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.
Adam Bartosik - Resort Manager
Growing up on a farm in rural Ontario, Adam developed a strong connection to nature. After high school, he studied history and cultural studies at Trent University, but eventually decided he needed to head west in search of his life's purpose.
Adam found employment with Fairmont Resorts in Alberta and though the rugged landscape of the Canadian Rockies appealed to him, he knew that what he really needed was to live near the ocean. He left Alberta for beautiful Vancouver Island, and relocated to Victoria, BC. In Victoria he continued to work in the hospitality industry. He enjoyed the encounters he had with people from all over the world, and the opportunity to show them the beautiful things he loved about Vancouver Island.
Eventually, Adam’s love of nature led him to the Comox Valley and Ocean Resort. In April of 2010 Adam assumed management of Ocean Resort, and is thrilled that the resort affords him the opportunity to provide the perfect setting for others to find themselves as part of their own personal journeys.
Cheryl Levine - StillPoint Coaching / Marketing & Sales
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!