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Detailed List of Retreats

Events for the week :
31 March 2025 - 06 April 2025
Monday
31 March
  • Doing Your Own Thing: A Personal Retreat

    Teacher: Krishia Schilz and Nelson Alvares
    Cost: Number of days' accommodation
    Dates:

    krishia schilznelson alvaresFind meaningful solitude on a Self-Retreat. These Retreats are unstructured: one does as much (or as little) reading, walking, meditation or resting as one chooses. Enjoy walks and bird watching in 300 acres of beautiful rolling hills, parklands, indigenous valleys and forests. Meditate, learn chi kung and yoga, savour our delicious vegetarian food, browse our well-stocked library. Visit the stupa and the raked Zen sand gardens; walk the labyrinth; reflect on the 8 trees associated with the Buddha’s life, enlightenment and death in the beautiful Buddha Boma; spend solitary time in our deer forest, stalk the light, cloud-gaze at the dam and tune into just being in the present moment. Self-Retreats are an ideal opportunity to be in a gentle, sympathetic space where one can be still and get in touch with oneself and reflect on the things that crowd one’s life. Self-Retreats are available on weekdays - between Conducted Retreats - and over structured retreats. Group or Corporate events can be arranged.

    Nelson Alvares is in situ to lead walks and sunrise meditation.

    For those who would like to book for a self retreat midweek, Krishia Schilz, a resident member of staff, is offering daily yoga, pranayama and meditation.

    Krishia Schilz is a qualified Bereavement Counsellor specialising in grief and loss, as well as Trauma Containment. Her spiritual path led her to yoga in which she is certified in various styles. She completed her training in beautiful Bali before travelling to Thailand to teach. Her practice includes yoga, pranayama (breath work), meditation and yoga philosophy.

     

Tuesday
01 April
  • Doing Your Own Thing: A Personal Retreat

    Teacher: Krishia Schilz and Nelson Alvares
    Cost: Number of days' accommodation
    Dates:

    krishia schilznelson alvaresFind meaningful solitude on a Self-Retreat. These Retreats are unstructured: one does as much (or as little) reading, walking, meditation or resting as one chooses. Enjoy walks and bird watching in 300 acres of beautiful rolling hills, parklands, indigenous valleys and forests. Meditate, learn chi kung and yoga, savour our delicious vegetarian food, browse our well-stocked library. Visit the stupa and the raked Zen sand gardens; walk the labyrinth; reflect on the 8 trees associated with the Buddha’s life, enlightenment and death in the beautiful Buddha Boma; spend solitary time in our deer forest, stalk the light, cloud-gaze at the dam and tune into just being in the present moment. Self-Retreats are an ideal opportunity to be in a gentle, sympathetic space where one can be still and get in touch with oneself and reflect on the things that crowd one’s life. Self-Retreats are available on weekdays - between Conducted Retreats - and over structured retreats. Group or Corporate events can be arranged.

    Nelson Alvares is in situ to lead walks and sunrise meditation.

    For those who would like to book for a self retreat midweek, Krishia Schilz, a resident member of staff, is offering daily yoga, pranayama and meditation.

    Krishia Schilz is a qualified Bereavement Counsellor specialising in grief and loss, as well as Trauma Containment. Her spiritual path led her to yoga in which she is certified in various styles. She completed her training in beautiful Bali before travelling to Thailand to teach. Her practice includes yoga, pranayama (breath work), meditation and yoga philosophy.

     

Wednesday
02 April
  • Doing Your Own Thing: A Personal Retreat

    Teacher: Krishia Schilz and Nelson Alvares
    Cost: Number of days' accommodation
    Dates:

    krishia schilznelson alvaresFind meaningful solitude on a Self-Retreat. These Retreats are unstructured: one does as much (or as little) reading, walking, meditation or resting as one chooses. Enjoy walks and bird watching in 300 acres of beautiful rolling hills, parklands, indigenous valleys and forests. Meditate, learn chi kung and yoga, savour our delicious vegetarian food, browse our well-stocked library. Visit the stupa and the raked Zen sand gardens; walk the labyrinth; reflect on the 8 trees associated with the Buddha’s life, enlightenment and death in the beautiful Buddha Boma; spend solitary time in our deer forest, stalk the light, cloud-gaze at the dam and tune into just being in the present moment. Self-Retreats are an ideal opportunity to be in a gentle, sympathetic space where one can be still and get in touch with oneself and reflect on the things that crowd one’s life. Self-Retreats are available on weekdays - between Conducted Retreats - and over structured retreats. Group or Corporate events can be arranged.

