Battlefields Winter-end Retreat 2021

Three Tree Hill Lodge, Bergville

YW
Yoga Warrior
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Aug 20 - 22, 2021
Group size: 10 - 20
Battlefields Winter-end Retreat 2021
Three Tree Hill Lodge, Bergville

Yoga Warrior
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Aug 20 - 22, 2021
Group size: 10 - 20

About this trip

Three Tree Hills Lodge in the Drakensberg is awash with aloes during August, the perfect backdrop to end the winter with a rejuvenating retreat.  Just for the weekend, from August 28th - 30th 2020, Yoga Warrior will be hosting an intimate restorative retreat in this lovely homestead and historic setting.  

Immerse yourself in the incredible surroundings of the battlefield of Spioenkop against the backdrop of the spectacular Drakensberg mountains, in a region that is rich in history of the South African battlefields. Gaze on the hill that famously had 3 historical figures present during the same battle during the Anglo-Boer war - Winston Churchill, Mahatma Gandhi and Jan Smuts.  Enjoy abundant flora and fauna of Spioenkop Nature Reserve - game includes white rhino, giraffe, zebra, eland, kudu and a host of birdlife that can be viewed from your private veranda


After arriving on Friday and relaxing by the logfire and enjoying a delicious dinner, we start the weekend with an hour-long yoga class on the outdoor deck overlooking the bush, followed by a scrumptious breakfast. The daytime activities can include hiking, game walks, horse-riding, mountain-biking or just relaxing. Saturday afternoon we will do a restorative yoga practice followed by sun-downers overlooking the mountains.  Dinner will follow after which we can sit around a bonfire under starry skies deep into the night. Sunday morning will start with a revitalising yoga flow class and hearty breakfast once again.  The retreat ends after lunch but the option to stay another night on Sunday is encouraged, owing to the amazing surroundings that make you want to stay a little longer. 


This retreat is for those wanting to head into spring with a fresh start, leaving winter with a restful, restorative experience that leaves one relaxed, rejuvenated and inspired. 

Itinerary

The weekend will begin late afternoon on Friday 28th with people arriving when they can, settling in and relaxing with drinks by the logfire, before we all sit down for dinner.  The weekends can be social and a wonderful environment for making new friends.  However if you're coming to download and unwind, the retreat can be quiet and peaceful with lots of time for resting. 


On Saturday and Sunday we will plan to enjoy yoga with Genna not too early but before breakfast outside on the deck in the glorious winter sun.  This is when you know you've really left the city behind, breathing in fresh mountain air while you practice your salutes to the sun.  

After breakfast which is enjoyed al fresco on the veranda of the main lodge (weather dependent), you can individually choose how to spend the rest of your days.  You could enjoy a battlefield tour learning about the Anglo-Boer War and in particular the most famous Battle of Spioenkop.  There are numerous walks available right from the lodge to see the fauna and flora surrounding the property, even game-viewing on foot.  On horseback or mountain bikes it is possible to go further afield, taking in the panoramic views of the Drakensberg, Spioenkop Battlefield and the game reserve. 

The afternoon is completely at your leisure. 


In the late afternoon on Saturday, restorative yoga with Genna will be available so you can experience what it is like to truly relax.  This will be followed by sundowners on the hill overlooking the spectacular Drakensberg range.

Again in the evening we will congregate around the open log fire in the main lounge before enjoying another fine dinner accompanied by a selection of fine wine.  

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?

This retreat will allow you to detach for a weekend, re-energising yourself as you care for your mind and body with delicious food, simple living and revitalising yoga.

YOU'LL GET:

- 2 nights luxury accommodation 

- all meals 

- guided walk

- daily yoga including use of mats, bolsters, straps and blocks

- on-site library

- free wi-fi

- bathroom emenities

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES:

- horse-riding

- mountain-biking

- game walks

- self-guided hikes

- swimming or relaxing by the pool

- extensive library

- various games

YOU'LL LEAVE:

- feeling well-rested, well-fed and restored, inspired for spring

- with a deeper connection to the natural world

- having a deeper understanding of and appreciation for the immense history of the region

- with memories that will last and connections that like-minded travellers.

Accommodation

Against the magnificent backdrop of the Drakensberg Mountains of South Africa, and overlooking the secluded Mfazimnyama Valley of the Spioenkop Game Reserve, lies Three Tree Hill Lodge. This Fair Trade certified lodge, places great emphasis on Sustainable Responsible Tourism and offers spectacular scenery, locally grown farm-style country food with superb hospitality.  


