BY Jeannie D
Picture this: a three-hour road trip with friends to Planet Xancara – a retreat centre near Elands Bay on the West Coast of Cape Town. With great tunes and even better company, the drive flew by and before we knew it, we had stepped into a world that felt far, far away from our everyday reality.
Elands Bay is one of those hidden gems, where rugged mountains meet pristine beaches, and you feel like you’ve stumbled into a piece of untouched paradise. But the real magic happens when you turn off the main road and arrive at Planet Xancara. Nestled amidst sweeping landscapes and breathtaking scenery, this rustic retreat centre is unlike any other I’ve experienced as it’s home to majestic mountains, ancient rock formations, and even a leopard or two, if you’re lucky. The sense of peace that washed over me while staying there made it feel like time had somehow slowed down and that only the present moment truly mattered.
THE PERFECT START: MORNING VINYASA
Our mornings kicked off with my favourite way to begin the day: an hour of Vinyasa yoga. I love it because it wakes up every muscle in the body and mentally creates a sense of clarity and calm that remains long after you roll up your mat. There’s also something so refreshing about flowing through poses as you watch the sun rise over the mountains, breathing in sync with each movement. I believe it’s the best form of exercise, not only for your body but also your mind, heart and soul.
EVENINGS OF CALM: YIN YOGA AT ITS BEST
After a day of exploring and connecting, our evenings wound down with the gentle embrace of Yin yoga. For those who may not be familiar with it, Yin is all about slowing down and holding poses for longer periods, giving your muscles time to release and your mind a chance to truly relax. It’s the perfect counterbalance to the active nature of Vinyasa, offering a space to reflect on the day and prepare for a restful night. Plus, when you move into Shavasana with the backdrop of a breathtaking mountain range, how could you not a sense of serene peace?
THE MAGESTY OF NATURE’S YOGA STUDIO
Speaking of backdrops, Imagine finding your flow with a view of sprawling valleys, rugged peaks, and even the occasional curious bokkie. The magic of Planet Xancara lies in the way nature feels like a part of every experience. One morning, we even spotted a pair of cobras mating not far from where we were practicing yoga – a wild reminder that we are truly Mother Nature’s guests which felt exhilarating, and more than a little bit humbling.
UNTIL NEXT TIME XANCARA
Reflecting on my time at this retreat, I’m filled with gratitude for the beautiful place, space and people, especially Mandy Hewlett from the Yoga Collective, who packed a powerful punch with her yoga sessions and kept our minds and bodies engaged as she guided us gently through each pose. It was an experience I’ll cherish for a long time… I just hope the zen I found there stays with me until the next time I can visit!
Follow the Yoga Collective Hout Bay for details of future retreats.