    Nelson Alvares is in situ to lead walks and sunrise meditation.

    For those who would like to book for a self retreat midweek, Krishia Schilz, a resident member of staff, is offering daily yoga, pranayama and meditation.

    Krishia Schilz is a qualified Bereavement Counsellor specialising in grief and loss, as well as Trauma Containment. Her spiritual path led her to yoga in which she is certified in various styles. She completed her training in beautiful Bali before travelling to Thailand to teach. Her practice includes yoga, pranayama (breath work), meditation and yoga philosophy.

     

Thursday
03 April
  • Doing Your Own Thing: A Personal Retreat

    Teacher: Krishia Schilz and Nelson Alvares
    Cost: Number of days' accommodation
    Dates:

    krishia schilznelson alvaresFind meaningful solitude on a Self-Retreat. These Retreats are unstructured: one does as much (or as little) reading, walking, meditation or resting as one chooses. Enjoy walks and bird watching in 300 acres of beautiful rolling hills, parklands, indigenous valleys and forests. Meditate, learn chi kung and yoga, savour our delicious vegetarian food, browse our well-stocked library. Visit the stupa and the raked Zen sand gardens; walk the labyrinth; reflect on the 8 trees associated with the Buddha’s life, enlightenment and death in the beautiful Buddha Boma; spend solitary time in our deer forest, stalk the light, cloud-gaze at the dam and tune into just being in the present moment. Self-Retreats are an ideal opportunity to be in a gentle, sympathetic space where one can be still and get in touch with oneself and reflect on the things that crowd one’s life. Self-Retreats are available on weekdays - between Conducted Retreats - and over structured retreats. Group or Corporate events can be arranged.

    Nelson Alvares is in situ to lead walks and sunrise meditation.

    For those who would like to book for a self retreat midweek, Krishia Schilz, a resident member of staff, is offering daily yoga, pranayama and meditation.

    Krishia Schilz is a qualified Bereavement Counsellor specialising in grief and loss, as well as Trauma Containment. Her spiritual path led her to yoga in which she is certified in various styles. She completed her training in beautiful Bali before travelling to Thailand to teach. Her practice includes yoga, pranayama (breath work), meditation and yoga philosophy.

     

Friday
04 April
  • Doing Your Own Thing: A Personal Retreat

    Teacher: Krishia Schilz and Nelson Alvares
    Cost: Number of days' accommodation
    Dates:

    krishia schilznelson alvaresFind meaningful solitude on a Self-Retreat. These Retreats are unstructured: one does as much (or as little) reading, walking, meditation or resting as one chooses. Enjoy walks and bird watching in 300 acres of beautiful rolling hills, parklands, indigenous valleys and forests. Meditate, learn chi kung and yoga, savour our delicious vegetarian food, browse our well-stocked library. Visit the stupa and the raked Zen sand gardens; walk the labyrinth; reflect on the 8 trees associated with the Buddha’s life, enlightenment and death in the beautiful Buddha Boma; spend solitary time in our deer forest, stalk the light, cloud-gaze at the dam and tune into just being in the present moment. Self-Retreats are an ideal opportunity to be in a gentle, sympathetic space where one can be still and get in touch with oneself and reflect on the things that crowd one’s life. Self-Retreats are available on weekdays - between Conducted Retreats - and over structured retreats. Group or Corporate events can be arranged.

    Nelson Alvares is in situ to lead walks and sunrise meditation.

    For those who would like to book for a self retreat midweek, Krishia Schilz, a resident member of staff, is offering daily yoga, pranayama and meditation.

