A return to whole-person wellness in Ryder Lake, British Columbia

Our story · Wellness 4.0

A return to whole-person wellness

Santé was created around a simple truth: lasting wellbeing asks us to care for the heart, mind, spirit and body together.

Four dimensions, one whole person

Wellness 4.0

Wellness 4.0 means healing the heart, renewing the mind, reviving the spirit and rejuvenating the body. Rather than treating these as separate projects, Santé creates experiences where emotional clarity, conscious thought, meaningful connection and physical vitality support one another.

Heal the heart

Space for emotional release, honest reflection and reconnection with what matters most.

Renew the mind

Guided sessions on mindset, resilience and intention that you can carry home.

Revive the spirit

Forest bathing, quiet contemplation and a deeper sense of presence in nature.

Rejuvenate the body

Functional movement, nourishing whole foods and restorative spa rituals.

Guests moving together in nature at Santé Mountain Retreat
Forest and mountain trails around Santé Mountain Retreat in Ryder Lake, BC

A return to the land

Intentionally simple. Powerfully sustainable.

Ryder Lake is a sub-alpine farming community where forests, open space and agricultural life shape the day. Our approach draws on nature immersion, restorative rest, functional fitness, Blue Zone-inspired nourishment and community — the enduring practices that help people live with more energy and intention.

What begins at Santé does not end here. When you come back to balance, you come back to yourself.

  • Nature immersion
  • Blue Zone nutrition
  • Functional fitness
  • Restorative rest
  • Meaningful community

The Santé Life

Five foundations of a life well lived

Santé is a journey — not a pause from your life, but a path back to it. These pillars shape every retreat, meal and quiet moment on the mountain.

Simplicity

Through intentional simplicity, we help you shed distractions and embrace life’s purest elements. In this space, true wellness thrives, and a clearer, calmer you comes to light.

Connection

Through authentic shared experiences and heartfelt care, guests form genuine connections that linger long after their stay. A passionate team ensures every moment feels personal, warm and truly memorable.

Movement

Intentional, science-backed programs guide guests toward measurable results and meaningful mindset shifts, delivering a holistic wellness reset that lasts beyond their stay.

Nourishment

Our culinary program is purposefully built on seasonal, nutrient-rich whole foods that energize and restore. Every day, we set a joyful communal table where our clean cuisine cultivates inner vitality and deep connection.

Nature

Guests are invited to fully embrace the natural world, discovering unforgettable moments through seamless integration with the land. Designed amenities and outdoor adventures deepen this immersion, making nature an essential part of every stay.

From-the-heart service

Meet the Santé family

We are a dream-building, people-loving, health-pursuing tribe. We love sharing our little piece of paradise.

Sandra Lopez Savard, Co-Founder, Manager & Owner at Santé Mountain Retreat

Co-Founder, Manager & Owner

Sandra Lopez Savard

Sandra is the visionary behind the Santé brand and Co-Founder.

Her decades of experience as a Dietitian and Fitness Instructor have convinced her that while nutrition and fitness are foundational, Wellness 4.0 — spirit, heart, mind and body — is the key to happiness, health and longevity.

Over the past 40 years she has helped thousands of people by creating safe, compassionate spaces to explore the roots of their wounds, uncover hidden patterns, and understand how unresolved pain shapes their thoughts, emotions and life choices.

Andre Savard, Co-Founder, Farm Operations & Owner at Santé Mountain Retreat

Co-Founder, Farm Operations & Owner

Andre Savard

With a rich background as a retired math and physics teacher, Andre Savard brings a unique blend of intellect and heart to Santé as he transforms his passion for education into an unyielding commitment to organic farming and sustainable practices.

His journey from academia to the fields reflects a deep-seated belief in nurturing not just crops, but also the community and environment around him. Andre’s dedication shines through in every detail, ensuring that guests experience the freshest, most wholesome ingredients during their stay, all while fostering an atmosphere of learning, connection and tranquility.

Josiah Savard, Manager, Guest Services & Owner at Santé Mountain Retreat

Manager, Guest Services & Owner

Josiah Savard

Josiah loves people; he’s your first point of contact when you arrive at Santé. He is warm, attentive and highly professional, and delivers exceptional guest experiences with joy, energy and calm.

He is an expert in anticipating needs, handling special requests, and maintaining a tranquil and welcoming atmosphere aligned with the retreat’s holistic values. You can let go of the hustle and bustle and trust that you will be well taken care of at every touchpoint.

Ralph Taylor, Fitness Co-ordinator & Owner at Santé Mountain Retreat

Fitness Co-ordinator & Owner

Ralph Taylor

Drawing on years of experience as a high-performance athlete, cyclist and hockey player, Ralph leads a passionate team of instructors to deliver thoughtful, transformative programs.

At 74 years old, with decades of experience in health and wellness, Ralph brings a deeply personal and intuitive approach to fitness. A lifelong advocate for movement as medicine, he believes that true strength comes from a body that is deeply connected to the self.

At Santé he curates a dynamic blend of functional training, mobility, balance, cardio, yoga and restorative practices designed to meet guests exactly where they are and take them to the next level. Whether it’s a sunrise strength session or a quiet breathwork class, Ralph ensures it occurs in an inclusive, empowering space where you can move with intention and rediscover the joy of your body.

Steve Hilton, Wellness Research & Owner at Santé Mountain Retreat

Wellness Research & Owner

Steve Hilton

Steve is Santé’s guide to the great outdoors and transformative journeys through nature. With a deep love for the land, he curates immersive hiking experiences and creates moments of connection, reflection and awe.

Blending trail knowledge with mindfulness, the Hiking Director, along with the Fitness Co-ordinator, designs routes for all levels, from gentle forest walks to challenging summit hikes. Each experience is crafted to align with the retreat’s holistic philosophy — encouraging presence, resilience and a renewed sense of wonder. Steve fosters a safe and supportive atmosphere where guests can reconnect with the rhythms of nature — and themselves.

Ryder Lake · Chilliwack

Two farmhouses, one mountain experience

The Luxe Farmhouse sits across 13 acres and the Rustic Farmhouse across 16 acres, just a four-minute drive apart. Together they create 29 acres of space for private stays, group retreats, movement, meals and a quieter relationship with time — all about 90 minutes from Vancouver.

  • Luxe Farmhouse · 13 acres
  • Rustic Farmhouse · 16 acres
  • Four minutes apart
  • ≈ 90 minutes from Vancouver
Say hello to our team
Panoramic mountain view over Ryder Lake, Chilliwack, British Columbia