Sarah Salter Kelly is a talented healer, teacher, and speaker, utilizing the raw compounded teachings of her life experience, to uplift, empower and guide others. Her wisdom is authentic, embodied and hard won – generated through years of integrating the tragic homicide of her mother and learning to forgive the perpetrator – alongside thirty years of studying personal growth, mysticism, restorative justice, and earth-based healing traditions. Over the past fourteen years she has run her own private healing practice, facilitated retreats – both in Canada and in Peru – taught trauma focused and shamanic healing workshops, and presented at conferences/public events.
Her primary background is in energy healing – Shamanism, Reiki and Ceremony to be precise. She has been initiated into the highest order of the Andean Shamanic path on her eight journeys to Peru, being gifted rites of passage at over five of their sacred Apu’s, (mountains) and carries the lineage of the Q’ero tradition. She has worked extensively in creating and facilitating shamanic healing programs that integrate these teachings in relationship with the land, culture and spirit of the West.
She is a mother, wife, and lover of organic gardening, as well as an avid out-door enthusiast, seeking the edges of the wild for solace, connection, and the challenge of physical endurance. At present she resides in Grand Forks B.C. with her husband, pets, and last child at home.
This retreat is an invitation to come home. To open to the genuine presence of your being through the use of plant medicine ceremony and earth based traditional practices. It is focused on the awareness that you have what you need within you – everything is in fact here now – and our healing is the art of integrating, accepting, and loving what is. In this process we claim the light of our true nature and use this light to guide our way.
Sarah’s teachings are nondual, based on the philosophy that we are one. Through cultivating loving awareness we remember we are not separate from our Source and in this way, we align who we are with how we live. She is the author of Trauma as Medicine, a DIY book for healing trauma and transforming your life; based on the personal experience of losing her mother to homicide and subsequent journey of healing and forgiveness.
What's included:
Despacho
Starlight Medicine Ritual – This ritual has come through the ancient teachings of our starlight ancestors as a guide for these times. We are in a great moment of awakening, and it is necessary to open to the highest light for the illumination of our path. This ritual is delivered through visualization, shamanic journey and earth-based practices.
Forest Medicine ceremony – The Rainbow serpent lodge was passed to Sarah many years ago through her Spirit guide Thoth; the God of wisdom in the Egyptian pantheon. In this lodge she shares mushroom tea in a night ceremony. You are supported with channeled medicine songs, music, hands on healing, tobacco cleanse, and other shamanic methods. This is an excellent medicine for moving into the underworld aspects of our life’s journey so we can integrate them with the light.
The intention of this lodge is to create a portal for the following:
Commune with Source
Regulate your nervous system
Illuminate your true nature
Release old patterns
Address grief & trauma
Come home to your self & your body
Investigate internal contracted energy
Enter loving awareness – as referred to by Ram Das
Experience presence
Heart medicine Ceremony – Sarah will facilitate this profound Heart Medicine experience in a day ceremony. This Heart Medicine is an exceptional ally for connecting us with our inner child and facilitating an experience of embodiment. Held in the social and sacred container of our retreat community you begin to see yourself in a new way – releasing stories that do not serve your highest good - and opening to your child-like sense of wonderment.
Fire Ceremony – Working with the Spirit of fire you will learn a practice passed through the Inca Medicine Wheel tradition for cleansing your being and asking for help.
Hape ceremony - A sacred snuff comprised of tobacco and other plants this medicine supports your healing through the opening of your third eye, connection with your heart, and a rooted sense of awareness in your physical body.
Despacho – From the highest reaches of the Andes Mountains this ceremony offers a practice of gratitude that is rooted in the celebration of life. Utilizing flowers, seeds, and objects from nature a mandala is created with prayer and intention to give thanks for all that is here.
Integration – Sarah has had the joy of facilitating circles for over 20 years. The practice of bringing your visions into our circle are an integral part of awakening. This is where you learn to be seen, to listen to the collective teachings in the group and to use your voice – be heard- as you share your heart.
The team – Sarah has gathered a solid team of assistants – professionals in the holistic field - to ensure you have what you need to tuning and turning inwards.
The location – The Sentinel is a top-notch environment for soul healing. Nestled on 6 pristine acres on Kootenay lake you can expect to be held in the power of these ancient mountains with love, wisdom and stillness. The rooms all have a view of the lake, the food is local, organic and much is grown on the property. For you pleasure there is a hot tub, sauna, and of course cold plunges in the lake.