    Krishia Schilz is a qualified Bereavement Counsellor specialising in grief and loss, as well as Trauma Containment. Her spiritual path led her to yoga in which she is certified in various styles. She completed her training in beautiful Bali before travelling to Thailand to teach. Her practice includes yoga, pranayama (breath work), meditation and yoga philosophy.

     

  • The Power of Ancestral Wisdoms Through Storytelling:Celebrating Mother Earth And Father Time

    Teacher: Dr Gcina Mhlophe
    Cost: 2 days accommodation + R400 surcharge
    Dates:

    gcina mhlopeFor as long as there have been people on this earth, there have been stories. As human beings attempted to make sense of natural phenomena, the interpreted mysteries and feelings that led them to creating and inventing cultural norms that would endure for centuries. As the sun set at the end of each day, the evening star heralded a time to take a well deserved rest. Around the fire they enjoyed delicious meals and conversations and as a thanks giving, they composed new songs to embrace each other, young and old. The operative word in Gcina's work is sharing. Just like in those olden days, storytellers are language lovers, we cannot share our stories without a language we are comfortable in, to gift our narratives with one another. In the fast world we now live in, now more than ever before, we need to hear ourselves and each other, in calm, serene spaces. Ukuthula kube nani. “May peace be with you” some bird calls sing to us in the early morning hour. Gcina truly believes that every living person has a story to tell. That is why she is humbled in the knowledge that each time she tells a story, she wakes up stories in other people. Together we will not only embrace the natural beauty of the environment, the colours surrounding us, the undulating hills and valleys, the blue skies above and the fresh air we breathe - we will delve deep into our memory banks. Like the unyielding timeless rhythm of the ocean – so too shall we continue to enjoy the gift of our African Story Magic. In the most quiet hour, we will be reminded of a gentle sound of the cowhide drum honouring our individual and unique heartbeats. May the Spirit of Light, walk ahead of you! 

    View teacher details
    Dr Gcina Mhlophe is a versatile and multi-talented artist who has left an indelible mark on the literary and performance arts in South Africa and beyond. From her early childhood, she was captivated by her grandmother's storytelling, which sparked her love for the spoken and written word. She has since become an award-winning author, poet, playwright, director, and performer, showcasing her talent on some of the world's most prestigious stages.

    In addition to her artistic contributions, Gcina has also been a champion for literacy in South Africa, running the NOZINCWADI Mother of Books Literacy Campaign since 2001. Her efforts have been recognized with numerous honorary doctorates and awards, including the National ICON Award from MZANSI MAGIC TV Channel and the Kennedy Centre International Artists Gold Award.

    Gcina's works have been widely celebrated, and she has released several CDs, including Songs & Stories of Africa, which won a SAMA award. She has also collaborated with other artists to produce projects that promote African culture, such as the IMILOLOZELO CD, which seeks to resuscitate the culture of African children's rhymes and rhythms with jazz music.

    In the theatre world, Gcina has received critical acclaim for her performances, winning an OBIE Award in New York for her role in Born in the RSA. Her autobiographical play, Have You Seen Zandile? has also earned her several awards, including the Fringe First Award at the Edinburgh Festival, the Sony Award for Radio Drama from BBC Africa, and the Joseph Jefferson Award in Chicago.

    Gcina has founded and directed various storytelling companies, including the Zanendaba storytelling company in Johannesburg, which has helped to preserve the heritage of African storytelling. Her contributions to literature and the arts have been recognized with honorary doctorates from prestigious institutions such as the London Open University, University of KwaZulu – Natal, Pretoria University, and Fort Hare.

    Overall, Gcina Mhlophe's talent, passion, and dedication to her craft and the promotion of African culture have earned her a well-deserved place among the most celebrated artists in South Africa and the world. Her legacy continues to inspire future generations of artists and performers.

    Her latest accolade is the Inaugural USIBA Cultural Legend Award from the Minister of Arts and Culture in May 2018.

