"Fantastic. I recommend a Dr. Jones, ND retreat to anyone eligible who wants to dramatically improve their health and get serious about it, including an improvement in their waistline. My husband and I attended a seven-day “Intro to Fasting” retreat with Dr. Ariel Jones. I learned so much about fasting, much more than I could have on any of those online forums (they repeat some misinformation there).

On the first day, we were welcomed warmly into a lovely home for the group. On the green juice days that sandwiched the fasting days, we enjoyed amazing nutrition from K+I juices which were organic and not diluted, just pure. On fast days we were treated to yoga by an absolutely lovely and charming lady named Cedar Sorensen. We were also shown how to do enemas daily to get bile moving and remove toxins that can cause nausea (which no one discusses in the forums), as well as underwent daily meditation, group discussions to share our revelations and experiences, demonstrations on how to make sprouts and raw probiotic sauerkraut, and some additional optional services were available for purchase (acupuncture by Dr. Jones herself; massage by Kim Fairall; colonics by The Healthy Colon — shout out to Tammy!).

Another amazing thing was having a special interactive discussion and exercise facilitated by a wonderful lady name Julia Menard who had us dig deep and ask ourselves big questions and become aware of obstacles to our own happiness in life. At night we had time to watch fasting lectures as a group and have group discussions, but otherwise the week was packed! We were not sitting bored or our phones, that’s for sure.

Dr. Jones monitored us with blood testing before and after daily check up of vitals. She shared amazing knowledge about fasting, autophagy, the healing benefits and was there to discuss any questions we had about the most personal things. She counselled us through all things physical and emotional.

On the second last day, we went to the grocery store together to buy items we would need for a special healing concoction we would have during the reintroduction phase, and she taught us how to make it so we could do it at home. That night, she took us around the backyard, neighbourhood, and local park to teach us about the local plant medicines; our last night it was especially lovely as we caught the sunset in a beautiful park that was also a Garry Oak sanctuary.

The last day we had a touching closing ceremony and said our goodbyes — healthier, lighter, and amazed at our mental strength. We were very grateful for the knowledge, experience, and Dr. Jones’ genuine desire to help us live our best and healthiest lives. I came out with the benefits promised and surprised myself with my mental toughness. I also reset my cravings and appetite, something I always struggled with. I don’t think I can put into words how much I’ve evolved with this retreated; it’s just taken me to another level. All from one week!

Afterwards, Dr. Jones continued to help me, in particular, as I had some special circumstances. She is an extremely kind and generous person, is smart, caring, knowledgeable and passionate about what she does. We highly recommend her to anyone wanting to get into the world of fasting in a safe and supervised setting, especially if you’re on medication or have other health concerns. As opposed to going on yet another indulgent trip full of booze, wine and shopping, why not go on a trip where you actually come back healthier, stronger, lighter and proud of yourself? "

-Lisa, Vancouver

"I recently had the pleasure to take part in an amazing personal journey of going on a water fast. I decided to reach out to Dr. Jones for support during the process and am so glad that I did. I didn’t know much at all about the physical, mental and emotional benefits of water fasting. Upon mentioning to Dr. Jones that I wanted to commit to a five-day water fast, she quickly stocked me up on a few good reads. I felt so supported going into the fast.

We decided together to wait a few weeks, during which I prepared myself by cutting out all processed foods and reducing my intake. Dr. Jones gave me a step-by-step process for how to properly prepare for the fast, what would benefit me most during the fast, and how to emerge from the journey in the most supportive way. She provided wonderful guidance during the journey, and I truly felt as though we had embarked on this path together.

She was careful to listen to my intentions for why I wanted to fast, and created a wonderful ceremony to symbolize the beginning of the fast. We had daily check-ins where I was weighed and had the chance to share what I was experiencing physically, mentally and emotionally. Dr. Jones compassionately guided me during every little twist and turn, holding my hand and sharing words of wisdom and encouragement during the process, which I am very grateful for.

I would absolutely recommend guidance from Dr. Jones for anyone wishing to partake in such a journey, or even someone who is looking to better their overall health. Dr. Jones truly is a well-spring of information, wisdom and authenticity, and I extend my heart-felt gratitude to her for joining me on this endeavour."

-Chantal J, Vancouver

"I experienced a three-day water fast with Dr. Jones on Mayne Island. It changed me and I am forever grateful for this gift. It was so helpful to leave Victoria and step away from the demands of life and family. I had not anticipated the lack of energy that needed to be honoured when only drinking water. I thought I would be craving food but the nausea from the detox removed any desire to eat.

I struggled on the second day and Dr. Jones was present and full of helpful tips to ease my symptoms so I was able to truly surrendered to the detox. She encouraged dry brushing, infrared saunas, getting outside, journaling and enemas. I experienced a release and movement past the discomfort and the last 12 hours were lovely...

I could see how a longer fast would be possible. Dr. Jones facilitated a spiritually guided release for something to be left behind on Mayne with the fast... I have re-entered my life lighter, healthier and happier. I would recommend everyone have this experience. Much love and gratitude."

-Libby Ferris, Victoria

"I did the three-day water fast with Dr. Jones on beautiful Mayne Island... My reason for fasting were minor auto-immune disorders, such as thyroid disorder and celiac disease. I had eliminated dairy and meat a few weeks prior to the fast under Dr. Jones' care and I cut out coffee two days before the fast (formerly three cups of coffee/day).

Based on Dr. Jones' advice, I went for my first colon hydrotherapy session a week prior. I believe the "detox" phase of my water fast was brief and uncomplicated for these reasons. Additionally, I was feeling healthy and optimistic going into the fast. I began my water fast at noon and was too distracted by the the beauty of Mayne Island (Japanese Garden and Lighthouse), and Dr Jones' wealth of knowledge, to focus on any discomfort. I had an infrared sauna session, read, and went to bed early.

Dr. Jones' experience with water fasting proved to be invaluable at this time. She patiently showed me how to use sparkling water, as well as a water enema at the right time, in order to settle my system. Most importantly, she showed me that I could manage this discomfort and feel optimistic. Dr. Jones monitored our health closely with blood pressure, urine tests, and one-on-one evaluations. She is a wealth of knowledge, given her background in the sciences and medicine. Additionally, she looks at the whole person when evaluating a health issue. Her intuition steered me in a positive direction every time. I look forward to experiencing a longer water fast."

-Anna, Victoria

"I have been an avid faster/cleanser over the years and have experienced the benefits of a variety of fasts, but nothing came close to the benefits I experienced during and after my water fast with Dr. Jones! I'll be honest... It is not for the faint of heart. If you want to take your health and your life to a new level, I absolutely recommend the water fast with Dr. Ariel.

The love and support I received from Dr. Ariel was like nothing I'd ever experienced before from another human being. She was there throughout the tears and the pain with an open heart, gentleness, love, kindness and compassion. She held a space for healing without judgment, and led me to a deeper level of caring for myself — body, mind and spirit. I absolutely, 110% recommend this to anyone looking for a new level of healing!"

-Tarey, Victoria

Testimonials