Meet Our Owners

Together with my partner and co team captain in life Mark and our 3 sons we have created As The River Bends Retreat Inc. Although we both grew up in the Annapolis Valley we have spent time living in the US, Nunavut and other communities. However when it came time to choose a place to raise our boys the decision was easy, we needed to come home to the beautiful Annapolis Valley. 

My family has lived in the community of Bishopville for generations, I spent my childhood growing up here playing in the woods, river and fields. When we had the opportunity to purchase land along the Halfway river we just knew that it was the perfect place to raise our boys. As a family we have lived on this property for over 10 years. Over those years we have created countless memories, enjoyed priceless moments and now that our boys have grown I felt it was time to share this special place with others. 

I have spent my entire career supporting others through working with children, youth and adults with trauma and diverse needs in the departments of health, education and community services. I've seen first hand the need for opportunities where we can truly reset, relax, get away from everyday stresses and get back to the simpler things in life. 

My love and respect for nature has grown from a very young age whether it was helping on our small family farm, going to the woods with my Dad or hiking as an adult. I've always noticed just how much better I felt after spending time in nature. My dream is to create a place for others to visit where they can experience and enjoy the many benefits of being in nature. Our domes and experiences are all created from my heart and passion for helping, healing and nature. 

 Our goal is for our guests to leave feeling a little better than when they arrived. We can’t wait to welcome you at the retreat.

—Shawna 

Connect with Nature

The retreat is truly a place where guests can come to “disconnect to reconnect”. We want to help our guests step away from the hustle and bustle and “unplug” therefore we do not have TVs and the wifi and cell coverage is limited due to our location and service availability. 

Throughout the retreat property guests will find many “special spots” to enjoy.  The trails wander throughout, some of which were originally the old provincial Telegraph road that was used decades ago. You will find hammocks, chairs, and benches where you can “pause” in comfort. One of our favorite spots to pause is beneath “Big Momma” our century old pine tree which stands with greatness at a bend in the river. The retreat’s name comes from this very special spot. 

You can rest along the river and listen to the sound of the flowing water, wade in to cool off, try your luck at catching a trout or if you're really lucky you may even get a sighting of our resident beaver. 

You can choose to practice yoga or read a book on the platform in our mindfulness garden where you will also find a fish pond, butterfly and people loving plants such as lavender and bee balm. Guests will also find fruit bushes, herb, vegetable and sunflower gardens to enjoy. Our unique dome shaped greenhouse offers the perfect spot for plants to get an early start in the spring and also doubles as the perfect reading spot on a rainy day, it's truly a great spot for both plants and people.

Location

We are located in the quaint community of Bishopville in the beautiful Annapolis Valley approximately an hour outside of Halifax. The retreat is easily accessible as it’s only approximately 6km from exit 8a on Highway 101.
Within a 10 minute drive is the community of Hantsport, where you will find many amenities such as farm markets, cafes, gas stations, restaurants, grocery, drug & liquor stores and other wonderful businesses to enjoy.  Within a 15 minute drive from your dome you will find the Avon River with some of the world's highest tides, you can play and relax on Avonport beach or explore the world famous fossil site of Blue beach. 

Less than 10 km eastward is the Municipality of West Hants where you will find restaurants, breweries, wineries, historical sites, golf courses, trails and the area's ski hill. In less than 15 km west on hwy 101 is Annapolis Valley wine country with numerous wineries throughout the Gaspereau, Wolfville and surrounding areas. You will also find amazing restaurants, shops, historical sites such Grand Pre National Park, farm markets, hiking areas, whale watching, kayaking, golf and so much more. 

The Annapolis Valley offers so many amazing things to see and do. As The River Bends Retreat is located less than an hour’s drive from metro Halifax and provides the perfect place to base your Annapolis Valley adventure from.

http://valleytourism.ca/