    24 October – Dr Mhlophe’s birthday shall be recognized as NATIONAL STORYTELLING DAY celebrated all over South Africa.

Saturday
05 April
  • Doing Your Own Thing: A Personal Retreat

    Teacher: Krishia Schilz and Nelson Alvares
    Cost: Number of days' accommodation
    Dates:

    krishia schilznelson alvaresFind meaningful solitude on a Self-Retreat. These Retreats are unstructured: one does as much (or as little) reading, walking, meditation or resting as one chooses. Enjoy walks and bird watching in 300 acres of beautiful rolling hills, parklands, indigenous valleys and forests. Meditate, learn chi kung and yoga, savour our delicious vegetarian food, browse our well-stocked library. Visit the stupa and the raked Zen sand gardens; walk the labyrinth; reflect on the 8 trees associated with the Buddha’s life, enlightenment and death in the beautiful Buddha Boma; spend solitary time in our deer forest, stalk the light, cloud-gaze at the dam and tune into just being in the present moment. Self-Retreats are an ideal opportunity to be in a gentle, sympathetic space where one can be still and get in touch with oneself and reflect on the things that crowd one’s life. Self-Retreats are available on weekdays - between Conducted Retreats - and over structured retreats. Group or Corporate events can be arranged.

    Nelson Alvares is in situ to lead walks and sunrise meditation.

    For those who would like to book for a self retreat midweek, Krishia Schilz, a resident member of staff, is offering daily yoga, pranayama and meditation.

    Krishia Schilz is a qualified Bereavement Counsellor specialising in grief and loss, as well as Trauma Containment. Her spiritual path led her to yoga in which she is certified in various styles. She completed her training in beautiful Bali before travelling to Thailand to teach. Her practice includes yoga, pranayama (breath work), meditation and yoga philosophy.

     

  • The Power of Ancestral Wisdoms Through Storytelling:Celebrating Mother Earth And Father Time

    Teacher: Dr Gcina Mhlophe
    Cost: 2 days accommodation + R400 surcharge
    Dates:

    gcina mhlopeFor as long as there have been people on this earth, there have been stories. As human beings attempted to make sense of natural phenomena, the interpreted mysteries and feelings that led them to creating and inventing cultural norms that would endure for centuries. As the sun set at the end of each day, the evening star heralded a time to take a well deserved rest. Around the fire they enjoyed delicious meals and conversations and as a thanks giving, they composed new songs to embrace each other, young and old. The operative word in Gcina's work is sharing. Just like in those olden days, storytellers are language lovers, we cannot share our stories without a language we are comfortable in, to gift our narratives with one another. In the fast world we now live in, now more than ever before, we need to hear ourselves and each other, in calm, serene spaces. Ukuthula kube nani. “May peace be with you” some bird calls sing to us in the early morning hour. Gcina truly believes that every living person has a story to tell. That is why she is humbled in the knowledge that each time she tells a story, she wakes up stories in other people. Together we will not only embrace the natural beauty of the environment, the colours surrounding us, the undulating hills and valleys, the blue skies above and the fresh air we breathe - we will delve deep into our memory banks. Like the unyielding timeless rhythm of the ocean – so too shall we continue to enjoy the gift of our African Story Magic. In the most quiet hour, we will be reminded of a gentle sound of the cowhide drum honouring our individual and unique heartbeats. May the Spirit of Light, walk ahead of you! 

    View teacher details
    Dr Gcina Mhlophe is a versatile and multi-talented artist who has left an indelible mark on the literary and performance arts in South Africa and beyond. From her early childhood, she was captivated by her grandmother's storytelling, which sparked her love for the spoken and written word. She has since become an award-winning author, poet, playwright, director, and performer, showcasing her talent on some of the world's most prestigious stages.

    In addition to her artistic contributions, Gcina has also been a champion for literacy in South Africa, running the NOZINCWADI Mother of Books Literacy Campaign since 2001. Her efforts have been recognized with numerous honorary doctorates and awards, including the National ICON Award from MZANSI MAGIC TV Channel and the Kennedy Centre International Artists Gold Award.

