BOWEN ISLAND

British Columbia, Canada

August 12-16 | 2026

Just a 20-minute ferry ride from Vancouver, Nectar is nestled in the heart of a lush temperate rainforest on Nexwlélexwm (Bowen Island), the ancestral and unceded territory of the Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) Nation. This sanctuary continues to be one of our annual retreat destinations for good reason—it feels like an instant homecoming. Step away from the busyness of life, and embrace practices that nurture your well-being and uplift your spirit.

Two people embracing in sunlit yoga room - Mik Mill (yoga retreats in baja)

Our Soul-Driven Mission

Evolve Retreats was founded with the intention of helping you bring more fulfillment and clarity into your life. It’s so easy to get caught up in daily routines and lose sight of what truly matters. Our retreats are designed to help you reconnect with what lights you up and rediscover your purpose. We bring together a community of like-minded individuals to create meaningful connections, all while supporting your personal growth and self-reflection. We handle everything - from nourishing meals to beautiful venues and a balanced schedule that combines inner work with ample downtime to integrate and rest. Through practices like yoga, meditation, journaling, workshops, ceremonies and adventures, we offer a safe and nurturing space to explore who you are and who you have yet to become.

An experience that draws you inward.

  • Retreat into nature and press pause at Nectar Retreat Centre. Nestled on 20 acres of lush, forested land, Nectar offers a sanctuary that feels like home—a literal breath of fresh air and an escape from the city’s buzz. Featured in The New York Times, Nectar’s Scandinavian-inspired cabins and cottages seamlessly blend modern comforts with natural beauty. Picture wildflowers in bloom, deer meandering through the property, a freshwater stream winding its way through the forest, and top-notch amenities designed to make you feel completely cared for.

  • The catering team at Nectar never fails to amaze us! Every meal is a thoughtfully crafted vegetarian masterpiece, made with locally sourced ingredients whenever possible, and tailored to accommodate all dietary preferences and allergies.

    With three delicious meals a day, plus snacks, infused water, coffee, and tea always available, you’ll feel truly cared for.

    There’s something so special about letting go of meal planning and instead being delighted by the nourishing and flavourful creations served at every meal.

  • Daily morning and evening yoga practices: Mikaela leads a 1.5-hour “Magic Morning” Vinyasa flow that blends yoga philosophy, breathwork, meditation, and journaling, each day centered around a soul-stirring theme that carries through the rest of the day. In the evening, wind down with 75-minute sessions ranging from Yin and gentle Vinyasa to Restorative Yoga and Yin + Yoga Nidra.

    Yoga props on site: Mats, bolsters, blocks, blankets, straps, eye pillows.

  • A private hot/cold contrast spa ritual.

    This 90 min. circuit consists of:

    • a luxurious outdoor hot/cold shower with Mist’s house eucalyptus shower spray 

    • a wood-fire sauna with views of the forest

    • a cold plunge tub

    • a warm soaking tub

    • and a beautifully cultivated outdoor rest area with fire 

    Read more about MIST here.

  • Chelsey, a former retreat guest, will guide an interactive Human Design workshop to help you reconnect with your authentic self. Explore how your energy flows, how you make decisions, and where you feel most in flow. Through reflection and group discussion, gain insight into your strengths, relationships, and what supports alignment in daily life. You’ll leave with greater self-understanding, confidence in your choices, and a workbook to continue your journey.

  • A practice of deep listening to yourself and others through meditation, breathwork, guided group circle sharing, and meaningful partner connection, fostering a profound sense of presence and understanding.

    Guests from previous retreats have shared that this part of the experience was one of the most transformative and impactful, leaving a lasting impression on their personal journey.

  • Let’s step outside and immerse ourselves in nature! Surrounded by the towering trees of BC, we’ll embark on a 5km team hike along the stunning Bluewater Reservoir Loop, embracing the beauty of the forest and fresh air every step of the way.

  • Lake day is always a highlight! Relax on the smooth, sun-warmed rocks and soak in the warmth, or take a refreshing dip in the freshwater lake. We bring snacks, we hang out and connect, and some people even take on the rope swing! SO fun.

  • Mikaela will lead a 45-minute afternoon Pilates class (with resistance bands) designed to activate deep muscle groups, synchronize movement with breath, and energize the entire body!

  • Goodies:

    You’ll receive an Evolve journal and pen along with a welcome swag bag! Yoga mats and Pilates props will be available for your use during our retreat.

    Explore:

    During your free time, feel free to explore the local artisan square and shops in town, just a 2-minute bus ride away.

    If you’re looking for an adventure on the water during your downtime, we recommend Bowen Island Sea Kayaking for an exciting tour! (This tour is not included in your retreat package).

