Silence as a Path to Wisdom
Picture a week where the usual flood of notifications and demands simply dissolves—leaving space, pure and unhurried, for whatever truth you’ve been missing. That’s the essence of this 7-Day Silent Retreat: a deliberate act of stepping back from the constant noise, not as an escape, but as a reveal.
By pulling away from the clutter, you create room for clarity, insight, and the kind of calm that sits softly at the core of being. No drama, no razzle-dazzle—just a quiet environment that helps you hear yourself more fully.
By stripping away all noise and clutter—both external and internal—you’ll discover a deeper, clearer channel to your wisdom. This retreat is a chance to reconnect with yourself through a fusion of ancient Buddhist principles, immersive nature encounters, and subtle-yet-powerful rituals that awaken a sense of awe.
THE DATES
5 - 11 JANUARY 2026
SILENT RETREAT IS FOR:
I have the most amazing memories and it was truly a life-changing experience. I cannot express enough gratitude for everything you have taught me in just a few days. I can now only continue to build and grow on that - which I do every day. I practice my meditation and yoga on a daily basis and I am also still on a plant-based diet.
My husband has mentioned on a few occasions how he enjoys the 'new' me and how present and content I am.
Every night I look up at the little bit of night sky we have here in Cape Town and I wish I could see it the way we saw it at Bliss and Stars. Just extraordinary! I look forward to attending another retreat soon! "
PRICES & ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
CHALET DOUBLE
R48,500 | 2 PERSONS
CHALET SINGLE
R34,900 | 1 PERSON
VILLA DOUBLE
R56,500 | 2 PERSONS
VILLA SINGLE
R39,500 | 1 PERSON
TENTED CHALET DOUBLE
R39,500 | 2 PERSONS
TENTED CHALET SINGLE
R28,500 | 1 PERSON
THE PRICE INCLUDES
7 days | 6 nights accommodation in our chalets or tented chalets
Daily talks, meditations, mindful movement, and somatic practices
1:1 guidance | Mindful Conversations
Nature immersions
Daily rituals
Snacks and beverages served throughout the day
3 balanced and nutritious meals a day
Clean, biodegradable skin care products
Access to 1,350 ha of wild and pristine nature
Daily Rhythm
Daily Zazen (Seated Meditation): Each morning begins with meditation to clear the mind and deepen awareness.
Walking Meditations (Kinhin): Slow, intentional walks that integrate body and mind in rhythmic harmony, mirroring monastery tradition.
Silent Meals: Nourishing, plant-based cuisine prepared by our amazing chefs. Enjoy each bite mindfully, tuning in to subtle tastes and textures.
Nature Immersions: Barefoot walks, star bathing, and silent observation of the landscape—connecting intimately with the natural world.
Minimalist Rituals: Evening lantern walks, single-strike gong sound baths, daily chores, and a simple bonfire—each ritual carefully curated to spark presence without unnecessary complexity.
Art: Create mandalas or natural compositions, embracing impermanence and releasing attachment to outcomes.
BENEFITS
Deep Mental Reset
Heightened Perception
Emotional Ease
Creativity
Simplicity That Stays With You
Meet Yourself As You Are
CUISINE
BLISS & STARS EXPERIENCE
Rest in spacious chalets that seamlessly mesh with nature
Be amazed by nature and observe the night sky through our state-of-the-art telescopes
Saunter in secluded mountainous areas
Relax and breathe deeply with mindfulness practices
Discover Bushmen cave paintings
Build bonds with others in small groups of a maximum of 10 people
Share the living space with eland, baboons, Cape leopards and many more beautiful animals
Travel lightly and use our daily laundry service
FAQ
Silence starts with not talking but it’s so much more. We ask that there’s no communication between guests – including not making eye contact and not touching others. Silence also means there are no books, phones or music. This might feel strict but the point is to not get distracted from what you’re really experiencing in the present moment. We do encourage journaling though.
Currently, we don’t accept volunteering applications.
It is a +- 4.5 hour drive from Cape Town to the Bliss & Stars meeting point. Bliss & Stars is 60km north of Clanwilliam in the Western Cape. It is a 45-minute drive on a gravel road from Clanwilliam to the meeting point however no 4 x 4 or raised vehicle is necessary. At the meeting point, you can safely park your car and will take you the last bit of the way in our vehicle.
You are welcome to drive all the way to Bliss & Stars however: after the meeting point the road is sandy and rocky so a high clearance vehicle and confident driving skills are needed.
If you need a transfer from CPT or Cape Town International Airport then let us know.
Please aim to check in before 2pm. On the last day the retreat ends at 11 am and you will be able to check out from 12pm onwards.
If you are flying back home: we recommend booking your flight after 4pm. Alternatively break your travel and stay in Clanwilliam before you head back. We recommend the Yellow Aloe guesthouse in Clanwilliam.
Once your reservation has been confirmed: you’ll be sent a welcome letter providing lots of useful information about the retreat, including a helpful guide on what to pack.
This retreat is limited to max. 8 people. In this way we ensure you receive a full attention from the team.
Bliss & Stars is not conducive to children. We have a minimum age requirement of 21.
Please arrive no later than 2pm and plan to leave no earlier than 12pm. Exact arrival and departure times can be arranged with us closer to the time.
We cater to specific nutritional and dietary requirements including food allergies and food intolerances. Vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options are always available.
Everyone is welcome at all of our experiences regardless of the meditation and yoga experience or fitness levels. We cater for different levels, so that you will be supported, challenged and encouraged to learn.
You don’t need to participate in everything; but to get the full benefit of your silent retreat we recommend you join all the practices.
Unfortunately not. We ask that you leave by 5pm on the closing day.
We unfortunately cannot accommodate disabled or mobility impaired people. Bliss & Stars is located in the Cederberg wilderness and the terrain doesn’t allow for such access.
For the benefit of everyone: we ask that all participants commit to attending the entire retreat from beginning to end. Your wholehearted commitment supports those in your group and expresses respect for the retreat staff.
We offer personalized payment plans for all our retreats up to 2 months before the start date of your stay.
Please read our terms & conditions for our cancelation policy
No, there is no mobile coverage or WIFI available. There is a computer with guest access available in case of emergency and you will be provided with a phone number should you need to be reached while staying at Bliss & Stars.
MAKE YOUR RESERVATION
Please answer the questions below so we can tailor the experience to meet your needs.
We require a 50% deposit to confirm your reservation.
If you are not committed to making a reservation yet and have some questions, contact us here.