unique wilderness retreat
Inspired by the collective powers of mindfulness, astronomy, nature, and community.
We’ve discovered that fusing mindfulness, yoga practices, astronomy and nature in a meaningful community environment is a body & mind shifting experience. It balances the nervous system, cleanses body & mind, increases the sense of ease & joy, and deepens the connection with nature and yourself.
Bliss & Stars is a remote, off-the-grid destination retreat in the breathtaking Cederberg Mountains of South Africa, located 300 km north of Cape Town. Place and purpose, stillness and energy – that’s what you will experience on 1.350 ha of wild and beautiful terrain.
REJUVENATE YOUR BODY AND MIND
Immerse yourself in dazzling landscapes, star-studded night skies, and meditation practices. Discover all that Bliss & Stars has to offer.
Explore the wilderness inside and around you. Watch the moon rise from your terrace, stargaze from your hammock, explore galaxies from South African’s largest private astronomical observatory. Meet yourself as you are through mindfulness practices.
Take a hike in the footsteps of the KhoiSan bushmen, and experience human history through cave paintings.
Float along the river and tune into the sounds of nature.
DARIA RASMUSSEN, CO-FOUNDER
"Our mission is to guide people to meet themselves as they are and experience more joy + wholeness in life for the benefit of all beings."
JOIN THE JOURNEY
Unearth the wilderness
The journeys are led by Daria and Heine, the founders and / or visiting practitioners. Daria’s and Heine’s philosophy and approach are explained on the team page.
We love our guests
"Fortunate to have visited this unique place on Earth. Like most things, it starts with the people. The founders and people - even the animals - at Bliss & Stars are the most caring, generous, knowledgable and open people you'll meet. They have a profound respect for the nature and local community, they are welcoming and service minded in a way that makes you feel special and they accommodate your stay so it feels tailor-made."
"Heine and Daria has found the perfect location for astronomy and mindfulness in the middle of Cederberg in South Africa. Our visit at Bliss & Stars was a fantastic experience. Daria and Heine prepared the most fantastic food and the last day, we enjoyed some amazing pizzas from their outdoor pizza oven, the best we have had for a long time. We are already planning for and looking forward to visiting again."
"I have stayed at Bliss and Stars twice. As someone that has travelled extensively in South Africa and elsewhere (I am from Colombia, but now based in Cape Town) I can only recommend this as a treasure. It is remote, yet accessible, peaceful, filled with beautiful nature and managed by two caring, interesting and lovely people! They have made this rough space into a comfortable, beautiful and tastefully decorated comfortable oasis in the Cederberg mountains. It doesn’t matter if you are into nature, into astronomy, into science or into meditation, it is the perfect place to retreat into the joy of nature and to explore some truly ancient South African spots. I hope to come back very soon and stay as long as possible."
EXPLORE WILDERNESS AT BLISS & STARS
Peaceful yet energizing
Come as you areWe take care of the rest.
SPECIAL REQUESTS
No request is too big and no detail too small. We are here to assist you with any request and help you plan the African experience beyond Bliss & Stars before your journey begins.
We also offer personal retreats at request.