As The River Bends Retreat

04/10/2025

While we already knew how amazing this region is we are beyond excited to see how many others are coming to see for themselves 💓🍎🌊

Did You Know?

In 2024, Nova Scotia saw an incredible $3.5 billion in tourism spending — and the Bay of Fundy & Annapolis Valley region played a major role in that success!

Accounting for 23% of the province’s total tourism revenues, the Bay of Fundy & Annapolis Valley was the second highest-performing tourism region, just behind Halifax.

That means this beautiful region — with its rolling vineyards, rich Acadian culture, charming small towns, and the highest tides in the world — helped bring in nearly a quarter of all tourism dollars spent in Nova Scotia last year.

Together, the Annapolis Valley and Halifax regions made up 62% of all tourism revenue in the province — a powerful reminder of just how much our region contributes to Nova Scotia’s tourism success.

From coastal hikes and historic towns to award-winning wineries and world-famous tides, it’s no surprise the Annapolis Valley is such a draw for visitors.

04/06/2025

💚It was so wonderful to welcome Sean and Lindsay to the retreat!

Thanks for including us in your Valley adventures—we loved having you here.

If you don’t already know, Saltwater Sean has been exploring and cleaning up waterways all across the province for the past few years. He’s uncovered some wild treasures and is making an incredible impact in nature along the way - we are grateful 🙏🏽💚🤿♻️

We can’t wait to welcome you both back—there’s always a spot by the river waiting for you.

04/01/2025

Bringing the Sun House to Life! ☀️🏡

Spring is here, and with it comes exciting progress on our Sun House venue! The roofing and siding are now complete, adding warmth and character to this special retreat space.

A huge thank you to S. G. Levy & Sons Lumber Mill for the stunning board and batten siding—it couldn’t be more perfect! So much gratitude & appreciation for D. Hughes for his mad skills with bringing this vision to life, even in a challenging location.

We’re now installing & breathing new life into reclaimed windows and doors sourced from surrounding communities, each piece carrying history and purpose into this space.

The journey continues—stay tuned for more updates as we shape the Sun House into a serene, nature-infused gathering space!

03/29/2025

🌿 Rare Last-Minute Escape! 🌿

Spring is in the air, and so is an unexpected opportunity!

Our Maple Dome—a cozy riverside retreat under the stars—has a rare one-night opening next

🌷Friday, April 4

If you’ve been craving a peaceful getaway, here’s your sign to press pause, breathe deep, and embrace the magic of early spring.

✨ Bonus: Our Spring into Relaxation package is still available, making this the perfect time to unwind with a little extra pampering.

Tag your getaway buddy and grab this spot before it’s gone!

🗓️ FRIDAY APRIL 4th
📍Annapolis Valley - less then an hour from Halifax
📞9026840955
📧 [email protected]

🌐 www.astheriverbendsretreat.com

03/29/2025

🌿 Rare Last-Minute Escape! 🌿

Spring is in the air, and so is an unexpected opportunity!

Our Maple Dome—a cozy riverside retreat under the stars—has a rare one-night opening next

🌷Friday, April 4

If you’ve been craving a peaceful getaway, here’s your sign to press pause, breathe deep, and embrace the magic of early spring.

✨ Bonus: Our Spring into Relaxation package is still available, making this the perfect time to unwind with a little extra pampering.

Tag your getaway buddy and grab this spot before it’s gone!

🗓️ FRIDAY APRIL 4th
📍Annapolis Valley - less then an hour from Halifax
📞9026840955
📧 [email protected]

🌐 www.astheriverbendsretreat.com

03/24/2025

One of the stunning views in the Annapolis Valley
Landscape of Grand Pré - UNESCO World Heritage Site

03/23/2025

🌿 When planning a trip, do you consider sustainability in your choices? 🌍

A) Yes, it’s a big part of how I travel! ♻️
B ) Sometimes, but not always 🌱
C) Not really, but I’d love to learn more! 🤔
D) No, I’ve never thought about it 🚫

At As The River Bends, we’ve built our retreat around the idea that travel can be both rejuvenating and eco-conscious. 🌍💚

What’s one small habit you practice (or would love to start) to travel more sustainably? 🌿 Your ideas might even inspire something new at our retreat! We would love to hear your feedback 👇

03/20/2025

100% Canadian, 100% Nature-Inspired!🍁

From day one, we’ve had a clear vision: support local, source local, and stay deeply connected to our community. Every detail of As The River Bends has been thoughtfully created with sustainability in mind, thanks to the incredible artisans, and small businesses we’ve partnered with.

We’re proud to say that dozens of local businesses have helped shape our retreat—from the handcrafted decor to the locally roasted coffee, eco-conscious wellness products, our amazing culinary partners and beyond.

When you stay with us, you’re not just experiencing nature—you’re supporting a network of passionate, hardworking Canadians.

Thank you for being part of this journey. ❤️

03/18/2025

At As The River Bends, we are more than just a place to stay—we are a place to learn, to connect, and to truly immerse yourself in nature.

Meet Mother Birch, Keeper of the Forest’s Wisdom. She is more than just a tree; she is the life source of the forest, nourishing and connecting the ecosystem through an underground network.

Pause beneath her canopy. Breathe deeply. Feel her strength. 🌿

She represents the sacred balance and unity within nature—a lesson she shares with all who take a moment to listen.

