OVERVIEW

GIVE BACK RETREAT

This retreat is part of our GIVE BACK initiative, where EPM will donate at least 10% of profits to a non-profit organization in the community where each retreat is held. Our beneficiary in South Africa will be a conservation group doing work to protect endangered game, as well as the land.

LODGING

We will be splitting our time between two locations in order to give a nice overview of various locales in this amazing country and the Cape Province. Beginning the week in the wine region of Stellenbosch, just outside of Cape Town, we will stay at the 5* boutique wine hotel of Clouds Estate for the first three nights. This is an easy transfer from the airport and will give guests a chance to really relax in a peaceful setting after their travel. Offering stunning views of the Drakenstein and Simonsberg Mountains, this boutique hotel offers luxury in the heart of the Stellenbosch and Franschhoek Winelands, and includes 2 infinity pools surrounded by views of the surrounding countryside and vineyards. Here, we’ll be close to other visits in the wine region, as well as a day in Cape Town itself for a trip to Table Mountain.

Then midway through the week, we’ll transfer just a couple hours further inland to our luxury safari lodge in the private wildlife preserve at Sanbona. Here we’ll stay at the private 5* Tinley Manor in beautiful accommodations that harken to scenes in Out of Africa. Plus, there is an outdoor rim-flow swimming pool and ‘Relaxation Retreat’ with two therapy rooms steams room and sauna.

The Sanbona Wildlife Reserve is near Montagu, located at the base of the beautiful mountains in the Little Karoo. Stretching over 130 thousands acres of beautiful savannah and mountains, Africa's wildlife can be observed on game drives and exciting walking safaris. Unique indigenous flora and fauna, rock formations and rock art make this wildlife destination a unique travel experience. This malaria-free reserve is home to an impressive selection of wildlife and succulents, including the 'Big Five' and the rare free-roaming white lions. 

SURROUNDING AREA

Guests will not only enjoy the hotel properties with the luxurious accommodations and amenities, but we’ll also be in the heart of various iconic sceneries of the area - from rolling hills of the wine valley, to the bustling city of Cape Town and it’s towering Table Mountain, to the plains of the Little Karoo and in the home of the incredible wild animals that roam the land. We’ll experience moments on the coast to the mountains and down to the valleys, and all this during the warm (but not too hot!) summer months of the southern hemisphere.

CUISINE

Healthful, vegetarian food is part of the retreat experience, including breakfast and dinner daily, and select lunches, either hosted at the villa or out and about in town. Ingredients are local and seasonal, and our meals will be inspired by the area’s traditions. In Cape Town, we’ll indulge in one of the city’s most famous Afternoon High Teas at an historic luxury hotel. We will be visiting some of the award-winning wineries to experience the tastes of the famous South African wines, as well as a pairing with a gourmet tasting menu. At the manor lodge, we’ll have our own private chef creating mouthwatering meals for breakfast lunch and dinner, some served al fresco and some in our dining room…but all are sure to be tasty, fresh, and savory.

YOGA

Daily meditation and yoga classes will be offered in a way to relax, stimulate, and help guests grow in their own personal practice. Classes are open to all levels, beginner to practiced, and can range from gentle, restorative, and more vigorous vinyasa flow and ashtanga styles.* Style and class levels will be determined and moulded to fit participating students' needs, and with a small intimate retreat class size, students will be able to get personalized attention and comfortability to deeply explore their practice. Depending on each retreat location, classes will be held in a dedicated indoor yoga space and some also offer outdoor options as well for us to use if the weather is agreeable.

This retreat will be led by EPM collaborator, MINDY JOHNSTONE. Having began her practice 20 years ago, Mindy's style of teaching is rooted in the Ashtanga tradition. A love for the fluidity is deepened with Vinyasa Flow and the more restorative Yin & iRest Yoga Nidra. On retreat prepare to be inspired and nurtured as her strength lies in the ability to cater to groups and individuals needs. The yoga community offers a family in all parts of the globe, and Mindy is grateful for the guidance and shared wisdom she receives from students and teachers. She looks forward to inspiring people to see the delight in travel and where we can feel at 'OM with the world.'

* Participation in classes and activities is optional throughout the retreat. All levels welcome!

DETAILS / PRICING

• 7 days / 6 nights (Oct 17-23, 2023)

• Inclusive Retreat Price = $5,300 (shared room*)

• Deposit to hold space = $1,500

• Max # Guests = 12
  * Guests traveling alone can choose the shared room and we match up based on guest profile. Rooms are spacious with separate beds and private bathrooms.
  ** Final balance due 45 days before retreat start date.
  Read full cancellation policy in our Terms & Conditions.

INCLUDED*:

• Luxury hotel accommodation (spacious bedrooms, luxury bathrooms, linens)

• Daily Breakfast and Dinner

• Lunches at Safari Lodge

• Use of pools and relaxation areas at both hotels

• Welcome reception

• Transportation to/from day trips

• Airport transfer (one scheduled group transfer on start/end day)

• Daily yoga classes

• Table Mountain visit

• Cape Town sites

• Afternoon High Tea at Historic Luxury Hotel

• Wine region stay

• Wine Tasting + Pairing Meal

• Winery tour + tasting

• Luxury spa day

• Private luxury safari lodge stay

• Safari game drives

• Conservation class

• Taxes

* airfare not included
** all provided meals are vegetarian, with some seafood options on specific meals. special dietary restrictions can be accommodated
*tentative schedule, activities may be substituted based on weather and seasonability. All activities are carefully chosen based on the best experience for the guests.

LOCATION:

• Arrivals and departures from Cape Town International Airport (CPT)

• We provide one scheduled group transfer on arrival and departure day to/from hotel. Exact times will be given after sign up.

SUGGESTED PACKING:

Besides the basic packing and travel needs, here are a few things to think about bringing with you.

• *YOGA MATS PROVIDED*

• Bathing suit (spa day, pools)

• Yoga clothes

• Personal yoga props (blocks, straps, etc.)

• Bug repellant, hat, sunscreen

• Comfortable outdoor clothing and layers

• Comfortable walking/hiking shoes

• Binoculars (for game drives)

• Plug adaptors / converters