REO Rafting Resort

** UPDATE: With a heavy heart, I have decided to post this review even after finding out that REO Resort was devastated in a wildfire last week. Perhaps rebuilding will be possible, and then my experience can inspire others to support them in the future. This place was magic and I look forward to returning.*** Booking a last-minute 3-Night REO yoga retreat turned out to be a fantastic decision, giving me much-needed rest and self-care after a grueling work project and the sudden cancellation of my international vacation. REO gave me the best parts of wilderness camping, with everything taken care of so I could just breathe & be: cosy, comfortable bed, private deck with the view and sound of a powerful river rushing past, delicious simple-but-varied meals that hit the spot, activities like guided hikes, archery or rafting if I wanted, and staff that always seemed to know when and how much I wanted to chat, and when I was enjoying the peace and solitude. (p.s. I don't know how they cooked steak so perfectly med-rare for so many people all at once but it, with a wild greens & beet salad, was the highlight meal of my trip. kudos.) My positive experience started right from the staff member who  booked me over the phone, going out of her way to share all the options and even hand-picking exactly the right tucked-away glamping tent for me based on my description of what I wanted:  yoga, fresh air, and rest. The drive was easy, although the traffic of Vancouver made it take longer than the website advertises - probably closer to 3.5 hours instead of the stated 2.5. But well worth it - it was actually a pretty fun drive once you pass the turn off at Hope, with awe-inspiring  tunnels carved right through rock.  With up to 4 yoga classes available each day, I benefited from different styles, from morning flow to candlelight restorative. With the small class sizes, many of the teachers took a special interest in helping me rehab a knee injury by adapting poses and offering in-depth suggestions. Barbara was particularly knowledgeable and I felt as if I had a personal strength and recovery coach in every one of her classes. Forest yoga with Robin was utterly unique and tailored to vibe with the outdoor space. I also did a guided nature hike with Jasper who's scientific knowledge of flora and fauna was exceptional. In between yoga sessions, I read, napped in hammocks scattered throughout the property, and didn't have to make any decisions - exactly what I needed. I drank lots of lemon-infused water, little alcohol (although that was just my choice - up to you, BYO), and fell asleep every night by 10pm, deeply content. I highly recommend this for a solo me-time trip, but would also come back with my partner and kid because it's got great options for families too. Other guests while I was there had small children, and one large group was definitely having a blast with activities and rafting. The property is laid out with enough nooks, lounging spots, and space for all - including a gorgeous private sandy beach. I thoroughly and whole-heartedly recommend this place. Just go - you won't be disappointed.