As another year draws to a close, it is difficult for many of us to reflect on the world we inhabit – a world that often seems turbulent, divided and uncertain. At times we may find ourselves easily overwhelmed by the noise and turmoil beyond our immediate horizons. But here at Temenos, we are invited to remind ourselves that another way of being is possible. That our bodies and hearts need rest, that we can see ourselves and others with kinder eyes, and that we can allow the boundaries between traditions, beliefs and cultures to soften thus allowing us to reconnect with the deeper humanity that binds us together.
Here, in a Garden of the Beloved, the story of the nativity sits comfortably alongside the wisdom of other spiritual traditions, united in a shared longing for love, truth and the mystery of the Divine. As the Christmas season unfolds, we are drawn once again to the extraordinary simplicity of the message at its heart: that love comes among us, that light shines in the darkness, and that hope is born in the most unexpected places.
May the spirit of Christmas find a home in each of us. May we continue to tend the gardens of our own hearts, and make space for wonder, generosity, reconciliation and grace.
With love,
Gardener Billy
THE CANDLELIT SPIRAL
Dec 31st: 20h00 – 24h30
For the past 30 years Temenos has offered an alternative way to embrace and celebrate the New Year. Spend quiet time in The Well at Temenos reflecting on the year that has passed. If you wish, put into words and write down, whatever you have carried, whatever has troubled your heart or whatever has weighed upon your spirit. Allow yourself the freedom to acknowledge it, name it and prepare to let it go. Then, make your way to the centre of the Spiral, where you can surrender your written words to the flames – a symbolic act of release, allowing the fire to become an agent of transformation. With a lighter heart and a renewed spirit, follow the beautiful, candlelit pathway into 2027.
(Pen and paper provided. Please use the gate at our reception if you are an outside visitor)
Temenos Festive Packages
Pre Festive special – December 7th to 20th
Ease into the festive season. Come and enjoy the charming holiday atmosphere of our beautiful village. During your stay, guided village and nature walks, body therapies and a table at our popular village quiz can be arranged. Four nights for the price of three
Christmas Accommodation at Temenos 23rd – 27th December
Package includes Breakfasts and Christmas Eve Dinner.
R5350 pp sharing R5700 single
New Year Accommodation at Temenos
Any four nights in January
Recover from the Festive Season in our gardens of tranquillity or start off the New Year with your own solo retreat. Yoga, Therapies and guided nature walks available. Bed and Breakfast included. R4800 for your cottage
‘Spring does not hurry. It simply opens to What is coming’.
Many of the guests, who have recently made return visits to Temenos, often share with me their amazement at how our garden, once a barren piece of veld, has transformed into a lush wooded sanctuary. Certainly something to celebrate as we approach our thirtieth anniversary. Stepping back in time to its early, simple beginnings, I could never have imagined how its beauty and its ambience would unfold.
And here is spring, yet again. New beginnings, new hopes, new energy. A time to once again celebrate our grateful hearts that have navigated many seasons.
September and October are often considered the most beautiful months in McGregor. Not only are the garden themselves bursting into new life, but the surrounding valleys and hills are about to put on their breath-taking display of wild flowers. If you are a nature lover and can’t get to Namaqualand this year, you will nonetheless be rewarded beyond your imagination. For those who enjoy hiking in our reserves and may be on your own, we have the added bonus of providing you with a guide. Take advantage of our midweek special and celebrate a season of renewal. We are all made for new beginnings.
Love, Billy
Celebrating Spring
“Come and enjoy the beauty of spring in McGregor”
Midweek breakaway
• Four night’s accommodation
• Breakfast included
• Two morning yoga classes
• Guided village and reserve walk
• Bottle of MCC on arrival
Single Was R5810 – NOW R4850
Sharing: was R10500 – NOW R8600
Solo Retreat
Many guests who come to Temenos enjoy embracing the freedom and simplicity of an unstructured retreat,
Take time out for yourself to enjoy the stillness and beauty of our gardens, as well as indulging in Yoga, body therapies and guided village walks. We also have a variety of counselling and alternative therapies available should you feel the need for additional and supportive soul companionship.
Four nights’ Accommodation
Monday – Friday.
R4400 (Including breakfast)
Romantic weekend getaway
Bring your beloved and enjoy a relaxed weekend in our picturesque and tranquil village. Accommodation special includes: Breakfast and Sunday night free.
R5510
Our Regular Pensioner Special
We once again welcome our Winter Pensioners special from Monday night to Thursday night. Stay for 4 nights and pay for 3
Still waters
A retreat for Caregivers. Temenos continues welcomes men and women in caregiving capacities, ministry or social services who often cannot afford to take a rest away from their place of work. Come and rest and restore yourself in tranquil surroundings.
For those, in challenging circumstances, in need of a longer period of rest and renewal please contact reception. Email address: reception@temenosretreat.co.za
TEMENOS WELLNESS EXPERIENCE
Calm the mind and relax and restore the body.
11th and 12th September
18th and 19th September
16th and 17th October
23rd and 24th October
Indulge yourself in the wake of spring and enjoy a weekend of wellness including yoga, a guided walk and a full body ritual which combines a guided meditation, flowing body massage, a scalp massage and the healing vibrations of Tibetan sound bowls. Nurture yourself before the spring.
R3740 pp (Advanced booking essential)
Up-coming Retreats / Events
McGregor Whisky weekend – Master Class
12th September 16:30 @ Caritas, Temonos Retreat & 12 September 18:30
Book your accommodation and take the opportunity to taste 60 distinctive whiskies available from our esteemed exhibitors, you’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in a world of flavours and aromas.
Discover the difference between American and Scottish whisky in the Masterclass presented by The Really Great Brand Company – Friday 12 September 16:30 at Caritas
Discovering the difference between peated and non-peated single malt Scotch whisky in the Masterclass presented by The Really Great Brand Company – Friday 12th September 18:30 @ Caritas
The fabulous Tania Bownes returns to Temenos, guiding you through a time to share the joy of music and movement through Nia. During this popular retreat you will have time to laugh, to celebrate life and to embrace the joy of human sound. The retreat includes:
Gentle yoga
Time to relax and unwind
Time to walk the labyrinth and enjoy being in the stillness of the great mystery
A midsummer writing immersion in McGregor with Sarah Bullen
Join dynamic and inspirational writing coach and literary agent Sarah Bullen on a week-long adventure into writing in midsummer. Allow yourself some time and space to explore and settle into your writing craft.
Writers of many different levels come on these retreats. Some participants are starting a book and need more guidance, others are working on the their 2nd or 3rd books. Still other writers join to journal or write poetry. Academic writers are also welcome. Each writer will get a personal plan to focus on your individual project and work on your writing plans and material.
RETREAT: Courageous & Joyful New Beginnings with Sue Cooper
Open the Heart & Still the Mind weekend retreat: Join the exceptionally gifted Sue Cooper as she guides you through exploring ways in which we can discover the courage within ourselves to live wholeheartedly and authentically, especially embrace mindfulness through times of change and transition. The retreat offers an optional 3rd night for a deeper immersion, ending with breakfast on Monday morning.
