What you will experience
“Love is the extremely difficult realization that something other than oneself is real.”
— Iris Murdoch
What to ExpectThe retreat is designed as a guided, progressive process. Over the duration of the retreat, each part builds on the previous one, helping couples develop a deeper understanding of how their particular attachment styles create rigid patterns of engagement. Once that self-feeding pattern is identified and understood, engaging with one another in a more productive and honest manner can start.
❋ Understanding What Lies BeneathRelationship distress is generally deeper than “communication problems.” What lies beneath the surface, unspoken emotions, fears, and needs, most often lies at the heart of the dilemma. The retreat stresses the potential of these disconnected and unexpressed emotions to sabotage a relationship, and the location, naming, and reflection of these vulnerabilities as the only strategy to prevent that otherwise inevitable outcome.
❋ Slowing Down and ConnectingGuided conversations and experiential exercises teach couples to slow down the normal rush of emotional reactions so as to locate and name the vulnerable, underlying feelings and needs as well as to communicate them more tenderly, accurately, and persuasively. This creates the conditions for partners to begin to see and hear each other’s differing realities, in a way they might never have been able to do before.
❋ Repair and ChangeThe hallmark of a healthy relationship is not the absence of disagreements or even fights, but rather how the reconciliation is handled, what psychologists term rupture and repair. This vital relational element is woven into every aspect of our learning and is ultimately the most important skill you could walk away with.
❋ Space to ReflectAlongside the structured sessions, the retreat includes time for reflection, creative exercises, and engagement with the natural environment, offering a different kind of space in which couples can reconnect.
Reconnect with your body and mind as you escape the noise of everyday life.A Different Kind of Experience
Guided Relationship Work
Structured conversations help couples slow down difficult moments, uncover the emotional patterns beneath conflict, and practice expressing vulnerability rather than defense. This forms the core of the relational work.
Equine-Based Experiences
Horses respond immediately to emotional presence, tension, and trust. Working alongside them allows couples to see their relational patterns reflected clearly — often without the need for lengthy discussion or analysis.
Nature Walks and a Braai Under the Karoo Sky
Shared meals around the warmth of a fire create a relaxed atmosphere where couples can slow down, enjoy the stillness of the Karoo night, and experience quiet companionship with others on a similar journey.
Retreat Schedule
Hoek van die Berg, Anysberg — Thursday 24 – Sunday 27 September
Day 1 · Thursday — Arrival
Afternoon: Arrival & check-in
Late afternoon: Welcome circle & icebreaker
Evening: Attachment styles — video & group discussion
Dinner
Day 2 · Friday
Early morning: Guided nature walk
Breakfast
09:00 — Feelings & Unmet Needs
Tea break
11:00 — Equestrian Join-Up
Lunch
13:30 — Automatic Writing
Free time / rest
Dinner
Day 3 · Saturday
Early morning: Guided nature walk
Breakfast
09:00 — Art Activity
Tea break
Free time / rest
Lunch
13:30 — Imago Dialogue
Evening: Campfire & connection time
Day 4 · Sunday — Departure
Early morning: Guided nature walk
Breakfast
09:00 — Holding Truth Together
Closing circle
Lunch
Afternoon: Departure
Logistical Information:-
Participants are responsible for their own travel arrangements to and from the venue.
Detailed directions and arrival information will be provided upon booking. We recommend arriving with sufficient time to settle in before the retreat begins.
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Arrival from 10:00 AM on day 1. Program begins at 2:00 PM. Departure by 10:00 AM on day 4.
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The retreat runs over 3 nights, allowing sufficient time to settle into the process, engage meaningfully, and begin integrating the work.
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Comfortable, casual clothing
Walking shoes
A jacket for cooler evenings
Personal items and toiletries
A notebook (optional, for reflection)
The emphasis is on comfort rather than formality.
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All meals are provided for the duration of the retreat (excluding beverages).
Accommodation is included, with the option to upgrade to a private mountain house (subject to availability)