Where is Nectar located?

Nectar Yoga Retreat is located at 720 Gardner Lane on Bowen Island (Nexwlélexwm), just a short 20 minute ferry ride from Horseshoe Bay. 

How far from the ferry terminal is Nectar?

We are a ten-minute drive from Snug Cove, where the BC Ferries terminal is located. 

Do you offer transportation services?

No, transportation to our retreat center is not provided. Typically guests and hosts arrange their own personal transportation, however if you’d like to offer transportation for your guests we suggest booking a third-party shuttle bus from downtown Vancouver.

*If you are doing this, a reminder to incorporate and consider the ferry fee for a large vehicle (see the next questions). Bowen Island sailings are a one-time paying sailing, meaning your return trip is included in your payment when you travel to the island.

Where can I find the BC Ferries schedule for Horseshoe Bay (Vancouver) - Snug Cove (Bowen Island)? Can I reserve a spot for a specific sailing?

The ferry schedule can be viewed HERE. It varies from season to season, so it’s recommended to check the schedule as close to your trip as possible. Ferries can run behind on occasion; this LINK provides frequent updates on sailing times for the day of your travel. As this route does not accept reservations, and spots can sell out, it’s strongly recommended to arrive to your chosen ferry sailing a minimum of 30 minutes prior to the posted sailing time.

How much does it cost to ferry?

Prices are determined by BC Ferries, and can fluctuate from season to season, and whether you are walking on or driving a vehicle. To use the BC Ferries fare calculator, click HERE. It’s a one-time payment for the return fare from Horseshoe Bay (Vancouver) to Snug Cove (Bowen Island). 

I will be walking on the ferry. How do I commute to Nectar from the ferry terminal?

No vehicle? A community transit bus operated by TransLink (280 Bluewater) runs from Snug Cove (where the ferry terminal is) and can drop off passengers at Nectar Yoga. Tell the driver you would like to be dropped off at Nectar Yoga, “just before Adams Road.” The bus runs on a semi-consistent basis—check the bus schedule before your trip.

Walking from the Cove takes 45-60 minutes, though it’s mainly on an incline.

Hitchhiking is legal on Bowen Island. For more directions, check out how to get here.

Is driving the simplest way to get to Nectar and around Bowen Island?

Yes, if you have the option to bring a vehicle, it’s recommended you and your guests bring your vehicles on the island. You will be able to see so much more that the island has to offer if exploring is part of your itinerary, in addition to the convenience of arriving to and departing from the island via the ferry (the latest ferry schedules can be found HERE).

Do you have parking on-site?

Yes, we have guest parking on-site. When you arrive, please choose any parking spot available; we request guests to park as snugly as possible so we can fit everyone. 

Do you rent bikes?

Nectar does not offer a bike rental service, though during the summer season, ebike rentals are available from Bowen eBikes. They offer a drop-off and pickup option from the ferry terminal.

*Private accommodations/access to the cottages on the property is not included in your Day Rental.

Will the Nectar Goods Boutique be open during the rental?

The boutique will only be open until 1pm. Guests check-in time is between 12-12:30pm in the Nectar Goods Boutique (building marked "Check-In"). We recommend allowing extra time for your guests to browse/shop before your Day Retreat begins.

Do you have a sound system for the Onyx Lodge and/or the Dome?

Yes, we have a Bluetooth speaker in the lodge and a separate speaker in the Dome. For a smooth retreat, it’s recommended to download any music or content prior to your arrival. The Wi-Fi in the Dome is spotty due to its location in the valley.

Do you provide a projector or screen in the Onyx Lodge for presentations?

We do not have a projector or screen available onsite, though feel free to bring your own. As the lodge contains a lot of natural daylight and our windows are not dressed with blinds/curtains, projector presentations are best scheduled during the evening hours of your program to ensure it displays properly.

How many students fit in the Dome?

Our maximum capacity is up to 18 students in the Dome. If your group prefers more spaciousness, then consider making 15 students your maximum capacity.

Do you have chairs in the Dome?

We have 8 folding chairs onsite in the Dome. If you require more, they can be rented from the Bowen Island Legion. Please do not move any furniture from the cottages into the communal spaces.

Do you provide yoga props for the host and the group?

We have enough yoga mats, blocks, bolsters, straps, foam chip blocks, and blankets for a group of up to 18 people. After using the mats, please help us keep the space clean and safe by using the sanitizing spray and wipe cloths provided. Please also return everything to where the items were found.

Is the Dome temperature-controlled?

During cooler months, we heat the dome with a wood stove and heaters. During summer months we have an air-vent fan and a few small fans to circulate the breeze. Students are encouraged to dress in layers year-round to maximize their comfort during their time in the Dome.

What does the Mist Thermal Circuit include?
Enhance your Nectar Retreat with a private, 90-minute Mist Thermal Circuit experience. Your group will enjoy exclusive use of all three sauna units, offering a rejuvenating blend of hot and cold therapy in a serene outdoor setting.

