Nestled in a 160-acre forest just 15 minutes north of Sechelt, Stay Wilder is an off-grid eco-glamping resort serious about offering planet-first solutions in an environment where guests are encouraged to nourish their well-being by reconnecting to the natural world around them.
The entire experience is designed around sustainability and wellness. The six geodesic domes, chosen for their unique structural properties and minimal environmental impact, offer simple but luxurious amenities from local providers and companies who share a commitment to eco-friendly practices. The decks are made of up-cycled railway ties from the decommissioned Engelwood railway on Vancouver Island; the furniture from old-growth Douglas fir recovered from homes and buildings demolished in Vancouver.
Power to each dome comes from a portable battery system that recharges from an onsite solar grid. During their stay, guests have enough power to recharge technology or make a morning espresso, and as they use that power, they get a digital readout on consumption and kilowatt hours remaining. Power and water resources are provided in a way that empowers guests to learn to conserve without sacrificing comfort. Each dome has a private toilet, bathing ritual kit, shower, and outdoor sink. The Stay Wilder “bathing ritual” invites guests to try a traditional dry brush scrub to increase circulation, followed by a bucket bath, and a 1–3 minute hot shower.
Another unique aspect of Stay Wilder is that they only offer 3, 4, and 7 day stays because they believe so strongly in the “3 Day Effect”, a term made popular by journalist and author Florence Williams in her book The Nature Fix: Why Nature Makes Us Happier, Healthier, and More Creative. The studies behind the book explore how spending time in nature can lead to positive physiological and psychological changes including reduced stress levels, improved mood, enhanced creativity, and an overall sense of well-being.
The Sunshine Coast, close enough to modern conveniences but steeped in natural beauty, is a perfect fit for the Stay Wilder experience, and guests will find plenty to do during their stay. Some prefer to disconnect from technology, rest and relax, while others prefer to explore the area. The coast communities have it all: incredible hiking and biking trails, lakes and ocean beaches, indigenous tours, local farms and farmer’s markets, and fabulous cafés and restaurants.
Stay Wilder was created on a belief that if you’re serious about saving the planet, you’ve got to experience what’s worth saving. Simply knowing about climate change is not the same as practicing sustainability daily. With this in mind, Stay Wilder designed a lab-like environment, in which guests not only reset themselves, but also learn to live more gently once they leave
