Part 1: A Solo Escape to Nectar Yoga Retreat on Bowen Island
Nectar Yoga Retreat, Bowen Island
Geodesic Yoga Dome, Nectar Yoga Retreat, Bowen Island
I first heard about Nectar Yoga Retreat almost five years ago. Nestled into a tranquil corner of Bowen Island, it had been on my radar for a while—but with COVID and then back-to-back pregnancies, the timing never quite worked out. Still, it stayed bookmarked in the back of my mind as one of those “one day” experiences.
That “one day” finally came this past winter, when River was about six months old. I was deep in that touched-out, postpartum fog where you know you need time to yourself but have no idea how to carve it out. I told myself: this is it. You need this. I booked a solo stay for February… only to have it rescheduled due to a rare ferry terminal accident that shut down all access to Bowen. (A little divine timing, maybe?) So I tried again in March—and honestly, it couldn’t have worked out better. The skies cleared, the temperatures lifted, and spring felt just around the corner. I could already tell it would be worth the wait.
Nectar Yoga Retreat, Bowen Island
Getting There
Coming from Chilliwack, the journey took just over two hours. I drove west to Horseshoe Bay and caught the ferry to Snug Cove.
If you’re coming from Vancouver or the Island, it’s easy to walk onto the ferry and either catch a local bus or hitchhike to Nectar. (Yes—hitchhiking is totally normal on Bowen. There are even designated “hitching posts” around the island. A couple from Las Vegas at my retreat did exactly that and had no problem at all.)
The ferry ride was picturesque with the North Shore mountains glowing in the late afternoon sun, and when I pulled up to Nectar, I was immediately greeted by a sense of calm I hadn’t realized I needed so badly. Before checking in, I popped into Nectar Goods, the on-site shop full of beautiful, hand-picked items from local artisans and Nectar’s own collection.
BC Ferries
Queen of Capilano, BC Ferries
I dropped my bags in my cozy cottage and joined the group for a site tour and orientation hosted by Andrea, the owner of Nectar and our retreat guide for the week. She shared all kinds of thoughtful insights about the land, the property, and the community on Bowen, and then we made our way to the Yoga Dome for our first session.
Quartz Cottage, Nectar Yoga Retreat, Bowen Island
The Yoga Experience
The Yoga Dome alone is an experience—set among the trees, with massive windows letting in the light and a wood-burning stove crackling in the corner. That first class melted everything. Tension I didn’t realize I was holding, thoughts I’d been suppressing, energy I hadn’t tapped into in months—it all moved through me. I was back.
After yoga, I headed into town to pick up a few snacks and dinner supplies at The Ruddy. (Pro tip: come early or plan ahead, because dining options are limited Sunday through Tuesday in the village.) I opted for a solo “girl dinner” and a quiet night of reading and reflecting.
Geodesic Yoga Dome, Nectar Yoga Retreat, Bowen Island
Geodesic Yoga Dome, Nectar Yoga Retreat, Bowen Island
Slow Mornings, Soothing Rituals
The next morning started with tea, journaling, and photography before our breathwork, meditation, and morning yoga session—again led by Andrea. The classes were rooted in mindfulness and movement, without feeling overly structured or intimidating. I hadn’t practiced consistently in a few years, but these sessions felt accessible and grounding.
I was reading Ultra Something at the time—a light but thought-provoking read about pushing personal boundaries, not just in sport, but in life. It was the perfect companion to this solo adventure.
Quartz Cottage, Nectar Yoga Retreat, Bowen Island
Quartz Cottage, Nectar Yoga Retreat, Bowen Island
Quartz Cottage, Nectar Yoga Retreat, Bowen Island
Quartz Cottage, Nectar Yoga Retreat, Bowen Island
Nourishment & Inspiration
Nectar’s food deserves its own paragraph. Breakfast was a colourful, nourishing spread that left me feeling energized and inspired. One dish—a roasted potato and quinoa power bowl—was so good I came home and tried to recreate it myself. (Still chasing that same magic.)
After breakfast, I packed up for a nearby hike—wanting to stretch my legs before my scheduled session at Mist, Nectar’s brand-new thermal sanctuary just a short walk from the cabins. (More on both of those in Parts 2 and 3!)
Later that evening, after another full-body flow in the Yoga Dome, I made my way to Tunstall Bay for a solo fire and sunset dinner on the beach. The sky lit up in hues of pink and gold as I sat with my thoughts, reflecting on how far I’ve come and how grateful I felt to be here, in this moment, with myself.
Tunstall Bay, Bowen Island
Movement, Nature and Inspiration
This may not have been a “lay around and do nothing” kind of retreat, but for me, it was exactly what I needed—movement, nature, solitude, inspiration. A recharge in the truest sense. If you’re craving a little more relaxation, I’d definitely recommend adding an extra day or two just to slow down. But for anyone looking to reconnect with themselves, practice some yoga, and explore a beautiful corner of the west coast—this is your sign to book it.
On the final morning, we shared our last class and breakfast together before saying goodbye. I left Nectar with a full heart, a clearer mind, and a deep excitement to get home to Aspen and River.
Quartz Cottage, Nectar Yoga Retreat, Bowen Island
Nectar Yoga Retreat, Bowen Island
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