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SSurrounded by mountains and fynbos on a farm in the beautiful Overberg region of Western Cape, Bodhi Khaya Retreat is perfectly situated for meditation and contemplation.
The name Bodhi Khaya mixes ancient Sanskrit and the indigenous isiXhosa language. The Sanskrit word ‘bodhi’ can be roughly translated as ‘enlightenment’, ‘awakening’ or even ‘perfect sanity’; in isiXhosa, ‘ikhaya’ encompasses both a dwelling and a home – it is ‘the place of belonging’.
The Bodhi Khaya Retreat promises you the opportunity to reclaim the awakened sanity you lose to the daily urban grind, by allowing you to get back in touch with the unhurried rhythms of nature.
This retreat near the town of Stanford, which lies inland on the Klein River past Hermanus and Gansbaai, is located on the Baviaans Fonteyn Farm. It has an old-fashioned, traditional 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.
Or you can walk the labyrinth, if you find this helps you 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 regularly, and Bodhi Khaya hosts community meditation gatherings – the calendar of events is listed on their website.
You can go on nature walks in the ancient forests, following the streams and rivers, and you may even spot the secretive Cape clawless otter.
This retreat is also situated along the Cape Whale Route – so you can spend a few days getting in the right frame of mind before you head to the coast to go whale watching from June to November.
If you’re planning to spend some time in the Overberg, which is full of attractions for visitors, or you’re exploring the coast along the Garden Route, a few nights of soul replenishment at Bodhi Khaya Retreat will see you continue your holiday in total serenity.
Did You Know?
TTravel tips & Planning info
Who to contact
Bodhi Khaya
Tel: +27 (0)72 385 6978
Email info@bkr.co.za
How to get here
Take the N2 south-east from Cape Town and at Bot Rivier, turn off onto the R43, then drive through Hermanus and Gansbaai. Take the Grootbos turn-off and continue until you see a sign indicating Baviaans Fonteyn Farm – from Cape Town, the 180km drive takes about 2.5 hours. Detailed directions and a map are available on the Bodhi Khaya website.
Best time to visit
Year-round retreats are on offer – however, winter is the rainy season in this region, so be prepared for wet, cold and windy conditions if you visit between May and September.
Around the area
Head off to Gansbaai for cage-diving with great white sharks, or to Hermanus for whale-viewing. The village of Stanford has loads of fun shops and intimate restaurants and coffee shops, as well as pretty architecture, and the beaches, hiking trails and outdoor adventure sports available along this coast are exceptional.
The Overberg, as you travel inland, is also loaded with attractions like winery tours and wine tasting, fine dining, parks, marine and nature reserves, and a seemingly endless supply of historic little towns and monuments.
Tours to do
From mountain biking to wine routes, whale-watching to history: if you don’t feel like sniffing them all out on your own, you’ll find a guided tour in this region. Check the listed information sites for options.
Length of stay
To enjoy all the benefits of a full retreat, plan for a long weekend at least, or perhaps a week. Exploring the attractions of the Overberg and the Whale Coast will certainly keep you occupied for 10 days to a fortnight.
Where to stay
Bodhi Khaya Retreat offers a range of accommodation on the farm; see the details on their website.
What's happening
The Hermanus Whale Festival takes place every September.
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