The Vibe

Tucked into a forested valley on Bowen Island, Nectar Yoga B&B is a hip yet relaxing spot for escaping the everyday. Scandinavian style dominates with simple, modern and striking structures and Instagram-friendly interiors that look plucked out of a design magazine. The B&B attracts a female solo traveller demographic although couples, groups and families are also welcome. Nectar also hosts regular retreats here too.

The B&B is owned by husband-and-wife Andrea Clark and Satjeet Pandher. The B&B’s current location on Gardner Lane spans 20 acres and is actually Nectar’s second iteration after outgrowing their original spot closer to Bowen Island’s “town” of Snug Cove. Enveloped by swaying alder trees and with a babbling brook nearby, you’ll feel instantly relaxed once you enter the property.

The Rooms

There are six guest structures on the property — three smaller A-frames that accommodate one to two persons and three larger cottages for one to four guests. We stayed in an A-frame and loved the fresh aroma of cedar that welcomed us when we first stepped inside. The cottages are small but efficient and perfect for a solo traveller or couple. Note that the angled walls could be a challenge for taller guests.

A-frame cottage guests use two separate communal washroom facilities in the Onyx Lodge just a few steps away. Washrooms come equipped with showers and septic-friendly shampoo, conditioner and body wash.

The Features

With each two-night minimum stay, guests enjoy three yoga and meditation sessions along with two buffet-style group breakfasts. This helps create a social atmosphere among guests which is what makes Nectar a nice spot for solo travellers that want to connect with others. Yoga sessions are hosted in a beautiful geodesic dome on-site with a view of the forest, and if you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of deer passing by. A nearby trail is great for walking meditations or there are plenty of spots to relax or chill out with a book — on your cottage’s own outdoor seating area, inside the main Onyx Lodge or in communal outdoor seating areas.

Daily vegetarian breakfasts are made fresh by a chef in-house. We dined on homemade granola and yogurt, fresh fruit and vegan muffins on our first day and maca chocolate smoothies and vegan chickpea toasts for our second breakfast. Wifi is available in the larger cottages and the main lodge but there is limited reception in the A-frame structures (which serves as a good reminder to unplug and unwind).

The Location

Regular ferry service connects Vancouver’s Horseshoe Bay to Bowen Island’s main town of Snug Cove. From there, Nectar is an eight-minute car ride away or 15 minutes by bus (bus service is reliable but infrequent on Bowen Island). There’s a steep gravel path from the main road to the B&B so bring a backpack or duffel instead of a wheelie bag for easier transport if you’re taking the bus.

The B&B’s isolated location on Bowen Island adds to the retreat-like experience but requires a bit of patience and planning for meals and activities. There’s a fridge and microwave in the lodge for guest use so we’d recommend buying ready-made meals from one of the stores in Snug Cove after you get off the ferry. Otherwise, plan a trip into town on the bus to dine. Note that most shops and restaurants in Snug Cove are closed Monday and Tuesday so purchasing food is advisable on these days.

Rooms start at $150 per night. (Minimum 2-night stay)

720 Gardner Lane, Bowen Island, British Columbia, nectaryogabnb.ca