In the relentless pace of everyday life we often forget our capacity to embrace simplicity and stillness. Our beautiful gardens have been designed to honor and renew the practice of mindfulness, contemplation and the quiet embrace of the present moment.
A place apart
The name
Temenos is a Greek word meaning ‘a sacred space’. However there was in ancient Athens a temple to Gaia, the earth mother, called Temenos. At a certain point in its history an earthquake occurred and a crack appeared in the centre of the building revealing a well.
People came from all across the known world for healing by casting honey cakes into the waters. What was remarkable about this temple was that no one was ever excluded from entering it. It was a safe and sacred precinct for all.
Even if an escaped prisoner took refuge within its walls no one could order them to leave. The Well at Temenos represents this ancient sacred site, and everyone regardless of creed or station in life is welcome to come to heal or rest.
The history
What was once a barren piece of veld in 1996 is now the beautiful oasis of Temenos. On the 1st February 1997 the Retreat was opened with a small gathering of friends in the Chapel of The Little Way. The original property belonged to the Bronn family. They were simple farmers who kept a few cattle and donkeys.
Their original old homestead built of clay in 1856 is now our restaurant. The old stable still exists to the left of the Restaurant patio. When the property was purchased in 1996 by Billy Kennedy the building was in a state of disrepair and there was no garden except for six trees on the current restaurant lawn.
Over the next years the dream of Temenos gently unfolded into the well loved Retreat that it is today.
Accommodation
Temenos is well loved for its warm hospitality. It extends an invitation to guests to embrace a milieu of stillness and simplicity, so as to listen anew to the needs of one’s body, mind and heart. Within our healing gardens are many private spaces for you to discover and where you can unwind and restore yourself. At Temenos we have 14 cottages offering a variety of accommodation. You have the choice of double or twin beds and bathrooms with a shower or a bath. All our cottages are en suite and have private patios and a fireplace. They are fully equipped for self catering. We also offer dinner, bed and breakfast packages.
Contact
The Expedition Project is a social enterprise! Please use the enquiry form below – by doing so you are supporting both this partner and nearby community and conservation projects at no extra cost. You will also get access to similar projects, accommodation discounts and special offers.
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