Try wellness your own way at Shanti Festival 2026

Classes, markets, music, workshops, in Cape Town & for a fair price

Last updated: Wednesday, 15 July 2026

Wellness looks different for everyone. For some, it's an early morning yoga class. For others, it's dancing barefoot to live music, making something with their hands, or spending the afternoon beside the pool. That's the idea behind Shanti Lifestyle & Wellness Festival, returning to Hout Bay on 17 and 18 October 2026.

Rather than following a set itinerary, you're invited to spend the weekend however you choose. Classes run every hour, along with a curated wellness market, live music, inspiring talks, a kids’ pool, and craft stations.

It’s an entire weekend of wellness. Image: Shanti Wellness Festival

MORE THAN JUST YOGA 

The programme encourages people to wander into something they wouldn't normally choose. A morning might begin with yoga, continue with a sound journey or breathwork, and end with an inspiring talk or workshop. 

"We want people to discover something they love, so wellness becomes part of their everyday lives," say organisers Carey-Ann Sturgess and Dani Boden. 

That philosophy comes to life in one of Carey-Ann's favourite festival memories. On a whim, she joined a capoeira class despite knowing almost nothing about it. She laughed her way through the session, only realising how much she'd moved when her muscles were sore the next day.

Between sessions, people drift towards the market, cool off in the pool or stretch out on the lawns, creating a weekend that feels less about following a schedule than about finding your own rhythm. 

Shanti isn't about squeezing as many classes as you can; it's about creating the experience that feels right for you. Image: Shanti Wellness Festival

FAMILY-FRIENDLY WEEKEND IDEA  

Carey-Ann and Dani, being mothers themselves, have always believed wellness should be something families can enjoy together.

Children under 12 attend free and have their own programme of yoga, crafts and creative activities. A dedicated childminder and lifeguard give parents the freedom to relax in a class or enjoy a treatment, knowing their kids are well looked after.

While the main swimming pool is a favourite among the kids, adults have the leisure of retreating to the adults-only area: A quiet, fenced-off zone with its own pool.

It’s a festival the whole family can enjoy. Image: Shanti Wellness Festival

MEDITATION, SOUND JOURNEYS, BREATHWORK 

There isn't one route through the programme. Instead, the weekend encourages you to follow your curiosity.

Story Through Energy Movement blends Qi Gong, a centuries-old Chinese movement practice, with somatic practices and ancestral healing. Meanwhile, Art as Alchemy uses guided meditation and intuitive art to explore emotions through creativity.

Elsewhere, astrologer Margarita Celeste maps out the major cosmic themes of 2027. Neuro-Linguistic Programming practitioners Leanne Hewitt and Nathan Robert unpack how language shapes behaviour.

Every session offers a different way to reconnect. Image: Shanti Wellness Festival

PLUS, AERIAL SILKS, ACROYOGA & STARGAZING

There are playful sessions, too. Visitors can learn aerial silks, discover the joy of hula hoop flow, explore AcroYoga, or rediscover the joy of skipping through SkipFlow, a dance-inspired rope workout that blends coordination with mindfulness.

And after dark, the Wizard of Wonder turns the night sky into an open-air classroom, guiding visitors through lunar craters, constellations and Saturn's rings with powerful telescopes.

Shanti makes it easy to step into something completely new without feeling out of place. Image: Shanti Wellness Festival

SOME OF SOUTH AFRICA’S TOP FACILITATORS 

Behind every class is a facilitator chosen not only for their experience, but for their ability to make people feel at ease.

Visitors can learn Nia from Jill, who has spent 15+ years teaching the movement practice that blends both martial and healing arts. Conscious Breathwork is led by Angie Goodwin, founder of The Flow Space, whose immersive sessions use rhythmic breathing and music to create space for reflection and renewal.

Movement continues with professional aerial artist and Flying Fitness Aerial Studio founder Jesyka Sham, who introduces visitors to aerial silks, flow arts and fire dancing.

Elsewhere, certified facilitator Meagen Swain, better known as the Giggle Guru, demonstrates why Laughter Yoga has become a surprisingly effective way to reduce stress and reconnect through play.

Every class is designed to welcome newcomers as much as regular practitioners. Image: Shanti Wellness Festival

EARTH-FRIENDLY MARKET

Not everything in Shanti happens inside a class.

Between sessions, the festival’s wellness market is where much of the action happens, where small businesses and makers sell things that fit right in with the festival's spirit.

Instead of mass-produced souvenirs, you'll find handcrafted ceramics by Sharon Albert, natural skincare, intricate sacred geometry pieces by Cheryse Violet Art, yoga accessories, clothing and essential oils from EcoScent alongside plants and art inspired by nature.

Don’t forget treatments from massages to Reiki and acupuncture, offering festival goers just another way to slow down before the next session.

Rather than a typical festival market, the focus is on artisans and small businesses creating thoughtful, environmentally conscious products. Image: Shanti Wellness Festival

VEGAN & VEGETARIAN FOOD VENDORS

Food follows the same philosophy: Wholesome, nourishing and unhurried.

The weekend's vendors focus largely on vegetarian and vegan offerings. Returning favourite Atma Veg will be serving its popular vegetarian curries, including paneer butter masala, vegan butter chicken masala and mixed vegetable samosas. Sweet Tatas will be serving their delicious Pizzas with an amazing variety of toppings. 

There’ll also be plenty of sweet treats like vegan ice cream, chai tea and Mushmore’s infused wellness drinks.

You can grab a quick bite to eat or settle beneath the trees and soak up the atmosphere before the next session begins. Image: Shanti Wellness Festival

YOUR TICKET COVERS (ALMOST) EVERYTHING 

Almost everything in the programme is included in individual Saturday or Sunday tickets, or a full weekend ticket, so you don't have to keep paying for each activity throughout the day.

Only specialist workshops that require additional equipment carry an extra charge, such as the Aerial Silks Workshop and Fire Flow Workshop.

Classes run first come, first served. The Experience Ticket provides access to the venue, market, entertainment and food vendors without joining the scheduled classes.

Visitors can move freely between classes and talks throughout the day without worrying about paying for each session individually. Image: Shanti Wellness Festival

WELLNESS FESTIVAL IN HOUT BAY 

Set among the mature trees and rolling lawns of Riverside Estate in Hout Bay, Shanti offers the kind of peaceful weekend you'd usually have to drive hours out of the city to find.

Stay over in the area, or you can go home to your own bed and return the next day.

The classes may draw people in, but it's the feeling of the weekend – the slower pace, unexpected discoveries and sense of community – that keeps many coming back year after year. 

Wellness looks different for everyone, and that's exactly what Shanti celebrates. Image: Shanti Wellness Festival

GET SHANTI FESTIVAL TICKETS

Shanti Wellness Festival is happening: 17 and 18 October 2025. Saturday: 9am to 9pm, Sunday: 9am to 4:30pm
Find more info: On the Shanti Wellness Festival website
Cost: From R120 (Free for kids under 12)
Book: Via Quicket
Contact on: Dani at dani@shantifest.co.za; Carey at carey@shantifest.co.za 

By Khadeeja Adams

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EXPLORE CAPE TOWN & SURROUNDS 

See why we also recommend Retreat Yourself Festival. 

Check out Light House Holistic, a wellness clubhouse on Bree Street. 

Here are 30+ more ways to be active (most are free). 

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

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