If you want to know the end, look at the beginning.
It is tempting to create a stark dichotomy between the material world and the metaphysical–to polarize one as bad, the other as good, real and unreal. We are human– physical beings living in a vibrant and physical world. Space, bodies, the environment, our senses…our unique and individual connection to it all is what defines our experience as human beings. This connection determines the vibrancy of our understanding of our own purpose and place in the world.
So how do we connect to the material world? And what is the quality of this connection? Do we have daily practices, rituals, or any means to connect to our source energy, the memory of our souls? How do we relate to the passage of time? Modernity has blessed us with much, but has simultaneously created an amnesia, a distancing, a sense of alienation from our past and our truest form. How do we get back? How did our ancestors converse with the world, the land, its fruits in a way that perpetuated connectedness and created a sense of spiritual fulfillment? How do we come back down to earth, grounded?
This project is meant to provide the space, environment, spiritual practices, community, and cultural enrichments to distill down to our truest selves and remember who we are and from where we come. Embedded within one of the most culturally and environmentally fertile lands, for three days we will join in collective process through daily practices, rituals, and cultural traditions, in order to become grounded once again. With the vast and potent landscape of Stellenbosch as our bedrock and the wisdom and rites of some of South Africa’s longest standing cultural foundations as our guides, point of references, and source of enrichment, the environment becomes a supportive and steady reflection of the internal world we yearn to get back to–one of tranquility, wisdom, and solace.
YOUR GUIDES
JULIA BIANGO
Qualifications:
340 Hour Kaiut Yoga Teaching Certification
85 Hour Registered Prenatal Yoga Teaching Certification
500 hrs RYT Dharma Yoga
200 hrs RYT Vinyasa Yoga
50+hrs of Ayurveda learning
20 hrs RYT Gravity Yoga
Julia has been practicing yoga for over ten years, teaching for over four. As a practitioner, she sees Yoga and its aims as the ultimate self-study from which one finds their true purpose, happiness, and understanding of the world. As a part of her practice, she hopes to curate events such as this in order to connect the ancient practice of Yoga with other ancient cultural practices around the world, re-establishing long lost connections between people, ideas, and places. This experience is not meant to be a typical retreat–it is meant to be a concentrated respite from the distractions of our daily life that is filled with time, space, and practices that help us remember who we truly are. She is grateful for the opportunity to lead such an experience.
DEBBIE FIELD
Qualifications:
690 Hour Kaiut Yoga Teaching Certification
Growing up with a mother as a yoga teacher, Debbie has literally been practicing since her first class at 8 years old. She has explored many different styles over the years. Throughout her life, yoga has been her true anchor. Through studying and teaching a wide range of creative disciplines in her working career, alongside consistent yoga practice, Debbie has gained a deep understanding of the necessity for bringing mind and body together in order to enrich all aspects of life. Kaiut Yoga brings everything together for her - both as a person and as a teacher. Teaching Kaiut Yoga for the past two years, she is inspired to share this beautiful, profound method of yoga.
THE YOGA PRACTICE
During the retreat participants will experience Kaiut Yoga asana alongside traditional yoga practices, such as pranayama, meditation, and yoga nidra.
Kaiut Yoga is a modern and therapeutic style of yoga developed by Francisco Kaiut, designed to enhance joint mobility, flexibility, and overall body function. The practice focuses on restoring movement through slow, deliberate postures that target the connective tissues, joints, and fascia. Ideal for those with injuries or chronic pain, Kaiut Yoga offers a gentle yet powerful way to release tension and improve mobility.
Beyond just physical benefits, Kaiut Yoga emphasizes the deep connection between the mind and body. By focusing on mindful movement and breath, it encourages present-moment awareness, helping to reduce mental stress while facilitating physical healing. The practice is rooted in the understanding that body tension often stems from mental patterns and nervous system disregulation, and by releasing physical restrictions, we can also foster emotional balance and clarity.
Kaiut Yoga is particularly beneficial for those affected by a sedentary lifestyle, as it helps restore the body’s natural movement patterns, improve posture, and promote overall well-being.
