At Ocean Resort, our mission is to promote sustainable personal growth that is nurtured through conscious intention. Transformational experiences are anchored by our passionate commitment to create a safe place, where stillness is honoured and peace, spirit and good health blossom in a natural setting. Our vision is for our guests to relax, renew and be inspired.
Lucas Stiefvater - Owner & Operator
Lucas Stiefvater immigrated to Canada, from Germany thirty-six years ago to pursue a career in hospitality. He and his late wife, Annemarie were involved with a number of business ventures through out British Columbia until finally setting in Courtenay fifteen years ago. It was in Courtenay that they raised their sons Daniel and Jordan and owned and operated the well known Kingfisher Resort and Spa.
Lucas enjoyed a life full of everything one could wish for. He had a great family, a successful business, and status in the community. Still he would often ask himself "When will I experience lasting happiness and true peace?" The occasional moments of satisfaction and contentment quickly turned into, "What can I do next?"
A trip to India in 2004, to visit some friends was the turning point in Lucas' life. There he learned to meditate, to focus on the place within, and he experienced the peace that he had been seeking. This experienced convinced him to pursue a more advanced meditation at the AHAM Ashram in India, which accelerated and expanded the awakening feeling within.
The result was real contentment, peace and joy. From that moment on Lucas committed himself to this path and to sharing this experience with others. It is from this commitment, that the vision to create a safe and supportive place where transformation can occur, was born.
Working with his partner, in life and spirit, Cheryl Levine, Lucas opened Ocean Resort in the fall of 2008, as a Spiritual and Wellness Retreat.
Marion Ann Berry - General Manager
Born and raised in Halifax Nova Scotia, Marion Ann graduated from St. Mary's University with a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies in 1996. Soon, thereafter, she commenced her career in hospitality. Marion Ann spent close to 10 years with Fairmont Hotels in Alberta. The dawning of her spiritual awakening occurred during her early years at Lake Louise, hiking and being one with nature. It was also around this time that she recognized she enjoyed being an integral part of the guests' experience. She often said "I would like to be a part of a place where people can enjoy great food, sit and chat; or simply relax and be still; all the while feeling like they have come home while they are traveling".
In pursuit of that dream, Marion Ann left Alberta in 2002 for the paradise of Vancouver Island, and spent a little over five years in Tofino. Marion Ann knew there was another journey ahead of her and assumed management of the Ocean Resort in June of 2008. With Lucas Stiefvater's vision in tow, Marion Ann strives to offer guests that 'home away from home' experience in a calming atmosphere "where stillness speaks".
Cheryl Levine - Still Point Coaching
Cheryl Levine is a graduate of Royal Roads University's Executive Coaching Certificate Program. She brings to her coaching, years of experience in marketing and sales, the knowledge that comes from operating a small business, 13 years in leadership roles within the public sector as well as the life experience that comes from being Mother to three sons, Steven, Jordan and Brett.
Cheryl's passion for coaching comes from the strong belief that the wisdom and brilliance exists within each of us to unlock the potential to achieve personal success. It is this same wisdom that provides the basis for self-discovery and that leads us to know true happiness and inner peace.
It was following this "inner guru" that led to her life and love partnership with Lucas Stiefvater. Lucas introduced her to "self enquiry" meditation and the experience of “stillness”. The result was a spiritual awakening that has transformed her life and redefined her purpose.
Cheryl and Lucas' partnership transcended the personal level, to the business level with the re-opening of Ocean Resort, as a spiritual and wellness retreat. She is thrilled to support Lucas in this endeavor and to offer Ocean's guests coaching, as part of their retreat experience.
Dennis Gray - Facilities Manager
Dennis Gray was born in Victoria, BC, and has spent much of his life on Vancouver Island. Dennis grew up on a farm in the Qualicum Beach area. It was there that he discovered a passion for the land, which he shared with his daughter Natasha and son Trever by raising them on a hobby farm in Coombs.
Dennis brings a wide range of experience, which includes, marketing, fundraising and of course, construction to his role as Facilities Manager. This multi-talented team member is committed to ensuring that our guests enjoy a comfortable, relaxing stay at the resort.
Dennis' quest for inner peace began 10 years ago. It is this search that drew him to Lucas Stiefvater, and the beginning of a wonderful friendship and working relationship. It was here at Ocean Resort, in a seven day silent retreat, that Dennis discovered that "home is within". Dennis says," Working here at Ocean is a blessing. I am looking forward to sharing this blessing with our guests."
Carol Kopp - Chef
Carol Kopp’s passion has always been food. But it wasn’t until after 24 years of employment with the Ministry of Forests that she embarked on a second career. The first inkling that there might be a job change on the horizon, came from a fortune-teller who told her, “Within 2 years you will be doing something completely different, and I have no idea why you wait so long.” Sure enough, 2 years and 2 months later she was enrolled in the Culinary Arts Program at North Island College.
Now Chef at Ocean Resort, Carol brings to the table an unwavering belief in the simple things of life, whether it’s on the palate or in day-to-day life. She and her husband Ken are long time residents of Campbell River, where they raised their now adult son Ian. She enjoys creating healthy alternative recipes, wine tasting and volunteering for the Multi Cultural Association. She is a Qualified Raw Food Chef and an aspiring Sommelier. Carol brings a professional presence to her culinary creations that is at once humble, wholesome, engaging and exceedingly enjoyable!
Marion Last – Team Lead, Healing Arts
Marion Last is a Certified Holistic Health Practitioner. A graduate of “Windsong School of Healing ,“ she specializes in Oriental Bodywork, Shiatsu, Acupressure, and Energy Medicine. Her training also included nutrition, 5 element iridology, crystal layouts, color therapy, emotional releases and meditation for relaxation.
Prior to becoming a Holistic Health Practitioner, Marion worked in Ice Arena maintenance. Seventeen years of exposure to chemicals played havoc with her health. It was a desire to heal herself and be free of this toxic environment that led her to this career change and eventually to Ocean Resort.
Marion is mother to two, and grandmother to four beautiful children. “I feel like I am exactly where I should be. I am absolutely thrilled to be part of the Ocean Resort team