Come experience her wisdom for yourself. 🍃

03/18/2025

Pause Under Her Wisdom 🌳✨

At As The River Bends, we are more than just a place to stay—we are a place to learn, to connect, and to truly immerse yourself in nature.

Meet Mother Birch, Keeper of the Forest’s Wisdom. She is more than just a tree; she is the life source of the forest, nourishing and connecting the ecosystem through an underground network.

Pause beneath her canopy. Breathe deeply. Feel her strength. 🌿

She represents the sacred balance and unity within nature—a lesson she shares with all who take a moment to listen.

Come experience her wisdom for yourself. 🍃

Do you have a special tree that holds meaning for you? Tell us about it in the comments! 👇

03/09/2025

🌷Signs of Spring are Popping Up at As The River Bends! 🌿✨

The days are getting longer, the air feels lighter, and nature is waking up.

Our Spring into Relaxation package is the perfect way to embrace the season with an escape designed for rest, renewal, and a deep connection to nature. 🌷stay & save with our

🌷Spring into wellness package🌷

Your stay includes:
✔ One-night stay in a cozy dome – a private retreat in nature
✔ Private hot tub under the stars – soak away stress under the night sky
✔ Delicious breakfast box – locally prepared by Essentially English Café & Bakery
✔ Cedar sauna experience – relax and rejuvenate in our eco-friendly spa space
✔ Movie Night - enjoy watching a favourite movie under the stars while relaxing in the hot tub or inside snuggled in bed

✨ $274 + tax per night ✨

🌸 Limited availability – book your spring escape now! 🌸

{select "spring into wellness" rate at checkout}
Or contact us to book
☎️9026840955
📧 [email protected]

03/05/2025

🎂 🍰💍Seeking a Wedding Cake Artist! 🍰💍🎂

Are you a talented cake maker looking to showcase your work to wedding photographers and future couples?

We’re excited to be the site of the Wedding Content Retreat, happening April 27-29 Hosted by Shannon Bishop Photography & Hailey Davidson

This retreat is designed to help photographers refine their wedding photography skills—and your cake could be a featured showpiece in our styled shoots!

Set against the serene backdrop of our new Sun House venue space this event is perfect for vendors who want to connect, collaborate, and have their work beautifully captured in a forest-inspired setting.

Interested? Send us a message! 💌

03/03/2025

🌿 Spring Into Relaxation – Limited March & April Stays! 🌿

Escape to nature Relax & unwind with our Spring Into Relaxation offer!

Your stay includes:
✔ One-night stay in a cozy dome – a private retreat in nature
✔ Private hot tub under the stars – soak away stress under the night sky
✔ Delicious breakfast box – locally prepared by Essentially English Café & Bakery
✔ Cedar sauna experience – relax and rejuvenate in the warmth

✨ $274 + tax per night ✨

🌸 Limited availability – book your spring escape now! 🌸

{select “spring into wellness” rate at checkout}

Or contact us to book
☎️ 9026840955
📧 [email protected]

03/02/2025

BOOKED!!! More dates coming soon

Spring Into Wellness: Sauna only Drop-In Nights!

As the seasons shift, it's time to warm up, unwind, and give back! Join us for our Spring Into Wellness Sauna Drop-In Nights—a midweek reset for your body and mind.

🗓️Tuesday Mar 4 (Booked) & WED MARCH 5th
⏱️6-8pm
💰 $15 + a food bank donation
📍As The River Bends Retreat - 1828 Bishopville Rd Hantsport
📧Pre-registration required: 9026840955 or [email protected]

Relax in our electric cedar sauna and soak in the benefits of heat therapy-boost circulation, ease muscle tension, and promote deep relaxation. Plus, your food bank donation helps support our local community!

Spaces are limited, so secure your spot now.

Tag your sauna-loving friends and let's turn up the heat on wellness 🔥💚

02/28/2025

Tribute to Ruby💔🐾

Today, with heavy hearts, we said goodbye to Ruby, our sweet, gentle, kind & ever-loving girl.

If you ever visited the retreat, you likely met her—tail wagging, a leaf or stick proudly in her mouth always eager to welcome everyone to the retreat.

She would often wander about, coming to say hello & looking for a willing hand for her favourite bum scratches. She made every guest feel welcome in the most special way, and we know so many of you loved her just as much as we did. She made her way into many reviews, comments, memories & hearts.

She spent her days freely exploring the property, fishing for hours in the brook and sharing her love with all. Ruby was more than just our dog—she was part of the heart of this place. The retreat won’t feel quite the same without her, but her spirit will always be here.

Thank you for filling our lives (and so many others’) with so much joy.

We love you, Ruby. 🐾💔

02/22/2025

❄️ Winter in the Secret Garden ❄️
♨️🔥A Japanese-Inspired Nordic Experience♨️🔥

Step into the winter edition of our Secret Garden Sauna Experience—where the warmth of our sauna meets the refreshing contrast of a cold plunge in a vintage clawfoot tub, followed by a soak in our hot tub. Inspired by the Nordic spa and Japanese bathing rituals, this is a rejuvenating escape like no other.

🔥 Sundays in March
💦 $25 per person | Max 4 guests per session
🕰 12:30-2:00 PM | 3:00-5:00 PM

A mindful winter ritual to refresh, restore, and reset. 🌿❄️ Spaces are limited—book now!

📧 To book, contact: [email protected]

02/21/2025

We are SO INCREDIBLY GRATEFUL for the support from Tourism Nova Scotia 💚🫶

Book your package today