Check-out is 11:00 a.m. on the last day.
Eating and Drinking
Daily breakfast is included at Nectar Yoga, and it’s delicious! Everyone meets in the main lodge after the morning yoga practice and eats together around a long harvest table. In the warmer summer months, you eat at a long table outside. Breakfast is vegetarian and made with locally-grown, organic ingredients. It is SO GOOD! They also cater to dietary restrictions such as gluten free like mine. Fruit, coffee or tea is available in the lodge all day long. There is a small fridge plus cups, glasses, cutlery and plateware should you bring your own meals or get takeaway from a local restaurant.
Nectar Yoga also recently published a cookbook of their signature dishes. They are that good! You can get it HERE.
If you’re looking for lunch and dinner options, be sure to check out my Bowen Island Travel Guide HERE.
Accommodation
I stayed in a Deluxe Cottage during this visit. Each of the cottages have the option of two single beds or one king bed. Each has its own bathroom with a double vanity sink, plus an indoor AND outdoor shower. There’s a small fridge, kettle, and TV, too.
The cozy A-frame cottages are single occupancy only. The washrooms have showers and are located at the main lodge (just a few steps away). I stayed here on my last visit and it was honestly perfect for just one person on a rainy weekend.
Things to Do at Nectar Yoga
I highly recommend taking the opportunity to slow down and disconnect while you’re at Nectar Yoga. There is a small selection of books you can borrow if you want to curl up to read with a cup of tea or enjoy in one of the sun-soaked hammocks.
Nectar Yoga offers massage sessions, private yoga classes, tarot readings, and counselling sessions to enhance your stay. Additional fees are required and arrangements must be made in advance. I’ve had a massage on two occasions and it was utter bliss!
If you want to get some fresh air and exercise, Nectar Trail is a great little hike on the property. It takes you along a creek, through the massive trees, and up to a lookout.
For other Bowen Island hikes, check out my travel guide HERE.
If you’re a fan of cider, there’s a new cidery that just opened next to Nectar Yoga. It’s called Bowen Cider House and their tasting room is open Wednesday to Sunday.
If you’re visiting Nectar Yoga on the weekend, be sure to check out the local farmers market. It operates every Saturday from May to October.
And before you leave, don’t forget to check out the gift shop at Nectar Yoga. They have some lovely gifts (gifts for yourself are also recommended!) like soaps, incense, notebooks, cards and yoga props.
TL;DR: Nectar Yoga Retreat
The one thing that everyone I’ve met at Nectar Yoga agrees on, is that they waited too long to book this experience and that they deserve the self care experienced. Considering the unique accommodation, healthy breakfast, three meditation and yoga classes, it is also incredible value. I highly, highly recommend you visit Nectar Yoga at least once -or three times, like me!
I was hosted as a guest of Nectar Yoga on this visit, however if you’d like to read about my experience when I first visited in 2021, then click HERE.
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