PARTNERS
IFEBUSOLA SHOTUNDE, PHOTOGRAPHER
Shotunde’s works illustrate his keen interest in the human mind and ways of fortifying communal and interpersonal relationships. Since beginning his image practice in 2012, his work has evolved into documentary projects, where he developed an inquisitive approach to capturing vigour and beauty in the mundane. He dedicates his time to exploring the world and educating people on the power and importance of expression through image making.
CAMILLA COLLEY, CAPE FYNBOS OILS
Camilla is a niche fynbos essential oil distiller. She is a co-founder and key partner of Cape Fynbos Oils (CFO), a unique regenerative farming cooperative with an emphasis on the indigenous aromatic botanicals found in the Western Cape fynbos and karoo biomes. Her great passion and appreciation for the natural environment, particularly that of the mountains in the Western Cape, guides the way for her work and personal journey.
MARIA VAN ZYL, CREAM OF THE CROP MICRO DAIRY
My name is Maria and I’m the founder of Cream of the Crop Micro Dairy. We are based on Vergesig Farm in Piket-Bo-Berg. We are a family farm, farming biodynamically with apples and pears and vineyards soon for my brother's wine. Our dairy believes in the wellbeing of the cows first and we keep the cow and the calf together for 6 months and they are not dehorned either. We sell our handmade dairy products through The Committed Value Chain, a community supported agriculture model that requires our members to subscribe for 12 deliveries in advance. We also offer a Herd Share subscription of a larger investment with a 7% return on initial investment in our dairy products.
OLIVE BROWN, PRIVATE CHEF
Olive Brown is a Los Angeles-based chef and designer. Living in different cities and experiencing an array of cultures and cuisines, Olive recognized both the importance and beauty of bringing people together through the sharing of food. She began hosting dinner parties at her studio in Berlin and brought that with her when she moved to Mexico City. Over time, her ethos grew and developed - not only can a meal encourage the exchange of ideas, but it has the power to build community, to teach, to inspire and to heal. A catering job brought Olive back to LA, where she now owns and runs a catering company, creates food installations and table designs for both private and commercial clients and continues to host dinners for family and friends.
CEDAR COFFEE ROASTERS
Cedar was founded by Leigh Wentzel and Winston Thomas out of a yearning passion to make specialty coffee accessible to a larger conscious audience. It was built from many years within the industry mastering the craft for over seven years at leading roasteries within South Africa. Both Winston and Leigh led a personal journey at separate competing roasteries where they would be molded by leaders of the industry. They pride themselves on their African and Cape Townian heritage and strive to become the best coffee roastery in Africa, recognized for their quality and expertise.
ROSETTA ROASTERY
By sourcing and curating a range of single-origin coffees from the most celebrated growing regions from around the world, Rosetta Roastery offers each client the opportunity to experience the most exciting expressions of terroir, seed type, and processing from producers on the forefront of specialty coffee. In 2018 and 2019, Rosetta Roastery won The Coffee Magazine's "South African Coffee Roastery of the Year".
SANS PROVISIONS
Sans Provisions provides a platform that enables local communities to experience the philosophy of ethical makers and producers through their product. In doing this they seek to change daily urban habits by forging relationships that inspire and reinforce a more conscious approach. Sans grocery store supplies regenerative organic locally farmed goods to our communities while bringing light to the heroes on the ground and providing a platform to educate and guide people to thrive in life through food. For Sans, it is about connecting to source: raising consciousness around food production, seasonality and ultimately the impact it has on our world through farming practices.
LOCATION
STELLENBOSCH, SOUTH AFRICA
The second oldest town in South Africa, Stellenbosch was prized for its rich soil and breathtaking landscapes. Today, that all remains true as Stellenbosch has become known for its stunning and fruitful winelands, its old-world charm and stunning landscapes, and the natural beauty of its mountains and valleys. As we press deeper beyond its colonial history, we know that the land was inhabited by the Khoekhoen, South Africa’s indigenous nomadic pastoralists. This deeply historical land will lend itself as a fertile landscape to mold our experience and explore our understanding of roots, community, and regeneration.
