HEALTH FIRST
Brookdale Health Hydro on Nottingham Road in the Midlands is the ideal spot if youíre looking for a relaxing retreat for body and soul. First opened in 1992 by Tony and Wendy Somers-Cox, the hydro has 22 rooms, a day spa, indoor-heated pool and a yoga and Pilates studio. With the primary goal of empowering their guests to take charge of their lives and invest in their wellbeing, visitors leave relaxed and happy, with a better idea of how to achieve a healthier, more balanced lifestyle.
Located on a picturesque estate bordered by forest, farmland and a stream, Brookdale is quiet and tranquil, truly allowing you to get away from it all. Youíre encouraged to explore the grounds, cosy up to a good book in the lounge or have your worries melted away at the professional hands of their massage therapists. Naturally all meals have a focus on light, nourishing dishes and are included in the packages, as are set treatments, use of all the facilities and the opportunity to take part in informative talks and activities such as walks, yoga and aquacise.
THOUGHTFUL INTROSPECTION
The Buddhist Retreat Centre in Ixopo, KwaZulu-Natal has been providing a peaceful refuge for people of all religions for more than 40 years. The Centre boasts an incredible location perched on a ridge overlooking a vista of indigenous forests, valleys and rolling hills, with walking paths that wind through the 300-acre property. Within this picturesque setting youíll find the Centreís lodges and cottages, dining room, library, meditation hall, and art studio. Thereís also the labyrinth, Zen gardens, deer park and Buddha Boma to explore.
On top of the breathtaking location and beautiful biodiversity on its doorstep (the Centre has been appointed custodians of the rare Blue Swallowís nearby breeding grounds) what makes it particularly noteworthy is the huge variety of retreats scheduled throughout the year. From specialist yoga workshops to meditation, creative intuition to authentic leadership, lucid dreaming to sacred drumming, thereís plenty of choice. A few of the retreats take place in noble silence where participants refrain from socialising and conversation to better enable ‘turning the light inwards’.
A PLACE TO CONNECT
Closer to home, nestled in the Cradle of Mankind, Farmhouse58 is a serene, natural space of connection – whether it’s with yourself, the land or with the community of people involved in projects on the land. In fact, you’re encouraged to join in on nature walks, harvesting from the edible gardens, or workshops with artists-in-residence – it’s all part of Farmhouse58’s vision. There are a few retreats planned each month, some of which have focused on yoga, sound healing and leadership in the past, but guests are also able to book into the accommodation and take themselves on a bit of a self-retreat.
The rooms combine African design with wabi-sabi principles, which promote authentic connection to the earth and the use of natural materials, resulting in spaces that are simple, grounded and beautiful. Food follows a farm-to-fork ethos, with ever changing menus that are considered and thoughtful, and there are plenty of activities on the farm and surrounding areas to keep you busy, including a hike to the waterfall and visit to Nirox Sculpture Park.