*Please note this includes a preparation session as well as a post ceremony integration session. The link to book will be shared with you upon registration.
Please fill out this registration form HERE: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf5gNt4ivvqioJXgBGzdCmbmBcGrjH5QpRSrpe-al6w-ojYYA/viewform
If you would like to BOOK a 15 min Call with Sarah to learn more about her retreat please do so here: https://calendly.com/sarahsalterkelly/free-15-minute-consult
For more information please visit Sarah's website here: https://sarahsalterkelly.com/retreats/
Please watch Sarah's interview with Marianne Williamson here: https://youtu.be/8WDFQOcNrho
We are a 50-minute drive north of Nelson, BC, just outside the charming village of Kaslo. We are 9 hours by car from Vancouver, and 8 hours from Calgary. These drives are incredibly beautiful, wending through some of North America's most spectacular mountain terrain. There are flights (approx. 1 hour) from both Vancouver & Calgary to our nearest airport, in Castlegar, which is a scenic 1.5 hours from our door.
Driving from Nelson, follow highway 3A north to Balfour (Kootenay Lake ferry landing), and proceed another 20-25 minutes on Highway 31 north. There is a "Sentinel Retreat" blue road sign on the highway (approx. 60 km from Nelson). Slow down and prepare to take a sharp right turn onto Amundsen Road. The Sentinel is located at bottom of the hill. Please observe signs.
Accommodation
All our King and shared Twin rooms have stunning views of the lake and mountains. Whether you opt for a luxurious private King or a shared Twin, all our rooms are clean and modern. Ensuite bathrooms have heated floors, a rain shower, and amenities for your comfort. Fluffy white towels and crisp linens are found in every room — our goal is to ensure can relax and refresh during your stay with us.
King Room with Lake View
Our king rooms are elegant, lake and mountain facing boasting ensuite bathrooms with heated tile floors. All rooms were intentionally designed to enhance a reflective and serene stay away from home.
Twin shared room (per person)
Our twin shared rooms are elegant, lake and mountain facing boasting ensuite bathrooms with heated tile floors. All rooms were intentionally designed to enhance a reflective and serene stay away from home.
Queen Room
Room 7 is a cozy queen room on the lower level of the Lodge. It's favoured by guests who love containment, a dark sleeping space, and appreciate the savings offered by using a shared bathroom, steps away. This room does not have a direct lake view, but is adjacent to our beautiful sunroom which offers plenty of sunlight and beautiful views of the lake.
Sunroom Nest
The Sunroom Nest is a glamorous word for shared accommodation in our Sunroom with up to three other people. Each person gets a fully made twin bed with a high density foam topper, 1 pillow, sheets and a full set of towels. The bathroom is adjacent to the sunroom nest, shared and you are steps away from the lower lobby tea/coffee station.
Sentinel Camping
Camp on The Sentinel grounds! Bring your own tent and bedding and we will set you up with a lovely place to camp. Shared bathroom facilities. Summer Only. $50/person/night
Venue & Amenities
A/C in Rooms
Free Wifi
Spa
Sauna
Pool
Towels
Free Parking
Kitchen
Tour Assistance
Hot Tub
Coffee/Tea
Cafe
Restaurant
Fitness Center
Yoga Studio
Housekeeping
Bicycles For Rent
Overlooking spectacular Kootenay Lake, the Lodge, with its massive windows and expansive deck affords breathtaking lake & mountain views. The Maloca, a magnificent round, timbered ceremonial and activity space, seems to float above the lake. A short stroll from the Lodge, the Sentinel's spa deck, with its unique wood-fired sauna and cedar-lined hot tub is a favourite gathering spot for guests, year-'round. 700' of lakefront, with deck, firepit and yoga area is a tranquil spring/summer area.
Meals
Menu Types
Vegan
Vegetarian
Pescetarian
Ayurvedic
Includes Meat
Organic
Gluten Free
Dairy Free
Nut Free
Guests rave about our food! Sentinel meals are prepared with ingredients sourced whenever possible from our organic, on-property garden. We can accommodate virtually any dietary requirement.
What's Included
Accommodation
Meals
Cedar hot tub
Sauna
Maloca
Lakefront
Nature
What's Not Included
Bodywork
Airfare
Travel
Gratuity
Taxes
Customer Reviews
4.95 out of 5.0 average rating
5.0
Verified
Life changing experience
I attended a retreat at the Sentinel and it was an incredibly life changing experience. The Maloka is so sacred the energy in it is incredible!! The staff is incredible, great food, great vibes all around the property. It was a soul nourishing experience on every level.
