SLOW DOWN. SOFTEN. SIMPLIFY.
Unplug from your busy daily life and rejuvenate the mind and body through our immersive 4-day or 6-day silent retreat.
Experience stillness in a spectacular and nurturing environment and community. It’s a unique opportunity to take time away from your busy lifestyle and spend a few days in absolute stillness and reflection.
The four or six days of silence, meditation, conscious movement in nature, delicious food, and self-immersion will allow your mind and body to slow down and recuperate from the stresses of daily life.
Limited to 6 guests, our team is there to support and nurture while guiding you into the stillness of being present.
All fitness levels are welcome. Meditation & yoga experience is not required.
THE DATES
29 JUN - 2 JUL 2023 | 3 - 6 AUG 2023
19 - 22 OCT 2023 | 14 - 17 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
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 talks, meditations, mindful movement, and relaxation 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 skin care products
Access to 1,350 ha of wild and pristine nature
MEET your GUIDE
My first 48-hours silent retreat was a profound and transformative experience. It changed my life and kicked off my incredible journey. I not only quit my corporate job, but I also began to see why I wasn’t thriving.
The silence magnified the repetitive habits and thought patterns that caused my depression and alcohol abuse, and noticing these patterns and habits led to significant changes in my everyday life.
The silence taught me to accept and value myself as I am.
True silence removes the pressure of outside influences, allowing you to examine what brings joy and meaning to your life. It can help you uncover your innately joyful nature and teach you to sustain it, even in the face of change and hardship.
That’s why I’m so thrilled to share this experience with you. I want to help you discover the same clarity that I was so fortunate to experience.
Daria Rasmussen
"Thank you for sharing this wonderful space you have created and all your wisdom and insight.
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! "
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! "
Desire T.
SILENT RETREAT IS FOR YOU IF:
You need to rest and replenish
You yearn for a deeper connection with yourself and nature
You want to learn how to manage stress
You want to change your repetitive habits & behaviors
You are open-minded and curious
"Thank you for a truly rejuvenating and inspiring retreat and sharing with me your little piece of heaven.
Thank you for guiding me on my path in the most gentle and loving way. I left with clarity, feeling relaxed and excited to continue to grow and learn about myself and our planet (and universe).
I have continued the morning routine with meditation and mindful movement which is definitely helping me have a more positive and clear mindset for the day.
Missing your fresh water and food!
Kyle
DAily flow
Our days & evenings will be filled with movement in nature, guided meditations, mindful movement, mindful walks, and stargazing.
There will be plenty of time to rest and reflect throughout the day.
Nights are dedicated to restorative sleep.
BENEFITS
Recharge & Restore
Lower your stress, calm your mind, and relax your body. Regenerate your nervous system.
Do Less. Be More.
Be present, make meaning out of your experiences, find clarity, and boost your intuition.
Meet Yourself As You Are
Realize that you are not your thoughts. 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.
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
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.
We have a place for one volunteer per retreat to help with the work in the kitchen and with cleaning. In order to apply to be a volunteer, you need to have sat at least one silent retreat at Bliss & Stars before. You should have the flexibility to work a variety of different tasks. Volunteers are required to do 6 hours of work per day in exchange for the full cost of the retreat. Contact us to learn more and apply.
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. 6 people. In this way we ensure you receive a full attention from the team.
The Silent Retreat is an individual journey and it’s not suitable for couples to share accommodation. If you and your partner want to join the retreat together, we recommend booking two separate chalets.
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
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.