South Africa Retreat
Hemel-en-Aarde Valley & Timbavati Nature Reserve
14 - 22 March 2027
A Cape wine & safari adventure
Experience the best of South Africa on an 8-night bespoke retreat with end-to-end organisation and expert local guides. Stay in exclusive, elevated accommodation set in two pristine, diverse landscapes. We begin in the acclaimed wine-growing region of Hemel-en-Aarde, a valley of endless mountain and sea views, delicious, exclusive vineyards and warm hospitality. We then fly across South Africa and up to the Kruger National Park region, where we will stay in a private nature reserve and luxury eco-camp. Here, we’ll experience daily guided safari drives with big five game encounters and African sunsets. We’ll learn about conservation, and restore our energy levels in yoga sessions overlooking a river where the ancient rhythm of the African bush unfolds.
Anticipate a journey with…
End-to-end support
From the moment you arrive to the moment you depart, we have arranged every detail of this retreat to make your journey seamless, enriching and utterly unforgettable. It is our belief that travel is transformative and in order to truly benefit from it, you need to be present, relaxed and open to see and appreciate the wonders around you. We take care of the details; you can soak up the wonder.
Yoga & poetry
Thrive on daily yoga and meditation with acclaimed international yoga instructor, Nina. Each day we’ll enjoy a playful, juicy and inspiring Vinyasa session, and in the evenings when the schedule allows, we’ll wind down with a relaxing Yin and meditation session. Nina’s teaching style is accessible and adaptable to the needs of our retreat group and there is a non-competitive, welcoming atmosphere. All yoga sessions are optional and there is no judgment or pressure.
Eco-safari
The second half of this retreat invites you to the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve that forms part of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Conservation Area, a visionary trans-national wild landscape that covers 100 000 square kilometres of wilderness. Whilst there, we will stay in an eco-safari camp that champions regenerative tourism, whilst offering luxury, warm hospitality and delicious cuisine. Let us not forget the daily guided big 5 safari drives!
Exclusive vineyard
The first half of this retreat is hosted in a palatial private villa. We have exclusive access to the property and have a private local chef, Tullishe le Roux, cooking for us over the stay. On one of the days there, we will walk over from the villa to the neighbouring vineyard, Hasher Family Wines, to meet with the owners and learn about their wines and the fynbos that grows on their property. We will also get a chance to meet the owner of botanical brand, Fjin Botanicals, who will guide us through a natural perfume making workshop inspired by the unique biodiversity of the region.
Cape wine immersion
Experience the acclaimed wine growing region and micro-climate, Hemel-en-Aarde Valley in the Overberg. This is a spectacular valley that produces some of the most prized South African wines. It is also off the usual tourist Cape Winelands path, and thus offers you an abundance of unspoilt, authentic encounters. We will visit two award-winning wineries and get to know the owners and characters who make this region so special (and its produce so delicious).
An local perspective
Your retreat guide, Nina, grew up in South Africa and has recently moved back to her roots. This retreat is designed to show you the best of South Africa from her perspective. The first location in the Cape Winelands is just 30 minutes drive from her family home, and the safari landscape we will explore is woven into her childhood memories and deep connection to the land. Both locations are eco-conscious and mindfully integrated with the surrounding landscape, and the excursions on this retreat are selected to give you a privileged insight into the heart of South Africa.
Guest reviews on InRetreat
“From the very beginning, Nina made the entire experience exceptional. She was incredibly responsive and maintained amazing communication from the moment I booked until our heartfelt goodbyes. I truly appreciated that this was a small group retreat—it gave me the opportunity to really connect with the other participants. What a blessing it was to meet such inspiring women. The retreat was designed to celebrate friendship and life’s milestones. Since booking, so much has changed—especially as I’ve taken on new professional roles that brought moments of imbalance and self-doubt. Experiencing InRetreat at this time has renewed my energy and given me the tools to embrace life with confidence and gratitude.”
— BRITTA, 2026“I can hands down say that my retreat in Switzerland is up there with one of the best experiences of my life. My mental and physical strength was tested to the limits and there is no greater feeling than overcoming those challenges, surrounded by amazing, like minded individuals. Nina carefully curates magical expeditions where all the little details have been thought of and you feel in such safe hands. I have made friends and memories that I will cherish for the rest of my life. I cannot recommend InRetreat enough!”
— FAITH, 2024“Anyone looking for an immersive getaway filled with beauty, adventure, nature and wonder should book a retreat with InRetreat. In just a few days, you will forget about the hassle of everyday life and you will treat your mind, body and soul to a transformational, relaxing and grounding experience. The venues are breathtaking, the food is exquisite and the activities are great fun! And Nina’s positive energy, adventurous spirit and welcoming smile are the cherry on the cake!”
— ALEXANDER, 2025“Our trip with InRetreat was nothing short of magical! The whole experience--from our delectable meals and scenic lodging to varied excursions and yoga sessions--was perfectly curated. Nina is a seasoned traveler and drew on her deep well of experiences to expertly guide our group of 10 for a five-day retreat in Greece. The experience goes well beyond what is listed on the itinerary. She made a special occasion all the more memorable.”
