Move Slowly
Live Fully
Soulful retreats designed for rest, movement, connection, and meaningful experiences in beautiful places.
Upcoming Retreats
Blue Mountain - FALL
October 2-4, 2026
Join us for a transformative fall weekend nestled in the woods of Swiss Meadows. This retreat offers the perfect balance of movement, deep restoration, and meaningful connection, all within a magical treehouse setting surrounded by the vibrant colors of the autumn season.
Tuscany, Italy
August 2027 - 6 days
Spend six summer days in the heart of Tuscany, where slow mornings, movement, shared meals, and golden evenings become your daily rhythm. Surrounded by rolling hills and the beauty of the Italian countryside, this retreat is an invitation to slow down, reconnect, and fully savor the present moment.
Nova Yoga Retreats
Hi! I'm Jess, founder of Nova Retreats.
I've always been drawn to movement and the sense of freedom, joy, and connection it brings. I was first introduced to yoga in 2008 and was immediately drawn to the way the practice challenges us both mentally and physically. From that moment, I was hooked.
Over the years, I explored a variety of styles, from dynamic Vinyasa flows to slower, more restorative Yin practices, discovering something valuable in each. When I moved to Alberta in 2015, my practice deepened significantly. There, I began studying with the teacher who would later become my mentor and completed my RYT-200 teacher training.
Seven years later, I returned to Ontario, where I continued expanding my knowledge through Reiki training and Yin Yoga. Today, I teach yoga full-time and love sharing these practices with others.
After a few years of teaching, I started thinking about how meaningful it would be to spend more than just an hour together each week. I wanted to create a space where people could step away from the busyness of everyday life, connect with like-minded people, and simply be.
That's how Nova Retreats came to life.
Our Philosophy
The name Nova comes from the Latin word meaning "new." In astronomy, a nova is a star that suddenly shines more brightly than before. To us, it represents renewal, growth, and the moments in life when we reconnect with ourselves and what matters most.
At Nova Retreats, we believe that movement, rest, and connection are essential parts of living well. In a world that often asks us to move faster and do more, creating space to slow down can be a powerful act of self-care.
Each retreat is thoughtfully designed to bring you back to yourself through mindful movement, nourishing meals, time in nature, and meaningful connection. We believe there is value in both stillness and adventure, reflection and laughter, solitude and community.
Our retreats aren't about becoming someone new—they're about creating the space to reconnect with who you already are.
Whether you're seeking rest, inspiration, clarity, or simply a break from the demands of everyday life, we hope you'll leave feeling refreshed, grounded, and a little more connected to yourself.
“I’ve done yoga classes before but this felt completely different in the best way. You can tell Jess genuinely cares about creating meaningful experiences for people. I came home feeling refreshed and clear minded.”
- Stefanie
Your Questions, Answered
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Not at all! We welcome all levels when it comes to yoga, meditation, or personal growth work. Everything is gently guided, and we offer a variety of practices - some may resonate more than others, and that’s totally okay. This is your journey, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
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Absolutely! Most of our attendees come solo, and it’s one of the most beautiful parts of our retreats. You’ll arrive on your own but leave with lifelong soul connections and a supportive community. Of course, if you’d like to bring a friend, you’re more than welcome to!
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No — most of our retreats are co-ed and open to all genders. We warmly welcome individuals, couples, and friends. If a retreat is women-only, it will always be clearly specified in the retreat details
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Not at all — this retreat is your time to rest, recharge, and experience in the way that feels best for you. All activities are completely optional, and you’re welcome to participate in as much or as little as you’d like throughout your stay.
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Each retreat includes thoughtfully designed accommodations, nourishing meals, daily yoga and movement practice.
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Absolutely! Our on-site chefs are experts in creating organic, nutritious meals tailored to your needs. Whether you’re vegan, gluten-free, have allergies, or follow other dietary preferences, we’ve got you covered. We aim to make every dish with fresh, sustainably sourced ingredients to nourish your body and soul.
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All payments, including deposits and balances, are non-refundable. This policy ensures the quality and sustainability of our retreats, as many expenses are paid upfront to secure locations, accommodations, and services. By submitting your application, you acknowledge and agree to these terms as part of the booking process.
For this reason, we highly recommend purchasing travel insurance at the time of booking. This is the only way to protect your investment in the event of unforeseen circumstances.
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Yes — we offer flexible payment plans for all retreats to help make the experience more accessible and manageable. Payment options may vary depending on the retreat, and we’re always happy to work with you to find a plan that feels comfortable.