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Meet the Santé Family in Ryder Lake, British Columbia

The people behind Santé

Meet the Santé Family

A family of founders, hosts and wellness guides who pour their hearts into every stay on the mountain.

Owners, hosts & guides

The family behind the retreat

Santé is family-owned and family-run. Every retreat, meal and hike is shaped by the people below — and when you arrive, they are the ones who welcome you at the door.

Sandra Lopez Savard — Co-Founder, Manager & Owner at Santé Wellness Retreat

Sandra Lopez Savard

Co-Founder, Manager & Owner

Sandra is the visionary behind the Santé 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.

Over the past 40 years she has helped thousands of people by creating safe, compassionate spaces to explore the roots of their wounds, uncover hidden patterns, and understand how unresolved pain shapes their thoughts, emotions and life choices.

Andre Savard — Co-Founder, Farm Operations & Owner at Santé Wellness Retreat

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 Santé 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 — Manager, Guest Services & Owner at Santé Wellness Retreat

Josiah Savard

Manager, Guest Services & Owner

Josiah loves people; he’s your first point of contact when you arrive at Santé. 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 — Fitness Co-ordinator & Owner at Santé Wellness Retreat

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 Santé 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 — Wellness Research & Owner at Santé Wellness Retreat

Steve Hilton

Wellness Research & Owner

Steve is Santé’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.

Come say hello

We would love to host you

Join us on the mountain for a retreat, a celebration or a quiet reset — the Santé family is waiting for you.

Message Santé on WhatsAppCall Santé at (778) 829-2815