About us

The Sentinel is a portal to the transformation that starts with you. Our connection to nature enriches your transformation, integration, and renewal.

The Sentinel is a high end, full-service retreat center with exceptional facilities and world-renowned leaders and trainers, offering a mix of cutting-edge programs designed for individuals, groups, and corporations. The Sentinel has positioned itself as the leading host of Mindfulness Training, Trauma Release, Consciousness Raising and Flow State access. Furthermore, we offer programs in the fields of personal empowerment and growth, lasting health, mind-body medicine, spiritual awakening, leadership training, practitioner training, artistic and literary retreats, the sacred arts and movement-based workshops. 

The Sentinel is located on 5.6 acres of pristine lakefront property, 7km from the historic town of Kaslo, B.C. With spectacular views of Loki Mountain rising dramatically out of Kootenay Lake the accommodation at the Sentinel is world class. Private luxury rooms with king size beds and ensuite bathrooms are the perfect place to rest while at a workshop or training. The buildings and facilities are all new, construction was completed in the early fall of 2017, these include a round meeting hall, private session rooms, hot tub/ sauna, kayaks, canoes, orchard, and labyrinth.  While on your Sentinel journey you will feast on delicious organic meals straight from the garden in our backyard, season permitting! 

Supporting people's transformational experiences to the fullest is what we at The Sentinel pride ourself on. Whether it be through the facilities, our amazing staff, local therapeutic practitioners or connecting our visitors with the various natural wonders that surround the property we will be here for you every step of the way, we will even pick you up from the airport! 

The Sentinel welcomes you and looks forward to meeting you on your journey of transformation. 

The retreat centre is warm, the rooms are lovely, the food and staff was great and the setting was soothing

Venue Highlights

The Sentinel is proud to be located on the shores of Kootenay lake with views of the stunning and powerful Purcell mountains. 180 º views from our Maloca a timber frame roundhouse where all our retreats and gatherings are held. We have breakout rooms and bodywork services such as acupuncture, reiki and massage available on site. Onsite gardens serve up the goodness we serve all our guests and the cedar hot tub and sauna are the perfect way to end your day in solitude or with friends.

Amenities

  • Free Wifi
  • Spa
  • Sauna
  • Towels
  • Free Parking
  • Kitchen
  • Hot Tub
  • Coffee/Tea
  • Cafe
  • Yoga Studio

Menu Types

  • Vegan
  • Vegetarian
  • Pescetarian
  • Ayurvedic
  • Includes Meat
  • Organic
  • Gluten Free
  • Dairy Free
  • Nut Free

Menu/Cuisine

We offer an array of colourful, nourishing and well-balanced meals lovingly made by professional chefs and consciously sourced from our organic, on-property garden.
FARM TO TABLE The Sentinel produces its own organic fruits and vegetables which are supplemented by local organic gardens.
The earth is our foundation for health – we know that the tomato on your plate was planted and nourished to its full potential by us.

LOCALLY SOURCED Meats are free range organic and prepared from our own suppliers, honey is from local bee keepers and vegetables are from our garden and local providers. Experience the connection while walking through our gardens.

MADE WITH LOVE Our most important ingredient is the love of those that have grown and prepared your meal – so your body can be nourished and be able do the work that is needed to be done on the planet.

A TASTE OF OUR MENU

BREAKFAST: Our signature “This is not oatmeal” combinations of nature’s wellness berries including chia and goji berries –sesame seeds and dried fruits. Gluten-free. Farm fresh eggs of the day, served with freshly picked greens and herbs
Organic yogurts and honey & Applesauce muffins & Freshly baked bread every day

LUNCH: Fresh mixed garden salad, Quinoa lasagna with marinara sauce with Russian garlic and truffle oil

DINNER: Chicken Ancho (a specialty from our friends in Mexico) with roasted root vegetables & mixed grain salad OR our signature vegan curry with Sentinel garden pumpkin

TREATS: Peach cobbler

Accommodations

All our kings and shared twin rooms have stunning views of the lake and mountains like this one! Weather you are in a private luxurious king room or a shared twin, all our accommodation is clean and modern. Your ensuite has heated floors, a rain shower and amenities for your comfort. Fluffy white towels and crisp linens are waiting for you as you check into your room so you can relax and refresh.

Directions

When you see this sign you have arrived!
We are 50 minutes from Nelson BC and 15 minutes from Ainsworth Hot Spring & 7 minutes from Kaslo.

