From a high-paced career and urban lifestyle to slow life in the bush
After years of traveling and high-paced corporate careers, we knew we needed a profound change. The power of nature, the stars, and ancient meditative practices showed us a new way to take care of our minds and bodies. Shifting our lifestyle to spend more time in nature, stargazing, and meditation transformed us.
Our passions for exploring human nature and lessons from burnout and corporate life sparked the idea for a transformational wilderness retreat.
We sold everything and set off to South Africa, determined to create a sanctuary. A place where people could break free from the noise, disrupt the hamster wheel and their habitual behaviors, and find clarity. After months of searching, we found the banks of the Doring River. It felt like home. It was the perfect place to build Bliss & Stars.
DARIA RASMUSSEN
CO-FOUNDER, CERTIFIED MINDFULNESS TEACHER, MA SOCIOLOGY, SOMATIC THERAPY INT I, BREATHWORK COACH
My approach to life and working with people is one of curiosity, discovery, and self-inquiry. For a large part of my life, I tried to fight off my inner wisdom, better myself, and conform to the social norms until my body shut down with a severe burnout and memory loss. In the search for healing, I committed to meditation and spent weeks in silence to finally meet myself as I am.
I teach what I have practiced over the years. My guidance is rooted in the ancient Buddhist tradition, somatic experiencing and modern neuropsychology.
I believe that the mind, body, environment, food, and everything else we consume play equal parts in our wellbeing.
HEINE WIEBEN
CO-FOUNDER, ASTROPHOTOGRAPHY PRO, NATURE GUIDE
My job is simple: to share my fascination with astronomy and the cosmos. I’ll take you on a journey in time. We’ll explore the cosmos and the meaning of the dark sky. I’ll also teach you how to master astrophotography.
I use the pristine nature along with its mesmerizing starlight skies to help you reconnect with yourself, satisfy curiosity, and find inner peace.