reconnect & refresh
When we keep on going at an unsustainable pace our relationships suffer. When we take the time to notice how we are feeling and when we listen to our needs: we grow in intimacy and love for our partner.
When two people are committed to slowing down and listening together: it affects every part of their relationship.
Join our 4-day couples’ retreat to eliminate the noise and create the space to reconnect, deepen intimacy, and tune in to each other’s experience and needs.
Get away from everyday distractions and responsibilities to spend time in nature together. We will pamper you with delicious food and curated experiences that will help you rekindle a joyful and mindful connection.
This retreat is for both long-term and new couples who want to strengthen and look after their bond. This is not couples counselling.
THE DATES
16 - 19 MAR 2023 (WAITING LIST) | 25 - 28 MAY 2023
28 SEP - 1 OCT 2023 | 16 - 19 NOV 2023 | 7 - 10 DEC 2023
PRICES & ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
The entire experience is included in the stated prices. We never have extra “hidden” charges.
CHALET DOUBLE
R30,000 | 2 PERSONS
TENTED CHALET DOUBLE
R24,000 | 2 PERSONS
THE PRICE INCLUDES
4 days | 3 nights private accommodation in our chalets or tented chalets
Daily meditation, mindful movement, and relaxation practices
Daily mindful walks
‘Mindful Communication’ workshop
Guided stargazing sessions
Snacks and beverages served throughout the day
3 balanced and nutritious meals a day
Clean and biodegradable skin care products
Access to 1,350 ha of wild and pristine nature
MEET your GUIDES
We’ve been there. Working long hours and rarely making time for ourselves while ignoring that inner voice.
Mindfulness and nature were two things that allowed us to see life from a more balanced perspective. From there we realised that we had postponed our true dreams for too long.
As soon as we created space for self-care and learned how to keep stress at healthy levels: creativity and courage flourished. We created Bliss & Stars to share our passions, our life-long learnings and the experience of self-discovery by living with no fear.
Daria & Heine Rasmussen
COUPLES RETREAT IS FOR YOU IF:
You need time and space to reconnect with your partner
You want to cultivate mindful connection and communication
You want to keep the love on
You yearn for a deeper connection with your partner
"Daria and Heine, our amazing hosts have built a breathtaking getaway, and we can’t express how truly spectacular it was to be welcomed into their home.
We did hikes, canoeing, mindfulness, and yoga practice, ate mind-blowing plant-based food by, planet and moon gazing through one of their telescopes, and had an overall life-changing experience."
Kaydee & Andre
DAily flow
The days are designed to give you plenty of time to slow down and spend time together.
There is morning and evening meditation with guidance on breathing and relaxation techniques.
Mindfulness practices to deepen listening. Learn tools to navigate conflict and frustration.
You’ll be counting shooting stars and looking deep into the night sky through one of our state-of-the-art telescopes.
There will be plenty of time to relax by the pool or the river, listen to the birds sing, and watch the water flow.
BENEFITS
Listen
Learn mindful communication skills. Listen without taking things personally or over-reacting.
Thrive
Be aware of the destructive thought patterns that threaten your relationship. Learn techniques on how to navigate frustration and conflict.
Renew
Explore and deepen the capacity to be fully present with your partner. Rekindle the love and intimacy that brought you together.
CUISINE
Our serene days are complemented by nutritious and delicious plant-based food prepared by our chefs.
The food is a highlight for guests and a key component of balancing the nervous system. It heightens your senses, grounds you in your body and connects you to the Earth.
We use ingredients sourced from our on-site organic garden and nearby local farms. Our menus are full of vegetables, grains, legumes and seeds.
Alcohol, caffeine and processed sugars are excluded to aid the rejuvenation process.
Be it at the dining table or out in nature: meals are enjoyed in a communal setting with magnificent views either.
We accommodate most allergies and cater to most dietary requirements.
Come as you areWe take care of the rest
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
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.
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.
Yes, we are very happy to welcome couples at this retreat.
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.
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!
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 month before the start date of your stay.
Please read our terms & conditions for our cancelation policy
We always strive to make our experiences available to everyone and therefore we have a bursary programme. Learn more here.
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.