Wellness Retreat – Gugs, Maputaland Coast

“May I have compassion in my heart, clarity in my mind, connection within my body”

We invite you to connect with your body IN nature: to observe, to be still, and to attune to your environment.

On our 4 day ‘wellness’ retreat in the northern reaches of Isimangiliso’s Wetland Park, we will practice restorative Yin and Hatha yoga, enjoy forest bathing, mindful walking, and snorkeling in tropical waters. From November to March, the possibility of seeing turtles is an added attraction.

Gugs – a spacious, beach chic lodge – is the base for our retreats, with delicious plant-based meals and renewable energy, keeping our ecological footprint as light as possible.

For it is in being still in nature, that we begin to appreciate that we are a part of it all, and all of it is a part of us. Instead of being spectators to life, we can choose how we respond to life rather than react to it. And this is our greatest empowerment.

Into nature I go, to lose my mind and find my soul. Anonymous

Trip Duration3 Nights / 4 Days
Daily DistancesWalks from 7-10kms / day
Trail Grading1-2 / 5 - Fitness. We will be practicing gentle, restorative yoga (novices welcome), and mindful walking.1 / 5 - Technicality. Not technical terrain, but soft sand can make it harder going in places.
Trail TerrainTropical Coastline – palm savannah’s, wetlands, coastal dunes and forest, golden miles of sandy beach
AccommodationSpacious, beach chic, environmentally sustainable beach camp. Ensuite wood & canvas bedrooms
Logistic SupportFully-catered, expertly guided, vehicle supported & transfers
Group SizeMin 8 persons and max 14 persons
PricingR8000/pp/sharing

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At a Glance

Feeling stressed, overwhelmed, restless, exhausted or directionless?

These are all good reasons why taking a wellness retreat, may be just what you need.

Wellness travel is a vacation that focuses on putting you first, and it’ll help you return feeling refreshed, and in a better frame of mind. Each retreat will have a specific theme or focal point, but the foundation is the same: to connect you deeply with nature, yourself, and a like-minded community. A benefit of attending a retreat is being able to make new connections and friendships with people who will add positivity to your life.

On this retreat, you are given the chance to eat healthy, practice mindfulness and yoga, and take the time to just be.

All of our retreats take place in beautiful natural environments, where a digital detox is part of the plan.

A wellness or yoga retreat is for everyone. Come as you are. We do not expect you to be able to touch your toes, or even have prior yoga experience, spiritual enlightenment, or zen. Wellness is for everybody, just the way nature intended.

Arrival / Day 1Arrival Day: Self-drive to Manguzi or Gugs
Self-drive to Manguzi parking for 4x4 Transfer into Gugs (approx. 1.5hr) or self-drive into Gugs if you a 4x4 vehicle.
Drink & Snack on arrival
Afternoon: Introductory Yoga Session
Sundowners & Group Introductions and intentions
Dinner under the Stars
Day 2Hatha, Walking, Forest Bathing and Snorkelling
Early morning meditation and Hatha yoga
From 9am - Breakfast under the trees
Walk to Lala Nek (approx. 7km) – with Forest Bathing Session enroute
Snorkelling & Beach time - short introduction to expanding awareness experience
Beach Lunch
Afternoon for your own R&R, and reflections
Dinner
Star Talk (can be rotated with Turtle Tour based on weather)
Day 3Yin Yoga, learning how to 'do the work' & Turtle Walk
Early morning meditation and gentle Yin Yoga
Breakfast
Learning to do The Work - undoing limiting beliefs
Lunch
Hike old Rocktail camp – Lala Nek (7km) / &/or Lala Nek Snorkel option
Dinner at beach – followed by Turtle Tour Walk (weather dependent)
Day 4Integration and Reflection
Last meditation and yoga session
Brunch
11am – Transfer provided back to Manguzi (approx 1.5hr)

Gentle Yin Yoga

Yin Yoga is a slower-paced style of yoga, incorporating asanas that are held for longer periods of time than in other styles

Walking in nature is therapy.

Walking meditation is a beautiful and powerful practice that helps us realign and reconnect to the natural rhythms of our earth. Welcome all present thoughts, emotions, and sensations to be truly felt and recognized.

Gugs Camp is the perfect base for this Coastal Wellness Retreat.

Noted for its’ beautiful morning and afternoon light that shimmers upon the surrounding sea of grass, Gugs camp is located just 4kms inland from the superb snorkelling site of Lala Nek.

The camp has been built from wood, canvas and screed, very much in keeping with the natural environment. The wood and canvas units, each with their own spacious en-suites, comfortable restonic mattresses, and fans that will aide a restorative night’s sleep.

Gugs puts conscious catering at the top of their priorities – serving delicious plant-based, organic and ethically sourced meals. Always.

Gugs CampBuilt in keeping with the natural environmnet - Gugs chalets are spacious and comfortable.

Bean bags and CocktailsGugs has lovely communal lounge areas to enjoy a relaxed sundowner.

How often are these retreats run?
We aim to schedule 1-2 retreats a year, ideally during Turtle Season (Nov - Mar). If you have your own group of 8 or more persons, we can look to organise a private retreat, on your date request.
Do you need to have yoga experience to partake?
Absolutely not. The yoga we'll practice is gentle and opening and like all yoga should be, you do (or dont do) what feels right for you.
What is 'forest bathing'?
Forest bathing and forest therapy (from the Japenese practice 'shinrin-yoku') broadly means taking in, in all of one's senses, the forest atmosphere. Not simply a walk in the woods, it is the conscious and contemplative practice of being immersed in the sights, sounds and smells of the forest.
Is malaria a problem here?
The Kosi Bay area is still classified as an 'intermediate risk' area according to the Health Department but if you ask the lodges they will tell you this is very outdated. I would only take prophylactics if you are a high risk candidate (pregnant, elderly). Almost all of our hikers dont take, and we have never had a case of malaria reported.