bowen island
Self-Love Retreat
bowen island Self-Love Retreat
September 8-12, 2025
w/mary
*this retreat is full*
Carve out time for yourself, join a sisterhood of like-hearted humans and step into self-love, together.
A retreat in west Canada where you'll carve out time for yourself, immerse yourself in community, and lean into unconditional self-love.
I used to live in Canada. It’s where I experienced both healing and heartbreak—where I began learning to love myself, but also learned (the hard way) to stop settling for less than I deserve. That story is for another time (perhaps over dinner at the retreat!), but this will be my first time back since a difficult breakup when I was 20.
Coming back now feels like a full-circle moment: returning to a familiar place with a completely new sense of self.
My intention is to create a space where we can honor our Past, Present, and Future Selves—essentially reflecting on everything that’s led us here, grounding ourselves in who we are now, and confidently embracing who we’re becoming. Part of self-love is allowing all parts of yourself to coexist without shame or criticism.
This retreat will be one of the most intimate I’ve ever done—with just 14 of us, it’s designed for deep connection and meaningful transformation.
It’ll also be my 10th retreat, which feels surreal to say. What started as a small bid for connection has grown into a global movement that has touched hundreds of women.
If you’ve been needing a soft place to land… a moment to breathe, reconnect, and remember who you are beneath the noise—this retreat is for you.
me in british columbia circa 2017, just a few kilometers from where the next self-love retreat will be! if only she knew...
before i tell you all about the bowen island self-love retreat, i wanted to share why this retreat is extra special to me.
a note from Mary
Dear reader,
mary
love,
...then Join our self-love retreat where you will come back home to yourself.
- feeling lost, lonely, or unsure about your purpose
- overwhelmed with life’s responsibilities
- craving rest, but finding it hard to slow down
- wanting to get to know yourself better and re-align with your authentic self
- practicing body acceptance after a lifetime of not feeling good enough
- trying to shift from self-criticism to self-compassion
- looking to explore hidden gems and underrated places
- yearning for deep connection, genuine friendships, and a sense of sisterhood
so if you are...
apply for this retreat
You want a space to return home to yourself, to take a step back and celebrate how far you've come. Only then can you confidently move forward with purpose, presence, and peace of mind.
This retreat is for you if…
Visiting new places, being out in nature, and exploring hidden gems fuels your soul. Because what's the point of traveling if you can't slow down and appreciate everything?
You yearn to bond with genuine, like-hearted women and make friends with people on a similar wavelength. Retreats give big sleepover energy which turn into lasting friendships!
if this feels like you, apply here
You're expecting this retreat to fix you, heal you, or make you whole. Nothing will fix you because you were never broken in the first place. You must believe this before joining this retreat. Only then will it be an empowering experience for all.
This retreat is not for you if…
You’re only interested in checking Canada off your bucket list, but don’t care about doing inner work, stepping outside your comfort zone, and connecting with others. This is not a tour; this is dedicated time to slow down and just be.
You have unmanaged mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, bipolar, or an eating disorder. Although this experience will be healing, it is not for mental health treatment of any sort. All attendees must be able to effectively deal with any feelings/ emotions that might come up.
Imagine This…
You wake up to the soft hush of the trees and the gentle sea breeze. The air is crisp, grounding. The kind that makes you take a deep breath and say, “I’m here.”
You make your way to the cozy lodge, where warm coffee, nourishing food, and kindhearted women await you– a community of retreat sisters who are also on a self-love journey.
Together, we gather in our sacred space for an empowering workshop rooted in self-awareness, self-discovery, and self-worth. Mary gently moves you toward deeper self-love.
We explore the gems of Bowen Island together– bathing in the forest, lounging by the beach, wandering the town, or simply existing– with a group of women who love, value, and cherish you.
As the sun dips behind the Alder trees, we gather for a candlelit dinner, savoring seasonal, plant-based food that feels both nourishing and comforting.
In the evenings, we get cozy for our sacred sharing circle where we let our guards down, exchange womanly wisdom, feel all our emotions, laugh until it hurts, and connect in the way that reminds us we’re not alone.
