treat yourself to a wellness retreat

Balance your yin and yang, eat good food and find stillness of mind at these South African sanctuaries

“You are the one that possesses the keys to your being. You carry the passport to your own happiness.” – DIANE VON FURSTENBERG

THE BUDDHIST RETREAT

(KWAZULU-NATAL)

SILENCE is golden. No, seriously. Talking is kept to a minimum while on the retreat.

Boasting wonderful vistas of valleys, forests and rolling hills, this is the perfect sanctuary for anyone. In fact, people of all religions are welcome. This place also got CNN’s nod as one of the 10 Finest Meditation Centres in the World

The accommodation options vary from single to twin-bed rooms, chalets with thatched roofs and en suite cottages – all a stone’s throw from the dining room, library, office, meditation hall and studio.

The retreat has gained popularity with its lacto-ovo vegetarian dishes, many of which can be found in their three cookbooks.

The tranquil setting lends itself wonderfully to following the traditional Buddhist moral principles.

Reflection is what it’s all about here.

Where: It’s off District Road D64 which branches off the R56 between Pietermaritzburg and Ixopo, 5km from Ixopo. Please arrive between 3pm and 5pm on retreat days.

Call: 087 809 1687 / 082 579 3037

Website: www.brcixopo.co.za

LITTLE SAMADHI KAROO RETREAT (WESTERN CAPE)

SAMADHI is the Sanskrit word that encapsulates stillness of mind.

This gem is located on a mountain overlooking the small village of Barrydale, along Route 62 the Little Karoo.

Guests can choose to enjoy yoga, meditation or a walk through the labyrinth. You simply pick what works best for you to get you into a blissful state.

They offer luxurious accommodation and personalised attention.

And the food served is largely organic and locally grown.

There is lots to do, with group yoga retreats, nature medicine walks, healing sound journeys or shamanci breathwork. Or you can simply opt to sweat your prayers, dancing.

Where: 2 Laing Street, Barrydale

Call: 082 442 5623

Website: http://littlesamadhi.co.za

EMOYENI RETREAT CENTRE (MAGALIESBERG)

MINDFULNESS and meditation are one of the key areas of focus here.

Aptly named Emoyeni, which translates to Place of the Spirit, this is a registered nonprofit organisation.

The operation borrows from Buddhist principles and meditation techniques. The objective is to practise mindfulness and an attitude of non-harming towards all living beings.

Away from the concrete jungle, people can immerse themselves in an atmosphere of tranquillity.

Coming up later this month is the Finding & Keeping Your Centre course – ideal for care workers and anyone wanting to be more effective in caring for themselves. Quiet Yet Alert is next on the calendar.

With the Alexander Technique, people learn how to pay attention and what to pay attention to. It is a simple method for appreciating the practical implications of thought and its effect on our bodily expression when in activity.

This method supports finding ease and longer lasting energy in all aspects of life.

On this retreat, you will learn how to observe and re-organise habits that influence mood, movement and mental clarity.

They can accommodate up to 14 guests (with extra tent space) and three lacto-vegetarian meals are provided daily and linen is also supplied.

Where: Emoyeni Retreat Centre,

A65 Buffelshoek Farm, Mooinooi, North-West

Call: 082 308 1533

Website: http://emoyeni.org.za