Yoga retreats are a wonderful way to prioritise the rest and healing that every mind and body needs. Often, these kinds of retreats are hosted in peaceful spaces that inspire and connect us with our surroundings. It’s moving on your mat with the Western Cape’s Wineland valleys as a backdrop, getting back to basics with breath work in the quiet of the bush, or lapping up natural beauty with every stretch in the serenity of Stanford.
Sound like a dream? There are several upcoming yoga retreats taking place in South Africa from March to May. Take your pick:
Nature & Nurture Retreat
When and where? 8-10 March in Tulbagh.
Spend a weekend moving with intention in Tulbagh at Blue Butterfly Retreat, with nature and stillness as your surroundings. Mornings will spent on the yoga mat, with nature walks, reflexology massages, sound healing, somatic yoga and a chakra workshop to follow. In between, you’ll be nourished with a morning brunch and a healthy dinner.
Book here.
Mind Body Soul Retreat
When and where? 15-17 March in Tulbagh.
You and a group of nine other participants are promised a weekend of deep transformation, relaxation, and healing of mind, body, and soul with the beautiful town of Tulbagh as your backdrop. You’ll be lodging at the Tulbagh Heritage Hotel, and hopping just across the path for retreat activities including conscious breath work, Chinese astrology readings, guided meditations and movement, rebalancing workshops, and a fire and cacao ceremony.
Book here.
Nourished Woman Retreat
When and where? 21-24 March in Tulbagh.
This retreat promises to spark a connection with your body and femininity, with a 4 day transformative gathering at Guinevere Guest Farm in Tulbagh. Spend the weekend soaking up a range of embodied movement practices, taking part in self-care and healing workshops, exploring a 95-ha farm, foraging for wild food, swimming, medicine making, and more. Accommodation for the retreat is all under one roof, choose between a shared or private room.
Book here.
Breathe & Heal Retreat
When and where? 22-24 March in Thompsons Bay, Kwa-Zulu Natal.
This two day retreat at Sala Beach House in Thompsons Bay combines luxury with holistic wellness experiences. With the beach and palm trees as your backdrop, explore the area’s rocky expanses and secluded coves, tuck into nourishing meals, learn about breath work, take part in guided meditations, Yoga Nidra and other healing practices such as reiki, whilst all your basic needs are taken care of at your luxury coastal accommodation.
Book here.
Re-Wilding Women’s Retreat
When and where? 4-7 April, near Clarens.
This mountain retreat, about an hour away from Clarens, is hosted by experienced facilitators Lisa & Thongo (Traditional Healer & African Medicines) and gives a small group of women a safe, serene space to kick off their shoes, stick their toes into the sand, and swim in fresh mountain water through a ‘re-wilding’ experience. Spend three nights in shared accommodation or camping, taking part in cacao ceremonies, breath work, hiking, yoga and plant medicine practices.
Book here.
Wild Women Weekend Retreat
When and where? 26 – 28 April in Drakensberg.
Spend two days away from routine and rote, recharging at Montusi Mountain Lodge. This retreat offers the opportunity to connect with nature and with yourself through guided hikes across stunning Drakensberg landscapes, a cacao ceremony, as well as guided yoga and meditation sessions, while your accommodation, meals and drinks are all taken care of.
Book here.
Rest & Renew – An Autumn Retreat
When and where? 10-12 May in Stanford.
Two nights and two days of rest and renewal are on the cards at the beautiful Wild Pod retreat centre within Bodhi Khaya, in Stanford. Flow through a specially-designed schedule of mindful practices (for all levels) including daily yoga, breath work, kriya, yoga nidra, meditation and interactive discussion. Tuck into a nourishing, delicious daily vegetarian menu of breakfast, lunch and dinner. Plus, the schedule allows for loads of leisure time to enjoy the beauty of the forest teeming with vibrant birdlife and wildlife.
Book here.
For more information on upcoming yoga retreats in South Africa, visit Yoga South Africa’s online directory.
