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Bliss & Stars Retreat

THE SOFTENING

Women's gathering

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

28 NOV - 1 DEC 2024 | 23 - 26 JAN 2025 | 3 - 6 APR 2025

PRICES & ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

The entire experience is included in the stated prices. We never have extra “hidden” charges.
Chalet Tucked In The Rocks At Bliss And Stars South Africa

CHALET DOUBLE

R33,000 | 2 PERSONS

Leopards Cave Chalet At Bliss Amp Stars Retreat In Cederberg

CHALET SINGLE

R24,000 | 1 PERSON

The Dassie Spot Tented Chalet

TENTED CHALET DOUBLE

R27,000 | 2 PERSONS

The Fig Tree Tented Chalet 1

TENTED CHALET SINGLE

R18,000 | ONE PERSON

Villa Weavers Nest At Bliss And Stars Retreat 1

VILLA DOUBLE

R39,000 | 2 PERSONS

Luxury Bath At Bliss And Stars Cederberg

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

Bliss And Stars Klipspringer Chalet Interior
Thank you for giving me the space to be reminded of the importance of self-awareness, self-time, and the purpose of being exactly who I am. I could not have done this in a more serene environment. What Daria and Heine created is absolutely one of the wonders of the world. Thank you for showing me that all can be possible and already resonates inside of me.
The Softening Women Retreat
Linda

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.

Daria Rasmussen
Daria Rasmussen Mindfulness Teacher
bursary program at bliss and stars

BALANCE AND BREATH

One of the keys to your well-being lies in the most simple and easily accessible way of balancing yourself: through breath.

We can live without food for weeks and water for days but air for just a few minutes. While we spend a great deal of time and attention on what we eat and drink: we pay little attention to the air we breathe.

Breathing is absolutely essential to life but it’s often overlooked as a necessity for a good body, mind, and spiritual health.
"Thank you SO SO SO much for the best time ever!! I’m still in awe of my experience… I feel like a cup overflowing with peace and amazement…"
The Powerof Silence
Michelle E.
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.

Communal Dining At Bliss Amp Stars Retreats

CUISINE

Bliss & Stars is thrilled to bring you the talent and expertise of our chefs, who specialize in plant-based and nourishing food.

Together with them, we’ll explore mindful eating and we’ll nourish our bodies and minds with delicious meals, snacks, and refreshing teas and juices.

Mindful eating allows us the opportunity to get curious about our connection with food and the underlying emotions that drive our choices around nourishment on and off the plate.

Made with local produce grown on the farm, the food will be fresh and seasonal; planned with any specific dietary requirements and your ultimate well-being in mind.

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.
04 Mountain
COME AS YOU ARE. WE TAKE CARE FOR THE REST.
I don't think you can begin to comprehend how those 4 days changed me, and therefore my life. I have shifted, softened, slowed down, and finally see myself. What Daria and Heine have created can only be described as magic. Transformational to those who allow it to be. I am moved.
Mindfulness Retreat
Kelly
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

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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