Meet Nicole - Founder of Roots & Rise Retreats
Nicole's Journey
My name is Nicole Stettler, and I am the founder of Roots & Rise Retreats. Costa Rica is the heart of this journey, not only because of its magic, but because it is my home. I was born into a blended world — a Costa Rican mother and a Swiss father — and raised with a deep appreciation for culture, connection, and the beauty of experiencing life fully. From infancy, I was blessed to travel the world, a gift that shaped my perspective and continues to influence everything I create.
I am a proud mother of two incredible children: my son, a dedicated football player, and my daughter, who spent a decade ski racing. Together, we have explored and experienced so much of the world, sharing adventures that have shaped us individually and as a family.
Spirituality has always been part of who I am, but my true awakening began in Bali, where I stepped deeper into my practice, learned to shed my ego, and embraced a life grounded in love, light, and presence. Since then, growth has been a daily devotion — a commitment to understanding myself, releasing what no longer serves, and living in alignment with authenticity. I believe in sharing the wisdom I’ve gathered with every soul who crosses my path.
My entrepreneurial journey has been just as transformative. I owned and operated Rage Fitness, a commercial gym in downtown Calgary for 12 years, where I once led a team of 17 and built a strong community rooted in strength and empowerment. I also created Optimal Esthetics, a skincare business fueled by passion and care, offering professional skincare services. These experiences taught me leadership, resilience, and the importance of building with heart — but they also showed me that life isn’t meant to be lived in chaos. It isn’t about accumulating things; it’s about presence, memories, and meaning.
Over the years, I’ve been honored to co-author Brilliant Women, alongside nine other inspiring leaders. Today, my world blends creativity, purpose, and autonomy as I manage a collection of lakefront properties, both short- and long-term rentals — work that allows me to create experiences and environments that feel like home.
Roots & Rise Retreats is the culmination of my heritage, my spiritual journey, my entrepreneurial path, and my deepest calling: to help others reconnect, rebuild, and rise into the truest version of themselves.
Josh - Holistic Breathwork and Meditation Facilitator
Josh Lewis is a holistic breathwork and meditation coach, gong and drum bath facilitator, Reiki Master, and holistic counsellor.
Josh weaves together ancient practices and modern therapeutic insight to help people reconnect with their inner strength, release emotional weight, and remember who they truly are.
His work blends grounded, practical guidance with soul-level energetic support. Through breathwork journeys, guided meditation, sound healing, and Reiki, Josh creates immersive experiences that calm the nervous system, open the heart, and unlock profound clarity.
He is dedicated to holding spaces where men and women feel safe, seen, and supported—whether through private sessions, transformative retreats, or community fire circles. Josh’s approach is compassionate, empowering, and deeply human, inviting others to step into their fullest expression and rise into a more aligned, expansive life.
Josh also honours his Metis roots and draws inspiration from Indigenous ancestral practices, approaching them with deep respect and integrating their earth-based wisdom into his grounding, nature-centered approach to healing.
