(Re)treat yourself at this wellness festival with a twist

Recharge at the family-friendly Retreat Yourself festival

Last updated: 24 January 2023

For five days every year, a village dedicated to wellness pops up at Elandskloof Farm, set against the backdrop of the majestic Riviersonderend Mountains. People come together to connect, dance, eat, move, meditate, learn, breathe, immerse themselves in nature and reset. 

Discover what five days of no cell phone signal can do for you at Retreat Yourself 2023, on from 29 March to 2 April. Get all the info you need about this favourite annual event.

Retreat Yourself is a family-friendly wellness festival. Image: Retreat Yourself

ENJOY MUSIC, MOVEMENT, NATURE + SO MUCH MORE

The Retreat Yourself experience is curated around four core pillars: Yoga and movement; music and entertainment; learning, culture and wellness; and food and drink. 

From a resident jazz band, DJs, a roller rink, mountain trails, cacao ceremonies, a spa and a secret dance floor… to cooking classes, talking circles, sweat lodges, Pilates and HIIT classes, sound journeys, SUP yoga and breathing meditation… there really is no shortage of ways to unwind and be inspired. (Tip: Don’t miss the late-night comedy, which has become a Friday tradition at the festival.)

For kids, there’s a Kids Club offering activities like soccer, tie-dying and storytelling, plus a number of child-friendly movies and kids’ yoga classes daily. Qualified, experienced childminders will keep the little ones entertained.  

Find out more about what’s on offer at Retreat Yourself 2023.

Expect plenty of music and dancing. Image: Retreat Yourself

EXPERIENCE MORE THAN 13 UNIQUE SPACES 

In a first on the local festival scene, Retreat Yourself features more than 13 uniquely activated spaces and stages, including the Yoasis, Soul Centre, Sacred Sweat Lodge, Cinema, Forest Stage and more. The Market space is at the heart of the Retreat Yourself village, with more than 40 vendors showcasing their wares. 

For the first time this year, women will be able to explore the Red Tent – a safe space that will host a variety of interactive experiences designed to connect women with the ancient wisdom of sensuality and erotic pleasure.

Ladies, don’t miss the Red Tent space this year. Image: Retreat Yourself

FEAST ON VEGETARIAN + VEGAN CUISINE

Retreat Yourself is proudly meat-free and on a mission to provide an experience that’s sustainable and free from violence. The festival food market offers a range of vegetarian and vegan options that even regular meat-eaters will find appealing. There are also add-on dining experiences like the Champagne Brunch or Banquet Dinner, plus Masterclasses with top local chefs. Book them when you buy your tickets.

Learn cooking tips and tricks. Image: Retreat Yourself

DRIVE LESS THAN 2 HOURS TO GET THERE 

Situated only 20km outside Greyton, Elandskloof Farm – the home of the Retreat Yourself Village – is about an hour-and-a-half easy drive from Cape Town along the N2. There’s secure parking outside the farm, too.

Less than two hours to connect in nature. Image: Retreat Yourself

GLAMP OR SLEEP UNDER THE STARS

Accommodation is going fast but there are still glamping options – like bell tents – to make your stay comfy and convenient. These come with bedding and lights and will be pitched for you by the time you arrive. Or, make the most of being able to safely sleep under the stars for four nights and bring your own tent – these camping spots are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. 

Remaining tickets start at R1 500 for adults and R850 for kids, for four nights of bring-your-own camping. Glamping prices vary. The sweat lodge and cacao ceremonies are not included in ticket prices. Get details of the accommodation options and book your tickets.

The accommodation zones at the Retreat Yourself camping village. Image: Retreat Yourself

LEAVE YOUR CASH AT HOME

Retreat Yourself is a cashless event. You’ll receive a wristband when you arrive, which you load credit onto and use to make purchases throughout the festival. There’ll be a number of top-up points around the village to add credit to your wristband. You can also pre-load it beforehand by logging in to your Howler account, which you create when you buy tickets.

Use a pre-loaded wristband to pay for purchases. Image: Retreat Yourself

WHEN + WHERE TO GO 

Retreat Yourself is on: 29 March to 2 April 2023
Gates open: Gate and arrival times
Find it: Elandskloof Farm Cottages | Helderstroom
Book: Via Howler
Contact them on: hello@retreatyourself.co.za or @retreatyourselffestival

By Lee-Anne Spurdens

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MORE DISCOVERIES + WAYS TO UNWIND

Learn from indigenous leaders and bring the kids to this spiritual retreat

Relax in a heated pool

Take a wellness break at these spas

Essential festival reading: What to pack

Our list of things to do this week(end)

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