As the midday sunshine pours down, and helps us forget the chilly mornings and nights, now is the perfect time to enjoy a break from the frenzied, hurried activities of the past few months, and spend an overnight stay, or longer, enjoying some TLC.
If you (and your partner) are looking for the perfect place to zone out the rest of the world and focus on getting back in tune with your spirituality, or you’re after some R&R time, to indulge and pamper your bodies, then check out the below sanctuaries and retreats across South Africa.
- The Buddhist Retreat Centre, KwaZulu-Natal
Situated in a prime position overlooking the rolling hills, waterways, and winding paths nearby the village of Ixopo, the Buddhist Retreat Centre has visitors flock to them each weekend. They offer a variety of retreats, such as “Releasing the Chi of Life”; “Primal rhythm: Drumming as therapy”; and “Who are You? A Meditation and Study Retreat on the Nature of Self”.
The cost for the weekend is minimal, usually only accommodation for the nights you stay, and a little extra (usually R100). One of the most popular retreats, sporadically held during the week and on some weekends, is called “Doing Your Own Thing” – in which you spend your entire retreat in complete, noble silence.
- Langdam Fruit Farm Mountain Retreat, Montagu
If you’re not interested in other people assisting you on your retreat, or you would prefer to enjoy a weekend of tranquillity in nature, then you won’t be disappointed at this homey, welcoming at Langdam Fruit Farm Mountain Retreat. Once here, you’ll be surrounded by the beautiful Langdam Mountains on a working fruit farm – which just screams ‘back to nature’. Camping and self-catering accommodation is available, so remember to bring everything you’ll need for a comfortable retreat.
There are six camp sites, with varied scenery, located on their property that offer a lake views, mountain views, or white pine forest views! Most of the campsites offer private braai areas and a communal lapa that has flushing toilets, and hot water for showering. There is a beautiful little swing overlooking the dam and you can spend an hour – or longer – lost in thought as you watch the sunlight kiss the water, or the breeze ruffle up miniature waves.
The self-catering cottages are very cosy and are mainly open-plan; and most of the units have little fire places so if the evenings start to get chilly, you can light one and curl up in front of it to let the cold seep out of you.
- Summerfields River Lodge and Rose Retreat Spa, Hazyview
If the above sound tempting, but you’re after something a bit more upmarket and pampering, where you can sleep on percale linens but still get to stop and smell the roses, then Summerfields River Lodge and Rose Retreat Spa is for you. One of their direct quotes is “Within minutes of arrival at Summerfields, you will be immersed into rejuvenation, health and relaxation.” I’m not sure how anyone can say no to that.
Accommodation is offered in gorgeous tented suites, below a sprawling canopy of Tambotie and Jackalberry trees, or in the Family Stone House – and only in the Family Stone House can you hire a chef to create gourmet masterpieces, at an additional fee per day. Their spa is set beside the river, so while you’re having all the tension pushed and pulled out of you, you can enjoy the view of flowing water, enjoy the scented surroundings, and afterwards, step into their signature rose quartz steam shower.
Let us know where you’re escaping to for your autumn retreat.
Main image credited to Hapgood Pond (Creative Commons)
