Bliss & Stars

Unhook yourself from the outer world and focus on your wellness at this elegant South African retreat.

Nestled in the calming arms of South Africa’s Cederberg Mountains, Bliss & Stars offers a luxurious and rejuvenating way to experience the wilderness and reconnect with your inner self. Rocky terrain and star-infused skies are all that surround the resort so the call to slow down and appreciate the intricacies of nature is strong.

Delicately constructed to respect the surrounding mountains, Bliss & Stars fuses meditation, movement, gastronomy and astronomy to provide all-encompassing nourishment and wellness for all guests. The retreat consists of chalets and tented chalets tucked unassumingly into the rocks, carefully designed to fuse Nordic minimalism with the light and expansiveness of South African wilderness. Founded as the ultimate antidote to hustle and burnout, Bliss & Stars encourages guests to appreciate the power of nature and being in the present.

Amenities at Bliss & Stars

3 luxury chalet suites & 2 elegant tented chalet suites furnished with natural Coco-Mat king-size beds

Observatory equipped with powerful telescopes for gazing at the stars, Saturn’s rings and the moon’s craters

Diffusers in each suite to offer the benefits of aromatherapy

Private outdoor decks with panoramic views, perfect for stargazing

Seasonal, plant-based menus with foods sourced from local farmers

Handmade, 100% natural and biodegradable toiletries

What to know about Bliss & Stars

hotel address

Cederberg Mountains, South Africa

closest airport

Cape Town International Airport

from airport

4.5 hour drive

About the Location

Not far from cultural Cape Town, Bliss & Stars spans 1,350 hectares and sits in a valley surrounded by the Cederberg Mountains, on the banks of the Doring River. There is full privacy and zero distractions from the outside world in this peaceful area of rocky and luminous South African wilderness.

Highlights & Activities

Spot stars and planets while learning the ways of astronomy

With a pristine sky, stargazing and planet spotting are the perfect way to welcome the night. Bliss & Stars has powerful telescopes for you to spot the rings of Saturn and craters on the moon. Beyond gazing in wonder at the stars, the retreat offers the opportunity to learn the intricate ways of astronomy.

Engage in mindfulness for an enduring sense of calm

Foster a permanent sense of stillness and satisfaction with mindfulness coaching, mindfulness movement and by engaging in the benefits of mindfulness tools so that even after leaving the retreat, you will be fully equipped to connect with yourself and bask in the simplicity of life on a daily basis.

Hike among ancient rock formations and indigenous rock art

Hike in the majestic Cederberg Mountains, awe at ancient rock formations and experience the unique beauty of rock art created by the Khoisan people indigenous to the mountains. The rock art dates back thousands of years, bringing into stark perspective how important it is to switch off, respect the local environment and always be present.

Forage & Dine for the ultimate farm-to-table meal

Experience the true satisfaction that comes from farm-to-table dining with the Forage & Dine experience. Set out to pick your own salad and learn about the nutritional benefits of various plants before indulging in a revitalizing plant-based meal prepared with the seasonal and locally sourced produce handpicked by you.

Watch the sun set and the stars rise from your private deck

Each chalet includes its own private deck, the perfect spot for sipping on some nourishing rooibos tea while taking in the sky’s changing colors from dusk to starlight.

Founded with a deep respect for its surrounding mountain range, rivers and rock formations, Bliss & Stars honors life in the South African bush and the local community to whom the land belongs.

Carefully constructed to respect the land and a safe distance from the nearby river, Bliss & Stars makes a conscious effort to build using rock and sand that are collected from the property itself. 100% of energy is solar-powered and all water used is from a natural spring. No trails were specifically created for hiking through the land; all hikes follow the paths that animals have already carved out. Thanks to restorative practices including irrigation using wastewater, the retreat has seen local flora flourish after long suffering from drought.

Set in an entirely remote location, tucked in the South African bush, Bliss & Stars is committed to respecting its surroundings by using natural materials created by South African artisans. The retreat’s chalets and tented chalets redefine bush luxury, with each space and experience carefully considered to immerse guests in the majesty of the Cederberg Mountains without compromising comfort. The remote location is free from outside sound and light pollution, so guests receive unparalleled peace and calm.

Aware that not everyone can afford a retreat and escape to their pristine wilderness but wanting to share the benefits of nourishment and restoration with as many people as possible, Bliss & Stars has a bursary program that makes retreats available to everyone regardless of their financial status. 5% of proceeds are allocated to the bursary program. Those hoping to gain a bursary can apply for the program on the Bliss & Stars website.

Careful to restore and regenerate the local environment, Bliss & Stars makes the effort to fish out invasive species from the river to help the positive circularity of the local ecosystem. The wood used for fire to keep guests warm at night is also sourced exclusively from invasive species.

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Hotel Location

Bliss & Stars

Hotel Address

Cederberg Mountains, South Africa

Closest Airport

Cape Town International Airport

Travel Time From Airport

4.5 hour drive

RT+ Membership Perks

Receive $99 travel credit towards a 3-night minimum stay on a group/scheduled retreat or $299 travel credit toward a 3-night minimum stay when booking a private retreat

– Private session with one of the owners (astrophotographer) where you will hear about the importance of the night sky for our well-being, be taken on the journey through the cosmic landscape and the beginnings of the universe, get introduced to astrophotography and will have a private night photography session (weather permitting)
– Private 1:1 somatic stress release session with one of the owners (meditation teacher)
– One of our ritual boxes (Rest, Thrive, or Bliss) – clean, non-toxic Bliss & Stars skincare line