Beyond delightfully lazy lunches, wine tasting, and let’s not forget the mountain views, lies a gentle, and mindful Stanford. With retreat centres, holistic practitioners, and a fair handful of yoga teachers, there’s more than gables and verandas in this historic town. Take a deeper look at Stanford’s soulful side –

Start the New Year in a relaxed and gentle way. Stay in Stanford for the weekend and enjoy an array of therapies: facials, massage, bio-energetic balance, Reiki, Colour Mirrors therapy using beautiful colour bottles, or a range of treatments from Mosaic Rain Spa. Join a yoga class or have a one-on-one session with one of our experienced teachers: Leli Hoch, Tasha Saha and Viv von der Heyden. Visit Laughing Waters Farm for a workshop on horse-inspired insight coaching or personalised growth. Go for a walk in the very special Platbos Forest and see the trees that inspired the Platbos tree essences and mists.

Stanford is a hub of activity for body and mind manufacturers. It is home to Melissa Krige, manufacturer of African Tree Essences and African Tree Mists. Colour Mirror bottles are made here by Melissie Jolly, as well as Mioja organic and holistic body and face products made by Tasha Saha. Not to mention Antjies Natural Handmades which are made with water from the mountains and locally sourced products. Owner, Nicolene Gericke, supports job creation by employing locals in the community.

Stanford must have good energy because we have three retreat centres nearby. Check out their websites for a scheduled retreat or create your own self-retreat: Bodhi Khaya Retreat runs a number of retreats and workshops throughout the year. Nestled on a 220 hectare farm, Hearth & Soul offers retreat, accommodation and workshop facilities, as well as a self-catering Eco Barn.  Platbos also offers retreats in the beautiful indigenous Milkwood forest to restore body and mind:

*Please do call ahead first to check availability for therapies, walks and tours.