You can drive here from Vancouver in 9 hours and from Calgary in 8, these drives are beautiful in the summer time and especially if you are coming with a friend! Alternatively we are just a short 1 hour flight from either of these major cities, the closest airport is the Castlegar airport, which is 1.5 hours from our door!

Reviews  
  Write a review - tell others about your experience.

  • Jana Gmür   April 11, 2019

      Mycopermaculture workshop

    This was a great workshop placed in a great setting. The content information the workshop was a balanced blend of theory and practice getting us outside for half the day. Both instructors were very knowledgable and experienced and shared in a relatable way. They were organized and clearly put a lot of thought into the workshop. The space was comfortable with room to get up when needed and beautiful views.

  • Louis Butterfield   April 10, 2019

      Super Genuine, Kind and Generous

    Can't recommend these folks enough. They do everything in the power to make your stay comfortable and inviting. Dustin, Richard and the rest of the crew are kind, open-hearted people that are here to help humanity awaken to its highest potential. Sick book collection too! Thanks guys.

  • Anitra Minette Winje-Nesteroff   April 10, 2019

      Incredible facility, super staff, wonderful experience

    I took the Mycopermaculture: Designing Edible Mushroom Ecosystems, which was my first time at The Sentinel. What a beautiful and inspiring setting, surrounded by trees and Kootenay Lake. The proximity to Nelson and Kaslo make it an accessible getaway. Dustin was very attentive and professional--he is a customer service superstar and clearly passionate about the retreat. I am excited to take more courses at The Sentinel.

  • Jagnar Travels   April 06, 2019

      Wonderful experience

    When turning off from the highway and entering the driveway at the Sentinel, we were straight away blown away by the beauty of the property. The laying out is so nice and spacious, with an incredible view, that you feel in a holiday mode right away. The staff that greeted us was very personable, happy and helpful, and we felt home the moment we got there. The facilities are beautiful, from the kitchen to the hot tub/sauna. All in all, a wonderful experience.

  • Teresa Davies   April 01, 2019

      Gorgeous setting, caring and dedicated staff and owners

    Being on retreat here is like being at a luxury cottage. It has places to get away for a walk, to sit down at the beach, to bask in the sun, to soak in the hot tub or a private tub in a gorgeous bathroom that's available for guest-use. The food was delicious and healthy, and they were accommodating of my vegan, gluten-free needs. I loved that the yoga/meditation/group round building was built to preserve the natural beauty around it (they kept the trees, so birds perch and you can hear them singing). I will definitely go again.

  • Michelle Heinz   March 28, 2019

      A peaceful day.....

    We went for a peaceful day on a company retreat, and that we had! We gathered to meditate, do yoga and share. Being held by the stunning maloka and lake impressed upon me the most. It was beautiful to be nourished with the crafts, including some kiwiana, throughout the main building. Dustin, Tanya and team did a fabulous job of caring for us!

  • Olivia Stille   March 25, 2019

      A beautiful place - the perfect setting to reset and retreat

    I visited the Sentinel for the first time last week and I'm sure I will be back soon! The rooms were modern & clean with beautiful views of Kootenay Lake and Mount Loki. The food served felt so nourishing - homemade with care and lots of veggies! The space with the hot tub and sauna is adorable and very relaxing. But the best part for me was sitting in the maloca for meditation. Sun steaming in, birds chirping, trees swaying in the breeze, mountain views all contributed to an environment that was perfect to calm the mind. Bonus points for the trip was that I was able to bring my little dog along - Sidney loved sniffing around the property and stayed in his crate while we were meditating.

  • Cameron Wenaus   March 23, 2019

      Peaceful and restorative

    The combo of stunning maloka, nourishing food, breathtaking views and cedar hot tub makes the Sentinal my go to local retreat center. Just having landed home, I'm already planning my trip back! Thanks Dustin for making us all feel at home and being so attentive to our needs. When we wanted a sauna, you were 2 steps ahead and had it lit for us. Deep appreciation for your work and care of all of us.

  • Drew Danniels   February 06, 2019

      Weekend retreat

    Attended the Sentinel in February 2019 for a retreat and everything about it was first class. The accommodation was clean and of a high standard as pictured. The kitchen an dining facilities were also first rate. As with the foregoing, the circular Lodge was well appointed and all had spectacular lake and mountain views with lots of windows and lighting. The staff met our every wish cheerfully. Highly recommended.

  • David Stegman   February 04, 2019

      World class venue!

