WE ARE EXTENDING EARLY BIRD AND REGISTRATION, DUE TO THE CURRENT TRAVEL SITUATION

EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT : SAVE $300 before May 1, 2020

THIS IS A LIMITED REGISTRATION PERIOD*
Sign ups must be completed in only a few weeks

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 S. Africa will be a conservation group doing works to protect the 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* 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 gems in the wine region, and we’ll enjoy a few visits to wineries with tastings, as well as a luxury spa day nearby.

Then midway through the week we’ll transfer just a couple of hours further inland to our luxury safari lodge in the private wildlife preserve at Sanbona. Here we’ll stay at a private 5* lodge in beautiful accommodations that harken to scenes in Out of Africa. Plus there is an outdoor swimming pool overlooking the African bush and ‘Relaxation Retreat’ with two therapy rooms, a steam 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 wildlife reserve is home to an impressive selection of wildlife, 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 locales of the area - guests will fly into Cape Town with it’s towering Table Mountain, and escape to the lush valleys of the wine region, then on 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 spring months of the southern hemisphere.

CUISINE

Healthful, vegetarian food is part of the retreat experience, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily (minus one dinner in town where guests can chose their own dining experience), either hosted at the hotel or out and about in town. Ingredients are local and seasonal, and our meals will be inspired by the area’s traditions. 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 are 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. Classes are either held once daily with a longer combined meditation + yoga session, or twice daily, one morning class which is more of a general vinyasa flow, and a shorter evening class that is more restorative or themed (such as hip-openers, yoga nidra, yin, etc)

This retreat will be led by our 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 6-12, 2020)

• Inclusive Retreat Price = $5,295 (shared room*), +$1,060 (single supplement)

• EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT = Save $300 until April 1, 2020

• 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 5* hotel accommodation (spacious bedrooms, luxury bathrooms, linens)

• Daily Breakfast

• Daily Lunch

• Dinners Daily (minus one dinner in town where guests can chose their own dining experience)

• 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 + meditation classes

• 3 wine tastings at various Stellenbosch wineries

• Wine region stay

• Luxury spa day with treatments

• Afternoon in Stellenbosch

• Private luxury safari lodge stay

• Safari game drives

• Conservation class

• Taxes

* airfare not included
** all provided meals are vegetarian, special dietary restrictions can be accommodated

DAYTRIPS & ACTIVITIES *:

• Wine region of Stellenbosch (winery tours, tastings)

• Wine pairing with tasting menu

• Luxury spa day in wine country

• Private safari lodge stay

• Safari game drives

• Conservation class

• Stargazing and wilderness walks

* *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. ARRIVAL pick up will be 3pm on Oct 6 from Cape Town Airport, and DEPARTURE will allow for guests to be back at the airport by 3pm on Oct 12.

SUGGESTED PACKING:

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

• *YOGA MATS ARE PROVIDED*

• Bathing suit (spa day, pools)

• Yoga clothes

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

• Bug repellant, hat, sunscreen

• Comfortable neutral-colored outdoor clothing and layers

• Comfortable walking shoes

• Binoculars (for game drives)

• Plug adaptors / converters