self-compassion immersion
unearth your inner RESILIENCE
This self-compassion immersion for the female-identified will guide you to unlock your inner strength and resilience.
During this 4-day journey you’ll tune into your body, mind and heart to understand your behavioral patterns and conditioning. This is a journey of self-discovery and self-kindness.
We’ll explore how to turn toward challenges with kindness and understanding rather than judgment. We’ll discover how to motivate ourselves with kindness rather than self-criticism, and how to befriend our bodies again.
Your experience includes a 3 nights stay in the minimalistic yet luxurious chalets or safari tents, daily mindfulness and relaxation practices, nature immersion, and stargazing.
All fitness levels are welcome. Meditation and yoga experience is not required.
THE DATES
12 - 15 JAN 2023 (WAITING LIST) | 9 - 12 MAR 202 (WAITING LIST) | 11 - 14 MAY 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
CHALET SINGLE
R20,000 | 1 PERSON
TENTED CHALET DOUBLE
R24,000 | 2 PERSONS
TENTED CHALET SINGLE
R16,000 | 1 PERSON
THE PRICE INCLUDES
4 days | 3 nights accommodation in our chalets or tented chalets
Daily meditation, mindful movement, and self-compassion practices
Daily mindful walks
1:1 guidance | Mindful Conversations
Guided stargazing sessions
Snacks and beverages served throughout the day
3 balanced and nutritious meals a day
Clean, biodegradable skincare products
Access to 1,350 ha of wild and pristine nature
MEET your GUIDE
I was raised believing that having compassion for oneself is weak. I convinced myself that self-compassion would stand in the way of achieving what I had planned to achieve. This path led me to self-neglect, self-abuse and burnout. The more I opened my heart towards myself and created space for self-love, creativity and courage . . . the more I flourished.
Daria Rasmussen
SELF-COMPASSION RETREAT IS FOR YOU IF:
You would like to connect more with the qualities of the heart, such as compassion, kindness, and gratitude
You find yourself criticising or judging yourself harshly
You want to learn wiser and more helpful ways to relate to difficulties
You want to awake your soft strength
You want to re-empower your feminine
You want to connect with other women and share stories & experiences
"I have been sitting with this message in my drafts, thinking if the words but bo words could ever describe the 4 days spent with your kind souls.
It was beyond my expectations and a memory that will last for many lives to come.
Thank you for you. Thank you for doing what you do. Thank you for taking care of me, my soul has been nourished. This journey was so needed and it couldn't have come at a better time in my life. I am ever so grateful Daria.
Please keep doing what you and Heine are doing as it works. You guys are super special to me and we came to Bliss and Stars as friends but left as the family. I can't wait to visit you guys soon. My next time will be with my husband and when the flowers bloom.
Lots of love, love, happiness, and eternal gratitude. "
Sheni
DAily flow
The days are designed to give you plenty of time to nourish yourself
There are guided meditations, relaxation sessions, and periods of silence and quiet contemplation
Mindful movement, nature immersion and stargazing
Cacao Ceremony
There will also be plenty of time to relax by the pool or the river, listen to the birds sing and watch the water flow
BENEFITS
Build Resilience
Boost happiness, alleviate anxiety and depression.
Accept Yourself
Meet yourself with kindness and no judgement. Meet yourself as you are.
Thrive
Reconnect with your core, your heart, and your wisdom.
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.
"It was an absolute privilege and honour to share in your dream - you have brought so much beauty, dignity and honor to the cederberg and you will continue to be rewarded for the integrity that you are holding in this space.
I enjoyed receiving the fruits of your labour and love - I felt at home and extremely guided, guarded and held by you both.
You are both beautiful, remarkable beings. Thank you for everything and for allowing me to re-member to self so that I can be of service to the world. "
Kele M.
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 lightly 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. 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, 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.