Gastronomical & Celestial Storytelling
Embark on a journey where the wonders of the cosmos embrace earthly delights, inspired by the stories of the star-studded night sky.
This one-of-a-kind retreat offers an immersion into astronomy, storytelling and fine dining, all woven together by rich celestial narratives. Under Orion’s watchful eye, discover captivating tales, savor heavenly-inspired cuisine, and gaze upon the stars with the naked eye and through the lens of telescopes.
Join us in this experience that satisfies the mind, stimulates the palate, and stirs the soul.
THE DATES
9 - 12 MAY 2024 ( WAITING LIST) | 5 - 8 SEP 2024 | 3 - 6 OCT 202
PRICES & ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
CHALET DOUBLE
R33,000 | 2 PERSONS
CHALET SINGLE
R24,000 | 1 PERSON
VILLA DOUBLE
R39,000 | 2 PERSONS
VILLA SINGLE
R27,000 | 1 PERSON
TENTED CHALET DOUBLE
R27,000 | 2 PERSONS
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
MEET your GUIDES
Our first experience of the night sky in the Cederberg cemented our decision to move to South Africa and create Bliss & Stars.
The smell of the bush, the sound of the crickets and the absence of the human sound together with the star-studded sky and billions of light points wrapping us in a blanket was a profound sensory experience. We were blissed out.
The universe is vast, rich, ancient, and mysterious. In his essay, Living Philosophies, Einstein wrote:
“The most beautiful emotion we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all true art and science. He to whom the emotion is a stranger, who can no longer pause to wonder and stand wrapped in awe, is as good as dead.”
A pristine night sky far away from light pollution evokes awe. It reminds us that this is the same sky seen by our ancestors who probably felt the same way – full of wonder and awe. Connected to everything, attached to nothing.
Studies show that experiencing awe makes us feel connected to something much bigger than ourselves. Awe makes us more resilient and kinder to each other.
We feel like time slows down. We also get exposed to natural daylight and undisturbed darkness, which improves our mood, resets our circadian rhythm, and releases natural melatonin, so we can sleep better.
Daria & Heine Rasmussen
g.Astronomy
This experience stimulates all five senses while embracing nature, our heritage, the Earth and the Universe. We use food as an engaging metaphor for astronomy phenomena.
Bliss & Stars’ chef Aphelele will capture the wholesome essence of nature and cosmos in every single plate. He will create a tasting menu that explains various complex and far away concepts such as dark matter, dark energy, and the Big Bang.
The menu depicts the concepts of astrophysics and grounds us deeply in Earth. It’s developed according to what fresh produce is available in season, most of which is sourced from small close-by farms and from Bliss & Stars garden. The goodness of land comes alive in every dish.
DAily flow
The days are designed to give you time to relax, and explore the surroundings and rock art sites. There will be daily breathwork practice.
We start a bonfire each evening before diving into mesmerizing stories of constellations, myths, and science while unraveling the majestic connection between us and the universe above.
Our ‘g.astronomy’ experience weaves the tale into your meals. Our culinary maestros create dishes mirroring celestial marvels, turning dining into a sensory voyage through the cosmos. Be it a meal echoing a supernova’s intensity or a dessert mimicking a galaxy’s spiral, we bring the stars closer to your plate.
Every night, we’ll take you on a stargazing journey: exploring caves, constellations, and galaxies using the naked eye and through telescopes.
BENEFITS
Find peace
Experience relaxation and perfect stillness.
Unplug and experience all that Mother Nature has to offer
Be inspired
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.
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
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.