a spiritual retreat at the farm

fall back into the rhythms of nature without leaving the comforts of modern-life behind

The Barn at El Refugio is a unique wellness retreat centre located on a small flower farm on the edge of Predator Ridge and the crystal-blue waters of Lake Kalamalka in the Okanagan, B.C

The Barn at El Refugio

Originally established in the late 1800's, The Barn was situated next to an important natural watering hole for grazing cattle and travellers on horseback needing to seek rest and shelter. Over the years, the property has served a variety of purposes from a large animal vet clinic, a stable for polo horses, a dairy barn, and even a wedding venue. But despite these differences, one thing has rung true and still does today; it continues to be a place where both animals and humans come to rest, recuperate, and become re-inspired. 

Since assuming the caretaking of this land in 2021, we have been blown away by the magic and the healing that it provides for us and all others who drop off of Bailey Road and into our vortex. 

Our retreat guests enjoy early morning coffee with the eagles, herons, and hawks and late night, star-filled spa sessions in our cedar barrel hot tub, farm-style cold plunge, and wood-fired sauna. 

In the summer, our guests can dine amongst the flowers with fresh, organic, farm-to-table, family meals, and all year long, everyone enjoys gathering, sleeping, and meditating inside the coziness of a real-life cattle and horse-barn.

We are currently only taking bookings for groups hosting retreats or gatherings and who are:

  • Seeking a wellness-first, spiritual environment
  • Aligned with and respectful of the land and the nature that surrounds us. We are a refuge for many animals: Predatory birds (Eagles, Hawks, Herons, Owls), coyotes, foxes, wild turkeys, quail, deer, moose, turtles, and the occasional snake. 
  • Comfortable with shared accommodation and community living
  • Comfortable with The Barn!  Although we've worked hard to convert and renovate the barn, it was important that we maintain the integrity of it. The original floors still have cow hooves imprinted into the concrete, the sliding doors are still used on the bedroom/horse stalls, and the poop grate from the dairy barn runs from one end of the barn to the other!

We are blessed to be in such a perfect location!
  • 20 minutes to the Kelowna airport
  • 10 minutes into Vernon. 30 mins. to Kelowna
  • 5 minutes to Lake Kalamalka
  • 10 minutes to Lake Okanagan
  • 5 minutes to Predator Ridge Golf Course + Sparkling Hill
  • 25 minutes to Silverstar Ski Resort
  • 45 minutes to Big White Ski Resort
  • Our neighbours are sheep and cattle farmers, horseback riders, orchard and vegetable farmers, vinyard and wine makers, and so much more!

Book The Barn

Are you ready to create a magical and transformative experience?

Season depending, we can accommodate between 12 (winter) to 30 (summer) guests sleeping comfortably between the barn and our glamping tents. 

All of our beds are curated with cozy memory-foam mattresses, warm, hypo-allergenic duvets, and extra pillows for added comfort. 
And not to worry about draftiness in this barn! We have gone the extra mile to ensure that our guests are warm in the winter and cool in the hot, okanagan summers. 

View the brochure

Magic. That is all I can say.
It's like Mandy said; everything I wished for when I was there manifested more quickly in my life than every before. I am forever grateful for The Barn at El Refugio.

— Kat s. i edmonton, ab.

I came to El Refugio for a couple's retreat that Mandy and John hosted. There was something about being able to unplug and row on that little pond that did more for my marriage than any city date ever could have. We definitely fell back in love.

— craig m. i seattle, wa.

Who knew that this would be the place that I would meet my people? Not only did we sleep together and break bread together, we became a family during the retreat and I couldn't imagine my life without my new sisters and brothers.

— allison h. i sherwood park, ab.

Booking Requests

To start your inquiry, please send us an email to:
support@mandytrapp.com
please include your name and the details of your request. Pricing, availability, and additional information will be given after we've received your submission.

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