The lodgings include six identical, airy and spacious cottages, a family cottage or two double cottage-style villas. The aloe leaf green cottages have been authentically constructed based on the housing kits brought out from Britain in the 19th century, complete with tin roof and wooden construction. Each cottage has its own verandah with wonderful views of Spioenkop Reserve with verandahs facing the sunrise from which you can spy with the naked eye rhinos in the reserve below. The comfortable cottages are refined with an elegant feel; beds have hand-embroidered sheets and duvet covers with lovely aloe motifs. Period writing desks and historical touches complete the stylish yet uncluttered décor. The en-suite bathrooms with generous bathtubs enjoy the same magnificent views as the balcony.


It is the ideal environment in which to unwind and be rejuvenated and a wonderful location for a restorative yoga retreat. 


This intimate, luxury 24 bedded lodge is owner-managed by Simon & Cheryl Blackburn whose passion and enthusiasm for Africa’s wildlife, history and culture is immediately evident when you visit. You are welcomed into their home, and invited to experience the warm hospitality, and relaxed atmosphere in their four star family-run lodge. 

Meals

All meals will be provided at the lodge with vegetarian and vegan options available (please specify on the booking form).  

All the ingredients are sourced locally, there is a small vegetable and herb garden on the property.

Amenities

The old-world charm of the lounge/dining area with its large verandahs creates an ideal environment in which to wind down and enjoy nature. Daytime meals will be served outside (weather-permitting) where one can soak up the views while enjoying the delicious local farm-style fare.


The main lounge & dining area is linked by a central fireplace. The lounge is adorned with historical memorabilia & collection of Africana for guests to enjoy. This is a convivial space where we congregate and socialise.


A buffet style breakfast & lunch is served either outside on the viewing deck or on the verandah. Dinners are a set menu with 3 homely farm-style courses followed by port or cognac in front of the fireplace or out under the stars around the boma fire. Dinner menu is displayed during afternoon tea, with only one choice for each course, so please do let us know if this choice is not to your liking, so we may have time to prepare an alternative. Fresh, farm ingredients sourced locally or grown on site. 


Vegans, coeliacs, omnivores all catered for provided we receive prior notification.

Platinum Diners Club Wine List – Best of South African wines & craft spirits to choose from at leisure in our underground wine cellar.

Sheltered Swimming Pool, Croquet Lawn, Sunrise Viewing Deck (Yoga), Sundowner Viewing Point, Childrens outside play area with jungle gym, trampoline, obstacle course, sand pit & fantasy house.

Weather & Climate

At the end of winter in the heart of Kwazulu-Natal, the days can be warm or even hot (up to 25°C) with lows of  6°C in the cool mornings and evenings. 

Sunrise is ~6:30am at this time of year with sunset just after 5:30pm. 

The climate is dry at this time - remnants of snow from cold winters may seen in the distance on the higher altitudes of the Drakensberg and the chance of rainfall is low, however as the seasons are changing this weather can be unpredictable.

Summary

 The weekend is full board and includes 3 yoga classes, 3 meals each day, afternoon teas and a guided walk. 

The rooms on this retreat are only available on a sharing basis and will cost R6950 per person in standard and family cottages and R8450 per person in the 4-sleeper self-catering cottages .  

Beverages, game walks, horseriding, mountain bike riding and battlefield tours are charged for separately.  The non-refundable portion of the deposit for the weekend is R2500 per person. 


The lodge is approximately 4 hours from Joburg and 3 hours from Durban. 

Payment terms & Cancellation policy

50% deposit strictly due at time of booking, with full balance due by July 31st (split between 2 payments by June 30 and July 31st).  Non-refundable portion of deposit is R2500.

The following cancellation fees will apply:
- 25% of the full fee in the even of cancellation 22-30 days prior to the event

- 50% if cancelled 15-21 days prior to the event

- 85% if cancelled 0-14 days prior to the event. 


Early bird discount of 15% will apply for all booking made and paid for in full by April 30th. 



What’s included

  • Daily yoga
    2 session on Saturday with a morning session on Sunday
  • Luxury accommodation
    2 nights at the luxury lodge on a full board basis
  • Guided walk
    Professionally guided walk in the surrounding area taken at leisure
  • All Meals
    From Friday evening to Sunday lunch - 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches & 2 dinners (including a selection of wine)
  • Tea, coffee
    Afternoon tea and snacks
  • Toiletries
    A range of products

What’s not included

  • Transportation
  • Other beverages
  • Horse-riding
  • Additional night(s)

Available Packages

Individual rate - twin cottage

These 40sqm stand-alone cottages are clad in corrugated iron exterior & wood paneling interior. They have been elegantly designed to transport you back in time, although are all equipped with modern conveniences such as heated towel rails, overhead fans and panel room heaters. 100% cotton percale linen, cotton blankets, duck down duvets & pillows add to your comfort. 
A private verandah is attached to each room. Beds can be extra length three-quarter or king size on request. Rooms accessed by fairly steep pathway to main lodge facility.


