Mid-winter revival 2021

Tonglen, Dullstroom, South Africa

YW
Yoga Warrior
  • Email address verified
  • Facebook verified
  • LinkedIn verified
  • Twitter verified
Aug 6 - 9, 2021
Group size: 6 - 14
Mid-winter revival 2021
Tonglen, Dullstroom, South Africa

Yoga Warrior
  • Email address verified
  • Facebook verified
  • LinkedIn verified
  • Twitter verified

Aug 6 - 9, 2021
Group size: 6 - 14

About this trip

Restore your soul this winter with Yoga Warrior at Tonglen Retreat Centre,  just north of Dullstroom in Mpumalanga, in an exclusive 3-night retreat.  Only accessible via rugged 4X4, this sandstone and granite hand built location has been lovingly restored from ruins dating back to a rock kraal from the 1800s. It is a rustic, eco-friendly venue with necessary luxuries but none of the frills that distract us, other than the breathtaking views of the mystical mist-filled valleys below that seem to hide any signs of civilization.


Immerse yourself in the simplicity of living without electricity, fresh spring water and roaring log fires to warm you, allowing you the space to reconnect with yourself. Our exclusive mid-winter retreat, facilitated by Genna & Karen, will give you the chance to unwind, reflect and reinvigorate yourself over the course of the June 16th long weekend.


You will be able to practice yoga, meditate, partake in breathtaking hikes to ancient ruins, waterfalls and more while possibly encountering some buck, watch vultures in the distance as you do a labyrinth walk, or simply just relax in this peaceful setting. You can also enjoy a massage, ranging from back/neck/shoulders to full-body or Kahuna bodywork massage by Karen (Halcyon Yoga & Bodywork)!


As there is no electricity (except for a generator for a couple of hours at night), light is provided by candles and paraffin lamps, heat comes from generous logfires, hot water by traditional fire-heated bowzer ('donkey') and cooking is done with gas.  


This retreat is for those wanting to escape the dreary days at home and recharge their batteries for a reflective and reinvigorating experience.

Itinerary

This weekend will start on Saturday 13th June.  Arriving in time for lunch, possibly having stopped in Dullstroom on the way or even coming up a day earlier, we will commence our retreat mid-afternoon with a restful yin yoga practice followed by sundowners (including gluhwein!) enjoyed on the steps of the Dharma centre.  After basking in front of a glorious log-fire in the comfort of our own lodgings or the dharma centre we congregate for dinner before a restful night's sleep.


Sunday and Monday will include hearty meals, yoga, mindfulness practices and meditation, interspersed with whatever activity takes your fancy - hiking, birdwatching, cycling, archery, or just reading and relaxing, providing ample time to reflect and have the days at leisure. At night time, which is really chilly at this time of year, we will congregate around the fire-pit under the stars. 


Tuesday morning we will start off early with sun salutations at sunrise in the labyrinth, followed by an invigorating yoga practice and ending with a big brunch before we bid farewell.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?

This retreat will allow you to disconnect for a long weekend, providing an opportunity to reflect in the simplicity of the surroundings and reinvigorate yourself with yoga and meditation. 

YOU'LL GET:

- 3 nights cosy accommodation 

- all meals

- daily yoga including use of props

- guided meditations

- on-site library, games, archery, hiking trails

- free wi-fi

- bathroom amenities

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES:

- hiking

- bird-watching

- mountain-biking (bring your own)

- various games

- communal dharma centre with separate yoga room

Accommodation

The accommodation is simple yet cosy and comfortable, dotted around a Eucalyptus plantation on top of a rocky outcrop, high above the cloud layer situated at around 1800m. 

There are 4 twin-sleeper 'khayas', each with logfire in the bedroom, comfy couch and en-suite bathroom with fire-heated shower.  Each khaya overlooks the glorious hills in the distance.

The cottage sleeps up to 6 people, with a large living area comprising a hearty hearth for roaring logfires, fully-stocked gas-powered kitchen and communal bathroom with bath. There is an outdoor fire-heated shower too. The patio provides a peaceful vantage point to ponder life.


The dining and kitchen area is attached to the dharma centre and is fully stocked. Meals will be catered and a small tuck-shop will be available. 

Meals

 All meals will be provided with vegetarian and vegan options available (please specify on the booking form).  Due to the remoteness of the venue, most hot meals will be pre-prepared with fresh salads prepared daily. Daily refreshments of tea, coffee and juices will be provided. 