You soften. You breathe. You remember who you are.
apply now
trust yourself
little by little, you find pieces of yourself you didn't know were there. your inner guidance becomes clearer and you trust yourself enough to listen...
Surrounded by nature and sisterhood, you return home to yourself—feeling grounded, connected, and at peace.
...and so much more
- dedicated time and space to slow down, reflect on how far you've come, and figure out your next steps
- a healing environment immersed in nature and surrounded by like-hearted humans
- acceptance, appreciation, and a more peaceful relationship with your body
- mindset shifts that'll help you hold yourself in positive self-regard
- clarity around your passions, purpose, and personal values
- exercises, experiences, and memories you'll carry with you long after the retreat
- deeper alignment with your authentic self and a stronger sense of self-worth
- powerful practices that will make you feel more connected to yourself and those around you
- soulful connection, genuine friendships, and a sisterhood community that will outlive the retreat container
what you'll gain:
apply for this retreat
self-love retreat deets
bowen island
View accommodations
When?
sept 8th - 12th, 2025
What?
A 5-day, 4-night immersive self-love retreat that will inspire you, recharge you, and reconnect you to who you truly are
Who?
YOU, your retreat leader Mary + her team, and 14 fellow retreat sisters
What’s my investment?
The investment starts at $2,847 USD depending on the accommodation and payment plan you choose.
What’s included?
Why?
Because you’re worthy of giving yourself the gift of self-love and a trip you’ll remember forever. Self-love retreats are a perfect blend of personal growth, much-needed relaxation, and fun with new friends.
Luxe accommodations at our serene retreat venue on Bowen Island (shared and private rooms available)
Daily workshops with Mary focusing on self-awareness, self-discovery, and self-worth
1:1 call with Mary upon signing up
Activities exploring Bowen Island
Classes with guest teachers (yoga, movement, meditation)
3 plant-based meals per day made by our retreat chefs
A healing space to rest, reflect, and reconnect with yourself in nature
A dedicated journal + signed copy of Mary's book
A community of like-minded women who get you
Group chat for asking questions & building connections!
An immersive, expansive, extraordinary self-love retreat
Where?
Bowen Island in British Columbia, Canada
A 20-minute ferry ride from Vancouver (YVR), our retreat center sits on 20 acres of forested land surrounded by ocean views, mountains peaks, and lush natural beauty.
What’s not included?
Airfare and transport to/ from the retreat (Uber/ Lyft is easy from Vancouver Airport (YVR) to Bowen Island via 20-minute ferry)
Optional services such as spa treatments or private photoshoots with our retreat photographer
Travel insurance (starts at $10++ depending on what you choose to cover)
slow down and step into self-love in a sacred, supportive, and accepting environment
apply to become a part of THIS
I have already recommended Mary's retreat to every woman in my life and will continue to do so! This retreat was truly life changing. Hands down the best investment I've ever made in myself.
- Carleen Hoover, Spain Retreat Sister
fill out the retreat application here
9 am
breakfast + intention setting
A day in the life of a
retreat sister
10 am
self-love workshop with Mary filled with reflective journaling, mindset work, and various shenanigans ;)
1 pm
lunch made from locally-sourced, organic ingredients
2 pm
EXPLORING THE HIDDEN GEMS OF bowen island
6 pm
nourishing plant-based dinner made by our retreat chefs
8 pm
evening gathering where you'll laugh, cry, and open your heart to true, deep, genuine connection
9 pm
a giant self-love sleepover with your new fav gals!
Other activities at the Bowen Island Self-Love Retreat may include a combination of hikes and walking tours, sea adventures, guided yoga/ meditation, movement classes, workshops with guest teachers, confidence-building photoshoots, free time on the beach or out in town, open Q&As with Mary, R&R and so much more!
Please note that this is a sample schedule only. A detailed itinerary will be given out upon arrival to preserve certain surprises and encourage everyone to stay open-minded.
