30/05/2025
Winter Newsletter
Be/loved winter
What is your work in our lives?
riotous roots woven underground
Reveal secrets in your hidden structure
a season of not blooming.
Here is the fruitful dark
you teach us the necessity
of fallow time
much more is blooming than
we can comprehend.
I feel sure many of you will enjoy this poem by Celeste Snowber. Each year I return to it as the beautiful season of winter comes around again. While the other seasons of the year carry their own messages of wonder, winter is particularly appealing to me. Walking among the fallen leaves of the Temenos garden, I could almost hear the invitation she offers again to partake of its gifts, a time to experience what Celeste describes as ‘the fruitful dark’. What would that mean for cultivating the heart or the shape of one’s soul or the ripening of the senses?
The image of ‘going beneath the blanket’ always comes to mind. Turning inwards to reflect, in stillness, on what has grown, what falling away needs honouring, what needs time and patience to unfold in its own generous way? I hope that you too will take pleasure in your garden of interiority that lies waiting for you this winter. As well as mindfully watching a slow burning log fire - perhaps with your own inner Beloved, or beloveds. Furry ones too.
Warmest greetings,
Billy
For Accommodation at Temenos visit www.temenosretreat.co.za or phone 023 625 1871
2025 Winter Specials and Packages at Temenos
A Solo retreat.
A four days midweek special to take time out to do your own thing and enjoy all that Temenos and McGregor offers at this time of year. Champagne clear days, starry skies, log fire in your cottage. Optional extras include accompanied walks in our nature reserve and healing therapies.
Monday – Friday
R3000
Self-catering Midweek Couples Accommodation.
Four nights’ Accommodation.
Monday – Friday.
R4500 - for two sharing
Romantic Winter Special
Bring your beloved for a Romantic Getaway that includes two – two course dinners, two breakfasts and a bottle of wine in your cottage. Contact Reception to book optional village and nature reserve walks as well as body therapies. The best time of the year to explore all that McGregor has to offer.
Friday - Sunday
R5365 - for two sharing.
A Winter Hike with Friends
Bring your friends for a relaxed weekend in McGregor which includes a guided hike on the beautiful Boesmankloof Trail. Breakfast on Sunday morning included.
R2450 - per person.
Added Special If you invite more than three friends to join you, your accommodation and hike will be free. Minimum 4 pax, : Maximum 8 pax
Long Stay Special
We have had several enquiries for long stays at Temenos. Please contact reception for our specials should you wish to spend an extended time in our village.
Pensioners and Caregivers Rates
Temenos continues to offer packages to our pensioner friends and to those who need a rest from their caregiving duties. Please see our website or phone our Reception at 032 6251 871
