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Solace in Stanford
Bodhi Khaya
The Bodhi Khaya retreat in the Overberg.
© Bodhi Khaya Retreat
Did you know?
Stanford is known as one of the most well-preserved Cape Dutch villages in the country.
Bodhi Khaya sits on 217 hectares of land in the village of Stanford. Surrounded by mountains and fynbos it is the perfect place for meditation and contemplation.
The name Bodhi Kaya is a mix of ancient Sanskrit and indigenous Xhosa. The Sanskrit word Bodhi, loosely translated, means 'perfect sanity' and the Xhosa word Khaya means more than just a dwelling, but a place of belonging – and this retreat certainly gives one the opportunity to reclaim the sanity lost to the daily urban grind.
This Overberg retreat is located on the Baviaansfontein farm and has a traditional old-style feel to it, with superb facilities for those seeking a bit of silent inspiration. There is a meditation room, a quiet place for guests to spend time in reflection, with or with guidance.
One can also walk the labyrinth, said to help one achieve a contemplative state and find answers to life's questions. There are 3 stages to the labyrinth walk: releasing; receiving and returning. Organised mindfulness retreats are on offer from time to time and Bodhi Khaya often hosts community meditation gatherings.
One can also go on nature walks in the gnarled forests, and guests can follow the streams and rivers, and perhaps even spot a rare Cape Clawless otter.
As an added bonus, this retreat in the Overberg is situated along the Cape Whale Route – so you can go whale watching in season (June to November) and if you really want to jump-start your spiritual journey with a bang then why not go cage diving with Great White Sharks along the Gansbaai coastline!
This rather informal retreat doesn't offer too many organised activities, but that's a large part of its charm. So, if you're planning to spend some time in the Overberg, try a few nights of soul-replenishment at Bodhi Khaya.
Travel tips & Planning info
Who to contact
Contact Bodhi Khaya on +27 (0) 28 388 0156 or email info@bkr.co.za. Visit the website at www.bodhi-khaya.co.za
How to get here
Head towards Gansbaai, via Hermanus, along the R43. Take the Grootbos turn-off and continue until you see a sign indicating Baviaanskloof farm. Detailed directions and map available on the Bodhi Khaya website.
Around the area
Head off to Gansbaai for cage-diving with Great White Sharks, or to Hermanus for whale-viewing. The quaint village of Stanford has loads of fun shops and intimate restaurants and coffee shops, as well as terrific architecture.
What will it cost
See website for pricing details.
Length of stay
Spend a weekend or an entire week – here the itinerary is wide open, but make sure to book well in advance.
Where to stay
Garden cottages on the farm offer up comfortable accommodation.
What's happening
The Hermanus Whale Festival takes place in the Overberg during September. It's a fun event that shouldn't be missed.