Meet the Santé Family in Ryder Lake, British Columbia

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

“Whistler East” awaits you.

Chilliwack is a breathtaking collection of mountain peaks, pristine West Coast forests, rivers and lakes. Enjoy world-class fishing, boating, hiking, biking and skiing, all complemented by craft breweries, a plethora of restaurants and great shopping.

Say hello to our team
Panoramic mountain view over Ryder Lake, Chilliwack, British Columbia