Wellness: BC’s Boutique Health Retreats

Don’t let the name fool you, this retreat goes well beyond river rafting. REO Rafting Resort Specialty Yoga and Wellness Retreats has been in operation for 42 years and were severely impacted by the Kookipi Creek wildfire in August last year. The good news is they are reopening June 1st. Plenty of yoga and fitness program options on the menu, plus colour me intrigued by the ‘heart of songwriting retreat’.

Overlooking Okanagan Lake, Sparkling Hill Resort and Spa offers an impressive list of adult-oriented retreats focused on whatever suits you best. I particularly like the sounds of retreats like Focused Relationship, Seniors 60+, or the Introductory Wellness retreat for newbies. Plan to spend time in the healing mecca known as KurSpa.

The Self Realization Centre on Half Moon Bay focuses on healing meditation, silent retreats, spiritual talks, courses on intuitive listening, and delicious plant-based food.

In Vancouver, Hälsa is the destination for float therapy water pods, infrared sauna, and massage. The Integrative Restorative Session is a wellness experience that integrates sound healing with crystal bowls and chimes, somatic movement, restorative yoga plus Thai massage techniques to calm the body, mind and spirit.

In the South Okanagan, Graystar Farms has created a healing oasis that includes your own cottage, an outdoor thermal spa, a certified Equine Guided Educator who can guide an experience with their herd of healing horses, yoga and more.

Mountain Trek Health Reset Retreat in the Kootenays has a weeklong experience that’s caught the attention of Oprah, Condé Nast Traveler, SpaFinder and more. Guided hikes, spa treatments, health talks and more are geared to unplug and reset us.

Balance Medical Center has planned a Women’s Holistic Health Retreat to Maple Ridge’s Loon Lake Lodge this spring with guided workshops on nutrition, pelvic floor work, drumming healing practice, group acupuncture, dance and more.

The Sentinel offers guided plant-based medicine retreats, plus wellness retreats that focus on somatic healing, breath work, women’s and men’s circles, yoga and so much more. Check out their website calendar for a variety of interesting options.

Always wanted to visit an ashram? You don’t need a plane ticket to do so. Yasodhara Ashram have programs that range from a few days to three-month intensive stay. Since 1963 this has been a respite for those who seek healing and peace with yoga, meditation, journaling, shared community living and ancient teachings.

The Women’s Wellness Retreat at Copper Cayuse Outfitters is geared to the belief that women have an innate spiritual connection with horses, and this retreat involves guided riding, camping, storytelling and connection. Campfires and like-minded women tend to foster great conversation and friendships too.