Lightly – A House of Yoga Retreat
Find a Lighter, Easier Way to Be This Autumn
Join us for our annual House of Yoga retreat this year at The Blue Butterfly, nestled within the spectacular Welbedacht Game & Nature Reserve in the Tulbagh Valley. This serene escape invites you to release the burdens of daily life and embrace a renewed sense of lightness and presence.
In the gentle cocoon of nature, and through mindful yoga and movement, meditation, discussion and contemplation, we’ll explore how to release heaviness from the body, honour our emotions without being overwhelmed by them, let go of unhelpful narratives and thought patterns, and create space to move forward unburdened.
This weekend retreat offers the perfect opportunity to step away from routine and the distractions of the day-to-day, providing the time and space to gain fresh perspectives. As we reconnect with our authentic selves, we’ll cultivate a deeper awareness and lightness that not only enriches our own lives but also enhances our connections with those around us.
Return home feeling lighter, more present, and empowered to live with greater ease and to foster meaningful, mindful relationships with yourself and in every area of your life.
WHERE
Our Autumn retreat will take place at The Blue Butterfly retreat venue tucked away amongst trees, fynbos and wildflowers within the beautiful landscapes of the Welbedacht Game & Nature Reserve, about 1.5hrs drive from Cape Town.
WHEN
Friday 30 May (check in from 15h00) to Sunday 1 June 2025 (check out by 12h00)
WHAT’S INCLUDED
~ 2 x night’s accommodation (sharing or private) in cosy, charming lodgings in the serene gardens of The Blue Butterfly. All rooms are ensuite.
~ A specially-designed schedule of mindful practises (accessible to all levels of practitioner) – including daily yoga, breath work, yoga nidra, meditation and interactive discussion
~ A nourishing, delicious daily vegetarian menu of brunch, healthy snacks and dinner (meals can be tailored to suit an individual’s dietary requirements)
You will also have plenty of free time to do whatever your heart desires. Our venue offers sprawling gardens, spectacular valley views, majestic surrounding mountains, wild and beautiful landscapes to explore and tranquil spaces for roaming or resting, including a unique labyrinth
COST
~ Enjoy a double/twin ensuite room by yourself: R7,500 per person EARLY BIRD SPECIAL (until 28 February 2025): R6,900 per person
~ Share with a partner / friend / stranger in a spacious double or twin ensuite room: R6,500 per person EARLY BIRD SPECIAL (until 28 February 2025): R5,900 per person
~ Share with 2 or 3 friends in a spacious Loft Room for up to 4 people (2 x rooms available): R5,500 per person EARLY BIRD SPECIAL (until 28 February 2025): R4,900 per person
Please note: Cost does not include transport to and from the venue.
To secure your spot at the EARLY BIRD rate, we kindly request a 50% deposit with the balance payable by 28 February 2025.
TO BOOK
Contact Leigh at leigh@houseofyoga.co.za
ABOUT YOUR HOSTS
Leigh
For me, every time we step onto our mats, we begin a journey – a journey home to ourselves. Yoga is a philosophy and practice for living. It’s about celebrating the adventure of life, being human, our uniqueness, but also our connection to all things.
Coming from a background in dance, I’ve always found joy and expression through movement. But it was yoga that really taught me to listen in and to feel. To move the body in a conscious way, and to reawaken my breath. To embrace not only strength and resilience, but also stillness, quiet and surrender. To become present to, and to welcome myself, fully and deeply.
After over a decade in the corporate world in London and the renewable energy sector in Cape Town, I was fortunate to found House of Yoga in 2018 – an urban sanctuary in Claremont, Cape Town where people from all walks of life can explore the gifts of yoga.
I am a registered experienced 500hr Teacher with Yoga Alliance (E-RYT500) and have practiced yoga for 20 years. I love interweaving the teachings from the various styles I have explored (including Hatha, Iyengar, Vinyasa, Scaravelli, Ashtanga, Yin & Restorative) in my classes.
Through movement, breath work, meditation and philosophy, I am passionate about sharing with others what the practice has gifted me: tools to navigate life with presence, to manage stress and anxiety, and to heal the relationship with self.
Dom
Hello! I’m Dom Catto, and yoga has been a transformative part of my life for nearly 18 years. From the moment I first stepped onto a yoga mat during a challenging period in my life, I fell in love with the practice and allowed it to guide my journey ever since.
Over the years, I’ve trained under some truly remarkable teachers and completed two Vinyasa teacher trainings, which solidified my dedication and expertise in the craft of yoga. My professional growth reached a significant milestone when I graduated from the prestigious Jivamukti Teacher Training in New York. Additionally, my commitment to holistic health and wellness practices led me to undertake a Yoga Therapy training in Nasik, Maharashtra, India.
My favourite aspect of these practices is how they have reintroduced me to myself. Yoga has allowed me to know my body and mind deeply and intimately. It has guided me on a path of kindness, compassion, and respect for myself and others. We are all trying to figure out this life together, and yoga has taught me how to be unapologetically ME.
Today, I reside in McGregor, South Africa — a well-known retreat destination that attracts wellness seekers and those looking for deeper spiritual connections. Here, I continue to share the transformative power of yoga with both residents and visitors to the village.
I am incredibly grateful for this journey and look forward to connecting with more souls passionate about yoga.
WHAT SOME OF OUR PREVIOUS GUESTS HAVE SAID ABOUT OUR RETREATS
“I am so grateful for the joy and serenity these retreats bring me every time, they have a cumulative effect on my wellbeing and spiritual growth.”
“A splendid break from the busy world and a chance to go inwards, tap into the wisdom of the body and think about how we shape our lives in an atmosphere of acceptance and warmth.”
“This retreat exceeded all my expectations. It struck the perfect balance of classes, reflections, and free time, making the experience both enriching and relaxing. Meeting different people and hearing their stories and walks of life added a special, personal touch. Overall, it felt like a rejuvenating weekend away, filled with memorable highlights. I’m looking forward to the next one.”
“Serenity, growth, magical.”
TERMS & CONDITIONS
Bookings
In order for your booking to be considered definite, a 50% deposit is due from you.
The balance of payment is due by the last day of the month preceding the month in which the retreat takes place (i.e. by 30 April 2025).
To take advantage of the Early Bird Special, the full amount must be settled by 28 February 2025.
Cancellations
If it is necessary to cancel a registration for a retreat, please provide as much advance notice as possible so that we can offer the available space to another retreat guest. Registration fees cannot be transferred to another retreat.
Cancellation will take effect the day written notification of a cancellation request is received by us.
If a cancellation request is received between thirty (30) days and fourteen (14) days prior to the start of a retreat, 50% of the retreat cost will be refunded.
If a cancellation request is received less than fourteen (14) days prior to the start of a retreat, we regret that none of the retreat cost will be refunded.
No refund will be given if a retreat guest leaves early or arrives late. Out of consideration for others on the waiting list, please make a commitment to attend the entire retreat.
