Where it all began, and where we're headed
Look, I'm not gonna give you some polished corporate origin story. Back in 2018, I was burned out, running between tech meetings in downtown Vancouver, and honestly? I couldn't find a single place that let me just... breathe.
Everyone was shouting about bright, minimalist spaces and constant connection. But what I craved was the opposite - somewhere dark, quiet, where you could sink into yourself without apology. That's when the idea hit me during a winter camping trip up near Whistler.
I bought this old heritage building on Blackstone Ave that nobody wanted 'cause it was "too dark" and "too moody." Perfect, I thought. Spent three years transforming it into what you see today - a space that doesn't fight against the night, but embraces it.
The Void isn't about escaping reality... it's about finding the parts of yourself you forgot existed when the world gets too loud.
- Helena Voss, Founder
Purchased the abandoned Blackstone heritage building. Neighbors thought I'd lost it, honestly. The place hadn't been touched since the 90s and had this reputation for being "cursed" or whatever. I just saw potential in those high ceilings and thick stone walls.
Renovation hell. We gutted everything while keeping the soul intact. Brought in thermal bath technology from Iceland, worked with local indigenous artisans on the stone work. Had about seventeen moments where I questioned my entire life. But we pushed through.
Opened in February, right before... well, you know. Somehow, being a wellness retreat focused on solitude and introspection became exactly what people needed. We pivoted to longer stays, created isolation-friendly experiences. Silver linings and all that.
Added the rooftop observatory. Partnered with UBC's astronomy department to create these incredible stargazing sessions. Turns out, when you embrace darkness, the stars shine brighter. Who knew?
Won "Best Boutique Wellness Retreat" from Travel + Leisure Canada. Featured in Conde Nast. But honestly, the best recognition is watching guests leave lighter than when they arrived. That's the real win.
We're here. Expanding our meditation programs, just launched a partnership with local vineyards for exclusive tasting events. Building something sustainable, something real. The journey continues, and we're just getting started.
We're not your typical hotel staff. We're a weird, wonderful mix of wellness nerds, hospitality veterans, and people who genuinely believe rest is revolutionary.
We're not here to sell you some Instagram-perfect fantasy. Real talk: luxury isn't about thread count or fancy labels - it's about space to breathe, permission to slow down, and the radical act of actually resting.
The world's loud enough. We built this place to be different. To embrace shadows instead of chasing light 24/7. To let you disconnect without judgment and reconnect with whatever matters to you.
"In the void, you find what was always there."
We're trying our best to not mess up the planet while running this place. Solar panels on the roof, geothermal heating for the baths, partnerships with local farms and suppliers. We're not perfect, but we're committed.
All our linens are organic, our cleaning products are biodegradable, and we've got a strict zero-waste policy in the kitchen. Marcus (our chef) gets genuinely upset about food waste, so that helps.
We also work with indigenous communities to honor the land we're on and contribute to local conservation efforts. It's the least we can do.
Reading about us is one thing. Actually sinking into one of our thermal baths or watching stars from the observatory? That's where the magic happens.
Get In Touch