body as compass

trauma-informed somatic work

Somatic Experiencing® Retreat: How the Body Holds and Guides

The body remembers what the mind overrides, carrying stories of stress, endurance, and responsibility in its every muscle and breath. It performs through fatigue, adapting again and again in an effort to stay functional and safe.

This somatic retreat for women offers a trauma-informed journey into the language of the body. You will explore how your nervous system organizes around responsibility, fear, and care, and learn how to restore a sense of safety, regulation, and trust in yourself.

Each session combines gentle Somatic Experiencing® practices with mindfulness and nature immersion to build awareness, capacity, and resilience.

There is no pressure to fix anything. There is only space to listen deeply to what the body has been holding and to rediscover its natural intelligence.

THE DATES

23 - 26 APRIL 2026

the process

This retreat is grounded in Somatic Experiencing® principles and embodied mindfulness, weaving in bodywork to support the nervous system through direct, touch-based awareness. The integration of these modalities allows participants to sense, regulate, and reconnect with the body’s natural rhythm of safety and expansion.

These methods invite gentle contact to help the body process stress responses and reestablish a sense of support and containment.

Core somatic practices throughout the retreat include:

1. Sensing environment and establishing safety.
2. Noticing micro-signals of tension, movement, and stillness.
3. Approaching intensity in small, manageable steps.
4. Moving between activation and ease without collapse.

This is exploration of the body’s innate capacity to find balance again though bodywork expressed through awareness, touch, and presence.

This isn’t an escape from life. It’s a meeting with yourself, without the armor.

the experience

Mornings awaken the system through movement and breath.Midday brings silence, journaling, and sensory immersion.

Afternoons explore embodied boundaries.

Evenings close with fire, stars, and quiet reflection.

Each part of the day mirrors the nervous system’s natural rhythm of expansion, contraction, and integration.

You’ll Leave With:

clarity

A clear felt sense of how your body processes stress and safety.

awareness

The ability to notice early signals before overwhelm takes over.

self-regulation

Somatic anchors and tangible tools for regulation in daily life.

PRICES & ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

The entire experience is included in the stated prices. We never have extra “hidden” charges.

CHALET DOUBLE

R35,400 | 2 PERSONS

CHALET SINGLE

R26,100 |1 PERSON

VILLA DOUBLE

R40,800 | 2 PERSONS

VILLA SINGLE

R28,200 |1 PERSON

TENTED CHALET DOUBLE

R29,400 | 2 PERSONS

TENTED CHALET SINGLE

R19,500 | 1 PERSON

MEET your GUIDE

This retreat is guided by Daria Rasmussen, whose work weaves together somatic experiencing, mindfulness, and sociology. Her work grew out of years of studying stress, silence, and the quiet revolutions that happen when the body feels safe again. Daria’s approach is grounded and trauma-informed. Her sessions are rooted in curiosity and compassion and meeting you exactly where your nervous system is, without pressure to be anywhere else.

THE PRICE INCLUDES

4 days | 3 nights private accommodation in our chalets or tented chalets

Trauma-informed somatic sessions + evening circles

Daily mindful walks in the wilderness

Guided stargazing session (weather permitting)

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 & pristine nature

CUISINE

Our meals: simple, plant-based, purely crafted. Each dish, prepared by our chefs, not only delights but restores—balancing your nervous system, grounding you, connecting you with Earth.

Ingredients? Only the freshest from our organic garden and local farms. Expect vibrant vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and seeds. We keep it clean: no alcohol, caffeine, or processed sugars.

Communal Dining: Gather around the table or under the open sky. Meals here are a shared experience, a moment to connect with fellow travelers. It’s more than dining; it’s a story sharing moment.

We accommodate most allergies and cater to most dietary requirements.

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 light and use our daily laundry service

FAQ

How do I get to Bliss & Stars?

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.

What should I pack?

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.

How many guests can you accommodate?

These experiences are designed to be more intimate. We limit the number of guests to 6 – 10 people to ensure you receive full attention from the team.

Are couples welcome?

Yes, we are very happy to welcome couples at this retreat.

Are children welcome?

Bliss & Stars is not conducive to children. We have a minimum age requirement of 21.

What are check-in and check-out times?

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.

Can you cater for dietary requirements?

We cater to specific nutritional and dietary requirements including food allergies and food intolerances. Vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options are always available.

I have no experience with meditation. Can I attend?

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.

Do I have to participate in everything on the schedule?

No. You can pace yourself to find the perfect amount of activity that suits you. We support you in doing as much or as little as you’d like, depending on how you are feeling. Personally, we wouldn’t want to miss a thing!

Can I extend my stay?

Unfortunately not. We ask that you leave by 5pm on the closing day.

Do you have access for people with disabilities?

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.

Can I come for just part of a retreat?

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.

Do you offer payment plans?

We offer personalized payment plans for all our retreats up to 2 months before the start date of your stay.

Can I cancel my booking?

Please read our terms & conditions for our cancelation policy

I want to attend but can’t afford it, what can I do?

We always strive to make our experiences available to everyone and therefore we have a bursary program. Learn more here.

Is there a free WIFI?

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.

First Name

Last Name

Email Address

Country

City

Choose Period

Number of Guests

Choose Accommodation Type

What specific aspects of astrophotography are you most interested in learning about? Are there any particular skills or techniques you hope to master during this workshop?

Do you have your own telescope?

Do you have any experience with astrophotography?

What's your fitness level (good, moderate, poor)? Do you have any mobility challenges?

Do you have any dietary requirements and/or allergies?

Do you have a code? If yes, enter it here:

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