The Softening: A Journey of Breath, Self-Compassion and Resilience
Have you ever been to a women’s gathering? It’s incredible. We come together and share our stories, and you know what we find? That we’re not alone. All those struggles, the doubts, the fears—we’ve all been there. It’s like a breath of fresh air, realizing that all those things we thought were our personal burdens are actually shared experiences.
These gatherings are special because they transform us. They remind us that we’re not just individuals, we’re part of a community, part of a larger body that holds and supports us. We’re not broken or weak—we’re survivors. And that realization is powerful.
When we talk about things like inequality, violence, disrespect or lack of access to healthcare, we’re saying, “No more.” We’re drawing a line in the sand and standing up for ourselves. It’s in these spaces that we find our strength and our voice.
Come join us. Share your story. Listen to others. Engage in breathwork, meditation and somatic practices You’ll find strength and solidarity here. We’re not just talking about change—we’re make a plan how to make it happen. Together, we’re unstoppable.
No meditation or breathwork experience is required. All fitness levels are welcome. Small and intimate gathering, max 8 persons.
THE DATES
3 - 6 APR 2025 | 7 - 10 AUG 2025
PRICES & ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
CHALET DOUBLE
R33,500 | 2 PERSONS
CHALET SINGLE
R24,500 | 1 PERSON
TENTED CHALET DOUBLE
R27,500 | 2 PERSONS
TENTED CHALET SINGLE
R18,500 | ONE PERSON
VILLA DOUBLE
R39,000 | 2 PERSONS
VILLA SINGLE
R27,000 | ONE PERSON
THE PRICE INCLUDES
3 nights of comfortable and cozy accommodation – a nurturing space for rest and rejuvenation
Healthy plant-based meals using fresh local produce
Somatic, mindfulness practices and breathwork
Daily mindful movement
Coaching Circle and 1:1 sessions
Guided moon and stargazing sessions
Opening and closing ceremonies
Clean and biodegradable skin care products
Access to 1,350 ha of wild and pristine nature
MEET your GUIDE
I used to believe that self-compassion was weakness and hindered my goals. I pushed myself relentlessly and ignored my well-being as life unfolded into a cycle of self-neglect and burnout. Something needed to change so I challenged my beliefs.
Stepping into uncharted territory felt strange but with each act of kindness towards myself: I experienced a sense of freedom as the weight lifted and life bloomed. I found joy in life by embracing the imperfections with humor.
More self-compassion meant more thriving. It was a paradoxical dance of self-discovery and growth.
Now, as your guide, I share my experiences and invite you to embark on your own journey to unlock resilience and kindness toward yourself.
BALANCE AND BREATH
DAILY FLOW
Mornings: restorative movement, somatic practices, meditation
Midday: nature immersion, self-compassion practices, sharing circles
Afternoons: one-on-one somatic experiencing and breathwork
Evenings: wonder dates, fire gatherings
BENEFITS
Stress Relief
Relax the body and mind.
Boost Your Mood
Find joy in breathing.
Energy Boost
Improve your sleep and get more energy.
Accept Yourself
Meet yourself as you are.
CUISINE
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 with 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.
Everyone is welcome at all of our experiences regardless of meditation and yoga experience or fitness levels. We cater for different levels so that you will be supported, challenged and encouraged to learn.
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.
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.
No, we don’t have facilities to cater for disabled access and people with limited mobility. Bliss & Stars is located in the wilderness and the terrain doesn’t allow for wheelchair 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.