With twin or double beds and a view of bush, the cottages look onto Spioenkop hill. Bathrooms are fully equipped with generous shower and separate bath from which you can watch the animals in the distance.


Guest amenities (shampoo, conditioner, moisturizer, bubble bath, bath salts) consist of a unique range of exquisite hand-made virgin olive-based African Botanical body care products.   Other toiletries supplied include tissues, cotton wool, ear buds & hand clothes-wash gel. 

General: Torches, umbrellas and hot water bottles supplied. Tea/coffee making facilities, electronic safes, hair dryers, British square 3-prong plugs, European 2-prong type & USB ports. Private verandah. 


Price listed is per person sharing - sleeps 2 adults

R6,950
Deposit: R3,500
Individual rate - Churchill's

 CHURCHILL'S COTTAGE


This 105 sqm self-contained luxury cottage sleeps 4 adults (or 2 adults, 2 children – 3rd child on request) in 2 separate bedrooms (with private en-suite bathrooms) No children under 8 yrs of age. Fully self contained kitchen with open plan living area, private pool, braai & entertainment area. Ideal for honeymooners, couples travelling together or families with teenagers.


Guest amenities (shampoo, conditioner, moisturizer, bubble bath, bath salts) consist of a unique range of exquisite hand-made virgin olive-based African Botanical body care products.
Other toiletries supplied include tissues, cotton wool, ear buds & hand clothes-wash gel.
General: Tea/coffee making facilities; electronic safes, hair dryers & plug adaptors. Free wi-fi access. Shared deck leading out from bedrooms.

Price listed is per person sharing - sleeps 4 adults

R8,450
Deposit: R4,250
Individual rate - Burchell's

 BURCHELL'S COTTAGE


With breath-taking views of the Spioenkop reserve, this 105 sqm self-contained luxury cottage set in the tree tops, embraces the naturalist-explorer theme after whom the cottage is named. Two en-suite double or twin bedrooms, lounge, deck & fully equipped kitchen. Outdoor pool & entertainment area.


Guest amenities (shampoo, conditioner, moisturizer, bubble bath, bath salts) consist of a unique range of exquisite hand-made virgin olive-based African Botanical body care products.  Other toiletries supplied include tissues, cotton wool, ear buds & hand clothes-wash gel.

General: Tea/coffee making facilities. Gas cooker, fridge/freezer, Weber braai. Electronic safes, hair dryers & plug adaptors. Shared deck leading out from bedrooms.

Price listed is per person sharing - sleeps 4 adults.

R8,450
Deposit: R4,250
Family Rate (4 pax) - Kipling's

 KIPLINGS FAMILY COTTAGE


This 100sqm stand-alone cottage is easily accessible to the main facilities (lounge/dining areas). It is ideal for a group of friends, family with children or people with limited mobility.

The master bedroom has a fireplace & bathroom en-suite (with separate bath & shower).
The second bedroom has bunk beds and two single beds (2 adults or 4 children under 12 years).
This room has a fully functional bathroom adapted for people with limited mobility. Wheelchair access into the shower, with handrails & fold-away seat make this suitable.

Lounge area opens to cozy kitchenette (microwave, wash basin & fridge) with tea/coffee making facility. Private verandah leads out to shady sandpit under an Acacia tree.

Guest amenities (child-friendly shampoo, conditioner, aqueous cream, bubble bath, bath salts) consist of a unique range of exquisite hand-made virgin olive-based African Botanical body care products. Other toiletries supplied include tissues, cotton wool, ear buds, nappy bags & hand clothes-wash gel. Milton bottle steriliser, night light, puzzles, books, children’s hiking backpack. General: Tea/coffee making facilities; electronic safe, hair dryer & British square 3-prong plug, European 2-prong type & USB ports.


Full price listed is for 4 adults (or 2 adults and upto 4 children).

R25,950
Deposit: R13,000

Available options



Itinerary

Friday 28th August
Rest the mind

Beat the traffic and aim to arrive mid-late afternoon.

Enjoy the fabulous peace and tranquility of your natural surroundings as you relax and start to unwind in this gorgeous setting. 


We will gather in the communal lounge/dining area in the evening, where we will meet each other over a drink by the logfire before settling down to a hearty 3-course meal accompanied by an optional selection of wines. 

Your Organizer


YW
Yoga Warrior
A vinyasa yoga studio offering teacher training and retreats, it is owned and run by Genna Pearson. She is a retreat afficianado, travel guru, adventure enthusiast, active sportsperson and dedicated vinyasa teacher. In her words: "Yoga is the backbone of my existence. It has permeated my being for >15 years. It kept me balanced in my former corporate life and aided many extreme sporting endeavours. My retreats combine my love of travel and adventure while sharing the benefits of yoga, allowing students to enhance their own being."