    Gcina's works have been widely celebrated, and she has released several CDs, including Songs & Stories of Africa, which won a SAMA award. She has also collaborated with other artists to produce projects that promote African culture, such as the IMILOLOZELO CD, which seeks to resuscitate the culture of African children's rhymes and rhythms with jazz music.

    In the theatre world, Gcina has received critical acclaim for her performances, winning an OBIE Award in New York for her role in Born in the RSA. Her autobiographical play, Have You Seen Zandile? has also earned her several awards, including the Fringe First Award at the Edinburgh Festival, the Sony Award for Radio Drama from BBC Africa, and the Joseph Jefferson Award in Chicago.

    Gcina has founded and directed various storytelling companies, including the Zanendaba storytelling company in Johannesburg, which has helped to preserve the heritage of African storytelling. Her contributions to literature and the arts have been recognized with honorary doctorates from prestigious institutions such as the London Open University, University of KwaZulu – Natal, Pretoria University, and Fort Hare.

    Overall, Gcina Mhlophe's talent, passion, and dedication to her craft and the promotion of African culture have earned her a well-deserved place among the most celebrated artists in South Africa and the world. Her legacy continues to inspire future generations of artists and performers.

    Her latest accolade is the Inaugural USIBA Cultural Legend Award from the Minister of Arts and Culture in May 2018.

    24 October – Dr Mhlophe’s birthday shall be recognized as NATIONAL STORYTELLING DAY celebrated all over South Africa.

Sunday
06 April
  • A Men’s Retreat - Master Your Mind, Revitalise Your Soul : The Power Of Shifting Perception

    Teacher: John Homewood
    Cost: 2 days accommodation + R600 surcharge
    Dates:

    john homewood nov2019Many men are experiencing a crisis of identityand meaning in their lives right now. Relationship and careers are in transition, and the heart is yearning for a more meaningful and soul-centred vision in life. What is required is a fundamental shift in how we see ourselves, our roles, and our purpose in the world. This Men’s Retreat will facilitate huge shifts in the quality and experience of one’s life. This powerful intervention will assist participants to reduce stress, shift limiting perceptions and attitudes, gain self-knowledge, self-worth  and emotional balance and inculcate mental and emotional resilience in coping with this rapidly changing world.

    View teacher details
    John Homewood, with 25 years of coaching, has the unique ability of teaching deep universal truths in an easy to comprehend and in a practical way , thus enabling profound long-term shifts to take place in participants' lives. He has a gift and passion for sharing the wisdom he has learnt through years of self-reflection, study and life-experience. His greatest joy is in helping others to see life from a higher and deeper perspective, and feel the joy contained within the present moment.

  • Doing Your Own Thing: A Personal Retreat

    Teacher: Krishia Schilz and Nelson Alvares
    Cost: Number of days' accommodation
    Dates:

    krishia schilznelson alvaresFind meaningful solitude on a Self-Retreat. These Retreats are unstructured: one does as much (or as little) reading, walking, meditation or resting as one chooses. Enjoy walks and bird watching in 300 acres of beautiful rolling hills, parklands, indigenous valleys and forests. Meditate, learn chi kung and yoga, savour our delicious vegetarian food, browse our well-stocked library. Visit the stupa and the raked Zen sand gardens; walk the labyrinth; reflect on the 8 trees associated with the Buddha’s life, enlightenment and death in the beautiful Buddha Boma; spend solitary time in our deer forest, stalk the light, cloud-gaze at the dam and tune into just being in the present moment. Self-Retreats are an ideal opportunity to be in a gentle, sympathetic space where one can be still and get in touch with oneself and reflect on the things that crowd one’s life. Self-Retreats are available on weekdays - between Conducted Retreats - and over structured retreats. Group or Corporate events can be arranged.

    Nelson Alvares is in situ to lead walks and sunrise meditation.

    For those who would like to book for a self retreat midweek, Krishia Schilz, a resident member of staff, is offering daily yoga, pranayama and meditation.

