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British Columbia’s HollyhockA Overall Healing RetreatBy Jane CassieThe ocean breeze caresses my face, as I stand rooted next to the ferry’s deck rail. Plying effortlessly through choppy waves, she cruises by islands hosting uniformed stands of timber and beaches stacked with driftwood. The undisturbed setting, picturesque to a fault, is a welcoming change from the bustling city we left behind earlier in the day. Although there are quicker ways to access the northern Gulf Island of Cortes, the three ferry crossings from Vancouver provide us with the time we need to unwind from our hectic pace. Leaving college and work behind, my daughter and I look forward to some time together where we can reconnect and regenerate at the healing retreat of Hollyhock. For the past twenty years, from May to October, people from all walks of life have been coming to this destination for similar reasons. “Our purpose is to provide a sacred space that inspires, nourishes and heals people who are striving to make changes to the world,” Manager, David Drysdale, shares. Whether attributed to the forty-eight acres of serenity or to the professional staff who also exude this holistic vision, we feel the magical vibes once inside the driftwood gates.
Other earthy abodes and conference session houses are tucked amongst tall trees that dominate the hillsides. Although we’ve come for a restorative weekend others are participating in pre-registered workshops that promise to enliven, deepen and inspire. The scheduled choices are abundant from categories such as the arts, business, wisdom practices and issues focused on well being. During our stay the ‘Media That Matters’ conference attracts a number of savvy web gurus from all over North America and at the end of their four days, they rave about the knowledge they’ve acquired and the sense of togetherness they’ve shared.
I opt for two sensual delights out of the many spa-tacular choices. With Bruce at the helm of the combination massage, my gnarled muscles soon unravel, my worldly cares seem to dissipate and by the end of it all I feel as limp as a rag doll. While dissolving my pent-up tensions, he exudes genuine compassion and possesses incredible insight into my being. “Take time to be good to yourself,” he permits, “you deserve it.” I follow his command and return the next day for more. Jocelan transports me to nirvana during a session of aromatherapy, when she chooses therapeutic oils specific to my needs. Some are designed to release tension, others help to emotionally ground me, and all come to the aid of my inner attunement. Embraced by heady fragrances, I stroll away in a Zen-like state.
We also find opportunities to relax in the ocean view hot tub, and when night falls the only illumination created is by flashlights and star-studded skies. It’s here that people mingle and share heartfelt thoughts. “This place is like being in the womb,” comments Cedron from Seattle. “Or just like a cocoon,” responds a fellow from Toronto. My daughter and I reflect, too, on our new sense of tranquillity and inner peace, and look forward to sharing it with others back home. Hollyhock email:
registration@hollyhock.bc.ca IMAGES BY JANE CASSIE |
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Our soft tundra path is
flanked with Hollyhock’s brilliant signature blooms as well as a bounty of
nature that feeds the eye, body and soul. Massive pumpkins hide under
clamouring vines and will soon be puréed into heavenly soup. Delicate
greens will meld with ripened tomatoes and flavourful herbs for tonight’s
salad. Peppers will be chopped for grilling, flowers will be cut for
bouquets. And whatever is left over will find its way back to this
spectacular biodynamic garden. 
Along with occasional
seafood sensations, Debra Fontain and other culinary experts magically
transform the garden treasures into brimming buffets, and from within the
lodge’s rustic elegance we share the gastronomic extravaganzas and events of
the day with other guests. 
A natural pathway leads
to our cozy lodging where, from beyond private quarters, we share a
bathroom, unparalleled ocean view and stimulating conversations with two
other parties. Friendships bond quickly with Ricky, from Jersey, and Dan,
from New York, and the safe feeling surroundings remind me more like summer
camp than the usual spa destination. There’s no need to lock doors, no safes
to hide valuables, no distracting phones or TVs, and like all other
Hollyhock lodgings, our shoes are not privy to cross its threshold.
Although our Hollyhock
experience is filled with more simplistic activities, they, too, provide
long term rewards. The pebble shoreline, just steps from our front door is
perfect for beachcombing as well as reflecting. Early morning yoga sessions
stretch tired muscles while infusing a deep spiritual calm. There are forest
walks to connect us with nature and optional kayaking / sailing tours to
explore sea life wonders. And, oh, the sensational spa treatments…
In a tranquil forest
setting, enshrouded by evergreens, the heavenly Bodywork haven offers
sensory pleasures second to none. The woodsy charm makes its way into four
blissful treatment rooms and, through large picture windows, the only
neighbours are big brown-eyed deer. 
Adjacent to this
transcendental temple is a sanctuary in the truest sense of the word.
Constructed totally out of materials from Hollyhock’s property, this house
of meditation permeates a sacred ambience from within its hushed interiors.
Although I’m not one to laze around I find myself cross-legged here a number
of times during our stay.