As a practicing “JuBu” I was astonished, elated and ecstatic to find a magical, mystical spiritual retreat centre to call home for five marvellous nights! The beauty and serenity of Seido-en is breathtaking and a welcome respite from my blessed, but stressful, life in Northern California. Wendy has thought of and implemented EVERYTHING. Thank you for creating a place of wonder and delight and for sharing it with others. Namaste.
Lesley S., July 2025
We had a delightful stay at Seido-En. It was our first time on Salt Spring Island and we were pleasantly surprised by how beautiful Ruckle Park is and how incredibly close it was. We even saw deer in the forest surrounding the house! It was such an immersive experience in nature. We had a very nice stay. Thank you.
Allison K., June 2024
Wowza! Simply a slice of heaven. Felt like we were transformed back to Japan with the peaceful elegance of this property. The host Wendy is in a league of her own. Simply as good as they come. Her communication is stellar and her knowledge not just of Salt Spring, but also the Gulf Islands, is commendable.
Kimberly S., June 2025
It was our third time on Salt Spring Island. Wendy was a gracious host, who went out of her way to ensure my husband and I felt relaxed throughout our stay. I appreciated the quiet and tranquillity of this property. The aesthetic took me back to the days when I lived in Japan in my early twenties.
Shaunna B., July 2024
Seido-en is a slice of paradise in one of our favourite areas on earth. To say we were impressed is an understatement. Our host, Wendy, was very responsive. The property is serene and location is excellent, near several hiking trails and parks. We felt immediately at home and incredibly connected with the natural world around us. And this home, as well as the host, has a fascinating story worth reading. This was an experience we will remember for the rest of our lives. Wendy, our hats off to you for such a thoughtful and restorative experience!
Garrett K., April 2024
Seido-en is the perfect place to unwind and be inspired. Discovering its healing freedom and the sounds of nature are true gifts. The Japanese design inside and out are so well done, you will begin to rethink how you live. Allow yourself to unburden at Seido-en and it will call you back time and time again.
Teri C., April 2023
We really enjoyed staying 7 nights at this quiet, private getaway — secluded, surrounded by forest. We loved watching the deer daily roaming the property. There are beautiful waterfront hiking trails nearby and a hot tub or bathtub to relax in after. Wendy is an incredible host, who went above and beyond to make us comfortable! Thank you for a relaxing and refreshing vacation!
Sharon L., July 2022
Seido-en is more than a place to stay, it’s an experience. Tasteful music playing upon arrival, mood lighting set, and the water feature in the living room immediately set a tranquil mood. The secluded forest is right outside the door, along with a private hot tub that makes it all so relaxing. All of the thoughtful little touches provided by our host Wendy made it even more special and every last detail has been expertly appointed, so that you can relax and let all your worries go. I highly recommend this location to anyone looking for an enchanted place to stay.
David G., Jun 2022
Seido-en felt like living in a Japanese shrine, both meticulously built and executed in a perfectionist manner. Good starting point for exploring the island with food, drinks, ferry, hikes, beaches all nearby. Outdoor shower and hot tub complement the beautiful old growth trees. A lovely time for two weeks.
Mark M., August 2021
I have created more art here in 3 days than I have in months at home! Deeper than relaxing — subtle-exquisite-is-the Zen of Seido-en!
Kathy & Steve – Victoria, BC
All the small discoveries here — tiny flowers tucked into the stones of a path, deer startled at night under the moon, finding Quan Yin hidden away in the forest on my last night. What an amazing and beautiful paradise.
Brie MacDonald – Victoria, BC
Seido-en has been a chance to let go of all the busy-ness of our day to day lives. As we depart and head home, we take with us a feeling of groundedness, calm, joy and deep gratitude for the beauty of life.
Richard & Terry Ann – Victoria, BC
We loved sitting in the window seat enjoying coffee. The trees are amazing and I am always a big fan of an outdoor shower.
Christina & Tim
Thank you for sharing Seido-en and the magical forest — for the peace, calm and tranquility. We had no idea how much we needed the sanctity and rest.
Julie & Andrew
No interruptions, no visitors, no television. Seido-en has been a sanctuary; a retreat. We loved the hot tub, bamboos, heated floors, spices, books and art supplies! We have reconnected to what matters most.
Tara & Angus
At Seido-en I have been reminded to tread lightly in the company of the deer and the slugs.
Ashley
Seido-en has been a wonderful place to celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary and the most restful place we’ve ever stayed. Paradise.
Ada & Ralph
The comfort of a down duvet, the limitlessness of the universe viewed from the hot tub at night and in the background, red cedar and Douglas Fir that have been here for centuries.
John P
Seido-en Japanese Forest House is exquisite. We loved each moment, finding new details of delight and feeling the tranquility and ambience of nature around us — always.
Shan & Rick
It’s like coming home. Seido-en gives our souls the spiritual nourishment they desperately need. It is never enough time. We never want to leave.
Walt & Diane
Seido-en is everything one could wish for — exquisite, harmonious, serene, exciting and much more.
Eunice
Seido-En is a magical, restorative and contemplative sanctuary that deeply supported our desire to disentangle ourselves from the claims of our familiar urban life. We found Wendy to be incredibly helpful and responsive to any of our needs. The location afforded a lot of privacy with convenient access to the Salish Sea via a short 15 minute hike, which we enjoyed on an almost daily basis. The place itself has a very maternal, calming quality that we found deeply comforting and serene. The kitchen is well equipped, so we were able to be entirely self-sufficient and never needed to leave to eat out. We highly recommend anyone to consider staying at Seido-en.
Chris F., Jan 2020