Weather & Climate

At this time of year, Dullstroom and its surrounds will be cold, dropping down to 0°C at night, with highs of up to 15°C. Tonglen itself has its own weather system and mornings are usually shrouded in mist that rises up the valleys.  At this time of year the weather is very dry with sunrise at around 7am and sunset at ~5:00pm.

Overall this location can be very windy too.

Summary

This long-weekend retreat is full-board (excluding beverages) and includes 6 yoga classes with additional meditation and mindfulness practices. The rooms on this retreat are only available on a sharing bases and will cost R4350 per person for twin rooms and R3950 per person in the cottage. Additional alcoholic beverages and the transfer by 4x4 from the main road are not included.


The non-refundable deposit for the retreat is R1750 per person.


Dullstroom is ~3 hours from Joburg with the journey to the centre from 20km north of Dullstroom taking approximately 1 hour on 7km of rugged terrain into the hills.  Total travel time can be up to 5 hours if you include a stop on the way.



Transport

Participants driving in regular cars can leave their vehicles at the turn-off to the centre (21km from Dullstroom) in secure, locked off-road parking. From here, a 4x4 transfer can be arranged.


Adventurous participants who would like to come in their own 4x4 vehicles will be provided with GPS route guide and waypoints to navigate themselves to the centre.


Car-pooling can be arranged to assist with transport. 

Payment terms & Cancellation policy

R1750 non-refundable deposit strictly due at time of booking, with full balance due by May 31st (can be split between 2 payments by April 30 and May 31st). 

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 March 31st


Payment can be made via EFT, Payfast link or credit card - please get in touch via email to arrange. 

What’s included

  • All Meals
    From Saturday lunch to Tuesday brunch - 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches & 3 dinners including a selection of wine at dinner
  • Daily yoga & meditation
    Total of 6 yoga sessions of varying intensity with daily meditation and mindfulness practices facilitated by Genna & Karen
  • Hot beverages
    Teas, coffee, hot chocolate and early morning snacks
  • Sundowners
    Gluhwein and some beverages will be offered on the first night of the retreat
  • Bathroom amenities
    Bio-degradable soaps

What’s not included

  • Transport costs
    Car-pooling can be arranged; additional 4x4 transfer to be arranged
  • Other beverages
    Drinks for own consumption
  • Incidentals
    There are no nearby shops so be sure to bring everything you may need. A small selection of items will be available to purchase with cash or SnapScan
  • Additional night(s)
    Can be added before and/or after the retreat
  • Massages
    Deep Tissue (full body) 60 mins R500; Deep Tissue 30 mins R300; Back, neck and shoulders 30 mins R250; Kahuna Bodywork 60 mins R600

Available Packages

Khaya - twin sharing

Accommodation in authentically decorated 'khayas' with twin beds and en suite bathroom with fire-heated shower. A logfire is situated in each of the 4 rooms.

Electricity is available at night for a couple of hours only when the generator is switched on. Each khaya has comfortable seating and beautiful views of the valleys.

R4,350
Deposit: R1,750
Cottage - double room

Accommodation in rustic hand-built cottage with no electricity.

Big logfire with ample seating in old comfy chairs.

Self-catering facilities with gas-powered fridge/freezer, gas stove and gas-heating for water.

Single bathroom to be shared by all cottage occupants (up to 6) comprises a big bath (hot water on demand) with a beautiful view down the valley.

External shower with hot water supplied by donkey boiler (fire) which is lit at certain times. 

Cottage comprises 1 double bedroom and 1 twin bedroom with an added room allowing for the option of single accommodation or additional guests.

R3,950
Deposit: R1,750
Cottage - twin room

Accommodation in rustic hand-built cottage with no electricity.

Big logfire with ample seating in old comfy chairs.

Self-catering facilities with gas-powered fridge/freezer, gas stove and gas-heating for water.

Single bathroom to be shared by all cottage occupants (up to 6) comprises a big bath (hot water on demand) with a beautiful view down the valley.

External shower with hot water supplied by donkey boiler (fire) which is lit at certain times. 

Cottage comprises 1 double bedroom and 1 twin bedroom with an added room allowing for the option of single accommodation or additional guests.

R3,950
Deposit: R1,750

Available options



Itinerary

Saturday 13th June
Arrive & rewind - EARTH

Arrive at the retreat centre around midday or early afternoon, in time to have a light lunch and a chance to settle in and meet your fellow guests.

We will commence our retreat mid-afternoon with a restful yin yoga practice followed by sundowners (including gluhwein!) enjoyed on the steps of the Dharma centre.  Being mid-winter, sunset is around 5pm and chilly, so we will retreat to a glorious log-fire in the comfort of our own lodgings or the dharma centre before dinner from 6:30pm. 


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."