Rent the whole island for up to 14, and enjoy your own stunning private resort.

A perfect escape for extended families, groups of friends, or teams.

Sleeps 3 families with kids, or 5 couples, or 9 individuals. 

Total 5 queen beds, 3 twin beds & a 2-twin-bed Yurt.

Maximum capacity 14, but there is flexibility, so contact us to discuss the size and composition of your party.

This island is truly one of the most spectacular natural places we have ever experienced, and any nature lover will likely feel the same way.

We can boat your party to and from the island (extra charge). If we boat you, you unload your car by the docks in Minaki Marina, get your parking ticket at the store, and park your cars on the upper level. 

Or you can bring your own boats (maximum 2 boats). You can launch your boats at the Minaki Marina as well.

Caretaker/groundskeeper will provide an in-person orientation upon your arrival.  

Caretaker might be on the island at any time, including staying overnight, and possibly during your entire stay. He will keep to himself. 

If the caretaker is not there, you will be provided a phone number where you can reach the caretaker at any time in case you need any help.

Absolutely no wild parties or excessive noise!!!

Please no outside guests overnight.

Unfortunately, no pets are welcome on the island to protect wildlife and amenities.

Please no shoes in any indoor spaces. Bring your crocks or flip-flops for an easy transition.

You have to be OK with a wavy boat ride during parts of the trip if you come on a windy day.

We ask you don’t bring food to your cabins.

This is wild nature, so we don’t guarantee good weather.

Bugs are mostly not a huge bother on the island, but there are times bugs can be bothersome during some parts of the day.

Terrain on the island is in its original uneven state, so ability and caution is required. Your safety is your responsibility. 

Always use a lamp or flashlight when walking on the island at night.

Stay away from the cliffs.

Swim only using the swimming buoys (provided).

Minimum rental is 3 nights

3-DAY WEEKEND $4,500 Plus GST

6-DAY WEEK $6,500 plus GST

Discount available for longer stays

Boating your party in and out is $700 plus GST

Contact us to discuss potential discounts

JOY Retreat is an immersive experience of stunning nature, delicious healthy food, light-hearted joyful activities, relaxation, rest, and great company.  

The three JOY Circles, facilitated by Darek & Jessica will be your time to slow down, reset, connect with yourself, explore the role joy plays in your life, tap into your vitality, and recalibrate your compass. While both Darek and Jessica are experienced psychotherapists, the JOY Circles are not therapeutic interventions but experiential wellness groups.

And did we mention the amazing healthy food served by Chef Geni!!! The menu will have both vegetarian and meat options.

During your three-night stay, you are free to follow your mood and inclinations. Participate in retreat activities or spend the day lounging. Hang out with others or be solitary and just catch up on relaxation, reflection, sleep, and rest. It’s also OK to spend your day kayaking around the island, exploring nearby rock cliffs, swimming, steaming in the sauna, soaking in the hot tub, reading, writing, or doing whatever your heart desires.

This island – your home for the weekend – is one of the most spectacular natural places we have ever experienced.

Stunning Canadian Shield nature unimpeded by light or sound pollution.

Delicious healthy food by Chef Geni.

Open-hearted, joyful, and experienced facilitators, Darek & Jessica.

Morning meditation (participation optional).

Three JOY Circles to lightly explore the role joy plays in your life with guided reflective exercises, journaling, and optional sharing

Possibly other weather and mood-dependent creative and nature activities.

Cabins with amazing views, brand new comfy beds, and work desks.

Sauna and hot tub with insane views.

Comfortable shared amenities.

Two shared state-of-the-art Cinderella Norwegian incinerating toilets.

Great water for swimming.

Kayaks & paddle boards. 

Insane night sky with no light pollution.

If you are lucky 360-degree sunsets and dancing northern lights.    

Total freedom to do whatever you want.

You arrive in Minaki, Ontario on Friday between 3pm – 5pm.

Minaki is a 2.5-hour drive from Winnipeg’s Eastern perimeter. Please leave Winnipeg early to give yourself plenty of time to arrive on time. 

Unload your car down by the docks at the Minaki Marina, get your parking pass at the store, and park your car on the upper level.

We will then pick you up, and boat you to the island. The boat ride is about 12 minutes. On windy days, some parts of the boat ride may be wavy.

Upon arrival, you will have the chance to make yourself comfortable in your room, eat, and familiarise yourself with the island. There will be an island orientation and a brief welcome JOY circle facilitated by your hosts. 

On Saturday and Sunday, the optional scheduled activities include a morning meditation and, after the breakfast, a JOY Circle.

To start the days off mindfully, the mornings before breakfast are silent to facilitate quiet contemplation mindful presence.

Otherwise, the schedule is flexible and depends on the weather, group composition, and everyone’s mood. Other possible weather-dependent activities might include art-making, reading or writing gatherings, and creative visualizations and emotional explorations. 

But if the weather is good, outdoor activities will likely take priority, like kayaking, paddle boarding, exploring the stunning nearby islands, sauna or hot tub, wildlife watching, and so on.

Or you can just simply catch up on relaxation, reflection, sleep, and rest, and participate in nothing.

Departure is on Monday late morning after breakfast. Some participants might decide to leave on Sunday night, though Sunday nights are usually a great time, as most people feel extra easy and connected after two days of being together.

And of course if this retreat ends up not being for you, we will be happy to boat you to the marina at any time and issue you a refund. 