Capacity
Up to 15 guests

Flat Fee
$900 + GST (Special pricing valid until Dec 31, 2024)

Note: The Mist Thermal Experience cannot be booked on arrival or departure days.

Booking Process
After completing your rental agreement and deposit for your Nectar Retreat, notify our rentals team at rentals@nectaryoga.ca to add the Mist Circuit. A private payment link will be sent along with confirmation of your selected date and time.
Early booking is recommended. Last-minute requests are subject to availability.

Suggested Time Slot
For optimal retreat flow, we recommend the following schedule:

• Lunch: 1:00 PM

• Mist Circuit: 2:30 PM (completes by 4:00 PM)

• Afternoon yoga/workshop: 5:00 PM

• Dinner: 6:15 PM

If a different time slot is preferred, please inquire about alternative options.

Suggested Guest Cost
If you’d like to offer the Mist Circuit as an optional add-on for your retreat guests, we suggest charging $100-$110 per guest. Alternatively, you may include it in the retreat price at $90 per guest.

What amenities are included in the Mist Circuit?

• Facilities: Hot/Cold shower, wood-fired sauna, cold plunge, and cozy outdoor rest area with a fire.

• Guest Comfort: Robes, towels, slippers, Mist botanical products, and herbal tea.

• Guided Flow: Soft chimes every 15 minutes intuitively guide guests through each stage of the experience.

Cancellation Policy
Mist Add-On bookings are non-refundable.

Are kitchen facilities included in the rental? 

No, if you would like to provide lunch for your group we suggest pre-ordering from either Tell Your Friends Café or Branch on Bowen and picking up the order on your way to Nectar, prior to your guests arrival. Meals can be stored in our fridge. Dishware and cutlery are provided for your group to use granted all used/dirty items are placed in the soap and water rinse bin provided.

*A friendly reminder that only Nectar staff members are permitted to enter the kitchen

Do you provide beverages?

We provide filtered water and kettles for hot water. Hosts are required to bring any beverage options they wish to offer their guests.

Can we bring alcohol?

Alcohol is permitted on-site granted the space and energy of the yoga center (the dome) are respected.

Can we bring extra snacks?

Feel free to relay to your guests that they can bring their own (plant-based) snacks to have between meals. Group snacks are provided by the host if that is something you want to offer your guests.

Any restaurant recommendations?

We recommend the following restaurants in Snug Cove for unique dine-in experiences for your guests prior to or after their day retreat with you while they’re still on the island: Barcelona Tapas & Wine Bar, Tuscany, Artisan Eats Café, Bowen Island Pub, Cocoa West Chocolatier, Tell Your Friends Café, Riley’s Cidery, Copper Spirit Distillery, Bowen Sushi and Branch on Bowen

Can children join?

At the host’s discretion, children can join your group should it be relevant to your group’s experience. As our adult-centric premise is designed for rest and resetting, we do ask for additional mindfulness and supervision if there are any minors in your group.

Does Nectar allow pets to stay?

Our interior spaces are pet-free, due to allergies. There is a dog boarding facility close by as well as one for cats that we highly recommend. You can book through Wagsville, The Bowen Island Dog Ranch, or The Cat’s Pajamas. 

For animal lovers, there is an animal farm on the property adjacent to Nectar Yoga, where you can meet donkeys, horses, goats, sheep and dogs. We also have two outside pups, Forest and Fern, who are very friendly and like to play ball.

Is there a sauna for guests to use?

Unfortunately we do not have a sauna onsite at Nectar Yoga

Are your massage practitioners registered massage therapists (RMTs)?

The practitioners we work with are specially trained and highly skilled body workers, though do not have the specific RMT designation.

Can I add additional services (Massage and Tarot Readings) to my group rental?

Yes, please refer to this brochure for pricing. Email us to let us know which practitioner(s) you would like to connect with to make your arrangements.
Please note as these services are rendered by private contractors, we cannot guarantee their availability during your stay.

As our pathways are unpaved (all loose gravel), please don’t bring luggage bags with wheels, unless you can carry it.

What To Bring:

Comfortable, breathable clothes and socks for meditation and yoga in the dome. 

We have sanitized yoga mats and props available for guests to use on-site. If you and your guests prefer to use your own, please feel free to bring them.

A water bottle

Pens and journals

Weather-appropriate outerwear and footwear to stay warm, dry, and comfortable when outdoors

Swimsuit and beach towel (if you and your guests are venturing off-site to the beach - we suggest pre-arranging carpooling as a group if this is a planned activity)

Natural mosquito repellent and sunscreen (for the warmer months)

We have a standard 120v power outlet in the parking area outside our Nectar Goods boutique, in addition to an extension cord if needed.

Make sure you notify one of our team prior to arrival so we can reserve this space for you.  

If you need an EV charging station, there is one in Snug Cove, located at the public library.

Booking deposits are due within one week of receiving your contract.

All payments are non-transferable and non-refundable.

Please see the details outlined in your contract for our policies. To read our complete terms & conditions and refund policy, click here.