Soiul Wellness: Chilliwack’s Newest Wellness Retreat
There’s a kind of quiet you only find when you step far enough out of your daily routine — a deep, grounding stillness that invites your body and mind to slow down together. That’s exactly what I felt arriving at Soiul Wellness in Ryder Lake: acres of lavender, sweeping mountain views, and the sense that you’ve crossed into a space created purely for restoration.
At its core, Soiul — a name blending soil and soul — is rooted in connection to nature and intentional living. Here, contrast therapy isn’t a trend or a quick in-and-out experience. It’s immersive and thoughtfully designed, pairing heat, cold, and stillness with the surrounding landscape. The sauna melts tension, the cold plunge sharpens the senses, and the environment encourages you to stay present.
With outdoor yoga decks, an indoor loft for meditation and sound baths, and a setting that feels worlds away from the city despite being minutes from the highway, Soiul feels less like a studio and more like a true wellness retreat — one that happens to be right here in the Fraser Valley.
What Is Contrast Therapy?
If you’re new to contrast therapy, it involves alternating between heat exposure (sauna) and cold immersion (cold plunge). This hot–cold cycle supports circulation, reduces muscle soreness, and encourages deep relaxation — making it a powerful tool for both athletes and anyone simply looking to feel better in their body.
At Soiul Wellness, the experience is intentionally unhurried, allowing you to move through the cycle at your own pace.
First Impressions of Soiul Wellness
From the moment you step inside, Soiul Wellness feels calm and grounding. The space is warm, minimal, and thoughtfully curated — a welcome contrast to the noise and pace of everyday life.
Everything about the environment encourages you to slow down: soft lighting, natural materials, and a layout that feels spacious without being overwhelming. It’s the kind of place where you can take a deep breath the second you walk in.
The Contrast Therapy Experience
Soiul Wellness offers a classic contrast setup:
Hot sauna to warm the body, relax muscles, and encourage circulation
Cold plunge to reduce inflammation, sharpen focus, and build resilience
Moving between the heat and cold felt both invigorating and grounding. The cold plunge was bracing but manageable, and the sauna offered immediate relief — a rhythm that quickly becomes meditative.
What stood out most was the flexibility of the experience. There’s no pressure to rush or follow a rigid structure. Whether you’re easing into contrast therapy or you’re already comfortable with cold exposure, the space supports your own pace and limits.
Why Soiul Wellness Stands Out
One of the things I loved most about Soiul Wellness is its setting. Nestled up in Ryder Lake, it feels like a true nature retreat — surrounded by mountain views, lush lavender fields, and wide-open space. Despite being just minutes from the highway, it genuinely feels like you’re nowhere near a city.
The sounds of nature are constant — birds, wind through the trees — and during my visit we even watched deer running through the fields. It’s the kind of place that instantly shifts your nervous system before you even step into the sauna.
Soiul is thoughtfully designed as a full wellness retreat, not just a contrast therapy stop. The outdoor yoga deck is perfectly positioned for summer sessions surrounded by nature, and the indoor loft space is ideal for yoga, meditation, sound baths, and other facilitated events. It’s an incredible setup for wellness practitioners and retreat leaders looking for a space that supports intentional programming.
When I attended the soft opening, we were treated to a beautiful farm-to-table catered spread. Every dish was delicious and thoughtfully prepared, and it was clear that the same level of care put into the food was reflected throughout the entire space. The indoor areas feel just as luxurious and intentional as the outdoor experience.
What really sets Soiul apart, though, is the attention to detail. From the wood fireplace warming the change area, to the sunken heater in the sauna for more even temperatures, to the waterproof bags in each cubby so you can take your wet swimsuit home without soaking the rest of your gear — every detail has been considered.
It’s clear that Bill and his team poured their passion into this place. That care and intention shine through every aspect of Soiul Wellness, making it feel genuinely special.
Who Soiul Wellness Is For
You don’t need to be an endurance athlete or cold plunge expert to benefit from Soiul Wellness.
It’s a great fit for:
Runners, hikers, skiers, and cyclists
Anyone prioritizing recovery and longevity
People curious about contrast therapy but unsure where to start
Those looking to build small, consistent wellness rituals into their routine
Book a Visit: What to Know Before You Go
Getting There from Vancouver
Soiul Wellness is located in Ryder Lake, Chilliwack, and while the setting feels remote and peaceful, it’s very straightforward to reach.
From Vancouver:
Drive east on Highway 1 (Trans-Canada Highway) toward Chilliwack
Take Exit 119 (Vedder Road / Promontory)
Turn right onto Vedder Road and continue south
Turn left onto Promontory Road, following signs toward Ryder Lake
Continue as Promontory Road becomes Ryder Lake Road
Follow Ryder Lake Road until you reach Soiul Wellness (watch for signage as you approach)
The final stretch winds through farmland and rolling hills, and the transition is noticeable — traffic fades, views open up, and the pace slows almost immediately.
Despite being only minutes from the highway and town amenities, Soiul genuinely feels worlds away from the city — a true Fraser Valley escape.
Where to Stay Nearby
If you’re looking to turn your visit into a full reset, staying nearby is a great option. One of the best choices is Vedder River Cabin, a beautifully situated Airbnb right on the Vedder River.
It’s the perfect pairing for a contrast therapy session — quiet, cozy, and immersed in nature, while still being close to trails, rivers, and town amenities.
Sessions, Events & Booking
Soiul Wellness offers:
Regular small-group contrast therapy sessions on Wednesday evenings and Saturday/Sunday
A growing calendar of facilitated events, including yoga, meditation, sound baths, and workshops
For the most up-to-date schedule and to book your session, visit: soiulwellness.ca
Save on Your Visit
I’m excited to share that I have a promo code for 15% off any booking at Soiul Wellness:
PEAKPLANNING15
Use this code at checkout to save on single sessions or events.
Soiul Wellness feels like a much-needed addition to Chilliwack’s wellness and outdoor community. It’s a space that encourages intentional recovery — not as an afterthought, but as an essential part of an active lifestyle.
Whether you’re coming off a big adventure or simply craving a moment of calm, Soiul Wellness offers a contrast therapy experience that feels accessible, restorative, and deeply grounding.
If contrast therapy has been on your radar, this is a beautiful place to begin — or to deepen an already-loved practice.
Coming soon: a quick guide to how I personally structure my sauna + cold plunge sessions, plus how contrast therapy fits into my training and recovery routine.
Interested in the Ultimate Fraser Valley Adventure?
Check out our complete Fraser Valley Guide and get ready for the trip of a lifetime!