    Recharge:

    Nectar offers an abundance of spaces to unwind and recharge: lounge chairs to soak up the surroundings, a cozy pergola for peaceful moments, the open-concept Onyx Lodge featuring large couches, puzzles, coloring books, and a library for leisurely reading. Explore the short nature trails on the property, or enjoy the yoga shala (available for your use between classes).

YOUR RETREAT INCLUDES:

  • Your travel to Bowen Island is not included in the retreat cost. Mikaela will create a WhatsApp group one-two months prior to the retreat to help coordinate communication and carpooling (driving + ferry) for those interested.

    Check in: 3:00pm

    Check out: 11:00am

  • Massage appointments will be available during downtime on a first-come, first-served basis, taking place in the cozy spa cabin on the property.

NOT INCLUDED:

Choose your private room, private cabin or shared cabin below:

The Amber Room (Private) SOLD OUT

The Amber Room offers a cozy, private space for one guest.

  • Double bed, shared washroom with bath/shower, and locally-made toiletries

  • Located upstairs in the main Onyx Lodge, our communal space, Smart TV and in-room Wi-Fi

  • Click the “VIEW MORE” button below to explore payment options for this accommodation and your retreat experience!

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The Turquoise Room (Private)

The Turquoise Room offers a cozy, private space for one guest.

  • Double bed, shared washroom with bath/shower, and locally-made toiletries

  • Located upstairs in the main Onyx Lodge, our communal space, Smart TV and in-room Wi-Fi

  • Click the “VIEW MORE” button below to explore payment options for this accommodation and your retreat experience!

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The A-Frame Cabins (Private) 1 LEFT

Three charming and peaceful private cabins, each designed for a single guest, offering simplicity and seclusion. Each cabin features a large picture window that frames the peaceful view of the surrounding foliage. All cabins have the same layout.

  • Double bed, access to 2 shared bathrooms with showers and locally-made toiletries

  • Wi-Fi available in the Onyx Lodge

  • Click the “VIEW MORE” button below to explore payment options for this accommodation and your retreat experience!

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The Deluxe Cottages (Shared) 2 COTTAGES LEFT

Our three, spacious Deluxe Cottages are ideal for 2-3 guests, offering plenty of space for all! If adding a third guest, please note that their cozy space is in the loft, accessible by a ladder, so comfort with climbing is required.

  • 2 XL twin beds, twin bed + night side table (loft), ensuite bathroom with indoor and outdoor showers, locally-made toiletries

  • Covered front deck with year-round seating, reading nook, writing desk, mini fridge, kettle, mugs, assorted teas

  • Smart TV and in-room Wi-Fi

  • Click the “VIEW MORE” button below to explore payment options for this accommodation and your retreat experience!

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The Moonstone Cottage (Shared) SOLD OUT

This cozy cottage set for two, offers similar amenities as our deluxe cottages with added privacy. Wake up to sunbeams through the windows and enjoy tea on the porch by the Alder grove, all while being surrounded by peaceful seclusion.

  • 2 XL twin beds (can be made into a king), ensuite washroom with sink & toilet, outdoor shower (hot water), locally-made toiletries

  • Covered back deck with year-round seating, reading chairs & coffee table, mini fridge, kettle, mugs, assorted teas

  • Smart TV and in-room Wi-Fi

  • Click the “VIEW MORE” button below to explore payment options for this accommodation and your retreat experience!

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  • I loved it and found it to be exactly what I needed. An opportunity to disconnect, focus on me and recharge. The setting was stunning, it was so well organized with every detail being so thoughfully put together. I was so pleasantly surprised with how wonderful it was to connect with 15 strangers and learn from one another.

    — Keri | British Columbia

  • This retreat was such a beautiful, impactful and powerful experience for me! Being surrounded by the natural beauty at Nectar made it easy to find a sense of balance and ease. Mikaela you have a gift for creating an incredibly warm and welcoming space that allows everyone to feel comfortable and to be themselves. You are present, wise, grounded and truly ‘saw’ every participant. It was joy to be the presence of a vibrant & inspiring multi-generational mom-daughter team:) and to connect with 14 incredible women of many different ages and stages. I will cherish this experience and carry all that I learned/experienced for a long time to come. Thank you SO much!

    — Melissa | California

  • I don’t even know how to put into words what the Evolve Retreat meant to me—because it was so much more than a retreat. It was a dream I had carried in my heart for years. A vision I had written, visualized, and placed on my board more times than I can count. And somehow, Mik and destiny came together to make that dream real. I came in thinking I just needed a break. To unplug. To breathe. To feel the earth under my feet again. But what I received… was beyond anything I imagined. I got clarity—beautiful, unexpected clarity. The kind that arrives when you’re surrounded by safety, truth, and love. It came through powerful journal prompts that cracked something open in me. Through laughter and tears with strangers who felt like soul family. Through Mik’s sparkling energy, tender presence, and Momma Sue’s warmth that felt like home. I didn’t just reconnect with myself. I remembered who I am. I saw parts of me I had forgotten. And I felt deeply held by the energy of the land, the community, and every single human who showed up with their full heart. I’ll carry this experience with me forever—and I already know this won’t be the last time. I want to keep evolving, keep showing up, keep healing, and keep growing alongside Mik and this beautiful family she’s created.

