A restful winter’s end retreat to reconnect and renew.
As winter begins to loosen its grip, join Carolyn for a gentle and nourishing 3-day, 2-night retreat designed to help you transition with intention into the season ahead.
Set against a stunning natural backdrop at Nectar on Bowen Island, this restful getaway invites you to slow down and restore through Grounding Spa Yoga, calming Breathwork, and Mindful presence. We'll honour the quiet wisdom of winter’s end—creating space to reflect, reset, and reconnect before the energy of spring awakens.
Through a blend of Slow and Restorative Yoga, Guided Meditation, Breath Awareness, and contemplative practices, you'll be supported in softening the edges, releasing what no longer serves, and listening more deeply to your inner rhythms.
Surrounded by nature and like-hearted community, allow this retreat to be your gentle bridge from stillness into renewal.
Location:
This retreat will take place at Nectar Yoga, a beautiful sanctuary 20 mins off the coast of Vancouver on the ancestral and unceded territory of Nexwlélexwm (Bowen Island, BC). Our practice space at Nectar is in a beautiful geodesic dome that is nestled into the trees alongside a babbling creek.
Included in the Experience:
Restorative Gentle Spa Yoga (perfect for beginners and all levels)
Seated & Walking Meditations on the Nectar Trails
Guided Breathwork practices
Mindfulness Discussions & Lectures and Journalling
Group Fire Ceremony
Workbook and Welcome Gift
Optional Ocean Meditation + Guided Cold plunge on Day 2
Optional Thermal Spa circuit at Mist Thermal Sanctuary (Nectar's sister property)
All Vegetarian Meals & snacks
Rest and time connecting to nature
If you're planning to share a Double or Triple room, please coordinate with your roommate or friend and book together. We’re unable to guarantee pairing you with a roommate. A detailed welcome email with all the retreat info will land in your inbox within 48 hours of purchase.
View alternate retreat dates here.
PRICES ARE LISTED IN CAD
“I can’t explain how grateful I am for that retreat...it happened by chance at the most perfect time in my life and I truly gained a ton from every single moment. Really appreciate everything you did and said and brought and gave. Sincerely from my heart, THANK YOU for this life-changing experience!”
Frequently Asked Questions
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Carolyn created and teaches Spa Yoga, which is a blend of Hatha, Restorative, Slow Flow and Breath. It's super mellow, restorative, and with a big focus on breathing. In the mornings, Spa Yoga is more of a ‘slow flow’ class and in the afternoons, it leans towards Yin and all types of Breathwork.
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There is always a mix of levels in each group, so everyone is welcome from beginner to continuing student. Instruction is accessible to all levels, with a variety of modifications that all levels can use to adapt.
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A quick ferry from Horseshoe Bay! Check www.bcferries.com. This ferry is not reservable in advance. Arriving at least 30 minutes early is recommended.
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Yes! We can put a mat down for you and you slide into the class whenever you arrive, or simply meet us at the first dinner. This is your retreat. Take your time. Unfortunately, discounts cannot be offered for this.
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We can do our best to help you to find a roommate. However, we strongly suggest booking with a friend to avoid paying the solo room rate.
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Yes, we are able to accommodate many needs, such as gluten-free, dairy free or vegan. On this 3 day retreat, there will be three meals daily. All meals are primarily organic vegetarian cuisine and plated individually. Please ensure that you communicate extra dietary information clearly in a separate email, after registering.
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The brochure for the retreat you’re interested in includes a packing list. Things you won’t need to bring are linens, bedding nor yoga mats or props! A detailed reminder what to pack will be sent out one month prior to the retreat.
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Absolutely. A retreat is a lovely way to care for your growing body and to prepare for the changes that lie ahead. Carolyn is a certified prenatal instructor and has also been through the experience herself. She offers many tips and modifications for pregnancy.
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Public transportation: When you arrive on Bowen Island, find the Bus Stop close to the Red Library. You will get on the 280 (Snug Cove to Bluewater) bus. Tell the driver you are getting off at 720 Gardner Lane. You can pay for your fare with a Compass Card, credit card or cash. Any transfer you receive from the Vancouver buses will work on Bowen Island with no extra charge.
Foot/hitchhiking: For a real taste of the Bowen Island lifestyle, hitch a ride with a local. Either wait on the road or at any of the designated "LIFT" spots and stick out your thumb. You should get a ride—and a new friend—in no time.
Sadly, we are unable to help organize transportation nor coordinate any carpooling.
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Fill out the sign up form. The deposit (non-refundable) can be sent by purchasing directly through Carolyn’s website shop. A confirmation email will be sent within 36 hours, welcoming you to this 3 day retreat and to share more information with you.
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Credit Card is accepted through the store on Carolyn’s website, PayPal or Wise Transfer (for International participants). If you’d prefer to receive an invoice first, let us know via info@carolynannebudgell.com.
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After paying the deposit, you can choose to pay the remainder in 1 or 2 installments. One installment would be collected 4 months prior to the retreat or two installments would be collected 6 months prior and 4 months prior.
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The deposit is non-refundable. Please note that it is the responsibility of the participant to schedule travel and plan accordingly to arrive on time. Please note that there shall be no refunds or discounts for arriving late, leaving early, flight cancellations, extreme weather situations or any force majeure conditions, as well as travel delays or illness.
We wish we could compensate people for unforeseen circumstances, but we have incurred expenses.
If you need to cancel and there is adequate advance notice, the remainder (after the non-refundable deposit) might be refunded, only if your spot is filled.