Temenos Retreat in McGregor

17/03/2026

Easter Newsletter

Across the world and across traditions, human beings share a deep intuition: that life moves through darkness toward light, through loss toward renewal. We observe it in the turning of the seasons, in the quiet miracle of seeds breaking open beneath the earth, and in the resilience of the human spirit after suffering.

Easter, in the Christian tradition, speaks profoundly into this universal mystery.

At its heart is a paradox: that which appears to be defeat may become transformation. The story moves from the silence of the tomb to the astonishment of new life. For Christians, this is the resurrection of Christ; yet it touches something that many spiritual traditions recognize – that life is not finally contained by death, and that the divine works most powerfully in hidden ways.

Jewish tradition speaks of hope that persists even in exile and suffering. For Sufi Poets the Beloved is One who continually brings life from what seems lifeless. In Hindu and Buddhist thought, the universe itself moves through cycles of dissolution and renewal, while indigenous wisdom traditions remind us that death and life belong to one sacred rhythm within creation.

The Easter season invites us into that rhythm. It does not deny the reality of suffering. The cross stands as a stark acknowledgment of injustice, pain and the vulnerability of human life; Yet the resurrection whispers that love is deeper than violence, that mercy outlasts cruelty, and that the Divine presence is never absent from the darkest night. For those who embrace a more contemplative approach to life, Easter can be experienced less as a doctrine to explain and more as a mystery to enter. It invites us to gentle questions: In a turbulent world, the season’s blessing offered with humility to people of all faiths and none, may simply be this:
That the deepest truth of the universe is not despair but renewal
That love is stronger than death
And that in the quietest garden, at the break of an ordinary dawn, new life is already beginning.

With love,
Billy

READ MORE: https://zc.vg/5PjhC?m=0

01/03/2026

Our Groundsman Grant has decided to persue his career in Nature Reserve. We thank Grant for all his years of excellent service at Temenos and wish him well in his new career.
Temenos is looking for a full time garden supervisor and general maintenence person.
Please email your CV to: reception@temenosretreat.co.za

19/02/2026

There are seasons when the soul needs silence. This Lent, step away from the noise and enter a week shaped by stillness, prayer, and gentle rhythm at Temenos Retreat in McGregor.

From 23–27 March, the gardens close to the public and open to retreat guests seeking depth, reflection, and renewal. Optional yoga, silent meditation, and spiritual companionship are available throughout the week. Whether you are observing Lent traditionally or simply longing for quiet, this is a space to listen more deeply.

Book directly via reception@temenosretreat.co.za or call +27 (0)23 625 1871.

Temenos is the perfect place to ‘turn away from it all’. Should you need some quiet time or would like to work quietly, or just need to take it easy, our gardens are ready to welcome you. Our cottages are all private and secluded and there is plenty of fresh air in our expansive gardens. You may...

18/02/2026

12/02/2026

09/02/2026

February Newsletter

Often, while walking through the gardens of Temenos, I am reminded of old Oom Jan, one of faithful gardeners who used to share his homegrown wisdom while leaning over a spade, or having a smoke break. One particular morning, with a rather serious look, he exclaimed that finally he had ‘worked out’ what Temenos was all about... READ MORE: https://zc.vg/wAMc9?m=0

FEBRUARY NEWSLETTER

14/01/2026

Seasonal Accommodation packages and specials

Facilitators 2026 special.
Temenos offers a great venue for your retreat or small conference. We have several spaces reserved for meditation, a conference library as well as optional Yoga, Tait chi and body therapies. For any facilitator running a retreat or workshop with six or more participants, your accommodation will be free of charge.
For facilitator special contact reception@temenosretreat.co.za

VALENTINE’S ROMANTIC GETAWAY.
February 13th to 15th
Bring your Beloved for a romantic weekend. Including al fresco romantic Italian dinner under our starry skies.
R4850 for two sharing (Includes Valentine dinner)

Solo retreats.
The gardens of Temenos are the perfect place to make your own private retreat. Our staff will happily arrange Yoga, Guided meditation, body therapies and accompanied country walks and hikes.
R3600

Long Stay specials.
Due to popular demand, we are once again offering our long stay specials for those of our guests who wish to avail themselves of a gentle holiday in the country, and at Temenos.
For long stays contact reception@temenosretreat.co.za

A HIKE TO THE WATERFALLS – Minimum four people
Enjoy a guided hike on the Boesmanskloof trail, bring along 3 friends and get your accommodation free. Enjoy a Il Piccolo breakfast pack in your cottage before your adventurous hike to the waterfalls. Hikers are invited to bring swimsuits to enjoy plunging into the waterfall pool at the summit of your adventure.
R2900 per person (Includes two night’s accommodation, breakfast pack and a guided hike to the waterfalls)

Our Regular Pensioner Special
We once again welcome our Pensioners from Monday night to Thursday night. Stay for 4 nights and pay for 3

CAREGIVER’S SPECIAL
A retreat for Caregivers. Temenos welcomes men and women in caregiving capacities, ministry or social services who often cannot afford to take a rest away from their place of work. Come and rest and restore yourself in tranquil surroundings. Stay 4 weekday nights and only pay for 3.
For those, in challenging circumstances and in need of a longer period of rest and renewal please contact reception. Email address: reception@temenosretreat.co.za

Upcoming Retreats and workshops

Open the Heart and Still the Mind – With Sue Cooper (Dates to be announced) sue.stillmind@gmail.com
Deeply transformative Open the Heart and Still the Mind retreats which cultivate self-compassion, mindfulness & loving-kindness (Metta)