    — Paola | Saskatchewan

  • There was a period of time where I questioned life, and reasons for living, and during that season of deep healing, I lost my happiness. One day when scrolling on Instagram, the algorithm showed me Evolve with Mik, and I took a chance and risk. That was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I showed up vulnerable and ready to find the joy my life was missing. Through magic morning sadhana, I was reminded of presence, during soul circle, I felt seen, and while savouring silent breakfast, I was surrounded by the vibrancy of life with all 5 senses and reminded of what is nourishing. The connections forged with strangers, to now friends, and the support (and laughter!) felt, was awe inspiring. During our time together, I found joy and learned I had it all along - I just needed the awareness to show up. I left with a full belly and lighter heart. Integrating what I learned feels easier and I cannot wait for next time! Take the risk - and make it juicy.

    — Kasia | Alberta

  • EVOLVE Retreats is a true gift to yourself. A rare invitation to just be. Every moment is beautifully curated with intention, surrounded by incredible people on their own path. I found myself softening into the flow with ease, trusting the process so fully. To not have to make a single decision for five days—and to feel so held, nurtured, and cared for—was something I’ll never forget.

    — Chelsey | British Columbia

  • I came to the weekend retreat to expand my yoga and meditation practice surrounded by nature and step away from the difficulties of day to day life. Each yoga and meditation practice was deeply rooted in meaning and purpose which aligned with my personal reason for being there. Unexpectedly the biggest awakening for me was the innerconnectedness I felt with the group in such a short time. Even without conversation, through silent breakfast or eye gazing, there was a powerful sense of unity. We were all in these moments together. I left feeling cared for and empathy for people I had only met. The card I pulled our first day was ‘Awaken’ and this was an awakening experience I will carry with me forever.

    — Haley | Washington

  • Mik has a beautiful energy about her. She's intuitive, kind, curious and creative. Every last detail was considered right down to her selection of music in our movement practices. At first, I was skeptical of the silent breakfasts but loved it! Some of my biggest retreat takeaways came from quiet, undistracted contemplation. Everything was as promised and so much more. Will totally do another retreat with Mik and Mama Sue!! Thank you for sharing your big hearts and creating space to reset and reboot!

    — Sarah | Ontario

  • I really needed the opportunity to take a break and spend time away with some wonderful women. I felt nervous going into the retreat but I thought you and your mom really created safe space for sharing and growth. I left feeling refreshed and more contemplative.

    — Emilie | British Columbia

  • It was a wonderful retreat! It was my first retreat and I was so glad to have done this with Mik. She was organized, she checked in, she had an itinerary but let us know that activities were optional. I built great relationships with other ladies there and everyone was so nice. The meals were amazing as well. I will definitely join another retreat through Mikaela again.

    — Phoebe | British Columbia

  • My EVOLVE experience is one of the highlights of my year and one that I feel I'll often feel is a touchstone for what I aim for within my every day life. Mikaela expertly guides you through thoughtful movement practices, as expected with her incredible experience as a yoga instructor, and she equally guides your mind and heart through a deeper emotional exploration. She masterfully weaves all aspects together for a fully immersive experience. The food and venue perfectly matched the mood of the retreat and I already can't wait for my next EVOLVE experience.

    — Jana | British Columbia

 

FAQ

  • We are dedicated to making Evolve Retreats a welcoming space for everyone, whether you’re a solo traveler or coming with a friend, whether you’re a seasoned yogi or completely new to the practice. Our aim is to cultivate a safe, inclusive, and inspiring experience for those who want to delve into “living yoga” both on the mat and in everyday life. We practice movement (asana), meditation (dhyāna), breathwork (pranayama), guided journaling (svadhyaya), and come together for group circles and ceremonies. We also embrace fun and adventure through curated group activities and excursions, connecting with the local community and the natural beauty of our surroundings.

  • Bowen Island enjoys beautiful sunny weather in July, though the evenings can bring a cool breeze, so layering is essential! Bring along long sleeves, t-shirts, zip-up sweaters, cozy hoodies, and activewear that’s perfect for both movement and staying comfortable while you work up a sweat. Be sure to pack your swimsuit, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, trail-ready shoes (runners are great!), and sandals for those laid-back moments.

    A small backpack and water bottle is good to have for offsite adventures.

  • If the standard payment option of a non-refundable deposit followed by a later balance payment doesn’t suit your needs, please don’t hesitate to contact Mikaela directly. She would be happy to discuss the possibility of setting up a customized payment plan that better aligns with your preferences.