Meet The Team - Sante Wellness Retreat

From-The-Heart Service

We love sharing our little piece of paradise

Meet the Sante Family

We are a dream-building, people-loving, health-pursuing tribe.

Sandra Lopez Savard

Sandra Lopez Savard

Co-Founder, Manager & Owner

Sandra is the visionary behind the Sante brand and Co-Founder.

Her decades of experience as a Dietitian and Fitness Instructor have convinced her that while nutrition and fitness are foundational, wellness 4.0 – spirit, heart, mind and body – is the key to happiness, health and longevity.

Get to know her better at www.sandralopezsavard.com or www.transformedtowin.com. Join her for The Diary of a Heart Healer Podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Follow Beloved, Belonging, Blessed Podcast – the story of Sandra and Andre’s adopted daughter’s struggles and miracles in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside.

Andre Savard

Andre Savard

Co-Founder, Farm Operations & Owner

With a rich background as a retired math and physics teacher, Andre Savard brings a unique blend of intellect and heart to Sante as he transforms his passion for education into an unyielding commitment to organic farming and sustainable practices. His journey from academia to the fields reflects a deep-seated belief in nurturing not just crops, but also the community and environment around him. Andre’s dedication shines through in every detail, ensuring that guests experience the freshest, most wholesome ingredients during their stay, all while fostering an atmosphere of learning, connection, and tranquility.

Josiah Savard

Josiah Savard

Manager, Guest Services & Owner

Josiah loves people; he’s your first point of contact when you arrive at Sante. He is warm, attentive, and highly professional. and delivers exceptional guest experiences with joy, energy and calm.

He is an expert in anticipating needs, handling special requests, and maintaining a tranquil and welcoming atmosphere aligned with the retreat’s holistic values. You can let go of the hustle and bustle and trust that you will be well taken care of at every touchpoint.

Ralph Taylor

Ralph Taylor

Fitness Co-ordinator & Owner

Drawing on years of experience as a high-performance athlete, cyclist and hockey player, Ralph leads a passionate team of instructors to deliver thoughtful, transformative programs.

At 74-years-old, with decades of experience in health and wellness, Ralph brings a deeply personal and intuitive approach to fitness. A lifelong advocate for movement as medicine, he believes that true strength comes from a body that is deeply connected to the self.

At Sante, he curates a dynamic blend of functional training, mobility, balance, cardio, yoga, and restorative practices designed to meet guests exactly where they are and take them to the next level. Whether it’s a sunrise strength session or a quiet breathwork class, Ralph ensures it occurs in an inclusive, empowering space where you can move with intention and rediscover the joy of your body.

Steve Hilton

Steve Hilton

Wellness Research & Owner

Steve is the Sante’s guide to the great outdoors and transformative journeys through nature. With a deep love for the land, he curates immersive hiking experiences and creates moments of connection, reflection, and awe.

Blending trail knowledge with mindfulness, the Hiking Director, along with the Fitness Co-ordinator, designs routes for all levels, from gentle forest walks to challenging summit hikes. Each experience is crafted to align with the retreat’s holistic philosophy—encouraging presence, resilience, and a renewed sense of wonder. Steve fosters a safe and supportive atmosphere where guests can reconnect with the rhythms of nature—and themselves.

“Whistler East” awaits you.

Chilliwack is a breathtaking collection of mountain peaks, pristine west coast forests, rivers and lakes. Enjoy world-class fishing, boating, hiking, biking and ski-ing all complemented by craft breweries, a plethora of restaurants and great shopping.

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