"To retreat is to take a moment in time from the hustle and bustle of life.”

Are you looking to jump start a new health and fitness routine or simply take a break from the demands of life? Then look no further. Th Wellness in the Overberg retreat offers you an opportunity to relax and recharge in the countryside.

This retreat experience is brought to you by COKA - Essentially Overberg, a partnership between Colleen Goosen and Karin Duncker. Both Colleen and Karen carefully select Overberg specialities and having lived in Greyton for a number of years, both run successful BnB’s.  Karin has a marketing and public relations background in travel and aviation and  is currently a tour guide for incoming German speaking tourists.  She also runs a small business sourcing nuts and dried fruit to sell at the Greyton village market.

Colleen specialises in book design and has always had a keen interest in essential oils,  their properties and their fragrances. Her products are in gift shops and beauticians in the area. A little while ago we visited Elandskloof while supplying a wedding with bathroom  amenities and gift packs and discovered a hidden gem lying beneath  those impressive Riviersonderend mountains. 

It was at this time that they realised what an idyllic place it would be for this - as it is remote and secluded - a magical place for an exhilarating country retreat. Just a 90 minutes away from the city it lies between Villiersdorp and Greyton. The accommodation is in a group of well-appointed self-catering cottages high up on a hill overlooking the valley in private en-suite bedrooms.

During this Wellness Retreat you will experience a meditative afternoon with Greytonian artist Gabby van Heerden focussing on the drawing of Mandalas.

This art type is a form of meditation that involves creating a circular design. It can be simple or complex ad can be created using a variety of materials such as paint, coloured pencils or even items found in nature. The act of creating this repeat pattern helps focus the attention while calming the mind.

Circles are powerful shapes that have been used in many cultures throughout history. In ancient times the circle was used as a symbol of the sun which was seen as a source of life and energy. Still today in many cultures the circle is a symbol of unity and wholeness.

Another highlight of this retreat is a workshop on  Essential Oils where you will make your own scented, therapeutic spritzer. Colleen will discuss the natural remedies that nature provides that have been used for centuries and are still of great importance today.

Highly concentrated these oils are used in aromatherapy, massage and other  alternative therapies - always diluted with carrier oils. A fascinating aspect is the fragrance wheel which is used to categorise and to aid  in making uniquely scented blends from these magical oils.  You will discuss and sample the fragrances to create an understanding  for making a blend for diffusers, spritzers or candle purposes.  It is important to consider the intended use for example to relax, to focus or excite. 

You will then each make a spritzer and a soy candle using a blend of your choice.