    Krishia Schilz is a qualified Bereavement Counsellor specialising in grief and loss, as well as Trauma Containment. Her spiritual path led her to yoga in which she is certified in various styles. She completed her training in beautiful Bali before travelling to Thailand to teach. Her practice includes yoga, pranayama (breath work), meditation and yoga philosophy.

     

  • The Power of Ancestral Wisdoms Through Storytelling:Celebrating Mother Earth And Father Time

    Teacher: Dr Gcina Mhlophe
    Cost: 2 days accommodation + R400 surcharge
    Dates:

    gcina mhlopeFor as long as there have been people on this earth, there have been stories. As human beings attempted to make sense of natural phenomena, the interpreted mysteries and feelings that led them to creating and inventing cultural norms that would endure for centuries. As the sun set at the end of each day, the evening star heralded a time to take a well deserved rest. Around the fire they enjoyed delicious meals and conversations and as a thanks giving, they composed new songs to embrace each other, young and old. The operative word in Gcina's work is sharing. Just like in those olden days, storytellers are language lovers, we cannot share our stories without a language we are comfortable in, to gift our narratives with one another. In the fast world we now live in, now more than ever before, we need to hear ourselves and each other, in calm, serene spaces. Ukuthula kube nani. “May peace be with you” some bird calls sing to us in the early morning hour. Gcina truly believes that every living person has a story to tell. That is why she is humbled in the knowledge that each time she tells a story, she wakes up stories in other people. Together we will not only embrace the natural beauty of the environment, the colours surrounding us, the undulating hills and valleys, the blue skies above and the fresh air we breathe - we will delve deep into our memory banks. Like the unyielding timeless rhythm of the ocean – so too shall we continue to enjoy the gift of our African Story Magic. In the most quiet hour, we will be reminded of a gentle sound of the cowhide drum honouring our individual and unique heartbeats. May the Spirit of Light, walk ahead of you! 

    View teacher details
    Dr Gcina Mhlophe is a versatile and multi-talented artist who has left an indelible mark on the literary and performance arts in South Africa and beyond. From her early childhood, she was captivated by her grandmother's storytelling, which sparked her love for the spoken and written word. She has since become an award-winning author, poet, playwright, director, and performer, showcasing her talent on some of the world's most prestigious stages.

    In addition to her artistic contributions, Gcina has also been a champion for literacy in South Africa, running the NOZINCWADI Mother of Books Literacy Campaign since 2001. Her efforts have been recognized with numerous honorary doctorates and awards, including the National ICON Award from MZANSI MAGIC TV Channel and the Kennedy Centre International Artists Gold Award.

    Gcina's works have been widely celebrated, and she has released several CDs, including Songs & Stories of Africa, which won a SAMA award. She has also collaborated with other artists to produce projects that promote African culture, such as the IMILOLOZELO CD, which seeks to resuscitate the culture of African children's rhymes and rhythms with jazz music.

    In the theatre world, Gcina has received critical acclaim for her performances, winning an OBIE Award in New York for her role in Born in the RSA. Her autobiographical play, Have You Seen Zandile? has also earned her several awards, including the Fringe First Award at the Edinburgh Festival, the Sony Award for Radio Drama from BBC Africa, and the Joseph Jefferson Award in Chicago.

    Gcina has founded and directed various storytelling companies, including the Zanendaba storytelling company in Johannesburg, which has helped to preserve the heritage of African storytelling. Her contributions to literature and the arts have been recognized with honorary doctorates from prestigious institutions such as the London Open University, University of KwaZulu – Natal, Pretoria University, and Fort Hare.

    Overall, Gcina Mhlophe's talent, passion, and dedication to her craft and the promotion of African culture have earned her a well-deserved place among the most celebrated artists in South Africa and the world. Her legacy continues to inspire future generations of artists and performers.

    Her latest accolade is the Inaugural USIBA Cultural Legend Award from the Minister of Arts and Culture in May 2018.

    24 October – Dr Mhlophe’s birthday shall be recognized as NATIONAL STORYTELLING DAY celebrated all over South Africa.