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

150+ experiences: Cacao ceremonies, sound journeys & more

Last updated: Monday, 3 November 2025

This spiritual wellness village is an eclectic tapestry of learning, movement, and connection, with over 150 wellness and movement experiences. Like sound journeys, sunrise yoga, the women-only Red Tent, family roller discos, and more. It’s Retreat Yourself, happening from Thursday 19 February to Sunday 22 February 2026 at Elandskloof Farm. Here’s everything you need to know.

SEE THE 2025 AFTER MOVIE

You can get a taste of what to expect:

BREATHWORK, HEALING, SOUND JOURNEYS

Retreat Yourself is a four-day gathering that blends movement, learning, and connection. 

Popular offerings include The Talk Circle, which can be joined for conversations on personal growth, purpose, and possibility, while Good Vibrations is where people gather for sound journeys, including an African Healing Sound Journey led by multi-instrumentalist Nkosenathi Koela. 

There are also transformative workshops at the Soul Centre, and the Heal Yourself space offers a range of alternative healing modalities like ayurvedic massage, astrology readings, reiki, energy healing, hypnotherapy, and acupuncture.

This year brings keynote talks and panel discussions featuring some of South Africa’s most inspiring voices, including nine-time SA Surf Champion Roxy Davis.

At Retreat Yourself, there is something to cater to everyone’s line of interest. Image: Retreat Yourself

NOT-TO-MISS: SWEAT LODGE & RED TENT 

Two of Retreat Yourself’s most popular experiences are the Sacred Sweat Lodge and Red Tent.

The Sacred Sweat Lodge is run by Sweat Lodge water pourers in the Native American Okanogan tradition. It connects you to the knowledge of an ancient heritage through purifying steam baths.

The beloved Red Tent is another signature experience. It’s sacred space curated for women to reconnect with sensuality, sisterhood, and the body’s wisdom. Through workshops, rituals, and shared stories, it fosters reflection, empowerment, and the remembrance of divine feminine nature.

You get to pick your own experiences and curate the entire weekend. Image: Retreat Yourself

YOGA, PILATES AND MOVEMENT CLASSES

Movement is at the heart of Retreat Yourself, and this year’s line-up is more dynamic than ever. You can expect to be guided by a variety of yogis, pilates instructors, fitness coaches and movement teachers from across South Africa.

New to the 2026 edition is aerial yoga, an ethereal practice that invites guests to stretch and flow while suspended in silk hammocks.

HIIT classes will be led by Steve Uria, founder of Sweat1000 & Switch Playground, while internationally-acclaimed Crussen (who also features at the Forest Stage for a signature soul-stirring DJ set) will lead breathwork sessions.

Other highlights include a trail run with ultra-runner Ryan Sandes and yoga with Sharni Quinn, the Official Wellness Tourism Ambassador of Cape Town.

You can find the full programme on 24 November 2025 via the Retreat Yourself website.

Most of the experiences are included with your festival ticket, with a few select add-ons available. Image: Retreat Yourself

EXPLORE THE DANCE FLOORS

Movement is also encouraged on the dance floor! Hidden among the trees along the riverbank, the Secret Dance Floor comes alive after dark for those who delight in a moonlit boogie. Meanwhile, families love the Roller Disco with its nostalgic ‘80s tunes and free skate rentals. 

Across the weekend, the Forest Stage will host an eclectic mix of artists, from singer-songwriters and live bands to downtempo DJs, including the Ilitha Lelanga Marimba Ensemble and South Africa’s rising jazz vocalist Giuliette Price.

And for a dose of laughter, Late Night Comedy returns with South African favourites Nik Rabinowitz and Tats Nkonzo.

The music plays a central role that emphasizes slowing down, mindfulness, and deep connection at this wellness festival. Image: Retreat Yourself

THINGS TO DO FOR KIDS TOO

The Roller Disco is just one of so many family-friendly activities. The Kids Club, open to children and teens up to 17 years old, is led by experienced childminders with exercise classes, clay workshops, scavenger hunts, scout-skill sessions and kid-friendly movies at the cinema.

Families are also well looked after when it comes to accommodation. The Thula Corner is in a quiet area of the festival, making it ideal for young children with early bedtimes. The campsite has both vehicle camping passes and glamping options.

It's an open-air roller rink underneath the oak trees. Image: Retreat Yourself

SO MANY ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

Besides Thula Corner, there is also Shanti’s Forest and uThando Town. Each area has several accommodation options, including bring-your-own camping (included in your ticket price). The other options, like glamping tents, cottages and vehicle passes, are at an additional cost. 

Shanti’s Forest is close to the hustle and bustle of the festival. It has two-sleeper Bell Tents and the largest shaded BYO camping area. Although it experiences some noise, it's one of the most popular spots because of the shade and proximity to the Roller Rink and Forest Stage.

uThando Town sits at the centre of the village, surrounded by the Roller Rink, Yoasis, Vitality Village, and Good Vibrations. You can glamp in safari tents, teepees, and deluxe domes, BYO camping, or buy vehicle camping passes for those wanting to bring their own setup.

Thula Corner's bell tents have en-suite and semi en-suite options. Image: Retreat Yourself

WHAT ARE YOUR FOOD OPTIONS? 

As an environmentally conscious festival, Retreat Yourself is proudly meat-free. The food market has vendors serving everything from vegan burgers and wood-fired pizzas to Mediterranean salads, smoothie bowls, and kombucha.

This year, the on-site restaurant will be headlined by Nourish’d Café and Juicery, bringing their signature goodness to the village.

Guests are welcome to bring their own food (including meat), though fires and gas stoves are not permitted. 

Retreat Yourself is a cashless event, which means you’ll need to load credit onto your wristband before or during the festival, or simply tap your debit or credit card on site.

Retreat Yourself is organised by Golden Hour, the brand behind Cape Town’s most memorable festivals. See what else is on the 2025/26 Golden Hour festival lineup.

All the meals are fresh and inventive. Image: Retreat Yourself

CHECK OUT THIS WELLNESS FESTIVAL 

Retreat Yourself is happening: Thursday 19 February to Sunday 22 February 2026
Find it: Elandskloof Farm, Riviersonderend
Ticket cost: From R1 890 (adults); R890 (kids) for tickets and BYO glamping
Book: Via the Retreat Yourself website | Howler
Contact on: hello@retreatyourself.co.za, @retreatyourselffestival

By Julia Rowley

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