3 pm
search for seashells at the beach with your retreat sisters
5 pm
rest & recharge amidst the adler trees... an outdoor shower maybe? a forest bath? a warm cup of tea? choose your own adventure in the great outdoors
Our retreat home is in Canada on Bowen Island, just a short ferry ride from Vancouver
The Bowen Island Self-Love Retreat will be held at a healing retreat center called Nectar Yoga, just a 20-minute ferry ride from Vancouver, Canada. With modern, Scandinavian-inspired cottages, it provides a container for an easeful getaway in nature. By holding space for guests to slow down, Nectar's intention is to seed consciousness that naturally comes from immersing oneself in the land.
September in the Pacific Northwest is a dream. Expect cool mornings/ evenings and warm afternoons with temperatures ranging from 57°-66°F / 14°-19°C, perfect for recharging by the sea and forest bathing amidst the trees. Flora! Fauna! Fresh air! Fun! Friendship!!
accommodations & payment options
Our budget option is a shared cottage with you + 2 fellow retreat sisters. This modern, Scandinavian-inspired cottage was designed with simplistic coziness in mind. Wake up and take a morning shower in the gorgeous bathroom, or take it outside in the steamy, outdoor shower adjoining the bathroom. A covered porch lined with warm cedar perches you with a perfect view of the property’s centerpiece, our magnificent maple and alder trees.
SHARED cottage for 3ppl
1 PAYMENT of $2,947
Or 3 PAYMENTS of $1,013
investment:
apply here
investment:
apply here
private room in main lodge
1 PAYMENT of $3,247
Or 3 PAYMENTS of $1,087
investment:
apply here
Our private rooms include a double bed all to yourself. Large windows capturing the forested views of the property await you. With a spacious closet for storage, soft linens and warmly-lit bedside lamps, these small, simple rooms are perfect for solo retreat reflection. The shared bathroom next door includes two sinks and a walk-in shower. Note: the private rooms are located upstairs in the Onyx Lodge, our main gathering space, so this room can have some noise from below.
1
Our lovely retreat center sits on 20 acres of forested land on Bowen Island, just a 20-minute ferry ride from Vancouver, canada. We acknowledge and honour that Nexwlélexwm (Bowen Island) is the ancestral and unceded territory of the Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) Nation.
1 PAYMENT of $3,547
Or 3 PAYMENTS of $1,213
For the utmost privacy, opt for your own cabin! Warm, pine-clad angled walls welcome you at our modernized 60s-throwback A-frames. The comfy beds and cozy linens await your sleep, while lush foliage views await your daydreams. Use the space for creative pursuits, or as a basecamp for a walk in the forest. Rainy day? Sit outside on your covered porch and enjoy the fresh, pine-scented ocean air and the sound of raindrops caressing the old-growth trees.
private A-frame cabin
2
• one double bed • shared bathroom with a retreat sister next door
• natural, locally-made toiletries • plenty of natural light • soft linens • fluffy pillows • in-room WiFi • part of main house where all the late-night fun tends to happen!
3
• one double bed • shared bathroom outside, 10 meter walk away, with showers
• natural, locally-made toiletries • plenty of natural light • soft linens • fluffy pillows • no WiFi (but you can get that anytime in the main lodge)
• sleeps 3 guests (please note that 2 of twin XL beds are close together, perfect for deep chats with your roommate/ new bestie! and the 3rd bed is located in the loft with an attached ladder) • shared bathroom
• covered front deck • reading nook • natural, locally-made toiletries • ensuite bathroom with indoor + outdoor shower • writing desk • plenty of natural light • comfy beds • soft linens • fluffy pillows • in-room WiFi
What our self-love retreat sisters are saying …
Maria; 22
Leslie-Anne; 34
Kirstin; 38
Justina; 21
Iliana; 30
alice; 29
Blyss; 37
Click on a retreat sister's name to read their experience.
“I was struggling with my body image and doing things for other people before consulting with my own needs. Mary’s workshops helped me realize what I really wanted and needed by accessing my subconscious needs. Now, I am excited to use my newfound beliefs, my self-love promise, and to set intentions daily, monthly, and for my life. I know that I am deserving of the self-love and respect that I so freely give to others.”
