A journey of self-discovery, growth and transformation
THE DATES
29 AUG - 1 SEPT 2024
PRICES & ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
CHALET DOUBLE
R33,000 | 2 PERSONS
CHALET SINGLE
R20,000 |1 PERSON
TENTED CHALET DOUBLE
R24,000 | 2 PERSONS
TENTED CHALET SINGLE
R16,000 | 1 PERSON
VILLA DOUBLE
R39,000 | 2 PERSONS
VILLA SINGLE
R27,000 | ONE PERSON
THE PRICE INCLUDES
4 days | 3 nights private accommodation in our chalets or tented chalets
Activities such as a medicine walk, fire sharing, movement, stargazing, roaring session and breathwork
1:1 guidance
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 & pristine nature
MEET YOUR GUIDES
APHELELE DLUNGANA
Aphelele’s passion for cooking began in childhood, watching his grandmother and mother prepare delicious meals for Sunday family lunches. As an adult, he pursued a career in the culinary industry.
Growing up in a traditional Xhosa community with six cousins and two brothers, he learned the importance of Ubuntu and community from a young age. Aphelele’s ancestral heritage informs his approach to cooking, which emphasizes the use of fresh, locally sourced ingredients and traditional Xhosa flavors.
As the gastronomy and ancestry guide at Unbound retreat: Aphelele shares his knowledge and expertise while helping you to connect with your own ancestral traditions and the land around you.
heine wieben
Heine Wieben, an astronomer and astrophotographer, is passionate about exploring the mysteries of the universe and the wonders of the natural world. Heine’s mission is to share his fascination with astronomy and the cosmos with others.
He will take you on a journey through time – a journey of discovery and self-reflection. An exploration of the mysteries of the cosmos and the profound meaning of the dark sky and life.
Heine believes that connecting with nature and experiencing the beauty of the night sky is essential for finding inner peace and reconnecting with oneself. He uses the pristine wilderness and mesmerizing starlight skies to help participants find a sense of calm, curiosity, and wonder.
UNBOUND RETREAT IS FOR YOU IF:
You feel like you’ve lost touch with your emotions and sense of purpose.
You want to break free from the expectations of others and live life on your own terms.
You want to reconnect with nature and slow down.
Daily flow
Our days begin with a sunrise meditation, followed by a nutritious breakfast sourced from the surrounding nature.
The daily activities include nature walks, movement, self-discovery and creative workshops.
There will be plenty of time and activities in nature to cultivate and strengthen our connection to the land and universe.
Sharing session to foster the sense of community.
BENEFITS
PERSONAL TRANSFORMATION
CONNECTION WITH NATURE
The retreat is set in a stunning natural environment, offering the chance to escape the concrete jungle and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature. From hiking and bouldering to stargazing: you will be able to rediscover the wonders of the natural world and connect with it on a deeper level.
COMMUNITY
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 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.
Bliss & Stars is not conducive to children. We have a minimum age requirement of 21.
Please arrive no later than noon and plan to leave no earlier than 3pm. 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.
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, 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.