By restful Waters:
May 4th to 8th Monday to Friday - Contact reception@temenosretreat.co.za
A gentle, silent retreat deepening our prayer life. For these quiet days together, we will draw on the wisdom of St Teresa of Avila and St John of the Cross. Join me for the deep and wonderful adventure in prayer.
Vegetarian menu available.
R4950 per person

31/12/2025

Walking the Spiral – Temenos gardens – 20h00 – 00h30 The SPIRAL OF PEACE

This year, for the first time in our 27-year-old tradition, we will be focusing on a SPIRAL OF PEACE. As all the major faith paths are honored within the Spiral Garden, it seems appropriate, given the turbulent times we are facing, to set aside time, at the beginning of a 2026 to pray for, and to hold an intention for peace and goodwill among us all.
You are invited to walk the candlelit way to THE WELL where you are welcome, not only reflect on this passing year, but also to write a few words expressing the peace you desire for yourself, or for others, or for our beautiful, but embattled, planet and all her creatures.
You may then walk to the centre of the spiral, where you may consign your written intentions to the transforming symbol of fire. Fire gives light to the darkness and, on this evening at Temenos, will be in itself a prayer for light, truth and illumination.
May all beings be free from suffering
May all beings be at peace

22/12/2025

CHRISTMAS at TEMENOS
The Little Way 9h00
For those wishing to celebrate the true wonder of Christmas, there will be a prayerful time of reflection and meditation in our garden chapel.
All are welcome. Please use the side gate next to the Temenos Reception.

NEW YEAR
The Spiral at Temenos 20h00 – 00h30
All are welcome. Please use the side gate next to the Temenos Reception
This year, for the first time in our 27-year-old tradition, we will be offering a PEACE SPIRAL. As all the major faith paths are honored within the Spiral Garden, it seems appropriate, given the turbulent times we are facing, to set aside time at the beginning of 2026 to pray for, and to hold, an intention for peace and goodwill among us all.
You are invited to walk the candlelit way to THE WELL where you are welcome, not only to reflect on this passing year, but also to write a few words expressing the peace you desire for yourself, or for others, or for our beautiful, but embattled, planet and all her creatures.
You may then walk to the centre of the spiral, where you may consign your written intentions to the transforming symbol of fire. Fire gives light to the darkness and, on this evening at Temenos, will be in itself a prayer for light, truth and illumination.
All are welcome. Please use the side gate next to the Temenos Reception.
May all beings be free from suffering
May all beings be at peace

27/11/2025

December Newsletter

Dear friends,
Do any of you remember the movie, Awakenings? Robert De Niro plays the role of a patient who, for thirty years, does not move or speak. A particularly sensitive and enterprising doctor decides to try out some new theories, and lo and behold, the patient begins to move around, talk and feel. For a brief period, he returns to this world, and announces to all around him that he is back.
‘I have been away for quite some time, and now I have returned”. Gradually he becomes aware of the love and concern that surrounds him, and what is real and alive in his soul.
Over the last 25 years I have encouraged many guests that it is never too late to wake up. Morning is when we wake up, Advent is a great time to wake up. To wake up to new hope, to wake up and find, that in spite of all the negative news that all too frequently bombards us, the Beloved is present in one’s life and in one’s heart.
If one follows a Christian Path it is also time to open that heart so as to clear all the busyness that makes no room for the birth of the Christ child and the Beloved’s presence in our lives.
Irrespective though of your own personal beliefs, we have come to a time of year where we are invited to become more aware of what exactly keep us very busy with so many things?
We can pause too and ponder if we have neglected our Spiritual Practice or that part of us that hopes for, and can invite, stillness and peace.

Wishing you a heartening Advent
With, Love
Billy the Gardener

Read More at:

DECEMBER NEWSLETTER

13/10/2025

October Newsletter

What delight awaited our judges as they read the entries to our first year’s competition. Visitors and guest were invited to write the first line of a love story that begun at Temenos. I would have liked to share more entries than space allows but here are just a few for you to enjoy.

Destiny is when two people are on a path leading to one another without having any idea of what is about to happen! Elizabeth Stewart

In the stillness of the chapel, with only the scent of wild lavender and candle smoke, their souls recognized what they had yet to name. Diedre Taylor

She followed the peacock down the gravel path, and when the bird turned right heading for the candle flickering in the window sill, she followed and sat herself down quietly next to the shoes at the door, waiting for the moment when it would open, and their eyes would meet. Carla Hoffman

She came for the silence but stayed on to watch the man dancing barefoot in the herb garden. Danette Kotze

She arrived at Temenos with a suitcase full of silence, searching for nothing and everything, unaware that love was already waiting on the garden path heading towards he.r Liesber Krisatfor

I watch him enter the labyrinth and after a decent interval I follow, my heart beating faster than my footsteps as I flow and ebb, and ebb and flow, nearer to him and apart, until he is at the centre and, with a smile, makes space for me. Sue Woodward

Hopefully, in next year’s competition we will consider offering more prizes, but the winner for this year is Michael Brownie who wins………………………….
READ MORE AT:

OCTOBER NEWSLETTER

01/09/2025

Spring greetings from The Garden of the Beloved

‘Walk slowly, breathe deeply, listen closely. For in the wonder of spring, heaven leans near, and the soul remembers its first joy’

Read our Spring Newsletter at the following link:

SPRING NEWSLETTER