Master’s Psychology student, Sedona Self-Love Retreat Sister
Maria
I am excited
to use my newfound beliefs
“If someone is thinking about joining the retreat, I would tell them to take the leap of faith. I’m glad that I did. Investing in yourself is important, even though it might feel scary… If there’s something that’s making you think you want to come, listen to that voice because I’m definitely glad that I did.”
Actor, Mom, San Diego Self-Love Retreat Sister
Leslie-Anne
take the leap of faith. I’m glad that I did.
“I’ve been told I am some pretty appalling things… “fat.” “disgusting,” not worthy of love, etc… BUT being in Bali amongst some of the strongest and most resilient women I’ve ever met has taught me that other people’s beliefs don’t define who I am. I will forever be grateful to Mary for organizing this self-love retreat to help the 16 of us collectively heal and eventually overcome our traumas, whatever they may be. This has been the most emotional, yet joyful week of my life!
Esthetician, Mom, Bali Self-Love Retreat Sister
Kirstin
This has been the most emotional, yet joyful week of my life!
“Mary’s self-love retreat showed me how much I was struggling with hanging onto the past…heartbreaks, family struggles, inner battles, etc. What helped me the most was doing group activities where we all contributed and we finally felt that none of us were alone in our struggles. Now, I’m happy to say that I am setting myself free!”
Business student, Sedona Self-Love Retreat Sister
Justina
I’m happy to say that I am setting myself free!”
“I am so thankful for this week of experiences that gave me the space, strength, and support to truly let go of some shit that was buried so deep, but yet still affecting my daily thoughts and actions. I cried so many tears that I genuinely thought I was done with, but this time instead of crying from sadness and pain, the tears brought me cleansing, peace, and clarity. Self-love is magic!!”
Social Worker, Mom, Bali Self-Love Retreat Sister
Iliana
so thankful for this week of experiences that gave me the space, strength, and support to truly let go of some shit
Nurse Practitioner, Mom, Sedona Self-Love Retreat Sister
alice
“I was struggling with my family, work, life, and how “me” fits into all of that. The entire self-love retreat process helped me because each activity was intentionally geared towards transforming inner struggles into inner peace and learning how to deal with daily issues that we all go through.”
Where will we be staying?
This self-love retreat takes place at Nectar Yoga, a peaceful sanctuary nestled in the forests of Bowen Island, British Columbia, Canada. Just a short ferry ride from Vancouver, Bowen feels worlds away with its quiet beaches, mossy trails, and small-town charm. Nectar Yoga is a boutique retreat center with cozy, minimalist cabins, a beautiful yoga dome, and forest paths perfect for reflection and connection. You’ll have everything you need—and nothing you don’t—to unplug, breathe deeply, and come home to yourself.
Let’s cover a few FAQ’s
If I have an eating disorder, can I come to the self-love retreat?
Self-love retreats are not intended for anyone with an eating disorder or actively in recovery. With that being said, you and/ or your retreat sisters may have past struggles with food and body-image and thus, giving us more to connect on. All attendees must be aware of where they’re at in their journeys and effectively deal with any feelings/ emotions that might come up. Thought we aim to create an empowering, positive experience for all, we encourage mental maturity and emotional intelligence. Part of what we'll be working on at the retreat too. :)
How do the payment plans work?
We offer 3-part payment plans to help break up the investment. We use a secure payment processor called Stripe that will reserve your spot and deduct the first payment once you register. From there, the second payment will be automatically deducted 30 days after and the final payment will be deducted 30 days after that. Please note that the payment plans result in a slightly higher total cost due to processing fees.
What is the retreat application for? What if mine doesn't get approved?
Due to the intimate nature of retreats, we require an application to make sure that our values, expectations, and attitudes are aligned. The retreat application helps Mary get to know you and what you’re looking to gain from a self-love retreat. A retreat is not for mental health treatment of any sort, though some parts will inevitably be emotionally-charged. We want to make sure that everyone can hold a safe space for each other and effectively deal with any feelings that might come up. If we don’t think our retreats would be a good fit for you, we want to be 100% honest about that from the beginning.
any other q's? Reach out!
