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

Red Tent, sound journeys, energy healing & more

Last updated: 15 July 2024 

This spiritual wellness village is an eclectic tapestry of learning, movement and connection, with experiences like Indigenous American sweat lodges, sound journeys, the women-only Red Tent, family roller discos, and more.

It’s Retreat Yourself, which is happening from Thursday 20 February to Sunday 23 February 2025. See what you can expect from this annual wellness festival. 

SEE THE 2024 AFTER MOVIE 

You can get a taste of what to expect from the 2024 after movie: 

TANTRA, ENERGY HEALING, SOUND JOURNEYS & MORE 

Retreat Yourself has a rich array of wellness and healing activities. You can join the Talk Circle to explore personal development, try sound journeys at Good Vibrations and unravel the mysteries of tantra at the Soul Centre.

The Heal Yourself space offers a range of alternative healing modalities, like pendulum healing, atlantean shamanic healing, reiki and energy healing, hypnotherapy, and aromatherapy.

Retreat Yourself promises four days of yoga, meditations, talks, workshops, and music. Image: Retreat Yourself

SWEAT LODGE OR FAMOUS RED TENT?

The Sacred Sweat Lodge is one of the most popular activities at Retreat Yourself. It’s run by a group of Sweat Lodge water pourers in the Native American Okanogan tradition. The workshop is designed to connect you to the wisdom of an ancient heritage and culture.

The world-famous Red Tent isn’t something to miss, and is just as popular. It’s a safe and sacred space made by and for women only. There’s interactive experiences and talks designed to connect women with the ancient wisdom of sensuality and the healing power of community.

Ladies, don’t miss out on this globally recognised space. Image: Retreat Yourself 

YOGA, PILATES AND MOVEMENT CLASSES

A variety of yogis, pilates instructors, conscious dance facilitators and movement teachers will lead you through the weekend. With over 40 yoga and movement classes, you can choose between beginner or advanced workshops. There’s even SUP yoga classes on the water.

Facilitators include BLISSIPLINE with Karen Justine (who uses music, intuitive facilitation, breath, meditation, movement, scents and journalling to create bliss) and AfroSoul YogaFlow with Tina Nance & D.J. Tulzy (they’ll lead yoga and mindfulness activities set to soulful afro-inspired beats).

Most of the activities, like yoga classes, live cooking demonstrations, the cinema, and late night comedy shows (with guests like Schalk Bezuidenhout and Jaryd Pillay) are included in the ticket prices. Some are separate ticketed experiences. 

Most activities are included in the ticket price. Image: Retreat Yourself

THERE’S THINGS TO DO FOR KIDS, TOO

Retreat Yourself welcomes all ages. Parents connect really well with their teens here, and there's a home base for younger attendees at the Kids Club (ages four to 12), led by experienced childminders. 

Besides the Kids Club, there’s also yoga for children, kid-friendly movies at the cinema, tie-dye workshops, an adventure course and more.

There’s even designated accommodation for families. It’s in the quietest area of the festival (ideal for families with young children who have earlier bedtimes). The Thula Corner campsite offers both vehicle camping passes and glamping options. It also includes a parking bay close to the campsite this year to make your exit and arrival as seamless as possible.

The Kids Club is led by experienced childminders. Image: Retreat Yourself

EXPLORE THE DANCE FLOORS

From resident jazz bands at the Banquet Dinner to sounds of the ‘80s at the Roller Rink and live performances at the Forest Stage, there’s music for all tastes. At the roller disco (which is kid-friendly) there’s a DJ and skate rental comes at no extra cost. 

Another special treat is the Secret Dance Floor (which is hidden in the trees along the scenic river) which will host a variety of DJs and for those who want to delight in a little after dark boogie. 

There will also be an eclectic array of performances at the Forest Stage: Downtempo DJs, singer-songwriters, and live bands.

The lineup will be released along with the full schedule in the coming months; find out more via the Retreat Yourself website.

There's an eclectic array of music at Retreat Yourself. Image: Retreat Yourself

SO MANY DIFFERENT ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

There are three accommodation neighbourhoods, each with a different feel. 

Shanti’s Forest is closest to the hustle and bustle of the festival. It has Super Luxury Bell Tents (sleeps two each) and the largest BYO camping area (with the most natural shade). It's ideal for those who want to stay up late, enjoy the night-time delights of the festival, and head to their tent later on in the evening.

uThando Town is the most central neighbourhood. It’s close to some of the most popular activities like the Roller Rink, Yoasis, SUP Yoga and Good Vibrations. uThando Town offers various types of glamping tents, vehicle camping passes, and BYO camping.

Lastly, there’s Thula Corner - the dedicated family campsite.  What also makes it great for families is that it offers four-sleeper accommodation, and can only be accessed by its residents.

There are three accommodation neighbourhoods, each with a different feel. Image: Retreat Yourself

WHAT ARE YOUR FOOD OPTIONS? 

As an environmentally-conscious festival, Retreat Yourself is meat-free. The food market has many vendors, serving everything from vegan burgers, pizzas and hotdogs, to smoothie bowls and Happy Culture kombucha. 

You can also bring your own food (meat too), although no fires or gas stoves are allowed. 

It’s good to note that Retreat Yourself is cashless, meaning you’ll need to load credit onto your wristband. You can do this before you arrive, as well as throughout the festival. 

There’s even an on-site restaurant. Image: Retreat Yourself 

CHECK OUT THIS WELLNESS FESTIVAL 

Retreat Yourself is happening: 20 February to 23 February 2025
Find it: Elandskloof Farm | Riviersonderend
Ticket cost: From R1 690 (adults), R750 (kids) (excluding accommodation)
Book: Via the Retreat Yourself website
Contact on: hello@retreatyourself.co.za, @retreatyourselffestival

By Julia Rowley

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EXPLORE CAPE TOWN & SURROUNDS 

Grab the family and drive out to Citrusdal as Wolfie’s family festival returns in 2025.

A healing getaway for everyone and every occasion: Cederkloof Botanical Retreat.

See more annual events in Cape Town. 

Check out our list of things to do this week(end).

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