unique wilderness retreat
1.350 ha haven of wilderness and privacy
Bliss & Stars is a space of meaning, stillness, and energy. We fuse nature, mindfulness meditation, movement, and astronomy to guide you into presence and stillness.
Bliss & Stars retreats cultivate ancient & modern practices that help balance the nervous system, strengthen inner peace, and deepen the connection between yourself and nature.
Bliss & Stars is not your usual retreat. It’s a space where guests are treated as friends. It’s a space to feel at home. It’s a place of healing.
REJUVENATE your BODY and MIND
We are located off-the-grid at the banks of the Doring River in the breathtaking Cederberg Mountains of South Africa, located 300 km north of Cape Town.
Immerse yourself in a dazzling landscape, star-studded night skies, and participate in healing mindfulness practices. Discover all that Bliss & Stars has to offer.
Explore the natural wilderness around you. Watch the moon rise from your terrace, stargaze from your hammock, and explore galaxies from South Africa’s largest private astronomical observatory.
Take a hike following the same routes of the KhoiSan bushmen, experience human history through cave paintings, or just float along the river and tune into the sounds of nature.
DARIA RASMUSSEN, CO-FOUNDER
"Our mission is to guide people to slow down and meet themselves as they are to experience more joy and wholeness in life."
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 BLISS & STARS
Peaceful yet energizing
SPECIAL REQUESTS
No request is too big and no detail too small. We are here to assist you with any request and help you perfectly plan your Bliss & Stars experience before your journey even begins. If you need a highly personalized retreat, we offer that as well at request.