— KIMBERLEY 2026“It’s clear that Nina chooses her retreat locations with great care to create the best possible experience. The beauty of the setting was truly mind-blowing, giving me an immediate sense of gratitude and deep relaxation. The six-day retreat and its daily program, including three hours of meditation and yoga practice, helped me nourish both mind and body. It also supported me in anchoring my yoga practice more deeply into my everyday life long after the retreat ended, creating a lasting impact. Nina’s teaching style is truly unique: a beautiful balance of challenge and gentleness, infused with a poetic touch that makes every session incredibly inspiring. Her presence and energy are genuinely uplifting, both grounding and illuminating at the same time.”
— JANINE, 2025“Our InRetreat trip to India was everything I hoped for and more! Every aspect of the trip - the accommodation, food and cultural experiences - was carefully curated to nourish and to awaken our senses. Alongside Nina’s skilful, playful and heart-opening yoga practices and the deeply rejuvenating Ayurvedic treatments we were able to rest, re-connect with ourselves and become alive to the magic of India. A truly memorable retreat.”
— SARAH, 2025
Where this retreat is located
HEMEL-EN-AARDE VALLEY
Hemel-en-Aarde is an Afrikaans name that literally translates to ‘heaven-on-earth’. And that is an apt description for this renowned, but unspoilt, food and wine destination. The valley rises up from behind arty seaside town, Hermanus, in the Walker Bay, Overberg municipality. The stunning mountains of the Overberg on either side of the valley provide a corridor for cool ocean breeze that creates a prized micro- climate for exceptional wine growing. There are also rich granite and shale soils, and the perfect angle on scenic mountain-side slopes for ground water drainage and late afternoon sunlight, all culminating in heavenly wine cultivation! There are just 16 wineries here, and all are divine. March is the best month for stable, sunny, warm weather here; average temperatures: maximum 28°C/ 82°F - minimum 14°C/ 57°F.
TIMBAVATI PRIVATE NATURE RESERVE
The Timbavati Nature Reserve is located in the remote north-eastern part of South Africa, adjacent to the world-famous UNESCO-protected Kruger National Park. The Timbavati and the Kruger form part of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Conservation Area, a visionary trans-national wild landscape - with no fences - that covers an immense 100,000 square kilometres of protected wilderness across South Africa, Zimbabwe and Mozambique. Tibavati itself is 556 square kilometres (215 square miles). This pristine African wilderness is home to some of the largest populations of Africa’s wild animals, all which roam free across the vast landscape. There are around 850 animal species here, including the famous big five. Timbavati private reserve has been protecting this land and cultivating mindful conservation here for the past 75 years. March average temperatures: maximum 31°C/ 88°F - minimum 18°C/ 64°F.
Booking and travel
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4 nights accommodation at Moya’s Vineyard
4 nights accommodation at Bateleur Safari Camp
All ground transfers, airport pick ups and taxis
Return domestic flight Cape Town - Hoedspruit (CPT - HDS)
All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks)
All beverages, alcoholic and non-alcoholic
Private chef, Tullishe le Roux
Daily yoga and meditation sessions with Nina Butler
Half day coastal walk and picnic in Hermanus
Wine tasting and lunch at Hasher Family Wines
Botanical perfume making workshop and fynbos walk with Fijn Botanicals
Half day walk and wine tasting in Hemel-en-Aarde Valley
2x Daily guided safari drives with refreshment stops
Guided safari walk
Special farewell bush dinner
Gift bag
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Flights to/from Cape Town International Airport (CPT)
Visas
Spa treatments
Gift purchases and additional excursions
Gratuities
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Arrival:
Fly into Cape Town International Airport (CPT) on 14 March. You will be met by a taxi driver and English-speaking guide, who will drive you to our villa in Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. The taxi time is about 90minutes.
Departure:
On 22 March we will catch a late morning flight from Hoedspruit airport to Cape Town International, arriving by early afternoon. Plan your onward international flights from 5pm.
Please do not hesitate to ask Nina for travel advice and suggestions. We are delighted to assist you.
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South Africa Retreat 2027 rates per/person
Single occupancy luxe suite
Full package price - € 5,300
Deposit - € 1,500
Twin / double occupancy luxe suite
Full package price - € 4,300
Deposit - € 1,200
Single occupancy comfort suite
Full package price - € 5,000
Deposit - € 1,500
Twin / double occupancy comfort suite
Full package price - € 4,000
Deposit - € 1,200
Terms:
A non-refundable deposit required to secure your spot.
A non-refundable balance payment is due by 14 January 2027.
Your InRetreat guide
Nina Butler integrates poetry, personal transformation and unique insights to her practice, enriching body movement with meaning. Her classes are playful, flowing and accessible to all levels, offering an inclusive space where everyone can discover their own personal edge and cultivate presence.
Contact us with questions about this InRetreat
