Visionary Residency
A music + eco-tourism residency led by A&R, producer and guide Nich Davies
Create like you mean it — then breathe it all back in.
Visionary Residency is a hosted creative journey for artists, writers, and producers who want more than studio time. It’s a full-spectrum reset — deep creation days at Benalto Sound Creative Hub, paired with a guided three-day Rockies excursion designed to spark perspective, connection, and momentum.
This isn’t a vacation and it isn’t a bootcamp. It’s a carefully held space where the work moves forward — and you come home with clearer songs, stronger direction, and a renewed sense of why you create.
The Visionary experience
Studio focus — mountain reset — real momentum
You’ll spend your days creating in a professional, purpose-built studio environment — then step into the wild for a guided reset in the Canadian Rockies. Every part of the schedule is designed to keep you in flow, reduce friction, and turn inspiration into actual work.
This is for you if you want:
- A creative retreat that produces real output
- A guided experience that still leaves room for your voice and instincts
- A bigger “why” behind the project — not just more takes and more edits
- A memorable experience you’ll carry into your next chapter
What’s included
A hosted program — from airport pickup to final wrap
Visionary Residency includes:
- 10 nights / 11 days hosted experience
- Airport pickup & drop-off from YYC (Calgary) or YEG (Edmonton)
- Producer + guide leadership with Nich Davies
- A professional studio environment at Benalto Sound
- A 3-day Rocky Mountain excursion included in the base program
- Two nights at HI Lake Louise during the excursion (family-style lodging)
- A fully stocked studio kitchen on Day 1 with pre-approved items ready when you arrive
- A full kitchen re-stock after the excursion so the second half starts fresh
- A rhythm that encourages family meals, collaboration, and connection
Welcome Night
Meet the IAH community — set the tone
Your first night sets the energy for the whole residency.
On Day 1, we host a Welcome Meal at Benalto Sound and invite select IAH partners to meet the group. It’s an easy, relaxed ice-breaker — a chance to connect, align, and step into the experience together.
Pricing
10 nights / 11 days — all-in base package
Choose your group size below. These are per-person base prices for groups of 1–6.
1 person — $13,900 CAD / person
2 people — $7,500 CAD / person
3 people — $5,300 CAD / person
4 people — $4,250 CAD / person
5 people — $3,750 CAD / person
6 people — $3,450 CAD / person
What’s included in the base package
- 10 nights / 11 days hosted program
- Airport pickup & drop-off (YYC or YEG)
- Fully stocked studio kitchen on Day 1 (pre-approved items) + full re-stock after the excursion
- Welcome Meal + ice-breaker at Benalto Sound with invited IAH partners (Day 1)
- Transportation for airport pickup and the excursion
- 3-day Rockies excursion (Nordegg → Lake Louise full day → Banff half day → Calgary NMC half day)
- 2 nights lodging at HI Lake Louise (family loft for guests + private room for Nich; as available)
- A&R Producer-led structure and guidance with Nich Davies
Reserve with a $300 Deposit
Reserve your Visionary Residency with a $300 CAD deposit. It includes two 1-hour planning calls and is credited in full toward your final invoice.
Call 1 — Orientation / Options (within 14 days)
We align on your goals, your sound, your group size, your ideal dates — then sketch the right structure.
Call 2 — Confirmation
We lock the schedule, finalize any upgrades or add-ons, and issue the final invoice via QuickBooks with your deposit applied as a credit.
Make it yours
Optional upgrades & add-ons (confirmed during planning)
Want to extend the mountain days, add special experiences, or increase studio support? We’ll design it around your vision.
Common add-ons include:
- Extra excursion days or upgraded destinations
- Room upgrades or single-occupancy requests
- Additional studio staffing / engineer blocks
- Session musicians
- Photo/video documentation
- Curated dinners or special events
Sample Itinerary
10 nights / 11 days (example flow)
This is a sample structure. Your exact schedule is confirmed during your planning calls based on your goals, season, and group size.
Days 1–4 — Arrival + Studio Focus (Benalto Sound)
- Pickup at YYC or YEG
- Check-in + Welcome Meal + ice-breaker with invited IAH partners
- Studio creation days with nightly listening and direction
- Studio kitchen fully stocked on Day 1 for easy family-style meals
Days 5–7 — Included Rockies Excursion (3 days)
Day 5 — Nordegg → Lake Louise
A grounded gateway day in the Nordegg region — then travel to Lake Louise and check in for the night.
Day 6 — Lake Louise Full Day
A full day in Lake Louise — built for inspiration, reflection, and creative reset.
Day 7 — Banff Half Day → Calgary NMC Half Day → Return
Morning in Banff, then an early afternoon visit to Studio Bell / National Music Centre (open until 5pm), then return to Benalto.
Excursion lodging baseline:
- HI Lake Louise — Family Loft (sleeps up to 6) for guests
- 1 private room for the host/guide (Nich)
If HI room types are unavailable for your dates, we’ll book the closest comparable option and confirm any difference during planning.
Days 8–10 — Studio Finish + Direction
- Kitchen re-stock after the excursion so the second half starts fresh
- Final studio days to build, refine, and commit decisions
- Closing listening and next-steps plan
Day 11 — Departure
- Checkout
- Drop-off at YYC or YEG
FAQ
Is airport pickup included?
Yes — pickup and drop-off at YYC (Calgary) or YEG (Edmonton) is included in the base price.
Is the 3-day Rockies excursion included?
Yes — it’s included in the base program, including 2 nights at HI Lake Louise.
What if HI Lake Louise isn’t available?
If the included HI room types aren’t available for your dates, we’ll book the closest comparable option and confirm any difference as an add-on during planning.
How do I reserve my dates?
Reserve with the $300 deposit to start planning and hold your place in the calendar.
How is the final price decided?
Your base price is determined by group size. Any upgrades or add-ons are confirmed during planning calls and invoiced via QuickBooks, with your $300 deposit credited.
Ready to build something unforgettable?
Reserve your Visionary Residency now and we’ll design the exact structure together.