What if I something comes up and i can't make it?
If your application has been approved, but you don't sign up, then the application fee is non-refundable. If you’ve already registered for the retreat, then the cancellation policy will apply.
What is the cancellation policy?
If the cancellation is made at least 60 days before the start of the retreat, then you will receive the difference between the amount you paid and a non-refundable $750 deposit. If the cancellation is made less than 60 days before the retreat, then the entire amount is non-refundable.
Please carefully review the retreat terms and conditions found here.
Do I need a visa, vaccines, or anything else to travel to canada?
If you're traveling from the U.S., no visa is required—just a valid passport. For other countries, you may need to apply for an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) or a visa depending on your nationality. Check your visa requirements here.
No vaccines are currently required to enter Canada, but we always recommend checking the latest guidelines via Canada’s official travel site.
what's the best way to get to there?
Though transportation is not included, getting to Nectar Yoga is easy. Here's how:
Step 1: Fly into Vancouver International Airport (YVR)
Step 2: Take a taxi or ride-share to Horseshoe Bay Ferry Terminal (~45 min drive)
Step 3: Hop on the BC Ferry to Bowen Island (~20 min ferry ride)
Step 4: From the ferry dock, it's a short drive to Nectar Yoga (approx. 5-10 min)
Once you book, we’ll provide a detailed travel guide and help coordinate carpooling options if desired.
why is there an application fee? is it refundable?
Because our self-love retreats have such a high-demand, the application fee helps us consider those who are serious about wanting to join. However, the application fee automatically gets deducted from your total retreat cost when you officially register.
If your application is not approved by us, then we will let you know and the application fee will be immediately refunded to you.
will i need travel insurance?
TRAVEL INSURANCE IS REQUIRED to cover any potential medical emergencies. It's up to you if you want to insure the cost of the retreat or your flights, but a minimum medical policy is necessary. Bare minimum insurance for a 7-day trip can be as low as $10, depending on what/ how much you choose to cover. Click here to explore your travel insurance options.
We will ask for proof of insurance before you come on the retreat.
do you accommodate for dietary restrictions?
Yes! We do our best to accommodate most dietary needs including gluten-free, nut-free, and dairy-free, as long as we know in advance. All meals at Nectar Yoga are plant-based, seasonal, and deeply nourishing. Meals are served family-style in our cozy dining space using organic ingredients from local farms whenever possible. You’ll be well-fed by our retreat chefs who create delicious meals made with care and intention.
Tariffs are levied on commercial goods, not people, so they should not affect U.S. citizens who travel to/ from Canada. There are no extra tariffs or taxes for bringing personal items like clothing, toiletries, books, etc. Just avoid packing large quantities of food, alcohol, or anything that would be considered a commercial item. Basically—pack like you're going on vacation, not moving countries 😉
will tariffs affect me if i'm coming to/ from the united states?
After healing my body, mind, and spirit, I started traveling to breathtaking places to host women’s self-love retreats (in Spain, Bali, Portugal, Costa Rica, you name it!). It's undeniable that self-love is best cultivated in community.
During our retreat, I’ll be facilitating daily workshops focused on self-awareness, self-discovery, and self-worth. We’ll also explore Bowen Island together, connect deeply with one another, and share joyful experiences. Picture a giant sleepover mixed with some personal growth and travel with your new fav gals.
I'm the mary behind Mary’s Cup of Tea, author of The Gift of Self-Love, top-rated podcaster and women's retreat leader.
it wasn’t so long ago self-love scared the shit out of me. i falsely believed that accepting myself as i am would make me weak, lazy, complacent.
but literally the opposite happened. self-love gave me so much more motivation, confidence, and zest for life than i ever thought possible.
welcome,
glad you're here, on this self-love journey
P.S. Aside from leading retreats, I love sharing my heart with you through my books, podcast, and social media platforms - find me on Instagram @maryscupofteaa! Hope we can connect both online and IRL!
