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Bliss & Stars Retreat

Orion's Odyssey

Stars, Stories & gastronomy

Gastronomical & Celestial Storytelling

Join us on Orion’s Odyssey. Dive deep into the cosmos through our state-of-the-art telescopes and with the naked eye. Discover constellations, galaxies, and celestial stories that have guided humans through ages.

Experience the universe’s vastness paired with cuisine that mirrors the celestial wonders. Each dish, inspired by the cosmos, complements the stories of the stars above.

This retreat is a journey through the night sky, offering a feast for your mind, a treat for your taste buds, and nourishment for your soul. Join us under Orion’s watchful gaze for an unforgettable exploration of astronomy and gastronomy.

THE DATES

3 - 6 OCT 2024 | 30 JAN - 2 FEB 2025
27 FEB - 2 MAR 2025 | 24 - 27 APRIL 2025

PRICES & ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

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

CHALET DOUBLE

R33,000 | 2 PERSONS

Leopards Cave Chalet At Bliss Amp Stars Retreat In Cederberg

CHALET SINGLE

R24,000 | 1 PERSON

Luxury Bath At Bliss And Stars Cederberg

VILLA DOUBLE

R39,000 | 2 PERSONS

Villa Weavers Nest At Bliss And Stars Retreat 1

VILLA SINGLE

R27,000 | 1 PERSON

Dassies Spot
TENTED CHALET DOUBLE

R27,000 | 2 PERSONS

257 Figtree Blissandstars Teagancunniffe

TENTED CHALET SINGLE

R18,000 | 1 PERSON

THE PRICE INCLUDES

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

Relaxation & breathwork practices

Guided stargazing sessions and night hikes

Guided hikes to rock art sites

Access to state-of-the-art telescopes

Storytelling

Snacks and beverages served throughout the day

3 balanced and nutritious meals a day – a multisensory exploration of the universe

Access to 1,350 ha of wild and pristine nature

Star Meditation At Bliss And Stars Retreat

experience aWE

The transformative journey began under the expansive Cederberg night sky. As the infinite cosmos stretched above us, adorned with stars, we were enveloped in a profound sense of awe—a feeling that now pulses at the core of our retreat.

Albert Einstein captured this essence in his reflections on the mysterious: he argued that the most profound emotion we can experience is the sense of mystery, the root of all true art and science. Inspired by his words, we infuse every aspect of Bliss & Stars with this celestial awe, including our culinary creations. Each meal is designed to evoke the vastness and wonder of the universe, turning dining into an experience of cosmic connection.

You will not only gaze upon the infinite but taste it. Here, the awe of the cosmos is not just observed but served on a plate, linking every bite to the profound mysteries of the universe.

This experience extends beyond the dining table, fostering resilience, promoting kindness, and enhancing well-being. Under the same starlit sky that mesmerized our ancestors, you will feel connected to everything and attached to nothing.
Astronomy At Bliss And Stars
Tahini Cauliflower

g.Astronomy

Experience a feast that engages all senses, drawing deep connections between nature, our heritage, the Earth, and the Universe. Our food becomes a vivid metaphor for celestial phenomena.

Chef Aphelele crafts dishes that capture the essence of both the cosmos and nature. Each plate on his tasting menu is a lesson in the universe’s most profound mysteries—from dark matter and dark energy to the Big Bang.

This menu is not just about flavor; it’s an exploration of astrophysics, grounded in the Earth’s bounty. Developed with the freshest seasonal produce, sourced from local farms and our own garden, each dish brings the richness of the land to life, offering a taste of the cosmos itself.
"Again a massive heartfelt thank you to you both for such a magnificent time at your extraordinary Retreat. Today we are left so aware of the lovely texture of the beautiful time away and the connection with special people. We hold you both so dearly in our hearts and thank you for the many gifts of connection you so generously shared. With our love to you and your stellar team."
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Sue G.
DAily Rhythm
Spend your days at Bliss & Stars relaxing and exploring. Visit ancient rock art sites and practice daily breathwork to recharge.

Each evening, join us by the bonfire. We dive into the science and stories of the stars, exploring our connection to the universe.

Our nights focus on astronomy and astrophotography. Observe and capture the skies with telescopes and specialized cameras. Discover galaxies, constellations, and celestial events in clear detail.

BENEFITS

Find peace
Experience true relaxation and stillness. Disconnect to reconnect.

Unplug

Turn off the tech. Let the natural world and the expansive night sky transform you.

Be inspired

Draw new inspiration from the wilderness and the stars above.
Vegan Cashew Cake

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.

04 Mountain
COME AS YOU ARE. WE TAKE CARE FOR 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 elands, 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 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 meditation 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 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 and therefore we have a bursary program. 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.

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