SCHEDULE
DAY I
14:00 Arrival + Check in
-Refreshments-
15:00 Welcoming Circle/Opening (+ Intention Setting)
16:00 Kaiut Yoga Practice
Break*
18:30 Family Dinner
19:30 Fireside Storytelling
DAY II
07:00: Mindful Morning Time + Refreshments
07:30: Kaiut Yoga Practice
08:30-09:15: Breakfast
09:15-10:30: Cedar Coffee Tasting
10:30: Grounding Circle + Community Space
12:30: Lunch
13:30: Collage Workshop with Debbie
16:00: Free time
17:00: Evening Yoga
18:30: Family Dinner
19:30: Music Presentation
DAY III
07:00: Morning hike + meditation at Jonkershoek Nature Reserve
10:30: Free time + decompression
11:00: Kaiut Yoga Practice
12:30: Lunch
13:30: Free time
14:30: Butter-making workshop
17:00: Evening Yoga
18:30: Farewell Family Dinner
19:30: Cacao Ceremony
DAY IV
07:00: Mindful Morning Time + Refreshments
07:30: Morning Kaiut Yoga + Guided Meditation
09:00: Breakfast
10:00 Check out and Goodbyes
*Subject to change
BENEFITS
Community: the nature of this work requires reinforcement and the presence of others not only inspires one’s own growth, but amplifies what is felt, experienced, and seen.
Catharsis: the societal demands and structures within which we are embedded perpetuate a suffocation of our intuition, and create an accumulation of tension in the body and mind. This retreat is meant to provide the tools and space to relieve that pressure valve, safely and supportedly.
Quality Curation: every element of this project was deeply considered and meant to highlight the quality, ingenuity, and wisdom of the South African people. The curation of experiences and people involved all represent deep intentionality and highly effective work, vision, and creations in which we will have the honor of sharing.
Access: the deeply considered traditional rites in which we will take part are curated by experts and cultural practitioners and preservers to create an experience that demonstrates the power of harnessing longstanding cultural traditions in conjunction with the practice of Yoga to create an entirely unique and powerful experience.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
-Daily asana practice for focus and deep listening
-Sunrise pranayama & meditation
-Sunset yoga nidra
-Collective hikes + walks through the landscape
-Optional access to massage therapy
-Local farmer engagement (microdairy)
-Space + time for decompression
-Journal + reflection time
-Ceremonial food
-Fire pit braai for community building
-Daily catered lunch + dinner
-Gifts
WHAT TO BRING
-Yoga mat
-Comfortable clothes for movement
-Bathing suit
-Sun protection
-Toiletries
-Plug adapters
PRICING
NOTE: South African residents, please email contact@juliabiango.com for currency-adjusted rates.
EARLY BIRD PRICING
4 Bedroom Suite: $1650 USD
Large 2 Bedroom Suite: $1850 USD
Regular 2 Bedroom Suite: $1775 USD
REGULAR PRICING
4 Bedroom Suite: $1850 USD
Large 2 Bedroom Suite: $2050 USD
Regular 2 Bedroom Suite: $1975 USD
*EARLY BIRD PRICING ENDS ON AUGUST 31, 2024*
ACCOMMODATION
SARABANDE SUITE (Large 2 Bedroom Suite: $2050 USD)
Sleeps: 2
Bed: King XL
Bathroom: En-suite bath, basin & WC
Extra Amenities: Helderberg Mountain views
VIVA SUITE (Large 2 Bedroom Suite: $2050 USD)
Sleeps: 2
Bed: King XL
Bathroom: En-suite walk-in Shower, basin & WC
Extra Amenities: Pool, garden, Table Mountain views, french doors opening onto terrace
MINELLI SUITE (Large 2 Bedroom Suite: $2050 USD)
Sleeps: 2
Bed: Split King XL
Bathroom: En-suite walk-in Shower, double basin & WC
Extra Amenities: Helderberg Mountain views
VAL DA RA SUITE (Large 2 Bedroom Suite: $2050 USD)
Sleeps: 2
Bed: Split King XL
Bathroom: En-suite walk-in Shower, double basin & WC
Extra Amenities: Helderberg Mountain views
THE COTTAGE SUITE (4 Bedroom Suite: $1850 USD)
Sleeps: 4
Bed: King XL & Split King
Bathroom: En-suite shower, bath, basin & WC
Extra Amenities: Helderberg Mountain, garden, & pool views
VAR SUITE (Regular 2 Bedroom Suite: $1975 USD)
Sleeps: 2
Bed: Split King XL
Bathroom: En-suite walk-in shower, double basin & WC
Extra Amenities: Helderberg Mountain views
ORATIO SUITE (Regular 2 Bedroom Suite: $1975 USD)
Sleeps: 2
Bed: King XL
Bathroom: En-suite shower, basin, & closed WC
Extra Amenities: Tennis court views
TALK OF THE TOWN SUITE (Regular 2 Bedroom Suite: $1975 USD)
Sleeps: 2
Bed: King XL
Bathroom: En-suite walk in shower & basin
Extra Amenities: Horse farm and stables views
THE RETREAT SPACE
AVONTUUR WINE ESTATE
Avontuur Manor House is situated on a wine estate settled in the heart of the Cape Winelands on the slopes of the Helderberg mountain. The historic Cape Dutch Manor House, sleeping up to 20 people, nestles itself beautifully between the pristine pastures and vineyards, while panoramic views of the winelands surround. This villa consists of a tennis court, swimming pool, jacuzzi, immaculate lawns and gardens, 9 private Suites with en-suite bathrooms, a large kitchen, living rooms, and a library.
