If you are looking for the perfect retreat from the city, the experience of staying at the West Coast Wilderness Lodge on the Sunshine Coast will never disappoint.
Photo Credit: Chelsea Brown Creative
Misty mornings, sunshine peaking over hillsides and twinkling on the ripples in the ocean, the peace that washed over me immediately after checking in at The West Coast Wilderness Lodge was exactly what I needed. Invited to the Lodge as part of an entrepreneurial retreat with In Great Company, my heart was full after 48 hour away on the Sunshine Coast.
Photo Credit: Chelsea Brown Creative
Traveling to the Sunshine Coast from Vancouver is always a treat, a short ferry ride with breathtaking views immediately signals my mind and body to slow down. The lodge is just over an hour drive from Gibsons to Egmont and upon arriving my jaw dropped with the stunning views overlooking the ocean. I couldn't hold back my excitement after walking down the vine covered path to get my first glimpse of the view.
The lodge is exceptionally lovely, featuring big wooden beams a grand fireplace surrounded by big comfy chairs to gather with your loved ones, or just curl up with a book. The view is expansive stretching the full length of the lodge providing the most beautiful backdrops for all of our meals, with a bonus of the most spectacular covered deck which boasts the same views. I couldn't get enough of how wonderful it was and made sure to wake up early on our second day, to spend time with the sunrise and do a little sketching.
There were a lot of details that made this retreat special, but the highlight for me was being with a group of women who came together with similar business goals and struggles. I was paired with my amazing roommate Christine owner of YVR Creatives, who's business is to "help women create brands that empower them to fully express themselves and create lives they love while reaching their goals." I felt like I had a built in group of besties almost immediately upon arriving on this retreat. Spending time together was such a treat, even though we had just met the same day. This was my first women-led entrepreneurial retreat and it was better than I had expected.
I loved the set-up of the lodge, there were little cabins set throughout the property that you wandered through tree covered paths to find. Once you got to your cabin, you entered a common space that felt lovingly cared for. There were four rooms off of the main entrance and our room was so welcoming and cozy. The bedroom featured a king sized bed and pull-out couch, which made it so easy to share a room with someone I had just met! The large living area was perfect to spread out, with a little private deck and large bathroom with a gorgeous walk-in stone shower, 10/10 on comfort and West Coast style, I could have easily stayed here for weeks.
Photo Credit: Chelsea Brown Creative
After an intensive session with the group lead by Jessica Marola-Hugh, owner of In Great Company, we were treated to a delicious lunch, with endless coffee and other snacks throughout the day. The meals from Inlets Restaurant in the lodge were incredibly delicious and served in the grand hall so we could enjoy the ocean views and great conversations.
Photo Credit: Chelsea Brown Creative
Photo Credit: Chelsea Brown Creative
In the afternoon the group was treated to a guided kayak tour, I decided to stay back and wander the grounds. One of my favorite ways to relax is just to sit in the trees and the property was so beautiful I couldn't resist sitting on one of the paths in silence as the rain fell softly through the pines. I was soaked in rain, and my nervous system was so happy listening to the sounds of the forest. Sound bathing in nature deeply relaxes me, this was one of the many highlights of the trip. I wandered back to my cabin and enjoyed a long steamy shower and rested in the cozy suite, turning up the heat a little knowing that my roomie might enjoy coming back to a warm space after her kayaking trip...it was perfect.
Photo Credit: Chelsea Brown Creative
Photo Credit: Chelsea Brown Creative
In the evening we gathered for another incredible dinner at Inlets Restaurant. It was truly decadent and definitely one of the best meals I've had this year. We were experiencing a wind storm and despite loosing power the restaurant and staff were still able to provide us with an incredible food experience by candle light. We felt so cared for under the constant watch of the staff who really outdid themselves in the dark. It truly made the evening even more special as we shared stories and laughter throughout the night.
Photo Credit: Chelsea Brown Creative
Photo Credit: Chelsea Brown Creative
I was hoping to spend some time in front of the fireplace in the evening and after changing into some comfy clothes we headed back to the lodge to do just that! Being silly, and unwinding into the wee hours felt like it was a big kid sleepover and we were living for it. By the time we tucked in for the night, we had danced, laughed and relaxed and I had one of the most comfortable deep sleeps I have had in a long time. I set my alarm for 6:30am to get up with the sun, even though I knew I would only get a short sleep, I couldn't resist experiencing all that the property had to offer.
Photo Credit: Chelsea Brown Creative
One of my favorite things to do on vacation is go to bed early and get up with the sunrise, it's something I don't ever do at home so I get extra excited about taking that time for myself to be present and to appreciate the world just on my own. To my surprise I didn't even need my alarm to wake me up, my internal clock was excited enough to wake up at exactly 6:20am... I got out of bed threw on some clothes and headed out to the massive ocean-front patio to sit with the birds, the waves and the sunrise. Once the rest of the crew woke up we were treated to a smoothie, coffee and made our way out the door to go on a nature walk.
Photo Credit: Chelsea Brown Creative
Photo Credit: Chelsea Brown Creative
Arriving back at the lodge we were treated to a full breakfast on the vine covered patio, breathing in nature, sunshine and great company. We still had another session with our group so we got to work tackling the second day of our retreat before we had to pack up and catch the ferry.
Photo Credit: Chelsea Brown Creative
I loved that the second day of our group session was a reflection and celebration of the barriers that we had broken through the day before. It felt like we had created an entrepreneurial family in just one short day and we truly celebrated each other in our achievements and goal setting.
Of course I had to bring jewelry for the women on this retreat, a little take away of our time together and for my appreciation of the love and support everyone gave to me during our time on the Coast.
Photo Credit: Chelsea Brown Creative
Photo Credit: Chelsea Brown Creative
What I can say about my stay at the West Coast Wilderness Lodge is that I looked forward to this time away for months leading up to it and it exceeded every single expectation that I had. From the friendly staff to the food and accommodation, I couldn't get there fast enough and I certainly didn't want to leave. I left with rain in my hair, the west coast breeze on my face and smell of the forest in my lungs and every single fiber of my being smiled during my time away and for a long time after. I could not have asked for a better trip, it was exceptional and I can't wait to go back!
A huge thank you to the staff at the West Coast Wilderness Lodge for making our stay so memorable and comfortable.
Thank you to Jessica Marola-Hugh In Great Company for the incredible community you built for us and the exceptional experience.
Big hugs and love to the wonderful women who filled each moment with smiles, support and love.
Chelsea Brown Chelsea Brown Photo
Sarah Huguet Social and Stuff
Christine Coughlin YVR Creatives
Tianna Mamalick SMB Marketing School
Ramona Brule Little Sunshine Book / Hideaway Creek
Rhiannon Berthelot The Maximalist Muse
Rosa Koquetta Accessories