    I just got back from an amazing Men's Weekend at the Sentinel. I can't say enough good things about this venue! Every little detail is perfect. I couldn't help but notice all the one of a kind pieces of art and sculptures dotted around the property. The amount of effort and thought that went into making this space definitely shines through. The big main building where the workshop was held overlooks the lake with stunning mountain views in the background. I could literally spend days in there enjoying that view. I only have great things to say about my experience at the Sentinel! :) Happy Customer -David Stegman

  • Matthew Carroll   February 04, 2019

      A truly incredible venue

    I visited the Sentinel this past weekend for our men’s circle retreat. It couldn’t have been a more ideal venue for transformation, growth, relaxation and healing. The space itself, beautiful buildings, hot tub, stunning views of the mountains across Kootenay lake. It was just perfect. I left feeling full, alive, connected, and deeply grateful. It wouldn’t have been possible without such an amazing place to meet. Thank you.

  • Steven Strom   January 16, 2019

      Amazing Retreat!

    I went to the Family Constellations/Ancestors retreat at the Sentinel and absolutely loved my stay. The views of the mountains from my bedroom were gorgeous, the cedar hot-tub and sauna incredibly relaxing. Watching shooting stars from a cedar hot-tub amidst snow in the mountains was a real treat. The staff are incredibly friend and carry a warm open energy to everyone at the retreat. The breakfast was fantastic! The retreat itself was deeply moving and gave me a richer understanding of myself and my family system. A beautiful place for a retreat and look forward to returning soon!

  • Jen Metta Smith   January 16, 2019

      Lakeside Gem

    The Sentinel is based in a spectacular location, right on the shore of Kootenay Lake. The property manager Dustin is a warm and resourceful host. The main lodge is a welcoming place to connect with other guests and enjoy some tea, and features an interesting selection of books. Relaxing in the cedar hot tub was a great way to end the day after a workshop, and featured a clear view of the very starry nighttime sky. One thing to note is that the 'King-sized' bed is actually two twin beds pushed together - so there is a bit of a crack. Still comfy, and the rooms are beautiful! The breakfast was fabulous, and left us well-nourished for a day of adventures ahead.

  • Laurel Conley   January 05, 2019

      Retreat

    Beautiful place and created with so much thought and care. Unfortunately we stayed in the room directly below the kitchen and living room and it was noisy, very noisy. Would recommend staying here, but in a different room.

  • Iris Tse   October 03, 2018

      Sept 2018 Visit

    I felt that 4 days was too short and could have stayed there for weeks. Spiritual, serene, rejuvenating, calming... Beautiful rooms with calm and serene decor... Amazing outdoor cedar hot tub and sauna... All built with love and care... I have felt ever so connected and well taken care of and spoiled. Steps from the beach, and breath taking water and mountain view. I am so grateful. Thank you for doing all that you do <3

  • Burgess Abernethy   June 04, 2018

      What a retreat!

    I stayed at The Sentinal and partook in their first workshop and what a time it was!! Firstly, the location and amenities are world class. We stayed in a room overlooking the picturesque lake that gave way to the mountains. Every morning we woke ourselves up with a dip in the lake and prepared for the days events by taking in the glorious surrounds. The food cooked by Richard was amazing - so much love and effort went into every detail. If you are thinking of taking part in a workshop here or just to stay a for few nights I would highly recommend it. I left feeling refreshed, calm and in control. Burgess

  • Amanda Wideman   June 02, 2018

      Journey to Spiritual Awakening retreat

    I don't think my review can do justice. The Sentinel is a beautiful place (lakeside). The view is unbeatable, great atmosphere, welcoming people, with high standards for food (vegan/plant based options), and gourmet style for sure. Lots and lots of choices every morning and night. Clean, fresh accommodation (simple nice design). Powerful ceremony led by experienced practitioners, where I felt safe to be vulnerable and open to possibility. Guests were conscious, health oriented and sweet. It's easy to reconnect with your spirit here. Next time I would try to book an acupuncture or massage therapy appointment into my weekend for further relaxation, and I look forward to returning!

Why Retreat?

We asked people why they go on retreat, here's what they said:

To be in my highest self. Josh
 

Retreat Guru's Vision

We believe human beings are innately wise, strong and kind. This wisdom, although not always experienced, is always present. Going on retreat is a beautiful way to reconnect to our basic sanity and health. Our aspiration at Retreat Guru is to inspire people to experience authentic retreats and reconnect with their innate wisdom, strength and kindness.

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