This retreat is facilitated by Darek Dawda & Jessica Gonzalez, experienced retreat facilitator who dedicated their personal and professional lives to the genuine exploration of how to heal emotional wounds and live joyous and meaningful lives. They have been husband and wife for over ten years, and their journey towards one another has been their greatest teacher.

Both Darek and Jessica have deep reflective personal practices in their everyday life that involve music, meditation, literature, stillness, pursuit of beauty and knowledge, and immersion in nature.

Jessica and Darek have attended various retreats around the world, including Esalen, Plum Village, and the Humaniversity, and have facilitated Circles of Reconciliation groups in Winnipeg and True You Retreats in Winnipeg and at North Point Retreat. Jessica speaks English, Spanish, Dutch, and French fluently., and Darek speaks English and Polish. Both Jessica & Darek have been practicing psychotherapists for over 20 years. 

Darek & Jessica believe that the key to personal and relational well-being is a self-aware, whole, and open-hearted individual. Together they currently raise a tribe of spirited children.

Chef Geni is what the talk is all about at North Point Retreat. For each retreat, we ask people about their food preferences and restrictions, and then Chef Geni designs a magical menu that is unlikely to disappoint even the most refined connoisseurs.

Our all-inclusive rates include boating, accommodation, amazing food & retreat activities.

NORTH & EAST CABIN

$1,200 plus GST – Single Occupancy (queen bed)

$1,800 plus GST – Double Occupancy (couple or two friends sharing a queen bed)

SOUTH CABIN

$1,000 plus GST – Single Occupancy (twin bed)

YURT

$1000 plus GST – Single Occupancy (the yurt is all yours)

$1600 plus GST – Double Occupancy (2 twin beds – sharing the yurt)

$1000 plus GST – Single Occupancy (2 twin beds – the yurt is all yours)

$1600 plus GST – Double Occupancy (2 twin beds – sharing the yurt)

To register or ask us a question, please submit your INQUIRY and let us know about yourself and your interest in JOY.

We will provide boat transportation to and from the island. You have to be OK with a wavy boat ride during parts of the trip if you come on a windy day.

No pets are allowed on the island to protect wildlife.

There will be plenty of food with round-the-clock access. So you don’t have to bring any food, unless you have special requirements.

There are no fridges in the rooms and eating in the cabins is discouraged.

We will be in the embrace of mother nature, and we will tailor the activities to the weather.

Bugs are mostly not a huge issue outdoors, but there are times when bugs can be bothersome during some parts of the day. We will have bug sprays.

No alcohol will be served.

Note that any activities in this schedule are optional. You are free to do whatever you feel like at any time during the weekend.

FRIDAY

3:00 pm – 5:00 pm … We will pick you up from the marina. Please do not arrive late. If you are driving from Winnipeg, please leave by 1pm at the latest to make sure you arrive on time, in case you hit heavy traffic

5:00 pm … Settle in, eat

6:00 pm … Orientation & Introductory JOY Circle

7:00 pm … Open – Head out kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming, soaking in the hot tub, sauna, or just quietly unwinding are some of our preferred ways of starting the weekend

SATURDAY

Please observe silence until breakfast

7:00 – 8:00 … Open – Feel free to have coffee, juice, or snack

8:30 – 9:00 … Meditation circle

9:00 – 10:00 … Open – Feel free to stretch or have coffee or juice

10:00 – 11:00 … Breakfast

11:30 – 1:30 … JOY Circle

1:30 – 5:00 … Weather-dependent activities

5:00 – 6:00 … Dinner

6:00 – on  … Weather-dependent activities

SUNDAY

Please observe silence until breakfast

7:00 – 8:00 … Open – Feel free to have coffee, juice, or snack

8:30 – 9:00 … Meditation circle

9:00 – 10:00 … Open – Feel free to stretch or have coffee or juice

10:00 – 11:00 … Breakfast

11:30 – 1:30 … JOY Circle

1:30 – 5:00 … Weather-dependent activities

5:00 – 6:00 … Dinner

6:00 – 9:00  … Weather-dependent activities

9:00 – on … Social gathering

MONDAY

8:00 – 11:00 … Coffee, tea, juice, food

11:00 – 12:00 … Drop off at the marina

Step 1: Organize you group, team, or family of up to 14.

Step 2: Let’s design together your dream retreat.

Any groups, teams, or families (e.g., groups of friends, business or executive teams, work colleagues, interest groups, tiny weddings, wellness groups, sports or hobby groups, fishermen, spiritual communities, church groups, extended families).

Let’s design a dream retreat for your team, group, or family. Possibilities are endless.

1. We can shuttle your entire party to the island and back to the marina.
2. We can provide boat and boat driver for your party.
3. Chef Geni can cook you spectacular and healthy food of your choice. 
4. We can provide custom wellness for you group, team, or family.

We will consult with you to design your dream custom retreat, which may include your own cook, boat and driver, and expert wellness facilitator. Possible activities include team-building activities, wellness or growth circles, effective communication workshops, various mindfulness activities, meditation circles, arts and crafts activities, creative writing or journaling, karaoke nights, electric boat rides, excursions to the beach, exploration of amazing nearby cliffs, hot and cold experiences, and whatever else you can dream of.

This island is truly one of the most spectacular natural places we have ever experienced, and any nature lover will likely feel the same way.

Contact us to discuss endless possibilities & custom prices.