Thank you for your hospitality and all the intention that has went into creating this sacred place!!
5.0
Verified
Awakening
This was one of the most profound and transformative experiences of my life. It opened my mind, touched my heart, and gave me a deeper appreciation for the possibilities that exist within ourselves and the universe around us.
My sincere gratitude to Richard, Gillian, and everyone at The Sentinel for creating such a safe, supportive, and beautiful space to do this important inner work. The care, intention, and love that went into every aspect of the retreat were truly remarkable.
Thank you to everyone involved. This experience has left a lasting impact on me, and I will carry its lessons and gifts forward with immense gratitude. 🙏✨
5.0
Verified
Life-Changing Experience
The week I spent at the Sentinel for Awaken was truly life-changing. It was an experience that helped me close chapters from my past, reconnect with myself, and discover who I really am.
Throughout the program, I gained a deeper understanding of myself, found clarity, and learned how to live more fully in the present moment. I now have a greater sense of awareness and appreciation for life, and I feel better equipped to move forward with confidence and purpose.
I am incredibly grateful for this journey and would highly recommend it to anyone seeking personal growth, self-discovery, and a more meaningful connection with themselves.
5.0
Verified
Awaken retreat at the Sentinel - Amazing, for those willing to do the work
I have now been to the Sentinel four times - twice each for individual work and within a group. In all my visits the facilities, lodging, facilitators, programming, support staff, and food (OMG, the food!), have been truly top tier. Yet, at Awaken, the Sentinel crew somehow managed to raise those qualities to another level of quality.
The four main facilitators and their two assistants generated a safe, supportive environment and, importantly, guided attendees in establishing a container in which the group collectively held space for and contributed to the work of each individual. The importance of this cannot be overstated; particularly for someone like me who has long been skeptical of group work.
There was much laughter, camaraderie, and deep love shared by all. However, I suggest this retreat is not for someone looking for a week of relaxation and casual self-reflection. Certainly, there is a lot of "down time" for integration and rest; however, every person at the Sentinel--from the office staff to the facilitators, have dedicated their lives to supporting the realization of the full potential of humanity, and are serious in achieving that goal. Participants are gently but firmly directed toward bringing forward and facing the conditioned thoughts, patterns, and behaviors that no longer serve them and present barriers to creating their highest selves.
If you are willing to do the hard work in among people who want to change themselves and the world, this is the retreat. It is truly a profound and life-changing experience.
5.0
Verified
Life Changing Experience
Richard and Gillian have skillfully crafted a retreat center that transcends its physical presence. The love and care is undeniable, and their experience and wisdom are vast.
On a technical level, the rooms were clean, the shared space was inviting, the food served was tasty and nutritious, and the whole team of staff were kind and accommodating. The space has access to sauna and cold plunge, hot tub, swimming or kayaking in the lake, hammocking.
Truly the perfect space to rediscover yourself in an environment where your spirit can be held.
Select your options
Available Dates
July 22 - 27, 2026
Payments made through Retreat Guru do not include the cost of: plant medicine, psychedelics or similar products.
Select a Room
King Room with Lake View
CAD $4,094.00
Our king rooms are elegant, lake and mountain facing boasting ensuite bathrooms with heated tile floors. All rooms were intentionally designed to enhance a reflective and serene stay away from home.
Twin shared room (per person)
CAD $3,419.00
Our twin shared rooms are elegant, lake and mountain facing boasting ensuite bathrooms with heated tile floors. All rooms were intentionally designed to enhance a reflective and serene stay away from home.
Queen Room
CAD $3,769.00
Room 7 is a cozy queen room on the lower level of the Lodge. It's favoured by guests who love containment, a dark sleeping space, and appreciate the savings offered by using a shared bathroom, steps away. This room does not have a direct lake view, but is adjacent to our beautiful sunroom which offers plenty of sunlight and beautiful views of the lake.
Sunroom Nest
CAD $3,219.00
The Sunroom Nest is a glamorous word for shared accommodation in our Sunroom with up to three other people. Each person gets a fully made twin bed with a high density foam topper, 1 pillow, sheets and a full set of towels. The bathroom is adjacent to the sunroom nest, shared and you are steps away from the lower lobby tea/coffee station.
Sentinel Camping
CAD $2,994.00
Camp on The Sentinel grounds! Bring your own tent and bedding and we will set you up with a lovely place to camp. Shared bathroom facilities. Summer Only. $50/person/night
Cloud's Staff Pick
Top Rated
Verified
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