Your arrival at Nectar Yoga winds down a forested driveway, over a small bridge, and into the quiet clearing that holds the Onyx Lodge — a bright, open space designed for gathering and rest. Inside, tall windows look out onto the alder forest, and soft sofas invite conversation, reading, or simply doing nothing at all. The central dining table becomes the heart of our shared meals, while double doors open to a covered outdoor lounge where we can sit with tea, fresh air, and unhurried time together.

The entryway includes a cozy boot room and washroom, and just outside, you’ll find Nectar Goods — a small boutique and check-in area that welcomes each guest as they arrive. The lodge’s upper level also houses three guest rooms, each tucked beneath the rafters, warm and quiet under the forest canopy.

Meals at Nectar Yoga are plant-forward, seasonal, and full of flavour. You can expect food that’s light enough to keep your energy up, yet filling enough to feel satisfied. All meals are vegetarian, with vegan and gluten-free options available. If you have severe allergies, please let us know in advance. Menus are peanut-free. While we avoid cross-contamination, Nectar is not a nut-free or gluten-free kitchen.

The geodesic dome at Nectar Yoga is where our practice unfolds — a bright, curved sanctuary held by forest and sky. Inside, the light filters through the trees and the air feels still, inviting presence without effort. It’s both grounding and expansive, a space that holds movement, silence, and everything in between. This is where we’ll gather for asana, pranayama, meditation, and storytelling — where breath becomes rhythm and practice becomes conversation. The dome asks nothing of us except to arrive, to listen, and to let what’s true move through.

April on Bowen Island is a season of awakening — the forest is lush, the air smells of cedar and salt, and everything feels freshly alive. Between classes, there’s plenty of time to explore or simply rest.

You might wander down to the beach and listen to the tide, follow one of the nearby forest trails, or settle into a hammock with a book. Some guests like to journal or draw, others curl up in the lounge with tea and quiet company. You can visit the on-site boutique, enjoy the sauna, or take a long nap in your cozy cottage — because doing nothing is sometimes the most needed practice of all.

Retreat enrichments are optional experiences designed to complement your stay and deepen your rest. One 90-minute Mist Thermal Sanctuary session is already included in your retreat package. Additional add-ons — such as counselling, massage, or tarot readings — can be booked separately. A few weeks before the retreat, you’ll receive a private booking link to reserve these services. You can also sign up while on retreat, though availability may be limited closer to the date.

What to bring: 

• Yoga mat + accessories for your practice (i.e. props) if you prefer to use your own. We also have sanitized mats and props available to use. 
• Pack light/a small bag
• Warm clothing and socks for the yoga dome
• Natural mosquito repellent
• Sunscreen
• Sun glasses
• Swim suit
• Beach towel (Nectar does not provide towels for off-site use)
• Walking shoes
• A flashlight
• Warm clothes for the evening & dome
• Books (we have a book exchange, take a book/leave a book) should they want to leave a book behind for another guest to use
• Water bottle (we have a filtration system on all taps)
• Waterproof outdoor gear (all rooms have umbrellas as well)

What not to bring: 

• Soap/shampoo/conditioner (unless they use a specific kind). Our premises require toiletries that are septic safe.
• We are proud to use all-natural, septic-safe cleaning products, soaps, shampoos, conditioners.

Sorry, no pets are allowed at Nectar Yoga. The retreat centre is home to delicate forest life and operates as a shared sanctuary space for all guests.

While Nectar permits alcohol on site, this retreat is alcohol-free to keep the space restorative for everyone. Not everyone attending has an easy relationship with alcohol, and removing it helps create a space that feels safe and supportive for everyone. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for honouring that.

There aren’t any bathtubs on-site — all accommodations feature beautiful showers, some of them outdoors and surrounded by forest air.

If you’re someone who loves to soak, you’ll adore the Mist Thermal Sanctuary, which is included in your retreat. Mist offers private, wood-fired thermal units with a hot-cold contrast circuit — think sauna, cold plunge, and fire-warmed rest areas surrounded by trees. It’s the perfect place to unwind, reset, and get that same deep, restorative effect of a long bath, only outdoors and under the sky.

Nectar Yoga operates on a delicate septic system, which means only toilet paper can be flushed. Everything else — including tampons, wipes, and other hygiene products — must go into the garbage bins provided in each bathroom. The system is designed to protect the forested environment surrounding the property, so your care and mindfulness help keep the space running smoothly for everyone.

YES. (Just kidding.) Come as you are, however you are. You don’t need to be flexible or experienced — just curious and open to trying a mix of styles. Think of it like a tasting menu: a little vinyasa, a little restorative, a touch of meditation, and plenty of laughter in between.

A blend of slow vinyasa, restorative, meditation, and community discussion, all grounded in traditional teachings and modern reflection.

Yes. All indoor spaces are quiet after 10:30 PM. You’re welcome to chat quietly in the lodge or cozy up by the outdoor fire if you want to stay up later.

Yes. There’s reliable cell service and Wi-Fi in Onyx Lodge and most cottages.  There is no Wi-Fi in the A-Frame Cottages.

When we coordinate carpooling, we will also provide a list of options for those traveling from Vancouver, Nanaimo or Victoria/Langford.  

Vancouver Island: If you are on Vancouver Island, you will travel to Departure Bay in Nanaimo and ferry over to Horseshoe Bay, get off the ferry and then return back to the same terminal to join the line for Snug Cove on Bowen Island.

Vancouver: You will drive to Horseshoe Bay and join the ferry line to Snug Cove on Bowen Island. 

We help coordinate carpooling between retreat participants but can’t guarantee availability. Carpools are usually arranged from Victoria/Langford, Nanaimo, and Vancouver closer to the retreat dates. Once registration is complete, we’ll start a shared group thread to help people connect and coordinate rides.

This retreat includes everything once you arrive.  Please note that although Nectar doesn’t require gratuity, they do recommend 3-5%.  Additional costs include:

• Room Rate + 5% GST + 3% Facility Gratuity
• Ferry (which can be divided among carpool guests or reduced if you choose to walk on)
• Gas or flight expenses
• Snacks or treats you’d like to have during the week
• Additional Retreat Enrichments ie., Registered Massage Therapy, Tarot Card readings, Reiki.  
• Trip / travel insurance

Early Bird Pricing – January 5, 2026.

• Pay the entire amount upfront before January 5th
• Hold your spot with non-refundable $750 deposit and pay the remaining balance before January 5th, 2026.

Regular Pricing – After January 5, 2026:

• Pay the entire amount up front
• Hold your spot by paying $750 non-refundable deposit.

Payment Plans

• Save your room by paying the $750 non-refundable deposit.
• The remaining balance may be broken into as many pre-authorized payments as you wish.
• A credit card will be left on file, and any outstanding amounts will be charged by February 15, 2026.

If you need to cancel, you have two options:

1. Gift your spot to someone of your choice. They can pay you directly.
2. Waitlist transfer: If we’re able to fill your spot from the waitlist, you’ll receive a full refund minus a $250 administrative fee once the replacement registration is complete.

Unfortunately, unused retreat spots cannot be transferred to future retreats.  We always do our best to fill a spot when needed, but please understand that each registration represents a significant commitment of pre-booked accommodations, meals, and expenses. In order to keep pricing accessible for everyone, there’s simply no room in the budget to absorb the cost of a cancelled spot.