The modern woman is a mess. Busier than ever and exhausted beyond belief, she’s under pressure to perform in the boardroom, the kitchen and in bed. Can we blame her for wanting to run away from everything and everyone, and rather just be by herself?
If you’re thinking that I’m not-so-subtly talking about myself, you would not be wrong. I love my life, most of the time. But I do have days when it feels like too much. When I realise I’m working far too hard, not just at my career, but also as Taxi Driver to my two teenagers and P.A. to my work-from-home husband.
That’s why I check out of my life once a year and check in at a retreat center somewhere far, far away from my everyday reality. It allows me to switch off my phone, switch on my Out Of Office, and reconnect with myself. The funny thing is, everyone copes marvelously without me, which makes me think perhaps I’m the actual problem… The point is, I always come back feeling a hundred times happier, and ready to tackle Adult Life again
If you’re contemplating taking a bit of hard-earned Me Time for yourself, I say do it, and do it now! Here are my top four retreats that I can personally recommend.
November 2024
Archetypes & Elements Retreat with Celeste Du Toit
November 8 @ 4:00 pm – November 10 @ 12:00 pm
Temenos Retreat Centre, McGregor
The gardens of Temenos are one of my favourite green spaces on this earth. A rambling labyrinth of vined archways and hidden doorways, bronze Buddhas and stone angels, it was designed to encourage the art of simplicity and the practice of mindfulness. It’s impossible not to feel connected to something greater than yourself here, which is why it’s the perfect setting for the Archetypes & Elements retreat that Celeste Du Toit holds there every year. I attended three years ago and instantly connected with Celeste, who is the epitome of earthy fun, and brings a toolkit of practical magic to the spiritual lessons that the archetypes can teach us. If you’re looking to define yourself in a new and more fulfilling way, this retreat is for you. Celeste also holds other retreats in KZN, and offers in-person and online transformational coaching. Find out more here.
December 2024
Finding a Safe and Joyful Home Within with Sue Cooper
December 7 @ 9:00 am – December 8 @ 2:00 pm
I started meditating with Sue Cooper about ten years ago, when I was feeling burnt out at work and despondent about the limitations of my career. As a Buddhist psychologist, she taught me the calming power of silence, how to be kinder to myself, and have firmer boundaries with others. If you’re worried about not talking, don’t be: this retreat is only one night long which is totally doable. And Sue is a gentle spirit who mixes things up with a structured schedule of meditative silence, mindful movement and group sharing sessions. Also, the Mont Fleur retreat centre is set high in the mountains of Stellenbosch, making for a sensory stay guaranteed to lift your spirts. Book this one if you’re in need of a short but restorative break after a long and busy year, or click here to find out more about Sue’s other local and international retreats
May – June 2025
Summer Writing Retreats In Europe with Sarah Bullen
Spain & Greece
Sarah Bullen is a well-known South African author but also the incredible writing coach I’ve worked with on my first novel over the past two years. In July, I joined her on a week-long writing retreat on a wine farm in Tuscany. It was epic. Ten of us – all writers of different ages and stages – gathered in the shade of the ancient olive trees to learn and listen, write and read. It was a novel change to write largely uninterrupted, but more than a sense of accomplishment, I came home having met likeminded creatives from around the world that I also now call friends. Paying in Rands means this is one to save up for; but it’s worth the investment if you need creative guidance, or want the space and time to breathe life into your ideas. Next year, join Sarah on a writer’s pilgrimage on the Camino in Spain; or on the Greek island of Lesbos.
Anytime!
Soul Connection Retreat at Sen Wellness Sanctuary
Netolpitiya, Sri Lanka
“Wellness sanctuary” perfectly sums up this boutique retreat centre built between a lagoon and the ocean in southern Sri Lanka. Every element of Sen has been sustainably designed to align with nature, and mindfully curated to benefit your wellbeing. After consulting with the in-house Ayurvedic Doctor, you receive a tailor-made treatment plan designed to achieve your personal wellness goals. For me, that meant practicing yoga and meditation daily, eating foods to calm my fiery dosha, and enjoying soothing Ayurvedic therapies that left me practically levitating. I only spent three days there, but it’s so zen, some people book in for up to two weeks. If you’re searching for an immersive experience to help heal your mind, body and spirit, I’d highly recommend a bespoke retreat at Sen Wellness Sanctuary.