Right on your doorstep is the Avontuur Restaurant and Tasting Room offering world class dining and wines.The grounds also include horse paddocks, stretches of scenic land for farm walks, a pool pavilion and braai area.
RESERVE YOUR SPOT
Upon booking, a 50% down payment is required. You are welcome to pay the entire total up front or split the outstanding balance into two payments due by January 31, 2025 at the latest.
PAYMENT DETAILS
For U.S. and other international citizens:
Payments can be made on website: juliabiango.com
Or by transfer to a Chase Bank Account
For Direct Deposit/Zelle: Send to julia@juliabiango.com
Please do not hesitate to reach out to me directly for any questions regarding booking.
Feel free to write: contact@juliabiango.com
CANCELLATION POLICY
-In the event of cancellation more than 60 days until the Departure Date, the down payment will be retained by the Organizers and is non-refundable.
-In the event of cancellation within 60 days until departure, the down payment will be retained in addition to a $100 cancellation fee.
-There will be no refund for cancellations with less than 21 days notice.
FAQs
Is accommodation shared or private?
Options for both private or shared rooms will be available. Prices vary for each option and more information can be found on the check out page. Limited spots available for each room type. First in first served.
What if I’m not familiar with yoga?
Yoga and movement sessions will cater to ALL ranges and experience levels. Yoga sessions are held daily, so there will be plenty of time to become familiar with the practices. Julia will be at your disposal, so any questions you have feel free to ask.
Is my plane ticket included?
Airfare is not included.
Which airport should I fly into?
The closest airport is Cape Town International Airport. From the airport you can either hire a car or book a shuttle bus (what most other people will do is carpool with other retreat attendees – you will all be put into a Telegram group to discuss these sorts of things prior to retreat). The retreat location is approximately a 30 minute car ride from the airport.
How do I get to the Retreat location?
Our retreat will be at Avontuur Wine Estate in Stellenbosch, South Africa. You can google the address or website if you’d like more information. And/or closer to the retreat start date the address will be sent in the telegram/group chat.
What should I bring?
As there will be daily yoga classes, comfortable activewear is a must. Also pack some swimmers for the pool, some casual day clothes and maybe a light sweater as well as anything else you would like to pack.
Please bring your own mat, but all other yoga props will be provided for you.
Will there be downtime?
Yes, there will be plenty of time to enjoy the retreat space, relax, unwind, explore around the property or connect with the other attendees.
Do I need a VISA?
Depending on where you are from, you will need to check what your requirements are to enter South Africa.
Can specific dietary requirements be accommodated?
Yes absolutely. Our chefs are exemplary at what they do and are very used to catering to allergies + intolerances. Please let us know if there are any medical allergies you have. All other requirements and preferences can be added to the health-form you will be asked to fill out. All food will already be locally sourced, sustainable, and organic.
Do I need to be vaccinated to enter South Africa?
Please check if the Yellow Fever vaccination is required upon arrival for travelers from your country.
Is there internet/WiFi?
Yes, WIFI will be provided.
